Secondary keywords

Secondary keywords, sometimes called synonym keywords or related keywords, are search terms that are closely related to your primary keyword but not identical.

They usually include:

1. Synonyms and variations

   Words or phrases with the same or very similar meaning.

   • Primary keyword: running shoes

   • Secondary keywords: jogging sneakers, trainers for running

2. Close semantic variations

   Terms that aren’t strict synonyms but are relevant in the same context.

   • Primary keyword: digital marketing

   • Secondary keywords: online advertising, internet marketing, SEO marketing

3. Long-tail versions

   Extended, more specific phrases that include your main keyword.

   • Primary keyword: web design

   • Secondary keywords: affordable web design services, modern responsive web design

Why they matter?

• They help you capture a wider range of search queries without stuffing the same term repeatedly.

• They make your content sound natural and avoid over-optimization penalties.

• They improve topical relevance in Google’s eyes because search engines understand that related terms contribute to covering a topic comprehensively.

How to use them?

• Place them naturally in headings, paragraphs, image alt text, and meta descriptions.

• Use them to answer slightly different search intents around your primary topic.

• Spread them across the page rather than clustering them together.