Latent semantic indexing is a way to create Web content that will be indexed by search engines and is optimized for the best possible positioning in search results.
Like earlier search engine optimization techniques, latent semantic indexing is a search engine marketing solution that seeks to use search engine indexing technology to achieve a better search engine position.
Using Related Words
The main focus of latent semantic indexing is to use a series of related words in each piece of content. These words relate to the main keywords that the page is being optimized to promote. Instead of simply repeating the keywords a specific number of times throughout the copy, the related words are used in place of the repetition.
Natural Indexing
The purpose of latent semantic indexing techniques is to create Web content that can be indexed closer to the way a human would rank the page. If a human were reading the page and ranking it against the other Web pages that use the same keywords, the repetition of the words would not be a factor in how well the page ranks. Instead, the actual information given on the page would be important. The use of related words signifies that the subject is being thoroughly covered.
Google Rank and LSI
Google does not reveal its ranking techniques in detail, but latent semantic indexing is rumored to be carrying more weight in Google rankings than it did in the past. Google is known to change its indexing algorithms regularly as part of its constant search for the best, most relevant websites to feature in its search results.
This has led many webmasters to change their SEO techniques from using a target keyword density to sprinkling words that are relevant to the keywords throughout the page.
Finding Relevant Words
There are several ways to find relevant words that will help to boost the latent semantic indexing value of a page. There are websites that can help with finding words that are related in context. There are also keyword sites that can help with finding what words people are searching with along with the main keyword. Another tactic is simply to use common sense in deciding which words will logically go with the keywords.
Because no webmaster knows exactly what tactics Google will use to index their website, using LSI as well as traditional SEO tactics is a search engine marketing solution that may give a website the edge it needs to stay on top of other sites competing for search engine placement.
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