The days of keyword stuffing to get a top rank on search engines are out. If you’re trying to reach your audience through content, you’ll need to factor in the new way that they search for content and the language that they use.
In this #ContentChat recap, Mariah Obiedzinski (@MariahWrites), AVP of content services at Stamats, and the community discuss how to optimize content for semantic search. Read the full recap below to learn:
- What is semantic search and what has led to its rise
- How to understand your personas’ semantic search profile
- Ways to address semantic search needs in your new and old content
Q1: What is semantic search, and how does it differ from other forms of search?
Mariah says that semantic search involves the natural way that people type or speak into Google when they’re seeking information.
A1a: Semantic search isn’t a fancy style of search – it’s just the natural way that people type or speak into Google when they’re seeking information. #ContentChat
— Mariah Obiedzinski (@MariahWrites) December 12, 2022
The “people also searched for” section on Google is a great example of how people conduct their semantic searches.
A1: You know how #contentmarketers are always being encouraged to write for humans, not robots? That’s also writing that is optimized for semantic search, i.e. the way your typical content consumer would type in a search query.#ContentChat https://t.co/iWtUyWh6rd
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) December 12, 2022
If you are struggling to understand this part, the “people also searched for” related search results in Google search are a great example of this.#ContentChat
— Erika Heald | Content Marketing Consultant (@SFerika) December 12, 2022
Semantic search gives us insights into how to tailor our content pathways, the language we use, and the topics we discuss.
A1b: Content producers can serve our audiences by creating work that reflects those pathways, the phrasing, and the answers they seek. #ContentChat https://t.co/HsCgoVgKLE
— Mariah Obiedzinski (@MariahWrites) December 12, 2022
A1c: #Semantic search is simply more natural phrasing and intentional, relevant responses that offer closure or a next step. #ContentChat https://t.co/HsCgoVgKLE
— Mariah Obiedzinski (@MariahWrites) December 12, 2022
A1: Context matters in semantic search#ContentChat
— Sweepsify 🎈 (@Sweepsify_) December 12, 2022