Types of Keywords in SEO Every Blogger Must Know

Not all keywords are equal — and treating them like they are is one of the most common mistakes beginner bloggers make.

Some keywords get millions of searches a month but are nearly impossible to rank for. Others get a few hundred searches but convert like crazy. Understanding the different types of keywords in SEO is what separates bloggers who grow from bloggers who stall.

This guide breaks down each keyword type, what it's good for, and when to use it.

1. Short-Tail Keywords

Short-tail keywords are broad, usually one to two words. Think: "keyword research" or "SEO tools."

They get massive search volume — sometimes hundreds of thousands of searches per month. The catch? Competition is brutal. These terms are dominated by large, established websites with years of authority behind them.

For a new or small blog, targeting short-tail keywords is like entering a race against professional athletes. You're not going to win, and you'll burn time trying.

Short-tail keywords are still useful — but mainly for understanding your niche's broad themes, not as direct targets for individual posts.

For a deeper look at how short-tail and long-tail keywords compare, see our breakdown of short-tail vs long-tail keywords.

2. Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases — usually three words or more. Something like: "best free keyword research tools for bloggers" or "how to rank a new website in 2026."

Search volume is lower, but these keywords have three advantages that make them far more valuable for most bloggers:

• ✅ Lower competition — fewer sites are targeting the exact phrase

• ✅ Clearer intent — you know exactly what the searcher wants

• ✅ Higher conversion — people searching specific phrases are closer to taking action

The vast majority of Google searches are long-tail. That's where most of the real opportunity is — especially for newer sites.

If you're just getting started, long-tail keywords should be your primary targets.

3. Informational Keywords

Informational keywords are what people type when they want to learn something. They usually start with words like "how," "what," "why," or "best way to."

Examples:

• ✅ "how to do keyword research"

• ✅ "what is search intent"

• ✅ "why does my website not rank"

These keywords are great for blog content, tutorials, and guides. They attract readers at the top of the funnel — people who aren't ready to buy yet, but are researching a problem you can help them solve.

The goal with informational content is to build trust. If someone finds your article helpful, they're more likely to come back when they're ready to make a decision.

4. Commercial Keywords

Commercial keywords signal that someone is comparing options before making a decision. They're not quite ready to buy, but they're close.

Examples:

• ✅ "best keyword research tools"

• ✅ "Rankivo vs other SEO platforms"

• ✅ "top blogging tools for beginners"

These keywords sit between informational and buyer intent. They work well for comparison posts, listicles, and review articles. Readers searching these terms are actively evaluating their options — so a well-structured, honest piece can convert very well.

5. Buyer Intent Keywords (Transactional Keywords)

Buyer intent keywords — sometimes called transactional keywords — are searched by people who are ready to take action right now.

Examples:

• ✅ "buy keyword research tool"

• ✅ "Rankivo pricing"

• ✅ "sign up for SEO tool"

Search volume on these is usually lower, but conversion rates are much higher. Someone typing "buy keyword research tool" isn't browsing — they're looking for where to go.

If you run a blog that promotes a product or service, these are the keywords most likely to drive direct results. For a full guide on finding them, see how to find buyer intent keywords.

6. Navigational Keywords

Navigational keywords are searches where someone already knows where they want to go — they're just using Google to get there.

Examples:

• ❌ "Rankivo login"

• ❌ "Google Search Console"

• ❌ "YouTube Studio"

You don't really target these unless you're the brand being searched. They're worth knowing about so you understand why your competitor's branded terms show up in keyword research tools — and why you shouldn't chase them.

7. LSI Keywords (Semantic Keywords)

LSI stands for Latent Semantic Indexing. In plain terms, these are related words and phrases that Google expects to see in an article about a given topic.

If you write about "keyword research," Google expects to also see words like "search volume," "ranking," "SEO," "intent," and "competition." These aren't keywords you target separately — they're supporting terms that signal to Google that your content is comprehensive and relevant.

You don't need to stuff these in manually. Write naturally about your topic and they'll appear on their own. But knowing they exist reminds you to cover a topic thoroughly rather than narrowly.

Which Keyword Types Should You Focus On?

Here's a simple framework:

• ✅ New blog? Focus on long-tail informational keywords. Low competition, high relevance.

• ✅ Growing blog? Mix in commercial keywords to start capturing comparison traffic.

• ✅ Monetized blog or product? Add buyer intent keywords to drive conversions.

The mix shifts as your site grows and gains authority. But long-tail keywords almost always belong in your strategy, no matter your stage.

Rankivo's Keyword Research Tool shows you keyword type signals alongside search volume and difficulty — so you can filter for the right opportunity based on where your site is right now, not where you wish it was.

For the full picture on how to approach keyword research from the start, read our keyword research guide for beginners.

The Bottom Line

Understanding the types of keywords in SEO isn't about memorizing categories. It's about making smarter decisions before you write.

Every post you publish should target a specific keyword type for a specific reason — not just because the topic seemed interesting. When you get this right, your content starts working for you instead of disappearing into Google's back pages.

Start finding the right keywords for your blog today at rankivo.co.

This Article Is Part of Our Keyword Research Series

📚 Explore the full Keyword Research Series
Start here:

Pillar article:

👉 How to Do Keyword Research for Beginners (2026 Guide)
https://www.rankivo.co/blog/how-to-do-keyword-research-for-beginners-2026-guide

Cluster articles in this series:

• → Why Keyword Research Is Important for SEO
  https://www.rankivo.co/blog/why-keyword-research-is-important

• → Types of Keywords in SEO Every Blogger Must Know ← You are here
  https://www.rankivo.co/blog/types-of-keywords-in-seo

• → What Is Search Intent and Why It Determines Your Rankings
  https://www.rankivo.co/blog/what-is-search-intent

• → How to Find Low Competition Keywords (Step-by-Step)
  https://www.rankivo.co/blog/how-to-find-low-competition-keywords

• → Long-Tail Keywords: What They Are and Why Beginners Need Them
  https://www.rankivo.co/blog/long-tail-keywords-for-beginners

• → Best Free Keyword Research Tools in 2026
  https://www.rankivo.co/blog/best-free-keyword-research-tools

• → Common Keyword Research Mistakes to Avoid
  https://www.rankivo.co/blog/keyword-research-mistakes-to-avoid

Explore the full series to go deeper on any topic.

FAQ

What is the most important type of keyword for a new blog?

Long-tail keywords. They have lower competition, clearer search intent, and give a newer site a realistic shot at ranking. Short-tail keywords are dominated by established sites — targeting them early wastes effort.

What is the difference between informational and commercial keywords?

Informational keywords target people who want to learn something. Commercial keywords target people who are comparing options before making a decision. Both are valuable — informational for building an audience, commercial for driving conversions.

Do I need to target every keyword type?

No. Your mix depends on your goals. A blog focused on teaching should lean heavily on informational and long-tail keywords. A blog monetized through products or affiliate links should also include commercial and buyer intent keywords.

How do I know what type a keyword is?

Search the keyword yourself and look at the results. If Google returns tutorials and how-to guides, it's informational. If it returns product pages and reviews, it's commercial or transactional. The search results page is always the most reliable signal.