Differences Between Keyword And Keyphrase

We’ll explain the difference between a keyword & a keyphrase SEO terms, how to compare and share tips for better research

By Claudio Pires
Updated on May 13, 2024
Differences Between Keyword And Keyphrase

You’ve probably heard that doing keyword research is an essential, first step in optimizing your website properly. But how about these keywords: can they only be single words or can they also be longer multi-word keyphrases? And what exactly is the difference between the two? In this SEO basics post, we’ll explain the difference between a keyword and a keyphrase, how to compare and share tips for better research.

What is Keyword?

Firstly, a focus keyword is a word that describes the content of your page or post best. It’s the search term that you want to rank for with a certain page. So when people search for that keyword (not keyphrase) in Google or other search engines, they should find that page on your website.

As an example: Your website is about dogs, and you’ve just written a blog post all about puppies. As a result, the keyword that describes the content of that post best is probably: “puppy”.

  1. Definition: Keywords are single words or very short phrases that define the main concept of a piece of content.
  2. Usage: They are utilized to target a broader audience and are often more competitive.
  3. Example: If your content is about fitness, a keyword might be “yoga” or “exercise.”
  4. SEO Implications: Ranking for broad keywords can be more challenging due to the high competition. The strategy may include using the keyword in the title, headings, and meta tags, but it must be balanced to avoid keyword stuffing.

What is Keyphrase?

A (focus) keyphrase is the search term that you most want your post or page to rank for, so when people search for that keyphrase, they should find you. As an example: Your website is all about dogs, and you’ve just written a blog post all about how puppies can become obedient.

The keyphrase that describes the content of the post best is something along the lines of: “puppy obedience training”

  1. Definition: Keyphrases, also known as long-tail keywords, are longer and more specific phrases that people might use in search queries.
  2. Usage: They target a more niche audience and can provide a clearer intent of what the user is searching for.
  3. Example: In the context of fitness, a keyphrase might be “yoga exercises for beginners” or “best home exercise equipment.”
  4. SEO Implications: Keyphrases are typically easier to rank for, as they’re more specific. The strategy may involve using these phrases naturally within the content, in headings, and in alt text for images.

Differences Between Keyword And Keyphrase

Keywords or keyphrases should both describe the essence of what the post is about. The difference between the two is that keywords are single words, while keyphrases are made up of a few words.

What Are Search Queries?

Search queries are what users type into search engines like Google to find information. Users phrase their searches in a unique way, so 10 users searching for the same exact product could wind up creating 10 completely different search queries. Sometimes, they include misspellings.

Key Differences Between Keyword And Keyphrase And How To Compare?

Target Audience

  • Keyword: Targets a wider audience, making it more competitive to rank for.
  • Keyphrase: Targets a more niche audience, making it more focused and often easier to rank for.

Search Intent

  • Keyword: May not always accurately represent the user’s intent due to its broad nature.
  • Keyphrase: More likely to align with the user’s exact search intent as it’s more descriptive.

Competition and Difficulty

  • Keyword: Often highly competitive due to broad appeal. It requires a substantial effort to rank highly in search engines.
  • Keyphrase: Less competitive because of its specificity. It usually allows for more precise targeting and can lead to higher conversion rates using research for keyword or keyphrase.

SEO Implementation

  • Keyword: Generally used throughout the content, meta titles, headings, and descriptions but requires careful balancing to avoid over-optimization.
  • Keyphrase: Incorporated naturally within the content, allowing for a targeted approach. It is particularly useful for long-tail SEO strategies.

Conclusion Between Keyword And Keyphrase

There are keywords and keyphrases. Keyphrases are 3 words or more such as “Condos in Toronto” or “Condos For Sale”. The methodology to search engine optimization is to target “long-tail keyphrases” which are actionable, i.e. a call to action using SEO Keyword or Keyphrase.

Optimizing for words such as “Toronto Condos” may yield more traffic but the quality of said traffic may not convert into a qualified lead but rather attract buyers who are not yet ready to buy.

By integrating both keywords and keyphrases, you are not only reaching a broader audience but also targeting specific niches. This approach enables a balance between competition and specificity, enhancing your chances of ranking on the first page of Google.

Remember, SEO is a continuous process, and staying up-to-date with the latest algorithm updates and industry trends is vital to maintaining or improving your rankings. I hope that this SEO basics post helps to understand the difference between a keyword and a keyphrase, how to compare and share tips for better research.

Claudio Pires

Claudio Pires is the co-founder of Visualmodo, a renowned company in web development and design. With over 15 years of experience, Claudio has honed his skills in content creation, web development support, and senior web designer. A trilingual expert fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, he brings a global perspective to his work. Beyond his professional endeavors, Claudio is an active YouTuber, sharing his insights and expertise with a broader audience. Based in Brazil, Claudio continues to push the boundaries of web design and digital content, making him a pivotal figure in the industry.