How many types of keywords are there in SEO? (With examples)

If you’ve ever spent hours writing content that drives website traffic but not leads, there’s a good chance that part of the problem is your keyword strategy. It’s not that you’re using the wrong words — you’re using the right words at the wrong time. Not all keywords are created equal in digital marketing. Some attract a curious reader; others entice a buyer who is ready to do something. Types of keywords include: short-tail, long-tail, informational, navigational, transactional, commercial, branded, non-branded, geo-targeted, and LSI keywords. Knowing the distinction — and using it purposefully — is the key to distinguishing a guesswork strategy from one that actually is moving the needle.

Discover the key keyword types that matter — what they do, and why the right mix can make or break your SEO success.

Seed Keywords: Where It All Starts

These are broad, fundamental terms, such as “digital marketing,” “coffee makers,” and “fitness gear.” On their own, they’re too competitive to rank for directly, especially for newer websites. Their only real job is to help you uncover more specific, valuable keywords. Consider them just the beginning of your content strategy as a whole.

1. Informational Keywords: Building Before Selling

Most people start with questions — “how to brew cold coffee,” “what is SEO,” “best time to run ads.” These keywords attract early-stage traffic. By bringing valuable information around them, you establish your brand as a go-to resource.  You’re not selling — you’re just building trust by being genuinely helpful.

2. Commercial Keywords: The Comparison Zone

Queries such as “best CRM tools for startups” or “top running shoes 2025” indicate real buying intent. They’re not just curious but trying to make a decision. That’s your opportunity to turn up with a listicle, a comparison, or even an expert guide that would help them decide (and trust you in the process).

3. Transactional Keywords: Time to Close

This isn’t just browsing or killing time online: These are high-intent searches, such as “buy SEO tools” and “get logo design online.” They should be on your product and landing pages, but not on blog posts. When someone is ready to act, don’t distract them — just get them what they came here for.

4. Navigation Keywords: Get Found Easily

Now and then, people even search your brand directly — “Biztal box blog,” “Nike return policy,” “Spotify login.” If you’re not showing up for your own name, there’s a problem. Ranking for navigational terms will establish trust and maintain control over your reputation.

5. Long-Tail Keywords: Small But Mighty

A query such as “best cold brew machine under $100” may not generate millions of hits, but those who run it know precisely what they are looking for. Long-tail keywords are definitely lower-hanging fruit, and in many cases, they’ll help you attract the most useful traffic.

6. Short-tail Keywords: Long Reach, Low Intent

Words such as “headphones” or “marketing” are more likely to attract traffic but are also too generic to convert on their own. You can use them for general visibility or to shape leads around, but not as a goal.

7. Primary Keywords: The Focus Word

Each page should focus on one primary keyword. If your content is about cold brew, that should be your focus. But don’t simply echo it — instead, build it up, with helpful context and easy-to-understand language.

8. Secondary Keywords: Add Depth

Supporting phrases like “cold brew steep time” or “cold brew vs iced coffee” help Google understand the big picture. They help make your content better, more helpful, and more likely to rank for related searches.

9. Geotargeted Keywords: Think Local

If your customers are local, you simply can’t disregard keywords such as “SEO agency in Pune” or “organic bakery near me.” Those are the terms that bring you ready-to-convert traffic right to your doorstep.

Don’t Just Use Keywords—Understand Them

Here’s the reality: not all keywords are created equal, and neither are the people typing them. Some are still just browsing, others are comparing, and a few are ready to buy this very moment. You’re not in the business of chasing volume — you’re aligning content with intent.

Start by asking:

• What is the searcher really after?
• Where is the buyer in their journey?
• Can I help them get one step ahead?

That’s the key determinant of the kind of keyword to target—informational, commercial, transactional, decision, or locally oriented. You can leverage tools such as Google Autocomplete, Search Console, and even your own site’s search bar, but do not rely solely on these tools for accurate results. Your greatest insights come from understanding how your customers think.

Here’s what most people overlook: Keywords are not simply a ranking mechanism. They’re a way to relate.

They expose fears, questions, and desires, and when you listen really closely, you’ll begin producing content that reads like it was written specifically for the person searching. That is when SEO ceases to be a technical checklist and becomes a genuine growth engine.

So Let’s Convert Your Keywords into Results

At Biztalbox we help brands get past basic SEO. We create keyword strategies that draw the right people at the right time and for the right reason. If you’re ready to stop chasing clicks and start producing real results, we’re here for that.

Let’s talk. It will take only one strategy session to rewire how you grow.

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Also Read:- Best YouTube Keyword Tools to Rank Higher in 2025