To understand what semantic optimization is, think of it as being about topics and their related keyword phrases.
These related keywords provide context that naturally surrounds your primary keyword.
In short, semantic SEO brings us back to a site visitor’s search intent.
In 2015, Google confirmed RankBrain, their algorithm that is based on machine learning.
RankBrain essentially evolved Google into a semantic search engine. This means that Google can understand a page’s content and match it with a user’s search intent.
Google has grown to be more human-like with its semantic approach, and bloggers can use this to their advantage to rank blog posts.
With semantic SEO, Google takes into consideration the natural language processing and deep learning algorithms that make the search engine giant the best at what it does.
If you use semantic SEO strategies, you’re more likely to present as a topical authority in your niche or industry.
Our Favorite Tools
There are several excellent tools available to help you with semantic SEO, and our two favorites are Surfer SEO and MarketMust.
Surfer SEO (Best for Low Budgets)
If you’re on a lower budget or you’re just starting out, Surfer SEO is a great semantic SEO tool to start using.
Surfer SEO does a great job of analyzing your competitor pages and can help you deliver actionable, data-driven insights for planning your writing and content.
Here are some of Surfer SEO’s features:
- Content editor
- SERP analyzer
- SEO audit
- Keyword research
- Free Google Chrome extension
- Blog post template options
As of this writing, Surfer SEO starts at $49 per month.
MarketMuse (Best for Larger Budgets)
If you have a larger budget, MarketMuse may be your best bet.
This tool generates content briefs that include recommended subheads, word counts, external links, internal links, and keywords.
For every article, MarketMuse compares your content with that of your competitor and provides a personalized difficulty score that assesses how thoroughly you have covered the same topics.
MarketMuse services are delivered into multiple applications.
- Content strategy: Delivers metrics that help you find opportunities for creating high-performing blog posts
- Content research: Includes an inventory of blog topics and content that includes a thorough competitive analysis
- Content creation: Delivers detailed and comprehensive outlines that include writer briefs with subheads, keywords, link-building recommendations, and reader questions
- Content optimization: Analyzes your content to deliver a score that compares your content to your competitors
MarketMuse has a free plan, and paid plans start at $7,200 per year.
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