Hi there,
Let’s discuss a simple but powerful SEO topic today — Keyword vs LSI.
If you’re creating content, you’ve likely heard these terms. But do you understand them? Don’t worry. I’m here to make it super easy.
We’ll break it down. You’ll learn everything — what each term means, why they matter, and how they work together. I’ll keep the words simple. No hard stuff. Just clear and real talk.
What is a Focusing Keyword?
Let’s start with the main thing.
A focusing keyword is your main target.
It tells Google what your page is about.
It also tells your readers what they can expect.
Example:
Say you’re writing about “Healthy Smoothie Recipes.”
Then your focusing keyword could be — healthy smoothie.
Simple, right?
You put this keyword in the:
- Title
- URL
- Meta description
- First paragraph
- Headings
- Image alt text
Use it wisely. But don’t overuse it.
👉 Google likes balance. Your readers do too.
What is an LSI Keyword?
Now comes the next part — LSI.
LSI stands for Latent Semantic Indexing.
Sounds technical? Yes. But it’s easy to get.
LSI keywords are just related words.
They support your focusing keyword.
You don’t repeat the main keyword again and again.
Instead, you use words that connect to it.
Example:
If your focus keyword is healthy smoothie,
your LSI keywords could be:
- fruits for smoothies
- low-calorie drinks
- blender recipes
- breakfast smoothies
These make your content rich and clear.
🧠 A Real Example:
Let me tell you a real-world case.
I had a blog post on “digital marketing.”
At first, I just used the keyword “digital marketing.”
It ranked low.
Then I added LSI keywords like:
“online marketing,” “SEO,” “email campaigns,” and “paid ads.”
Guess what? My ranking jumped up.
That’s the power of LSI.
Keyword vs LSI: What’s the Real Difference?
This is the main topic today — Keyword vs LSI.
Let’s compare them:
| Feature | Focusing Keyword | LSI Keyword |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Main keyword | Related words or phrases |
| Use | One per page (usually) | Many per page |
| Role | Tells the core topic | Adds context and support |
| Example | “green tea benefits” | “antioxidants,” “weight loss,” etc. |
So, your focusing keyword is the headline.
Your LSI keywords are the supporting cast.
Both work together.
Keyword Research: How to Find the Right Ones
Let’s talk about keyword research.
It’s the first step to writing a great SEO article.
Here’s how you can do it:
1. Use Free Tools
Try tools like:
- Google Keyword Planner
- Ubersuggest
- AnswerThePublic
- Ahrefs (free version)
- KeywordTool.io
These help you find both focusing and LSI keywords.
2. Check Google Autocomplete
Go to Google.
Type your topic slowly.
Look at the suggestions.
These are LSI keywords.
3. Look at “People Also Ask”
Scroll down the Google results.
You’ll see common questions.
Use these as LSI too.
4. Analyze Top Pages
Search your keyword.
Open top 5 pages.
Check what terms they use.
You’ll find many related phrases.
Relation Between LSI and Focusing Keyword
Now let’s connect the dots.
How do LSI and focus keywords work together?
Think of your article like a dish.
The focusing keyword is your main ingredient.
The LSI keywords are the spices and veggies.
Without the main item, the dish is nothing.
But without flavor, it’s also boring.
Use both, and the result is tasty — and ranks better too.
Why You Need Both
Here’s a truth:
“Google understands meaning, not just words.”
If you only use the main keyword, your content feels fake.
But if you mix in related terms, your page feels natural.
Google loves that.
Readers do too.
Realistic Example: A Blog Post
Let’s say you write a blog post titled:
“How to Start a YouTube Channel”
Your focus keyword is — start YouTube channel
LSI keywords could be:
- create content
- choose niche
- grow subscribers
- YouTube tips
- monetization
You include all of them naturally.
That’s a good SEO article.
That’s what gets clicks.
Quote to Remember
Here’s a quote that sticks:
“Keywords get you noticed. LSI keeps you relevant.”
That says it all.
Where to Place These Keywords
Use your focusing keyword in:
- Title
- URL
- First sentence
- One subheading
- A few times in the body
- Once in the meta description
Use LSI keywords:
- In other headings
- In FAQs
- In natural sentences
- In image alt texts
Keep it human.
Avoid stuffing.
That’s key.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is LSI still used by Google?
Yes, in a way.
Google doesn’t call it “LSI,” but understands related terms.
So, using LSI keywords still helps a lot.
❓ Can I use more than one focusing keyword?
You can use two if they’re close.
But one strong keyword works better.
❓ How many times should I use the focus keyword?
Use it around 1% of your word count.
So, in 2000 words, use it 20 times.
Conclusion: What Did We Learn?
Let’s wrap it up.
- A focusing keyword is your main SEO target.
- An LSI keyword supports that target.
- Use both to create strong, helpful, and ranking content.
- Research them well.
- Add them naturally.
- Keep it simple for your readers.
That’s how SEO works in 2025.
And that’s how you win traffic and trust.