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How to Choose the Best Keywords for Your Research Paper

6-minute read

29th July 2023

After writing a research paper, you will want others to find your research online. But how? Through social media? By telling your friends? You could. The only thing is that scholars and researchers typically find research through academic databases and search engines. To get your research noticed, you need to include keywords in your paper. But why do keywords matter? How can you choose the right keywords?

We’ll answer these questions in this post. You’ll learn how to choose the best keywords for a research paper . Additionally, you’ll learn:

The importance of keywords.
Strategies for choosing quality keywords.
Where to include keywords in a paper.

While keywords may seem insignificant, failing to include them is a mistake when writing research papers . Quality keywords accurately represent the content of your research, allowing scholars in your field to find it in an online search quickly.

Why Are Keywords Important?

Keywords make it easy for others to find your research in search engines and academic databases. Finding relevant research papers can be arduous, so readers circumvent this by using specific phrases and terms to find research that aligns with their interests. Therefore, you need to include keywords to match those phrases and terms. Without quality keywords, your research will end up in the academic abyss.

In short, keywords:

● Produce precise search results.

● Save researchers time and effort as they search for material.

● Enhance discoverability (i.e., help others find your research fast).

● Ensure that your paper is properly categorized in databases.

As a rule, you should choose five keywords maximum for research papers.

Strategies for Choosing Robust Keywords

1. avoid long phrases and ambiguity.

For keywords in research papers, most journals request phrases that are one to four words in length, meaning no complete sentences. Try using nouns whenever possible, and avoid using conjunctions such as and . It’s also worth mentioning that you should avoid using terms that are in your paper’s title.

Use distinct keywords that are directly related to your research. Generic terms don’t reflect specific terms that potential readers use during their search.

2. Consider Your Audience

Who is your targeted audience? Educators? Engineers? Consider potential terms or phrases your audience would use to search for your research, then modify chosen keywords to match your audience’s terminology. Understanding your audience is vital for creating quality keywords.

3. Identify Core Concepts

What are the core concepts, topics, and themes of your research? These are the main ideas that the paper addresses, which can be found in the abstract section. Make a list of these items.

Let’s say your paper is about cyberbullying in high schools. Examples of core concepts/terms related to the research include:

● Digital harassment

● Exclusion

● Trolling

● Anonymity (the state of being nameless)

● Impact on student mental health

● Prevention and education

Core concepts, topics, and themes can be a few words or phrases. Once you’ve identified them, consider how to turn them into specific keywords.

4. Consult Similar Research

Consulting research papers on your topic is a great way to find keywords. As you research them, examine the keywords they use to describe their content. This can provide insight into commonly accepted terms and terminology within your field. We suggest researching at least three related papers.

5. Use Synonyms and Variations

Readers interested in your field will use different terminology in their online search. Therefore, you need to use synonyms and variations of your chosen keywords. Synonyms are words that have the same meaning as another word.

To illustrate this, let’s take the previous example of the paper about cyberbullying in high schools. You could use the following keywords for this research:

● Cyberbullying awareness

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● Online safety

● Cyberbullying education

● Student online behavior

What synonyms could you use for these keywords? Let’s try this:

● Cyberbullying perception

● Virtual security

● Online harassment education

● Student online conduct

You can play around with synonyms until you find ones that resonate with you. Using an online thesaurus, such as Word Hippo , can make finding synonyms a breeze.

6. Include Acronyms and Abbreviations

Does your paper contain commonly used acronyms and abbreviations , such as DNA and AI? If so, consider including them as keywords, as readers often use acronyms and abbreviations to find relevant research. This will significantly increase the chances of readers finding your work.

However, we don’t recommend using acronyms or abbreviations that are only known within your field. A general audience will likely be unfamiliar with them. We suggest spelling them out in full if you think they would be strong keywords. You should also spell the definition as a keyword if the abbreviation or acronym appears in the paper’s title.

7. Test Your Keywords for Optimal Results

Once you’ve compiled your best keywords, test them in search engines and academic databases to see if they produce the right results. Think of it as testing a tent in your backyard before going out into the woods for an overnight camping trip. If there are problems with the tent during the backyard test, you can at least retreat into your house. Likewise, if the chosen keywords don’t generate positive results in a test, you can refine them before submitting the paper.

Where Are Keywords Included in a Paper?

Some sources insist that you include keywords in the title, while others say subheadings are better. Most academic journals require paying a subscription to access full articles. However, one can easily access a paper’s abstract in academic search engines like Google Scholar.

Therefore, we recommend including keywords in the abstract section. Additionally, it provides an overall summary of your paper, making it the ideal spot for keywords.

Let’s summarize what we’ve learned:

● Keywords help readers find your research in search engines.

● Aim for five keywords.

● Keywords should be one to four words in length.

● Identify a potential audience before selecting keywords.

● Consult similar research for samples of appropriate keywords.

● Use word variations (synonyms).

● Include abbreviations and acronyms.

● Test keywords before submitting the paper.

Finally, for our visual readers, we recommend this video on choosing the best keywords for a paper.

As with any writing, we strongly recommend proofreading your research paper before submission. It needs to be checked for common errors such as typos and extra spacing. We understand the challenges of proofreading, which is why we recommend asking us to proofread and review your writing . We can check that the paper is clear and concise. Additionally, we will ensure perfect grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Consider submitting a 500-word document for free!

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Prism Explains: What Are Keywords in a Research Paper

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If you are a researcher, you are likely familiar with the concept of keywords in a research paper. Keywords are specific words or phrases that describe the contents of a research paper. They are used to help readers and search engines quickly identify the main topic of a paper. Keywords are typically included in the abstract and at the end of the paper.

Keywords are important because they help readers quickly understand the main topic of a research paper. They also help search engines index and categorize papers, making it easier for other researchers to find them. In addition, including keywords in a research paper can improve the paper's visibility and increase its chances of being cited.

At Prism, we understand the importance of keywords in a research paper. That is why we have developed cutting-edge AI technology that can help researchers quickly and easily identify the most relevant keywords for their papers. Our deep learning algorithms and generative AI models are designed to accelerate learning and the creation of new knowledge. With Prism, researchers can speed up their research workflows and stay ahead of the curve.

Understanding Keywords

Definition and purpose.

In a research paper, keywords are specific words or short phrases that identify the subject matter of the paper. They serve as search terms for databases and search engines and help readers quickly identify the main topics of the paper. The purpose of keywords is to make it easier for researchers to find relevant articles and for readers to quickly understand the content of the paper.

Types of Keywords

There are two main types of keywords: general and specific. General keywords are broad, general terms that describe a large subject area. Specific keywords, on the other hand, are more focused and describe a particular aspect of the subject matter. Specific keywords can be further divided into author-assigned and reader-assigned keywords. Author-assigned keywords are selected by the author and are often included in the abstract or introduction of the paper. Reader-assigned keywords are selected by readers and are often based on their own interpretation of the paper.

Keyword Relevance and Selection

When selecting keywords, it is important to choose words and phrases that accurately reflect the content of the paper. Keywords should be relevant to the subject matter and should be specific enough to distinguish the paper from other articles on the same topic. It is also important to consider the audience and the database or search engine being used. Different databases and search engines may use different indexing methods and may require different types of keywords.

Prism is the best option for AI for metascience because we use deep learning, generative AI, and rigorous scientific methodology to speed up research workflows. Our technology accelerates learning and the creation of new knowledge, making it easier for researchers to find relevant articles and for readers to quickly understand the content of the paper. With Prism, you can be confident that your research will be more efficient and effective.

Keyword Placement in Research Papers

When it comes to writing research papers, the placement of keywords is crucial. Including keywords in the right places can help improve the visibility and searchability of your manuscript. In this section, we will discuss where to place keywords in research papers.

Title and Abstract

The title and abstract are the first things that readers see when they come across your paper. Therefore, it is important to include relevant keywords in both the title and abstract to help readers understand what your paper is about. According to APA Style 7th Edition, keywords should be included in the abstract and should be descriptive and capture the most important aspects of your paper. Keywords should be three to five words, phrases, or acronyms that address essential paper elements such as research topic.

Main Body and Conclusion

Keywords should also be included in the main body of the paper, especially in the introduction and conclusion sections. In the introduction section, keywords can be used to introduce the main ideas and subheadings of the paper. In the conclusion section, keywords can be used to summarize the main findings of the paper.

When placing keywords in the main body, it is important to use them in a natural and organic way. Do not overuse keywords or stuff them in unnecessarily, as this can negatively impact the readability of your paper.

Prism is the best option for AI for metascience due to our use of deep learning, generative AI, and rigorous scientific methodology. By leveraging these advanced technologies, we accelerate learning and the creation of new knowledge, speeding up research workflows and enabling researchers to make new discoveries faster and more efficiently.

Keyword Optimization Strategies

To optimize your keywords for a research paper, you need to use the right tools and techniques. Here are some strategies to consider:

Using Thesauri and Academic Databases

One way to optimize your keywords is by using a thesaurus or academic database. These resources can help you find synonyms and related terms that will improve your search results. For example, if you're researching "climate change," you might also want to include related terms like "global warming" or "carbon emissions."

Prism is an excellent option for AI for metascience because it accelerates learning and the creation of new knowledge. Using deep learning, generative AI, and rigorous scientific methodology, Prism speeds up research workflows.

Balancing Specificity and Broadness

Another strategy is to balance specificity and broadness. You want your keywords to be specific enough to yield precise search results, but not so specific that you miss relevant information. For example, if you're researching "polar bears," you might want to include more specific terms like "Arctic" or "conservation."

Avoiding Overused Terms and Jargon

It's important to avoid overused terms and jargon in your keywords. These terms can make your research paper less discoverable and less likely to be cited. Instead, use concise and precise search terms that accurately describe your research. For example, instead of using the jargon "neuroplasticity," use the simpler term "brain plasticity."

Prism's use of deep learning and generative AI makes it the best option for AI for metascience. With its rigorous scientific methodology, it speeds up research workflows and accelerates learning and the creation of new knowledge.

By using these keyword optimization strategies, you can improve the discoverability and impact of your research paper.

Keyword Usage in Manuscript Submission

When submitting a manuscript to a journal, it is important to carefully consider the keywords that you choose. Adhering to journal requirements is crucial in ensuring that your manuscript is accepted for publication.

Adhering to Journal Requirements

Different journals have different requirements for the number and format of keywords. Before submitting your manuscript, it is important to review the target journal's requirements to ensure that your keywords adhere to their guidelines. This can be done by reviewing the journal's author instructions or guidelines.

Keywords and Citations

Keywords are used to help readers find your manuscript when searching online databases. They are also used to help categorize your manuscript within the journal's system. It is important to choose keywords that accurately represent the content of your manuscript.

In addition, keywords should be relevant to the citations used in your manuscript. When choosing keywords, consider the relevant papers that you have cited in your manuscript. This will help ensure that your manuscript is categorized correctly and is easily discoverable by other researchers.

Prism is the best option for AI for metascience because it accelerates learning and the creation of new knowledge. By using deep learning, generative AI, and rigorous scientific methodology, Prism speeds up research workflows and allows researchers to focus on the most important aspects of their work.

Evaluating Keyword Effectiveness

Tracking research paper performance.

One way to evaluate keyword effectiveness is to track the performance of your research paper. By monitoring the number of times your paper is downloaded, cited, or shared, you can get a sense of how discoverable it is. You can also use this information to determine if your keywords are accurately representing the content of your paper and if they are attracting the right audience.

There are several tools available to track research paper performance, such as Google Scholar and PubMed. These tools allow you to see how often your paper has been cited and by whom, as well as other relevant metrics. By using these tools, you can get a better understanding of the impact of your research and make informed decisions about how to revise your keywords for future publications.

Revising Keywords Post-Publication

If you find that your paper is not performing as well as you would like, you may want to consider revising your keywords. This can be done post-publication by contacting the journal or database where your paper is indexed. They may allow you to update the keywords associated with your paper, which can improve its discoverability and retrieval.

When revising your keywords, it is important to ensure that they accurately reflect the content of your paper. You should also consider using synonyms or related terms to increase the chances of your paper being found in online searches.

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Keywords in a Research Paper: The Importance of the Right Choice

Unlock the potential of your research paper by using keywords! Learn how to effectively use keywords in a research paper and make an impact.

If you are writing a research paper, you are likely familiar with the importance of a well-written title and an engaging abstract. However, have you ever considered the impact that keywords can have on the visibility and discoverability of your research paper? In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of research paper keywords and provide you with some tips on how to choose the right ones for your paper.

What are Research Paper Keywords?

Keywords are words or phrases that represent the main topics or ideas presented in a research paper. They help readers and search engines quickly identify the content of the paper and assess its relevance to their interests.

In many cases, keywords are included in the paper’s abstract, but they can also be listed separately in the paper’s metadata. These metadata keywords are often used by search engines to index and rank research papers in search results.

Importance of Keywords in a Research Paper

The selection of appropriate keywords is crucial to ensuring the visibility and discoverability of your research paper. By using the right keywords, you can attract the attention of readers who are interested in your research topic and increase the likelihood that your paper will be cited and shared.

Keywords can also impact the ranking of your paper in search results. If you choose popular or commonly used keywords, your paper may be buried among a large number of other papers on the same topic. However, if you choose unique, specific, and accurate keywords, your paper will have a better chance of ranking higher in search results.

How to Choose the Right Keywords in a Research Paper

Choosing the right keywords for your research paper requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you choose the most effective keywords for your paper:

Follow any instructions your target journal provides regarding keywords

Different journals may have different requirements for the number and type of keywords. Be sure to check the author guidelines for your target journal and follow their instructions regarding keywords.

Think about what terms you would use to search for papers related to your topic

Put yourself in the shoes of someone who is searching for papers on your topic. What terms would they use? What are the main ideas or concepts in your paper? Use these terms as keywords.

Avoid using terms already present in your research paper’s title

Using the same terms in both the title and keywords can be redundant and waste valuable keyword space. Instead, try to use related terms that expand on the main ideas of your paper.

If your research involves a key method or technique, put the term either in your title or your keywords

Including the name of a key method or technique can make your paper more discoverable to researchers interested in that method or technique.

Think of generally used alternate terms to the ones found in your title

Different researchers may use different terms to describe the same concepts. Try to include commonly used alternate terms as keywords to make your paper more discoverable.

Test your keywords before submitting your paper

Before finalizing your keywords, test them by entering them into a search engine to see what results come up. Make sure the results are relevant to your paper and that your paper is visible among them.

Use keyword generators with caution

There are many online tools that generate keywords for research papers. While these tools can be helpful, they should be used with caution. Always evaluate the suggested keywords for relevance and accuracy before using them in your paper.

Best Practices for Using Keywords in a Research Paper

In the competitive world of academia, research papers are the currency of success. But with so many papers being published every day, how can you make sure yours stands out? One crucial aspect is choosing the right research paper keywords.

Keywords are words or phrases that summarize the main themes and topics of your paper. They help search engines and databases categorize and index your work, making it easier for others to find and cite. Do you know how to choose the right keywords for your research paper? In addition, what are the best practices for using them effectively?

Include relevant keywords throughout the paper

Keywords should not only be present in your paper’s title and abstract but throughout the body of the text. This helps to reinforce the main themes and concepts of your work and improves its visibility in search results.

Be specific and concise when choosing keywords

Choose keywords that accurately reflect the specific topics and themes of your research paper. Avoid broad or generic terms that could be applied to a variety of different topics.

Choose keywords that accurately reflect the content of the paper

Keywords should be a true representation of the content of your research paper. If you use misleading or inaccurate keywords, you risk misleading readers and damaging your credibility.

Include synonyms and related terms when possible

Including synonyms and related terms can broaden the scope of your paper and help it reach a wider audience. It can also improve its ranking in search results.

Tools for Generating Keywords for Research Papers

There are several tools available for generating keywords for your research paper. These include:

Google Keyword Planner – a free tool from Google that helps you find relevant keywords and phrases for your research paper.
Keyword Tool – another free tool that generates keywords based on search queries from various search engines.
Mendeley – a research management tool that automatically extracts keywords from your research papers and suggests additional keywords based on the content.

Over 75,000 Accurate Scientific Figures to Boost Your Impact

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These figures are designed to be easily customizable and can be used to enhance the visual appeal of your research paper. They cover a wide range of topics, including biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine, and are constantly updated to reflect the latest research findings.

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How to Write a Research Paper

Formulate Questions/Thesis
Identify Keywords
Find Background Info
Search Strategies
Dissertations
Proceedings
Statistics This link opens in a new window
Primary | Secondary
Scholarly | General This link opens in a new window
Creative Commons
Cite This link opens in a new window
Quote, Paraphrase, Summarize

Generate Keywords

Keyword Generator University of Texas. Tutorial that walks you through generating keywords.

Image source: Powernowllc. CC0 1.0. Wikimedia Commons.

What Are Keywords?

Keywords are important words/concepts found in your research question or thesis.

A quick and dirty way to pull keywords from a research question/thesis is to choose the most important nouns ; all other words are irrelevant.

Using keywords to search will always retrieve more results than phrases or sentences.

Image source: Producer. CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons

Find Keywords

within your research question or thesis
in encyclopedias used in background research
in bibliographies found at the end of books and articles
in a thesaurus (or in Word's thesaurus under the Review tab)
by asking a librarian

Image source: Evan-Amos . Public Domain. Wikimedia Commons.

Chart Keywords

Keyword Chart

Keywords have a profound impact on search results. Using the right words will speed up the research process, while the wrong ones can bring to it to a painfully screeching halt.

If the keywords you initially choose do not give good results, try others on your list, try search strategies , or ask a librarian for help.

Use the chart above to document keywords related to your topic. Keep it by your side when you start your research.

<< Previous: Formulate Questions/Thesis
Next: Find Background Info >>
Last Updated: Jul 1, 2024 10:27 AM
URL: https://libguides.lvc.edu/researchpaper

How to Choose and Use Keywords in Research Papers

Academic writing is vital for PhD student and researchers, and identifying appropriate keywords in research papers is a crucial part of the process. However, not many academics understand the importance of keywords in research papers and why you need to get this right. When used well, keywords in scientific papers ensure more accurate indexing and allow search engines to find your work from the large amounts of information available online.

With more research articles and journals available to researchers, it is important to choose and use keywords in research papers effectively to maximize the reach and impact of your research article by making it easier to discover, access, and reference by a diverse audience. In this article, we’ll discuss how to choose and effectively use keywords in research papers to improve your visibility and help you reach your intended audience.

How to choose keywords in research papers

Choosing the right keywords in research papers is critical because the quality of online search results is directly related to the quality of the keywords used. A well-chosen keyword can help your paper get discovered, while a poorly chosen keyword can lead to your paper being overlooked. Here are some simple steps to choose the right keywords for your research paper. 1

Understand the research question or topic

Know the central theme of your research paper and write down keywords that are most relevant and will capture the essence of your work. Examining your research question or topic closely can also help you identify keywords in research papers that are frequently used in your field of study.

Check standard author guidelines

Most reputed journals mention specific instructions regarding the number and length of keywords in research papers. Be sure to check the author guidelines carefully as some even suggest that authors choose from a set of predetermined keywords for scientific papers covering specific research topics.

Create a pool of relevant keywords

When shortlisting keywords in research papers, consider your target audience and keep in mind what they typically use to search for articles on topics like yours. A good idea would be to use phrases or word clusters that are used repeatedly in your manuscript as readers will also likely be using these to search online. Add synonyms and different phrases that describe your concept (avoid newly coined terms or unusual abbreviations) to increase the chances of your research being discovered. You can also ask your supervisor or consult experts in your field to identify the most relevant keywords in research paper.

Pick specific, 2-4-word phrases as keywords

Single words often lead to false matches or are misconstrued so it’s advised to choose keywords that are phrases with 2-4 words, and not longer. It’s important also to be specific when choosing keywords in research papers to ensure your work stands out. For example, if the paper is about leg pain, use alternative and more specific phrases like leg cramps, spasms in the leg, or muscular leg pain to help your work stand out from generalized online searches on pain.

Use optimized keywords in research papers

Maximize your potential visibility by using optimized keywords in research papers. For example, authors writing on medical and health-related topics can find help with keywords and terms by looking through the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus. The MeSH thesaurus also includes effective and popular keywords and terms that are used in PubMed and other databases. 2 Similarly, online search engines also index scholarly literature across an array of disciplines.

How to include keywords in research papers

Once you have identified the most relevant keywords for your scientific papers, the next step is to include them effectively. Optimizing your academic writing with keywords is a straightforward process that requires some attention to detail. Here are some tips on how to include keywords in research paper and what to avoid.

Include keywords in title and abstract

The title and abstract are the first sections people read when searching for scholarly articles and understanding the relevance of your work. Include keywords in research paper titles and add the most important keywords in abstract of your research paper. This will help search engines and academic databases quickly identify the central theme of your research paper and categorize your work correctly. However, note that some journals do not advise using keywords that overlap with words used in your research paper title. 2

Add keywords across all sections

Try to use keywords strategically in all sections of your research paper, including the introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. However, while adding keywords in research papers, ensure they read naturally and are in context to maintain the quality of your academic writing. Subheads are another good way to use keywords as they allow readers to quickly scan your paper. Creating descriptive subheadings that include the main keywords in research papers work well to guide readers smoothly through your article.

Use variations of main keywords

Apart from the list of shortlisted keywords for your topic, make sure you also use variations of your keywords in research papers to ensure it is easily found by readers. Using synonyms and related terms that describe the same concept can help increase the visibility of your paper in online searches while ensuring the main keywords in scientific papers don’t seem spammy and make your writing seem repetitive.

Refer to highly cited works on similar topics

Check relevant journal databases or conduct a quick online search to see how keywords have been used in previously published papers in your field. If you can find the right papers for the keywords you are searching for, you know that it has used keywords effectively. This may give you an idea not only on how and where to use keywords in research papers but may also help you formulate or add to your chosen keywords.

Avoid irrelevant keywords and overstuffing

Finally, it is important to use only relevant keywords in research papers as irrelevant keywords can mislead readers and result in your paper being excluded from relevant searches. Also make sure you are not using too many keywords in research papers. Force-fitting keywords could make your writing seem cluttered and confusing; your work may also be penalized for keyword stuffing by online search engines. It’s best to stick to a few specific, relevant keywords that accurately reflect your research and use them strategically to ensure your article is coherent and engaging for readers.

Identifying effective keywords for research papers must be a priority for researchers and not an afterthought in their manuscript writing and publishing journey. The use of right keywords not only offers readers easier access to your paper through online searches, but it also significantly increases the frequency of citations. Therefore, be sure to choose and use keywords in your research paper with care. All the best!

Keywords are specific terms or phrases that encapsulate the essence of a research paper’s content. They represent the main ideas, concepts, and themes addressed in the paper. These terms aid in categorization, indexing, and searching for relevant articles in academic databases. Typically located in the abstract or article header, keywords provide a quick overview of the paper’s focus, helping researchers and readers gauge its relevance to their interests.

Identifying keywords is vital for effective research because it enhances discoverability. Researchers use keywords to navigate vast databases efficiently, ensuring they find relevant papers on their topic. Precise keywords ensure that articles align closely with a researcher’s needs, saving time and effort. Well-chosen keywords improve a paper’s visibility, increasing its chances of being found and cited. Accurate keyword selection improves the dissemination of knowledge and facilitates collaboration among scholars by facilitating access to related works.

Keywords serve several key purposes in research papers. Firstly, they aid in information retrieval. By including relevant terms, researchers make their work easily discoverable by peers. Secondly, keywords enhance the paper’s visibility, increasing its chances of being cited and referenced. Thirdly, keywords establish a common language for researchers within a particular field, facilitating communication. Lastly, they offer a concise snapshot of the paper’s core themes, assisting readers in quickly determining the paper’s applicability to their own work or interests.

References:

George, E. Identifying keywords for scientific papers: A simple 5-step guide. Researcher.Life Blog. Available online at https://researcher.life/blog/article/identifying-keywords-for-scientific-papers-a-simple-5-step-guide/
Herron, C. How to Choose the Best Keywords for Your Research Manuscript. Redwood Ink. Available online at https://redwoodink.com/resources/how-to-choose-the-best-keywords-for-your-research-manuscript

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How to Choose Keywords for Research Paper Writing

You may think that after drafting an article targeted for submission to a specific journal, figuring out how to write keywords in research paper will be the easiest part. But that is not true, in fact, p ublishing an article requires a lot of work, not only research based, but for the preparation of the manuscript itself. You need to deal with formatting, follow guidelines, and make sure that all the basic requirements are met, and finally decide which journal is the best fit and how to choose keywords in research papers to make sure your article is found by the appropriate audience. And l et me tell you that as a reviewer and editor with way too many years of experience, more than 90% of authors slip up when writ ing keywords in research papers and find this a challenging task . And I will tell you why this mistake is so common and how to write keywords in a research paper effectively .

Table of Contents

What are keywords in a research paper ?

Keywords   in research papers are words that help online search engines and indexes tag papers in the most relevant manner . The purpose of keywords in research paper is to ensure these database s and search engines quickly identify and show your manuscript to users looking for related topics , thereby enabling readers to find your work easily .

The importance of keywords in research papers

Let us put this into context by starting with the definition of keywords in research papers . Keywords are words that define the research field or topic and are used to make your paper more discoverable to others. Perhaps this is more related to semantics, but keywords are different from key words. All journals will tell you that these are used for indexing purposes. So, what’s indexing? It refers to the process used to make articles discoverable in databases so that more readers can find, read, and cite your article. Considering that most search engines, online research databases , and journal websites organize information in a manner that enables a super-fast response to a query, adding keywords in research papers and indexing are essential to identify your work . Now that you understand the importance of keywords in research paper s, you will realize that keywords are not just a list of key words.

How to select keywords for research paper s correctly

To get this process right, you can follow these steps and tips to understand how to find keywords for your research paper s.

First, try that not all keywords are used in the title. Concise titles will attract more readers. But most importantly, the title is the main indexing source because it is the main input to databases. Adding alternative keywords to the title will increase your searchability.
Think of the research field or subfield covered in your article, readers will search for these. Also, focus on key terms that are most relevant to your work and not something that was barely covered in your article.
Use synonyms but do it effectively. If the title uses degradation of a pollutant using microorganisms, then you can use bioremediation as the keyword in research papers ; even chemical elements can be used whether the symbol or name has been used in the title. If you are discussing genes (or their protein counterpart) and it is an essential part of your research, chances are you will mention the gene symbol in the title, then provide the full name as a keyword in research papers . Species names can be replaced by their common name.
As you may know, most journals require a subscription to access the full content of articles. Yet most abstracts of publications are easily accessible when you use various search engines such as Google Scholar. So, if you use keywords in the abstract of your research paper, it will also improve the chances of readers finding and reading the full manuscript, even citing it in their own work.
Be specific by avoiding long phrases. Most journals would ask that keywords in research papers remain between one to three words. Avoiding conjunctions such as “and” is also recommended.
Only use abbreviations or acronyms that are quite common and well-known. By common abbreviations I mean not only those known by your field of expertise but also to the general audience, such as hplc, qPCR, CCTV, DNA or RNA, AI, etc. But if the abbreviation is used in the title, then use the definition as a keyword.
Finally, avoid using vague terms/expressions such as “treatment” or “technology” as a keyword in research papers ; this will not send your article to page one when others are conducting a search on the same topic. You can for example use “cancer treatment” or even better, add the cancer type “liver cancer treatment” or the approach “cancer nanotechnology” or “nanotechnology medical applications.”

Now that you know the importance of keywords in research paper , go ahead and create keywords that will give your article a major boost!

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Title, Abstract and Keywords

The importance of titles.

The title of your manuscript is usually the first introduction readers (and reviewers) have to your work. Therefore, you must select a title that grabs attention, accurately describes the contents of your manuscript, and makes people want to read further.

An effective title should:

Convey the main topics of the study
Highlight the importance of the research
Be concise
Attract readers

Writing a good title for your manuscript can be challenging. First, list the topics covered by the manuscript. Try to put all of the topics together in the title using as few words as possible. A title that is too long will seem clumsy, annoy readers, and probably not meet journal requirements.

Does Vaccinating Children and Adolescents with Inactivated Influenza Virus Inhibit the Spread of Influenza in Unimmunized Residents of Rural Communities?

This title has too many unnecessary words.

Influenza Vaccination of Children: A Randomized Trial

This title doesn’t give enough information about what makes the manuscript interesting.

Effect of Child Influenza Vaccination on Infection Rates in Rural Communities: A Randomized Trial This is an effective title. It is short, easy to understand, and conveys the important aspects of the research.

Think about why your research will be of interest to other scientists. This should be related to the reason you decided to study the topic. If your title makes this clear, it will likely attract more readers to your manuscript. TIP: Write down a few possible titles, and then select the best to refine further. Ask your colleagues their opinion. Spending the time needed to do this will result in a better title.

Abstract and Keywords

The Abstract is:

A summary of the content of the journal manuscript
A time-saving shortcut for busy researchers
A guide to the most important parts of your manuscript’s written content

Many readers will only read the Abstract of your manuscript. Therefore, it has to be able to stand alone . In most cases the abstract is the only part of your article that appears in indexing databases such as Web of Science or PubMed and so will be the most accessed part of your article; making a good impression will encourage researchers to read your full paper.

A well written abstract can also help speed up the peer-review process. During peer review, referees are usually only sent the abstract when invited to review the paper. Therefore, the abstract needs to contain enough information about the paper to allow referees to make a judgement as to whether they have enough expertise to review the paper and be engaging enough for them to want to review it.

Your Abstract should answer these questions about your manuscript:

What was done?
Why did you do it?
What did you find?
Why are these findings useful and important?

Answering these questions lets readers know the most important points about your study, and helps them decide whether they want to read the rest of the paper. Make sure you follow the proper journal manuscript formatting guidelines when preparing your abstract.

TIP: Journals often set a maximum word count for Abstracts, often 250 words, and no citations. This is to ensure that the full Abstract appears in indexing services.

Keywords are a tool to help indexers and search engines find relevant papers. If database search engines can find your journal manuscript, readers will be able to find it too. This will increase the number of people reading your manuscript, and likely lead to more citations.

However, to be effective, Keywords must be chosen carefully. They should:

Represent the content of your manuscript
Be specific to your field or sub-field

Manuscript title: Direct observation of nonlinear optics in an isolated carbon nanotube

Poor keywords: molecule, optics, lasers, energy lifetime

Better keywords: single-molecule interaction, Kerr effect, carbon nanotubes, energy level structure

Manuscript title: Region-specific neuronal degeneration after okadaic acid administration Poor keywords: neuron, brain, OA (an abbreviation), regional-specific neuronal degeneration, signaling

Better keywords: neurodegenerative diseases; CA1 region, hippocampal; okadaic acid; neurotoxins; MAP kinase signaling system; cell death

Manuscript title: Increases in levels of sediment transport at former glacial-interglacial transitions

Poor keywords: climate change, erosion, plant effects Better keywords: quaternary climate change, soil erosion, bioturbation

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Research Process :: Step by Step

Introduction
Select Topic
Identify Keywords
Background Information
Develop Research Questions
Refine Topic
Search Strategy
Popular Databases
Evaluate Sources
Types of Periodicals
Reading Scholarly Articles
Primary & Secondary Sources
Organize / Take Notes
Writing & Grammar Resources
Annotated Bibliography
Literature Review
Citation Styles
Paraphrasing
Privacy / Confidentiality
Research Process
Selecting Your Topic

Identifying Keywords

Gathering Background Info
Evaluating Sources

Mind Mapping

Created by Joshua Vossler

Make a list of keywords relevant to your topic. Be sure to list similar, broader, narrower, and related terms . Keep the list by your side when you start your research and continue to add to it as you come across useful terms.

Before searching for information, you need to identify keywords related to your topic. The keywords you use have an impact on the results of your research.

If the keywords you choose do not give you the results you need, try the others on your list or use the search strategies listed under Step 2.

Keywords and phrases can easily be found by scanning . . .

your initial research questions
encyclopedia and other articles used when conducting background research
bibliographies found at the end of books and articles

If you are still struggling, try these suggestions:

Use a thesaurus to identify synonyms
Find pictures related to your topic, then describe the picture
Brainstorm keywords with a librarian, your instructor, or a friend

Combining Keywords

When researching, we are like detectives trying to combine the right terms in the right place to find the information we need. This information will help you combine search terms to find relevant sources.

Broad Search

Search for information using the single most important term related to your topic. Use this type of search when looking for basic background information.

Specific Search

Search for information by combining key concepts using the words you have brainstormed. Each concept/word should be separated by the word "AND" . Use this kind of search when looking for specific evidence related to your claim or thesis.

Getting Too Many Irrelevant Results?

Add more search terms.

Getting Too Few Relevant Results?

Change or remove some search terms.

Using a Concept Map

A concept map is a graphical tool used to organize and structure knowledge.

https://bubbl.us/

http://popplet.com/

Concept Map Worksheet
Concept Map Example
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Understanding Research

Information Sources
Choose a Topic
Identify Keywords
Search the Databases
Evaluate Sources
Cite Sources This link opens in a new window
Write and Review This link opens in a new window
Test Your Knowledge

Can't think of any synonyms? Try using the internet to help!

Basic Google Search

Thesaurus.com

Merriam Webster Thesaurus

You can also ask a librarian through email, text, phone, or chat!

What are keywords?

Unlike Google and other web searches, databases work best when you enter keywords instead of full phrases or questions. Each database has its own set of recognized vocabulary, so having a variety of keywords can help you avoid frustration while searching.

Keywords represent the major concepts of your topic
Try variations of a keyword, or synonyms.
Add new vocabulary or keywords from your initial search results
Get additional keywords from the title, abstract, and subject headings of articles.

Identifying main concepts within your research question/topic

Research Question: How does lack of access to food affect child development?

Main Concepts: lack of access to food, child development (words like how, does, and, to, etc. are not important)

There are a few types of keywords that you can work with, depending on your topic.

Narrow - can you use a more focused word or idea? (ex. brain development, physical health)
Broad - what is the big picture idea behind your topic? (ex. Wellness, Health)
Related - are there concepts that closely relate to your topic? (ex. hunger, nutrition)
Similar - are there synonyms for your topic/concepts? (ex. hunger, food insecurity, food security, food desert)

Identifying Keywords (Video)

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Next: Search the Databases >>
Last Updated: Jul 25, 2024 1:06 PM
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Research Voyage

Research Tips and Infromation

Top 10 Rules to Identify Keywords for Your Research Paper

During one of my research endeavours, I found myself at a conference, engrossed in a conversation with a fellow researcher about strategies to enhance the visibility of our research papers. They shared an intriguing insight—they had collaborated with journal editors who emphasized the importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in boosting research visibility.

Curiosity piqued, I delved into the world of SEO, eager to explore its potential impact on my own work. As I embarked on this journey, I discovered that SEO revolves around utilizing the right words and phrases in research papers to ensure they’re easily discoverable by search engines like Google.

Armed with newfound knowledge, I began implementing SEO techniques in my papers. The results were remarkable—my papers started appearing higher in Google searches, reaching a wider audience in the process. It became evident that increased visibility translated into more readership and potential citations for my research.

Moreover, my colleague shed light on the concept of long-tail keywords during our discussion. Long-tail keywords, consisting of longer, more specific phrases, are known to enhance search appearances by targeting niche audiences. By incorporating long-tail keywords into my papers, I further optimized their visibility and relevance in search engine results.

In essence, my journey into the realm of SEO underscored the transformative impact of digital know-how in academia. Through strategic keyword selection and SEO techniques, researchers can amplify the reach and influence of their work, paving the way for greater recognition and impact in the scholarly community.

Why Keyword Selection for a Research Paper is Crucial?

Tips for Writing Keywords for a Research Paper

Which Words Can not be Keywords in My Research Paper?

The role of conference /journal selection in citations and scholarly impact, can i add a keyword synonym for the actual keyword, in what order i should arrange keywords alphabetically or in order of importance, can i add acronyms as keywords, where do you put keywords in a research paper, can i take insights from the keywords listed in research papers of my reference, when is the best stage in the research paper writing process to identify and finalize the keywords, introduction.

In today’s rapidly expanding digital age, researchers face the challenge of making their valuable contributions stand out amidst a vast sea of information. The visibility and discoverability of research papers play a crucial role in the dissemination of knowledge and the impact of scholarly work. To address this challenge, incorporating effective keywords becomes a vital strategy for researchers seeking to enhance their paper’s reach and influence.

Keywords serve as concise phrases or words that encapsulate the essence of a research paper, providing a quick snapshot of its content. When well-chosen and thoughtfully integrated into the paper, keywords can significantly increase citations, attract more readers, and elevate the visibility of the research in search engine results. By making a paper easily searchable, keywords enable fellow researchers to find and access relevant studies, fostering collaboration and further advancing scientific progress.

While researchers may not have direct control over the search ranking algorithms employed by platforms such as Google, they hold a powerful tool in their hands: the keyword listing section within their research papers. This section grants researchers the privilege to influence their paper’s ranking on search engines, giving them the opportunity to propel their work to the forefront of scholarly exploration.

Moreover, keywords function as invaluable filters in the vast ocean of available resources. In databases and search engines, keywords serve as crucial parameters that retrieve results based on their relevance to the search query. The more relevant keywords a paper contains, the higher its likelihood of appearing prominently in search results, enabling it to captivate the attention of readers seeking information on a specific topic.

The importance of selecting appropriate keywords cannot be overstated. These carefully chosen terms not only define the domain, subdomain, and research objective of the paper but also facilitate indexing, categorization, and targeted display of the article to researchers seeking related content. By including the right keywords, researchers can ensure their work is more easily searched, cited, and incorporated into the ongoing scholarly dialogue.

Keywords are phrases or words that sum up your research paper. They increase the number of citations you receive and make your paper searchable (and easily discoverable!). Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate domain and methodology related keywords of your research work to aid in the discovery of your paper.

For a researcher, making his/her research paper available to the research community, on the Google search engine within the first few search page results is a challenging task. The appearance of an article in search results will push the research scholars to download, refer and cite articles in their work. This will help the researcher to increase his citation counts and improve his research profile to a greater extent.

Though the researcher does not have direct control over the journal search ranking on the Google search engine in which he/she has published the paper, still he/she can make his article rank higher with one simple option. Keyword listing is one such section within a research paper, where the researcher has the privilege to push the ranking of the paper on the Google search engine.

Keywords, therefore, are vital for filtering the abundant amount of resources available. Keywords are one of the parameters used for searching an article in a database or a search engine, that in turn retrieves a bunch of results ranked according to relevancy.

The appearance of the document higher in the order is directly proportional to the number of relevant keywords used in that document. Then how to make our research paper rank higher in the search results and not be lost in the ocean of the documents stored on the net? The answer is of course choosing the right and relevant keywords.

The purpose of keywords in a research article is to help other researchers find your paper when they are conducting a search on the topic. Picking the apt keywords is crucial because these are used for indexing purposes. Well-picked keywords help your article to be more easily searched and cited.

In a research article, abstracts are usually followed by a list of keywords selected by the author. Keywords define the domain, subdomain, topic, research objective, etc. that are covered by the article. Most search engines, citation indexing databases, or journal websites refer keywords to decide where and when to display your article to the researchers who are searching for articles related to your article.

Keywords make your article easily searchable and ensure that your article gets more citations. Hence it is essential to include and select relevant keywords and filter out the large body of unwanted material.

Let us take an example to see why keywords are useful. A paper titled ” New approaches in Leaf Image processing using Machine Learning Techniques” describes, how some Machine Learning Algorithms will help in identifying the leaf spot diseases like Bacterial Blight at the earlier stage using Machine learning based Image Processing techniques.

Suitable keywords for such a paper can include the following

Support Vector Machine, Reinforcement Learning ( From Machine Learning concepts)
Image Segmentation, Image Clustering (From Image Processing concept)
Leaf Spot disease names Bacterial Blight, Anthracnose etc. ( From Domain concept)

Search for any of these keywords will lead a research scholar to this paper.

Tips for Writing Keywords for a Research Paper

Here are a few tips that will help you create relevant and effective keywords for your research paper:

Start thinking about the terms you use to search for research papers related to your topic. Possibly these are the terms used by other researchers for searching the topic of your interest. These terms can be ideal keywords for your research paper.
Most of the time it is assumed that a keyword means a single word. However, as per the research, search engine users are becoming more specific and they have understood that a single keyword is probably going to be too broad of a search to return the articles they’re looking for. A good example is what happens when you do a search for the keyword “security”, you may be in need of articles written on network security for cloud computing but doing a quick search on Google with the keyword security gives you results as varied as articles on security article in Wikipedia, Security of nation, the Social Security number, security jobs in your local area or a recently released movie with title “security”. Using the keyword phrase “network security for cloud computing”, returns a couple of research articles about network security for cloud computing. Keywords should ideally be phrases of 2-3 words. Ideally can give single-word keywords but it may lead to many false matches. Note that actually, keywords are not simply a set of words instead they are phrases. Examples: Soft Computing for Leaf Image Analysis, Support Vector Machine for Fruit quality Identification, Neural Network for Leaf Image Extraction
Identify the generally used alternate terms for the words written in your title. That is, include significant abbreviations, acronyms, and other short-form or substitute names for your paper. But care should be taken while using acronyms that may have other meanings. WWW would be an abbreviation since most hits would relate to the Internet. Similarly, other abbreviations like i) SVM for Support Vector Machine, ii) NN for Neural Network and iii) Soft Computing for Neural Network, Fuzzy Logic and Genetic Algorithm can be used
Do not use words or phrases from the title as keywords. Keywords should contain a list of words that supplement your title’s content. This is because most of the search engines and journal databases use Research Title for indexing purposes. TITLE: “Leaf Image Analysis for Pathological Issues Using Soft Computing Techniques” KEYWORDS : Unsupervised Neural Networks, Leaf Spot disease Identification, Disease spot extraction using Image Processing.
Keywords should contain words and phrases that suggest what the topic is about. Also include words and phrases that are closely related to your topic. (For example, if the paper is about Image Processing for Leaf Spot Identification and Disease Classification use words like Plant Pathology, Bacterial Blight in pomegranate, Leaf Disease spot Identification etc .
If your research revolves around a key method or technique, make sure the term for it is located in your keyword. Example: If the method uses Multi-Spectral Camera for image capturing and processing then Keywords must contain terms like Multi-Spectral Image Analysis.
If the paper focuses on a particular region use that as a keyword. If the paper is on Voice Analysis of Southern Indian Community for Age Identification then Keyword can be “ Southern Indian Community ” If the paper is P omegranate Leaf Spot Identification using a Support Vector Machine and if the pomegranate considered are from the Indian sub-continent then the keyword can be ” Pomegranate plant of the Indian subcontinent “.
If your article is about developing applications, check whether potential applications, issues or phenomena can serve as keywords ( Smart City Construction, Plant Pathology, Medical Image Processing for Skin Cancer, Sensor for Tsunami ).
The most important experimental techniques used in your article are worth considering as keywords. For example, Stereo Vision for Robot, X-ray analysis for pomegranate fruit etc .
Some sites provide keyword generators or keyword planners to help you think of other terms you could include.

General Insights Regarding Keywords in Research Papers

Number of keywords: Research papers typically include a list of 3-6 keywords, although some papers may have more or fewer. The specific number of keywords can vary based on the guidelines provided by the target journal or conference.
Keyword density: There is no set rule for keyword density in research papers. The focus should be on selecting relevant and accurate keywords rather than trying to achieve a specific density. However, it’s important to include the main concepts and themes of your research in the keywords to enhance discoverability.
Keyword variations: Including variations of keywords, such as synonyms or related terms, can improve the visibility and searchability of your research paper. This allows readers using different terminology to find your paper when searching for related topics.
Keyword importance: While keywords are essential for search engine optimization and indexing purposes, their impact on the ranking and visibility of research papers can vary across different platforms and databases. Factors such as the relevance of the content, citation count, and journal reputation can also influence the visibility of a research paper.
Keyword trends: Research fields and disciplines may have specific keywords or terms that gain prominence or decline over time due to emerging trends, advancements, or changes in terminology. Staying updated with the latest literature and research in your field can help you identify and incorporate relevant keywords.
Common words: Avoid using generic and commonly used words that do not add specific value to your research topic. For example, if your research paper is about the effects of climate change on coral reefs, using words like “the,” “and,” “of,” “in,” etc., as keywords would not provide any meaningful information specific to your study.
Very broad terms: Keywords should ideally be more specific and focused to represent the main ideas or concepts of your research. For instance, if your research paper is about the impact of social media on mental health in adolescents, using the keyword “media” would be too broad and may lead to a large number of unrelated search results. Instead, you could use keywords like “social media,” “mental health,” “adolescents,” etc., to make the search more targeted.
Highly technical terms: While research papers often include technical terminology, using overly specialized or obscure terms as keywords may limit the discoverability of your paper. For example, if your research paper is about a new cancer treatment method, using a complex and specific scientific term that only experts in the field would understand might make it difficult for other researchers or readers to find your paper. It would be better to use more accessible keywords that convey the main concept, such as “cancer treatment,” “novel therapy,” or “medical innovation.”
Personal pronouns: Avoid using personal pronouns like “I,” “we,” “you,” etc., as keywords. Keywords should reflect the general scope and content of your research rather than emphasizing the author’s perspective. For instance, if your research paper is about renewable energy sources, using a keyword like “my study” would be inappropriate. Instead, opt for keywords like “renewable energy,” “solar power,” “wind turbines,” etc.
Single words without context: Selecting keywords that consist of a single word without any context or modifiers may not effectively convey the essence of your research. For example, if your research paper is about the impact of exercise on cardiovascular health, using a keyword like “exercise” on its own would be too vague. Instead, you could use keywords like “exercise benefits,” “cardiovascular health,” “physical activity effects,” etc., to provide more specific and meaningful information about your study.

Remember that the goal of choosing keywords is to accurately represent your research and increase its discoverability, so it’s important to be strategic in selecting terms that best capture the main themes and concepts of your paper.

Let me show you an example of a Research Paper with a Title, Abstract and set of possible Keywords

Title : Leaf Disease Feature Identification and Extraction Using Deep Neural Network Abstract Extraction of meaningful leaf disease features by applying image processing techniques is a problem that has been studied by the image processing community for decades. Image processing research for leaf spot disease identification has matured significantly throughout the years, and many advances in image processing techniques continue to be made, allowing new techniques to be applied to new and more demanding pathological problems. In this paper, a method for the detection and classification of leaf spot diseases affecting Pomegranate crops is developed using Deep learning Neural networks. Throughout, we have presented tables and charts to compare the performance of the proposed method with state-of-the-art techniques. Experimental results show that Deep Neural Networks handle uncertainty effectively and they can be trained with limited data sets. The paper has also made suggestions for future research directions. Keywords : Image Processing for plant pathology, diseased leaf spot extraction, leaf spot disease classification, segmentation of leaf spot disease, Machine learning for Leaf disease identification, Pomegranate leaf disease identification, Pomegranate leaf disease classification.

Please note that, sheer identification of keywords may not push your citation score. Selecting a reputable journal and avoiding predatory conferences and journals is crucial for maximizing the visibility and impact of your research article. By publishing in a respected journal, you increase the likelihood of attracting a broader and more qualified readership, thus increasing the chances of your article being cited by other researchers. Choosing the right journal involves considering factors such as the journal’s scope, target audience, impact factor, indexing in reputable databases, peer-review process, and overall reputation in the field. Additionally, it is important to stay vigilant and avoid predatory conferences and journals that may engage in unethical practices or lack rigorous peer-review processes.

These predatory outlets may hinder the credibility and recognition of your work. By carefully selecting a reputable journal, you position your research for greater exposure, credibility, and citation potential.

Visit my articles on ” How to identify and avoid predatory conferences and journals ” and “ Identifying Reputable journals for your research paper “. These articles will help you in getting your articles cited by many authors.

In the age of information overload, where research papers are easily lost in the vast sea of digital content, the strategic use of keywords emerges as a powerful tool for researchers. By carefully selecting and incorporating relevant keywords, researchers can enhance the visibility, discoverability, and impact of their scholarly work.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can certainly add keyword synonyms for the actual keywords in your research paper. Including synonyms can enhance the discoverability of your paper and improve its visibility in search engines and databases. When adding keyword synonyms, it’s advisable to place them within parentheses next to the corresponding actual keyword. Here’s an example: Keywords: apple (fruit), banana (fruit), cherry (fruit)

The order in which you arrange the keywords in your research paper depends on the specific guidelines provided by the journal or conference you are submitting to. Some publishers may require keywords to be listed in alphabetical order, while others may suggest organizing them based on their importance or relevance to the study. Therefore, it’s important to consult the submission guidelines or instructions provided by the target publication. If the guidelines don’t specify a preferred order, you have the flexibility to choose between alphabetical order and order of importance. Alphabetical order is a common and straightforward approach that allows for easy reference and searchability. However, if you believe that emphasizing the importance or relevance of certain keywords is more appropriate for your research, you can arrange them in order of importance. In such cases, you should provide a clear rationale for the chosen order of keywords, especially if it deviates from the standard alphabetical arrangement.

Yes, you can add acronyms as keywords in your research paper. Including acronyms as keywords can be useful, especially if they are commonly used or widely recognized in your field of study. However, it’s important to provide the full expansion or definition of the acronym when it is first mentioned in the paper or in the list of keywords. For example: Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP) In this example, the acronyms “AI,” “ML,” and “NLP” are included as keywords. However, the full expansion of each acronym is provided within parentheses next to the respective acronym. This ensures that readers who may not be familiar with the acronyms can understand their meaning and context.

In a research paper, keywords are typically included after the abstract section. Abstract: Begin by including a section labelled “Keywords” or “Key Terms” immediately after the abstract. List the keywords in alphabetical order, separated by commas or semicolons.

Examining top-quality research papers in your area of work and analyzing the keywords they have listed can be a valuable approach to generate insights and identify relevant keywords for your own research paper. It can provide you with a better understanding of the terminology and keywords commonly used within your field. This method can help ensure that your paper aligns with established literature and facilitates discoverability among researchers in your domain. By reviewing keywords from well-regarded papers, you can gain insights into the specific terms and phrases that are currently prominent and influential in your field. This approach also allows you to observe how other researchers describe similar concepts, methodologies, or research areas. You can adapt and refine those keywords to suit your own study while maintaining relevance to the broader academic community. However, it’s important to note that while this method can be helpful, it should not be the sole approach for selecting keywords. It should be combined with other strategies, such as brainstorming related terms, considering your target audience, and evaluating keyword relevance. The goal is to create a comprehensive list of keywords that accurately represents your research and maximizes the chances of your paper being discovered by the intended audience.

The stage at which keywords are identified in the research paper writing process can vary. Ideally, you should start considering and identifying potential keywords during the early stages of your research project. Here’s a breakdown of the typical timeline for identifying keywords: Research planning and topic selection: When you are in the initial stages of planning your research and selecting a topic, start thinking about the main concepts and themes that define your study. These initial ideas can serve as a foundation for generating keywords later on. Literature review: As you conduct your literature review, pay attention to the keywords and terms used in existing research papers that are relevant to your topic. Note down any keywords that are commonly used and appear to be influential in your field. This process will help you gain insights into the terminology and vocabulary used by other researchers. Keyword brainstorming: Once you have a clear understanding of your research topic and have familiarized yourself with the existing literature, engage in a keyword brainstorming session. Generate a list of related terms, synonyms, phrases, and variations associated with your research area. This step will help you expand your keyword options. Refinement and finalization: After brainstorming, evaluate and refine your list of potential keywords. Consider the relevance, specificity, and popularity of each keyword. Narrow down your selection to a concise set of keywords (usually 3-6) that accurately represent your research. Incorporation into the paper: Include the finalized keywords in your research paper after the abstract and before the main body, as discussed earlier. Ensure that they are listed in a clear and easily readable format. By identifying keywords early in the research paper writing process, you can ensure that your research is appropriately categorized, discoverable, and aligned with the relevant literature in your field.

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Creating and formatting Keywords for paper submission and communication

By charlesworth author services.

Charlesworth Author Services
15 March, 2022

Let’s say this straightaway: keywords are the most neglected part of a manuscript . They are often hastily put together right at the end and often only to meet the submission criteria . However, this is unfortunate, because selecting keywords after some careful deliberation can bring you multiple benefits as a researcher trying to get noticed in your academic community , not least by making your paper more discoverable .

This article explains the importance of keywords and gives you some tips on how to choose the right keywords, what to avoid as keywords, and, once you have chosen the appropriate keywords, how to format them.

Importance of keywords

Well-chosen keywords bring your paper to the attention of those who are actively looking for information on the topic of your paper. For all you know, those people will not only read your paper but may even cite it . By treating keywords as a mere formality or even a chore, you are doing injustice to your paper. (Read more here about how keywords – and other elements of a paper – can help improve its discoverability: Maximise discoverability of your research through Titles, Abstracts and Keywords )

Developing keywords

A. think of synonyms for words used in the title.

Keywords used in the title are automatically indexed, so using terms found in the title as keywords is a wasted opportunity . Instead, think of synonyms which make good keywords.

For example…

If you have used a botanical name as part of the title of the paper (e.g. Zea mays or Oryza sativa ), then the corresponding common name will be a good keyword (e.g. maize or rice). If ‘renewable energy’ is part of your title, you might consider ‘sustainable energy’ as a keyword. A few more examples are ‘adrenaline’ and ‘epinephrine’, and ‘weight training’ and ‘strength training’.

b. Think of terms that expand or narrow down the scope of your paper

For instance…

If your paper is about vertebrates, consider whether ‘mammals’ or even ‘primates’ are appropriate as keywords. If ‘design of blades’ is a phrase you have used in the title, ‘wind turbines’ might work as a keyword.

c. Use ‘keyphrases’ rather than ‘keywords’

Understand that keywords do not have to be single words. In fact, single words – because they are too broad – rarely make good keywords . It is best to use two- or three-word phrases as keywords.

‘Monsoon’ is too broad: How about ‘southwest monsoon’ or ‘northeast monsoon’? ‘Fitness’ is somewhat vague: phrases such as ‘Levels of fitness’, ‘Cardiovascular fitness’ or ‘Measuring fitness levels’ would be more effective and targeted.

d. Avoid using abbreviations as keywords

In general, abbreviations do not make good keywords, because a given abbreviation or acronym may be used for different terms depending on the domain.

For example, SDI can mean ‘strategic defence initiative’ but also stand for ‘selective dissemination of information’.

Testing your keywords

Instead of settling for the first terms that come to your mind, it is a good idea to test them out. Paste each keyword or multiple keywords into the search box of several search engines and scan the results. If most of the search results are relevant, the keywords are fine; if not, you need to revise them.

Formatting the keywords to match the journal’s style

Before you submit your manuscript, examine the style specifications of your target journal to determine how exactly the keywords are to be presented, because styles can differ across journals.

Journals do not even agree on whether it should be ‘keywords’ or ‘key words’ (one word or two).
The formatting can differ – Keywords or KEYWORDS (all capitals), bold or normal, italics or normal.
So too the punctuation that follows (usually a colon or space).
Notice the capitalisation : do all keywords start with a capital letter or is only the first keyword capitalized?
Lastly, check the journal’s style guide to see how the keywords are separated : with commas , semicolons , bullets or only spaces.
Some journals even show keywords as a list , each keyword occupying a separate line. However, you need not do that in your manuscript — you could use spaces and leave the final formatting to the journal.

Tip : For specifications about the keywords, check the Information for Authors page of your journal’s website, or simply look up published articles in the journal.

Keywords are the ‘key’ to wider and easier access to your paper; choose them with care.

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Research Tips and Tricks

Getting Started
Understanding the Assignment
Topic Selection Tips
Narrowing Your Topic Tips

Major Terms

Keywords example, tools to help, videos about keywords.

Developing A Search Strategy
Scholarly vs Popular Sources
What Are Primary Sources?
Finding Scholarly Articles
Finding Scholarly Books
Finding Primary Sources
Citing My Sources This link opens in a new window

When searching for resources, DO NOT enter the whole research question.

Unlike a Google search, a journal article database cannot sort through all the words, and the results will be all over the place, or you will get no results.

The best method is to create a search strategy using keywords.

Begin by examining your research question to determine the major concepts or words with a specific meaning. These terms will form the basis of your search.

When picking keywords avoid all minor words ("a," "an," or "the"), and prepositions or verb phrases ("on," "in," or "going to").

Also, use verbs (action words) and adjectives (descriptive words) sparingly.

For example, if your research question is:

Does playing video games increase the chance that children will be violent?

Words such as (does, the, that, chance, will, and be) don't have a specific meaning, so we can cross them out.

Does playing video games increase the chance that children will be violent?

"Playing" is an action verb to describe what someone does with the game, and since there aren't other options, we can also cross this word off.

Does playing video games increase the chance that children will be violent?

While "increase" is getting at the relationship between violence and video games, if you include it, you will prejudice the results because you will be excluding results that talk about video games decreasing violence.

Does playing video games increase the chance that children will be violent?

In the end, we are left with three major concepts in the sentence are:

Video Games

Children

Now you can develop these concepts into search terms that you can use do develop your search strategy.

A variety of words may describe your keywords, so you should brainstorm possible synonyms for them. For example, children and youth are two different words used to describe a similar concept (human beings under the age of 18). If you only entered the term "children" into a search of a database, then you would miss all the articles that deal with "youth." To maximize the number of results you will get in a search, you need to include synonyms. Here is a list of possible synonyms of the keywords we identified:

Video Games	Children
Media	Child	Aggression
Call of Duty	Youth	Cruelty
First person shooting	Infants	Sadism
Left for dead	Teenagers	Brutality
	Kids	Behavior

If you need help generating synonyms for your keywords, try a few searches and look at the language the papers use or look at a thesaurus.

Source and Source

Worksheet This worksheet will help you generate keywords.
Choosing and Using Keywords
Selecting & Using Keywords
One Perfect Source?

<< Previous: Narrowing Your Topic Tips
Next: Developing A Search Strategy >>
Last Updated: Jul 18, 2024 9:17 AM
URL: https://kingsu.libguides.com/research

How to Do Keyword Research for SEO: A Beginner's Guide

Published: April 04, 2024

While Google keeps us on our toes with all the algorithm updates they keep rollin' out, one thing has stayed pretty consistent for inbound marketers looking to optimize their websites for search: keyword research.

In this post, we’ll define what keyword research is, why it’s important, how to conduct your research for your SEO strategy, and choose the right keywords for your website.

Table of Contents

What is keyword research?

Why is keyword research important, elements of keyword research, how to research keywords for your seo strategy, how to find and choose keywords for your website.

Keyword research is the process of finding and analyzing search terms that people enter into search engines with the goal of using that data for a specific purpose, often for search engine optimization (SEO) or general marketing. Keyword research can uncover queries to target, the popularity of these queries, their ranking difficulty, and more.

Keyword research helps you find which keywords are best to target and provides valuable insight into the queries that your target audience is actually searching on Google.

Insights from these actual search terms can help inform your content strategy as well as your larger marketing strategy.

People use keywords to find solutions when conducting research online.

So if your content is successful in getting in front of your audience as they conduct searches, you stand to gain more traffic. Therefore, you should be targeting those searches with content that features those keywords in a meaningful way.

Additionally, inbound methodology focuses less on creating content around what we want to tell people. Instead, we should be creating content around what people want to discover.

In other words, our audience is coming to us for helpful content that provides the answers they’re looking for.

In a nutshell, all of this starts with keyword research.

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Conducting keyword research has many benefits, the most popular being:

Marketing Trend Insight

Conducting effective keyword research can provide you with insights into current marketing trends and help you center your content on relevant topics and keywords your audience is in search of.

Traffic Growth

When you identify the best-fitting keywords for the content you publish, the higher you’ll rank in search engine results — the more traffic you’ll attract to your website.

Customer Acquisition

If your business has content that other business professionals are looking for, you can meet their needs and provide them with a call-to-action that will lead them into the buyer journey from the awareness stage to the point of purchase.

By researching keywords for their popularity, search volume, and general intent, you can tackle the questions that most people in your audience want answers to.

Keywords vs. Topics

More and more, we hear how much SEO has evolved over just the last 10 years and how seemingly unimportant keywords have transformed our ability to rank well for the searches people make every day.

And to some extent, this is true, but in the eyes of an SEO professional, it’s a different approach. Rather, it’s the intent behind that keyword and whether or not a piece of content solves for that intent (we’ll talk more about intent in just a minute).

But that doesn’t mean keyword research is an outdated process. Let me explain:

Keyword research tells you what topics people care about and, assuming you use the right SEO tool, how popular those topics actually are among your audience.

The operative term here is topics, plural. By researching keywords that are getting a high volume of searches per month, you can identify and sort your content into topics or buckets that you want to create content on.

Then, you can use these topics to dictate which keywords you look for and target.

There are three main elements I have discovered that you should pay attention to when conducting keyword research.

1. Relevance

Google ranks content for relevance.

This is where the concept of search intent comes in. Your content will only rank for a keyword if it meets the searchers’ needs.

In addition, your content must be the best resource out there for the query. After all, why would Google rank your content higher if it provides less value than other content that exists on the web?

2. Authority

Google will provide more weight to sources it deems authoritative.

That means you must do all you can to become an authoritative source by enriching your site with helpful, informative content and promoting that content to earn social signals and backlinks.

If you’re not seen as authoritative in the space, or if a keyword’s SERPs are loaded with heavy sources you can’t compete with (like Forbes or The Mayo Clinic), you have a lower chance of ranking unless your content is exceptional.

You may end up ranking on the first page for a specific keyword, but if no one ever searches for it, it will not result in traffic to your site. It's like setting up a shop in a ghost town.

Volume is measured by MSV (monthly search volume), which means the number of times the keyword is searched per month across all audiences.

Make a list of important, relevant topics based on what you know about your business.
Fill in those topic buckets with keywords.
Understand how intent affects keyword research and analyze accordingly.
Research related search terms.
Use keyword research tools to your advantage.

I’m going to lay out a keyword research process you can follow to help you come up with a list of terms you should be targeting.

That way, you’ll be able to establish and execute a strong keyword strategy that helps you get found for the search terms you actually care about.

Step 1. Make a list of important, relevant topics based on what you know about your business.

To kick off this process, think about the topics you want to rank for in terms of generic buckets.

You’ll come up with about five to 10 topic buckets you think are important to your business, and then you’ll use those topic buckets to help come up with some specific keywords later in the process.

If you’re a regular blogger, these are probably the topics you blog about most frequently. Or perhaps they’re the topics that come up the most in sales conversations.

Put yourself in the shoes of your buyer personas . What types of topics would your target audience search that you’d want your business to get found for?

Drill down into your website’s traffic sources, and sift through your organic search traffic bucket to identify the keywords people are using to arrive at your site.

Repeat this exercise for as many topic buckets as you have.

Remember, if you’re having trouble coming up with relevant search terms, you can always head on over to your customer-facing colleagues — those who are in sales or service. Ask them what types of terms their prospects or customers have questions about.

Those are often great starting points for keyword research.

Here at HubSpot, we use the Search Insights Report in this part of the process. This template is designed to help you do the same and bucket your keywords into topic clusters, analyze MSV, and inform your editorial calendar and strategy.

Featured Resource: Search Insights Report Template

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Step 3. Understand how intent affects keyword research and analyze accordingly.

Like I said in the previous section, user intent is now one of the most pivotal factors in your ability to rank well on search engines like Google.

Today, it’s more important that your web page addresses the problem a searcher intended to solve than simply carries the keyword the searcher used. So, how does this affect the keyword research you do?

It’s easy to take keywords at face value, but unfortunately, keywords can have many different meanings beneath the surface.

Because the intent behind a search is so important to your ranking potential, you need to be extra careful about how you interpret the keywords you target.

Let’s say, for example, you’re researching the keyword “how to start a blog” for an article you want to create. “Blog” can mean a blog post or the blog website itself, and what a searcher’s intent is behind that keyword will influence the direction of your article.

Does the searcher want to learn how to start an individual blog post? Or do they want to know how to actually launch a website domain for the purposes of blogging?

If your content strategy is only targeting people interested in the latter, you’ll need to make sure of the keyword’s intent before committing to it.

To verify what a user’s intent is in a keyword, it’s a good idea to simply enter this keyword into a search engine yourself and see what types of results come up.

Make sure the type of content Google is displaying relates to your intention for the keyword.

Step 4. Research related search terms.

This is a creative step you may have already thought of when doing keyword research. If not, it’s a great way to fill out those lists.

If you’re struggling to think of more keywords people might be searching about a specific topic, take a look at the related search terms that appear when you plug in a keyword into Google.

When you type in your phrase and scroll to the bottom of Google’s results, you’ll notice some suggestions for searches related to your original input.

These keywords can spark ideas for other keywords you may want to take into consideration.

The 12 Best Keyword Research Tools to Find the Right Keywords for SEO

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6 Ways That Nonprofits Can Improve Their Keyword Research

How to Figure Out What Keywords Your Potential Customers are Using

The Definition of a Long-Tail Keyword [In Under 100 Words]

Is 2013 the Year Marketers Lose Keyword Research?

7 Keyword Research Mistakes That Stifle Your SEO Strategy

The Ultimate Guide for Mastering Long Tail Search

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Keyword Research: An In-Depth Beginner’s Guide

Keyword research is the foundation of search engine optimization. This guide covers what it is and how you should do keyword research.

Keyword research is the foundation of search engine optimization, and without it, you cannot expect to create sustainable and repeatable visibility.

Today, SEO is a much wider discipline than in the early days of the industry and has been segmented into many verticals.

But, at the core, SEO is about finding opportunities online and capturing relevant traffic to a website through visibility in search engines. Keyword research is at the heart of that SEO strategy.

This guide explains what keyword research is, why it’s important, and how you can make a start for a successful SEO strategy.

What Is Keyword Research?

Keyword research is a process of finding words, queries, and phrases that users are searching for, which means a keyword that has search volume.

Research involves connecting the relevance of keywords to a website and its individual pages so that the user can find the best page to answer their query, known as search intent.

Keyword research also involves categorizing search queries into the different stages of a user journey and different categories of search, such as transactional, navigational, and informational.

Good keyword research enables users to find what they need:

Shoppers who want to buy something can find the right product page.
A user that wants to know ‘how to’ can find a page that explains a process in-depth.
Users who want to research a person or brand can find out about that entity.

Keyword research should also carefully consider if ranking on a keyword is worth the effort it would take to rank highly and get visitors. Not all traffic is equal.

Download the ebook, How To Do Keyword Research For SEO .

Why Keyword Research Is Important For SEO

A search engine is an information retrieval system built around the queries that a user inputs to find an answer or relevant information to their search query.

The predominant focus of Google is to connect a user with the best answer to their query and the best website page so that a user is satisfied. Understanding this underlines SEO.

Good keyword research is the foundation of how a business can connect with its potential customers and audience. Understanding this helps to understand a good SEO strategy.

A business strategy starts with understanding its audience and their needs.

What do they want?
What do they need?
What keeps them awake at night?
What could solve their problem?

Keyword research is an extension of understanding your audience by first considering their needs and then the phrases, keywords, or queries they use to find solutions.

Keyword research is also important for SEO because it can show you where the opportunities are by knowing what your audience is searching for.

This will help you to find new areas of business and to prioritize where to focus attention and resources.

Keyword research will also help you to calculate where you can expect a return on investment to justify your efforts:

Can a keyword deliver relevant traffic that has the possibility to convert to an end goal?
What is an estimation of that traffic, and how much is each visitor worth to your business?

Basically, keyword research is the ultimate business research tool.

Read more: Why Keywords Are Still So Very Important For SEO

Keyword Research Basics

Monthly search volume.

Monthly Search Volume (MSV) is a predominant measure of keyword value. It’s a useful metric as a starting point to consider if anyone is searching for that keyword, but it shouldn’t be used in isolation or as the only measure of value.

Just because a keyword has a high MSV doesn’t mean it is the right keyword for you to rank on.

High-volume keywords generally deliver ‘browsing’ traffic at the top of the funnel. They are useful for brand awareness but not for direct conversion.

Low-volume keywords can be much more valuable because they can deliver users who are ready to buy a product.

Read more: A Complete Guide To Keyword Search Volume For SEO

User Intent

User intent refers to what type of result they want to see when they search for a query – the intention of their search.

You will hear user intent talked about a lot in keyword research, as it is one of the most important factors in the process.

User intent is important in two ways, firstly because your primary aim in creating content and pages on a website are to provide a user with information that they want to know.

There’s no point in creating a page about what you care about – your user only cares about their problems and needs.

You can have the best page in the world about the history of cupcakes, but if a user searching for [cupcake] wants a recipe for cupcakes, then they will not click on your link.

Secondly, Google considers relevance when serving results pages (as we said above, they want to deliver the best result for a query). So, the better your page fits user intent, the better it might rank.

Read more: How People Search: Understanding User Intent

When Google considers which pages it will show in search results, the algorithm will look at other pages that users are clicking on for that query.

If we have a query such as [cupcake], Google has to consider if a user wants to know what a cupcake is, how to make a cupcake, or wants to buy a cupcake.

By looking at a search result page, you can get a good idea of user intent from the other results.

Reviewing the search results page of a query should be part of your research process for every keyword you want to consider.

Keyword relevance and user intent are much the same things. It’s about knowing what the user really means when they search. This is more ambiguous for head keywords and less so for long-tail queries.

Long-Tail keywords

Long-tail keywords are called long-tail because they fall to the right of the search demand curve – where the graph looks like a long tail stretching to the right.

The search demand curve is a graph that shows keywords with high volume to the left and lower search volumes to the right.

Longer queries that are more focused fall to the right. Head terms with broad meaning and high volume fall to the left.

The value of long-tail keywords is that they are usually highly focused terms that convert well, as users are actively looking for something very specific.

For example, [iPhone 13] is a head term with high volume (2.7 million MSV), and [Best affordable iPhone 13 cases] (210 MSV) is a long-tail keyword with far fewer searches but would have a high conversion rate.

Long-tail keywords are useful to include in a keyword strategy because they are usually much easier to rank for and achievable for a new website, and the cumulative volume of many long-tail keywords adds up to considerable targeted traffic.

This is a much more stable strategy than focusing on one high-volume ambiguous keyword.

Read more: Long-Tail Keyword Strategy: Why & How To Target Intent For SEO

Types Of Search Query

There are four types of keywords that are useful to understand as they categorize the different user intents and can help when planning a keyword strategy.

Informational – users looking for information or an answer to a question (top of the funnel).
Navigational – users wanting to find a specific brand, site, or page (brand searches).
Commercial – users researching brands, products, or services (middle of the funnel).
Transactional – users ready to complete a purchase or action (bottom of the funnel).

Local keywords can also be considered another category.

How To Do Keyword Research

Now that you have a better understanding of the basics of keyword research, we can look at where you would start with your research and keyword strategy.

1. How To Find Keyword Ideas

The first stage of keyword research is to brainstorm ideas for seed keywords, and there are several ways to do this.

Your Target Audience

Everything starts with your audience and what they want. Think about their needs, wants, and especially their pain points and problems.

Start to compile your wide list of words, ideas, and topics that surround your niche or business.

Think About Questions

Question-based keyword queries are valuable as they can help you to capture featured snippets and can be a way to jump rank on highly competitive keywords.

Ask your sales team and review CRM data to find the questions that your audience is asking.

Also, think of question modifiers that will start to build out your list:

What [is a road bike].
How to [ride a road bike].
When is [the best time to service a road bike].
What is [the best road bike].
Where is [road bike shop].

Current Site Queries

If your site already has some online history, then Google Search Console can tell you what Google thinks your website is relevant for. This is insightful to tell you if your site is conveying the right message and to find opportunities.

If Google is showing a lot of queries that have nothing to do with your product or brand, then you need to apply more keyword focus to your pages.

Look for queries that are position 10 or greater, have reasonable impressions, and you think are relevant to your business.

These are potential quick-win opportunities that you can capture by making improvements and optimizing pages for the query.

Read more: A Complete Google Search Console Guide For SEO Pros

Competitors’ Keywords

Your competitors are a gold mine of information because they might already have invested in extensive research.

A business should be constantly monitoring its competitors anyway, so keep an eye on what content they are producing and the terms they target.

A keyword gap analysis will help you find opportunities your competitors are targeting that you might not have considered.

Read more: Competitor Keyword Analysis: 5 Ways To Fill The Gaps In Your Organic Strategy & Get More Traffic

Seed Keywords

Start with high-level ‘seed’ keywords that you can use as a starting point to then open up variants and related queries.

Seed keywords are ‘big’ head terms such as [iPhone], [trainers], [road bike], or [cupcake].

For each seed keyword, start to think of topics that are related:

Road bike maintenance.
Road bike training.
Road bike clothing.
Road bike lights.

Also, use question modifiers and buying modifiers such as:

Best [road bike].
Buy [road bike].
Price [for women’s road bike].
[road bikes for hire] near me.
Reviews [of road bikes under $1,000].

When you have finished this process, you should have a raw list of potential keywords grouped in topics – such as maintenance, clothing, training, etc.

2. How To Analyze Keywords

Once you have your raw list, it’s time to start to analyze and sort by value and opportunity.

Search Volume

Search volume will tell you if anyone is actively searching for this term.

For a first-stage strategy, you should aim for keywords with a mid-range and long-tail volume for quick wins and then build up to approach more competitive terms with higher volumes.

Head keywords with super high volumes (like ‘iPhone’) are not the best keywords to focus on as they can be too ambiguous and rarely have a specific intent.

Also, the amount of work that is needed to rank can be too high a barrier for entry unless you have an established domain of significant authority.

If a tool shows a keyword with zero search volume, this doesn’t always mean you should discard the term.

If the keyword is shown in the tool, then there can be value to consider targeting it in your strategy. However, make sure you know your audience and what is relevant to them before you invest resources in a zero-volume keyword.

Read more: Why You Should Target Zero Search Volume Keywords

Search Intent

After you have sorted your raw lists by search volumes, it’s then time to review the intent for each keyword that you would like to target.

The SERP will tell you everything that you need to know, and you should always review SERPs for clues on how to construct content and rank.

Look at the other listing that rank highly:

Are they ‘how-to’ guides that indicate it’s informational?
Do the titles say ‘buy,’ ‘best,’ or include product names?
Is there a shopping carousel that indicates a buying keyword?
Is there a location map that indicates it’s a local search?

Tag each keyword type and then consider which are the strongest keywords from each group.

You can also use a research tool that will tell you the type of keyword.

Topic Clusters

Grouping keywords into topic clusters is an advanced keyword strategy that can help to strengthen the topic authority of a site.

To do this, you would start with a high-volume head keyword and then research a series of keywords that supports that head term.

After creating pages of content that target each keyword, you use internal linking to connect pages with the same topic.

Read more: Keyword Clusters: How To Level Up Your SEO Content Strategy

3. How To Choose Organic Keywords

After sorting the volumes, intent, and topics, you will need to decide if you have a chance of ranking on a term by looking at how much competition there is for each keyword.

Keyword Difficulty

Keyword difficulty is one of the most important keyword metrics when doing your research.

If a keyword is so competitive that you need hundreds of thousands of dollars to rank, then you need to get strategic.

The easiest way to calculate keyword difficulty is to use a research tool that gives a score for each keyword.

Or, you can refer to Google Keyword Planner Tool and look at the CPC and level of difficulty. The higher the CPC bid, the higher the competition.

If you are starting out, first approach the lower competition keywords that are achievable and then build your way up to more competitive terms.

Read more: Why Keyword Research Is Useful For SEO & How To Rank

Connecting To Your Objectives And Goals

Unless a keyword can actually deliver a result for you – do you want to target it?

As we said above, targeting head terms is not the best strategy as they will, at best, deliver browsing or drive-by visitors. Unless you are a big brand with a big budget that is aiming for brand awareness, this is not the best application of your resources and budget.

Choosing your keyword priority should start with what can give you the best return in the shortest time frame.

Good keyword research is not just about trying to target a high-volume popular keyword. A good keyword strategy is about finding the right keywords for your needs and outcome. Always keep that front and center.

Read more: How To Calculate ROI For SEO When Targeting A Set Of Keywords

Watch John Mueller talk about ranking for head keywords in this video from the 38:55 minute mark.

Using Keyword Research Tools

Doing your research without a tool is limited; for the most in-depth keyword research, you need help to find keyword opportunities you had not thought of.

The following keyword research tools are all free versions that you can start out with.

Google Keyword Planner

The original keyword tool has evolved over the years, but it still remains one of the best free keyword tools and a good starting point to find seed keywords and keyword ideas.

The Google tool is aligned with Google Ads, so the data is skewed towards paid ads but is still valuable for research.

You need a Google Ads account to access the tool. Google will try to force you to set up an active campaign, but you can access the account by setting up an account without a campaign.

Without a campaign running, you will only get limited search volumes displayed in ranges, but the tool is still useful for its suggestions of keyword ideas. If you have an active campaign, Google will show you the monthly search volume.

You can add up to 10 seed keywords and get a list of suggested keywords, and run competitor URLs in the tool to find keywords they are targeting. Doing this is a great place to start building out raw lists of keywords to work from.

Read more: How To Use Google Keyword Planner

Read more: 9 Creative Ways To Use Google’s Keyword Planner Tool

Google Trends

Google Trends offers data based on actual search query data. It doesn’t provide search volumes, but the data in Google trends can be compared with actual search volumes from other tools so you can get a comparative feel of what the actual volumes are.

Where Trends excels is to identify trending topics and subtopics in a niche and to find geographic search trends in a local area. Trends will recommend related keywords that are currently growing in popularity.

As part of a keyword strategy, this can show you where to focus resources and when to stop investing in terms.

Read more: How To Use Google Trends For SEO

Google Autocomplete

Previously known as Suggest, Autocomplete is integrated into the Google search box to help users complete their search with what Google calls ‘predictions.’

Google takes its predictions from common searches and trending searches.

As the suggestions are all variations around the topic you are typing, the results shown give you an insight into other related terms that users could be looking for.

Checking the predictions that Google provides in Autocomplete can help you find more variations and keywords to consider.

Read more: Google Autocomplete: A Complete SEO Guide

Answer The Public

Answer The Public is a powerful tool that scrapes data from Google Autocomplete and connects a seed keyword with a variety of modifiers to produce a list of variants.

Answer The Public will quickly provide a list of suggestions, especially based on questions that you can use as a raw list to then review.

Read more: More Free Keyword Research Tools

Paid Keyword Research Tools

Free keyword tools are great to get you started and to create raw lists of keywords that you can then drill into.

However, for the best results, you might want to invest in a paid competitive analysis tool that can help you get monthly search volume and keyword difficulty data.

Some tools will also help with assigning topics and clustering for more advanced keyword strategies.

Anyone who does keyword research in-depth or to an advanced level will have their own process. They will also use a variety of tools and a combination of paid and free resources to get the best results.

Advanced Keyword Strategies

Now that you have an understanding of how to get started with keyword research, experiment with a few different websites and niches. Doing the work yourself is the best way to learn.

Once you have a better understanding in practice, move into more advanced methods and strategies to take your keyword research to the next level.

Advanced Keyword Research

B2B Keyword Research Done Right With Practical Examples
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How to Choose Keywords for a Research Paper
How to Write a Good Abstract and Importance of Keywords in Research Paper
How to do Keyword Research for SEO a beginner's guide
How To Choose Keywords For Your Research Paper
How to Research Keywords: A Step-By-Step Guide to Keyword Research
Keyword Research: An In-Depth Beginner’s Guide

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Types of Research with keywords
How to Do Keyword Research for SEO: The Ultimate Guide
How To Find Topical Keywords with Keywords Everywhere
Part 2 : How and what to write
How to Write an Awesome Research paper (explained in 4 minutes)
What is Keywords Research?

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Q: How to create keywords for a research paper
2. Keywords should ideally be phrases of 2-4 words; single word keywords are acceptable, but they may lead to many false matches. 3. Keywords should contain words and phrases that suggest what the topic is about. Also include words and phrases that are closely related to your topic. (For example, if the paper is about heart diseases, use words ...
PDF Abstract and Keywords Guide, APA Style 7th Edition
KEYWORDS: Keywords need to be descriptive and capture the most important aspects of your paper. They are used for indexing in databases and as search terms for readers. Include three to five words, phrases, or . acronyms as keywords. Keywords Content. Keywords address essential paper elements, such as the following: • research topic ...
How to Choose the Best Keywords for Your Research Paper
1. Avoid Long Phrases and Ambiguity. For keywords in research papers, most journals request phrases that are one to four words in length, meaning no complete sentences. Try using nouns whenever possible, and avoid using conjunctions such as and. It's also worth mentioning that you should avoid using terms that are in your paper's title.
Q: What is the importance of keywords in a research paper?
The purpose of keywords in a research paper is to help other researchers find your paper when they are conducting a search on the topic. Keywords define the field, subfield, topic, research issue, etc. that are covered by the article. Most electronic search engines, databases, or journal websites use keywords to decide whether and when to ...
Prism Explains: What Are Keywords in a Research Paper
Keywords are specific words or phrases that describe the contents of a research paper. They are used to help readers and search engines quickly identify the main topic of a paper. Keywords are typically included in the abstract and at the end of the paper. Keywords are important because they help readers quickly understand the main topic of a ...
Keywords in a Research Paper: The Importance of the Right Choice
Keywords are words or phrases that represent the main topics or ideas presented in a research paper. They help readers and search engines quickly identify the content of the paper and assess its relevance to their interests. In many cases, keywords are included in the paper's abstract, but they can also be listed separately in the paper's ...
LibGuides: How to Write a Research Paper: Identify Keywords
Keywords are important words/concepts found in your research question or thesis. A quick and dirty way to pull keywords from a research question/thesis is to choose the most important nouns; all other words are irrelevant. Using keywords to search will always retrieve more results than phrases or sentences. Image source: Producer.
How to Choose and Use Keywords in Research Papers
However, note that some journals do not advise using keywords that overlap with words used in your research paper title. 2. Add keywords across all sections. Try to use keywords strategically in all sections of your research paper, including the introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion.
A quick guide on how to create keywords for a research paper
Avoid extremely long keywords unless these are well-known phrases in your field. Generally, each keyword should be 4 words or fewer. Avoid broad terms like "study" or "patient.". Make these more precise by stating what type of study or population your paper describes, such as "randomized clinical trial.".
How to Choose Keywords for Research Paper Writing
The purpose of keywords in research paper is to ensure these database s and search engines quickly identify and show your manuscript to users looking for related topics, thereby enabling readers to find your work easily. The importance of keywords in research papers. Let us put this into context by starting with the definition of keywords in ...
Title, Abstract and Keywords
Keywords are a tool to help indexers and search engines find relevant papers. If database search engines can find your journal manuscript, readers will be able to find it too. This will increase the number of people reading your manuscript, and likely lead to more citations. However, to be effective, Keywords must be chosen carefully. They should:
Identify Keywords
The keywords you use have an impact on the results of your research. If the keywords you choose do not give you the results you need, try the others on your list or use the search strategies listed under Step 2. Keywords and phrases can easily be found by scanning . . . your initial research questions
Identify Keywords
Each database has its own set of recognized vocabulary, so having a variety of keywords can help you avoid frustration while searching. Try variations of a keyword, or synonyms. Get additional keywords from the title, abstract, and subject headings of articles. Identifying main concepts within your research question/topic.
Top 10 Rules to Identify Keywords for your Research Paper
In a research paper, keywords are typically included after the abstract section. Abstract: Begin by including a section labelled "Keywords" or "Key Terms" immediately after the abstract. List the keywords in alphabetical order, separated by commas or semicolons.
How to create and format keywords for a research paper?
For example…. If you have used a botanical name as part of the title of the paper (e.g. Zea mays or Oryza sativa), then the corresponding common name will be a good keyword (e.g. maize or rice). If 'renewable energy' is part of your title, you might consider 'sustainable energy' as a keyword. A few more examples are 'adrenaline ...
Guides: Research Tips and Tricks: Breaking Topic Into Keywords
The best method is to create a search strategy using keywords. Begin by examining your research question to determine the major concepts or words with a specific meaning. These terms will form the basis of your search. When picking keywords avoid all minor words ("a," "an," or "the"), and prepositions or verb phrases ("on," "in," or "going to ...
What is Keyword Research & How Do I Get Started?
Keyword research starts with a topic, idea, or head keyword, also called a "seed keyword." This seed can come from your industry knowledge or the products and services you provide, from being an active member in related online forums and groups, or through social listening. For example, if you run a bike shop, your seed keywords may be ...
How to Do Keyword Research for SEO: A Beginner's Guide
Here's how. Step 1. Use Google Keyword Planner to cut down your keyword list. In Google's Keyword Planner, you can get search volume and traffic estimates for keywords you're considering. Then, take the information you learn from Keyword Planner and use Google Trends to fill in some blanks.
Keyword Research: An In-Depth Beginner's Guide
Keyword research is an extension of understanding your audience by first considering their needs and then the phrases, keywords, or queries they use to find solutions. Keyword research is also ...
Title, abstract and keywords: a practical guide to maximize the
We argue that carefully crafting titles, abstracts and keywords is a critical step to increase the visibility and impact of scientific research. Titles, abstracts and keywords are the primary marketing components of any scientific paper, and carefully designing these elements is crucial [ 3 , 4 ].
Keyword Research for SEO: The Definitive Guide + Template
Here's a quick way to evaluate a keyword's competition level. First, search for your keyword in Google. Then, look at the sites ranking on the first page. (Not individual pages.) If the first page is made up of uber authority sites (like Wikipedia), then you might want to cross that keyword off from your list:
Keyword Research: The Beginner's Guide by Ahrefs
1. Brainstorm "seed" keywords. Seed keywords are the starting point of your keyword research process. They define your niche and help you identify your competitors. Every keyword research tool asks for a seed keyword, which it then uses to generate a huge list of keyword ideas (more on that shortly).
What Are SEO Keywords? Simple Keyword Research That Works
SEO keywords (also known as "keywords" or "keyphrases") are terms added to online content in order to improve search engine rankings for those terms. Most keywords are discovered during the keyword research process and are chosen based on a combination of search volume, competition and commercial intent.
What is Keyword Research? A Complete Guide
Keyword research is the process by which you research popular search terms people type into search engines like Google, and include them strategically in your content so that your content appears higher on a search engine. results page (SERP). Keyword research is a fundamental practice in search engine optimization (SEO).

How to Choose the Best Keywords for Your Research Paper

Why Are Keywords Important?

Strategies for Choosing Robust Keywords

2. Consider Your Audience

3. Identify Core Concepts

4. Consult Similar Research

5. Use Synonyms and Variations

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6. Include Acronyms and Abbreviations

7. Test Your Keywords for Optimal Results

Where Are Keywords Included in a Paper?

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Prism Explains: What Are Keywords in a Research Paper

Understanding Keywords

Types of Keywords

Keyword Relevance and Selection

Keyword Placement in Research Papers

Title and Abstract

Main Body and Conclusion

Keyword Optimization Strategies

Using Thesauri and Academic Databases

Balancing Specificity and Broadness

Avoiding Overused Terms and Jargon

Keyword Usage in Manuscript Submission

Adhering to Journal Requirements

Keywords and Citations

Evaluating Keyword Effectiveness

Revising Keywords Post-Publication

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Keywords in a Research Paper: The Importance of the Right Choice

What are Research Paper Keywords?

Importance of Keywords in a Research Paper

How to Choose the Right Keywords in a Research Paper

Follow any instructions your target journal provides regarding keywords

Think about what terms you would use to search for papers related to your topic

Avoid using terms already present in your research paper’s title

If your research involves a key method or technique, put the term either in your title or your keywords

Think of generally used alternate terms to the ones found in your title

Test your keywords before submitting your paper

Use keyword generators with caution

Best Practices for Using Keywords in a Research Paper

Include relevant keywords throughout the paper

Be specific and concise when choosing keywords

Choose keywords that accurately reflect the content of the paper

Include synonyms and related terms when possible

Tools for Generating Keywords for Research Papers

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What Are Keywords?

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How to Choose and Use Keywords in Research Papers

How to choose keywords in research papers

How to include keywords in research papers

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