Question regarding primary and secondary keyword handling

Let's say we have multiple keywords that a product is tagged with. I am facing three scenarios:
  1. Creating a landing page for a high performing keyword to target the search volume efficiently.
  2. Considering long-tail keywords and the possibility of keyword cannibalization if we create separate landing pages for each.
  3. Ranking for long-tail keywords that are not directly related to the primary keyword.

For example, let’s consider the hypothetical keywords SEO and search optimization. If we have a landing page for SEO, how should we address “search optimization”? Should we remove it or create a separate landing page to redirect traffic to the primary keyword?

I would appreciate your insights on this matter.

It’s crucial to strategically handle multiple keywords to maximize your website’s visibility and organic traffic. Here’s a breakdown of your scenarios:

1. High-Performing Keyword Landing Page:
Focus your efforts on crafting a high-quality landing page optimized for your primary, high-performing keyword (e.g., “SEO”). This page should comprehensively address the user intent associated with that keyword. Avoid cluttering it with other keywords, as it can dilute the page’s relevance and potentially hinder its ranking.

2. Long-Tail Keywords and Cannibalization:
Long-tail keywords, while typically having lower search volume, can target highly specific user intent. While creating separate landing pages for each can increase your website’s reach, it also risks keyword cannibalization. To avoid this:

  • Analyze user intent: Determine if the long-tail keywords are truly unique or if they simply represent variations of your primary keyword.
  • Cluster similar keywords: Group related long-tail keywords under the primary keyword’s landing page. This ensures that all relevant content is consolidated, preventing internal competition.

3. Ranking for Unrelated Long-Tail Keywords:
Targeting long-tail keywords unrelated to your primary keyword can broaden your website’s reach. However, it’s essential to avoid irrelevant content on your primary keyword landing page.

  • Create dedicated pages: Develop separate landing pages specifically tailored to these unrelated keywords. This allows you to cater to different user intents and maintain the relevance of your primary keyword page.

Regarding your example (SEO and Search Optimization):

  • Analyze the search intent: Do “search optimization” queries predominantly seek the same information as “SEO” queries? If so, you might be able to incorporate “search optimization” as a secondary keyword on your SEO landing page.
  • Consider the volume: Does “search optimization” have significant search volume? If so, consider creating a separate landing page to target this specific term, especially if it represents a distinct user intent.

Remember that ongoing keyword research and analysis are essential. Continuously monitor your keyword performance, adjust your strategy as needed, and leverage data to refine your approach for optimal SEO success.