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Semantic search is a feature of search engines that allow you to find specific items by their meaning. For example, if you type “dog breeds” into a Google search, you would get results for breeds of dogs, as well as dog breeds in general. This is because the meaning of each word in a sentence is determined by the context in which it is used.
How does semantic search work?
In a nutshell, semantic search is the process of assigning meaning to words. We do this all the time with each other in conversation, but it’s especially important in search engine optimization (SEO).
Semantic search goes by many names, including natural language processing (NLP), text analytics, and information retrieval. These terms can be a little overwhelming so let’s break it down into smaller pieces to help you better understand what semantic search is.
Semantic Search: NLP
Semantic search is a method that uses natural language processing to identify keywords, organize content, and create an index for a website.
Natural language processing is the process of converting textual data into a computer-understandable format. This type of searching helps find specific terms or phrases on websites or within documents because computers are able to understand what the author means when they write something.
For example, when someone searches “how to throw a baseball,” they’re asking Google to find out how they can learn how to throw a baseball as opposed to doing research on “baseball.” The difference between these two queries is that the first query would be answered by finding general steps and tips on throwing.
How can you use semantic search to your advantage?
Semantic search is an alternative form of search. It goes beyond the traditional keyword-based searches that we’re used to by using natural language processing (NLP) to understand not just what a user is searching for, but how they are asking for it.
This allows sites to deliver personalized experiences based on keyword intent rather than key words. NLP analyzes the actual words in a sentence and then uses a computer algorithm to decipher what the user meant by those words.
As you can imagine, this has powerful implications for SEO. By using semantic search, you’ll be able to get your content ranked higher because there are more ways to describe what your site is about without having to use a keyword in your title or description tags. You’ll also be able to collect more data about your website’s visitors as well as their interests, so you can target them with ads and other content that will best appeal to them.
Another way semantic search can help your SEO strategy is by giving you access to more accurate analytics tools. With these tools, you’ll be able to see which keywords work best for your business and refine your marketing strategies accordingly.
Does this make sense? If it does, then it’s time for you take advantage of semantic search.
What are the benefits of using semantic search?
Semantic search has been around for a few years now, but it’s only recently that it’s really taken off. What does semantic search mean? Using semantic search means using natural language processing to analyze what is on the web, rather than just keywords.
The main benefit of using semantic search? Your website is more likely to be found in the results of someone’s online search. What does this mean? People who are searching for something will find your website if they’re looking at content based on words that are related to the topic they’re interested in.
All you have to do is use keywords that are related to your business, and your website will appear in the right results instead of being buried in an irrelevant list of websites.
By using semantic search, you may also be able to discover new opportunities for your business! This is because natural language processing can help you find new ways of connecting people with your brand or products related to their interests and needs. If you use these insights as well as other online marketing methods, then you’ll find yourself a step ahead of competitors and emerging from obscurity!
What are the drawbacks of using semantic search?
The benefits of searching with a keyword can be outweighed by the costs.
Consider this scenario: You’re trying to buy a new phone online and you have no idea what’s available. The list of options is almost overwhelming, but the primary benefit of semantic search is that it helps narrow down your choices.
By entering your request into Google, you’ll see pages full of suggestions based on the keywords used in your query. As a result, you’ll be presented with a shorter list of options, which will help you find the perfect device more easily.
But just because semantic search aids in finding the perfect product doesn’t mean that it’s without its drawbacks. One disadvantage is that there are often many different meanings for certain words or phrases.
Last Updated on December 23, 2021
Aires Loutsaris is a content marketing specialist working with some of the world’s biggest VC funded startups and eCommerce companies. He has 15 years of experience in organic search optimisation and content writing with over 2500 students enrolled in his Udemy SEO course. An ex-head of two award-winning agencies, he has lectured at the University of the Arts, London College of Fashion on content marketing and has consulted for all three of the Universities he studied at: The Open University, The University of Hull and Kings College University of London. Feel free to connect with Aires on LinkedIn or Facebook.