Creating a Semantic Core

Creating a semantic core (SC) is a crucial step in the SEO optimization of a website. It forms the foundation for the entire promotion strategy. A properly selected semantic core, based on the interests of the target audience and business needs, enables the development of an effective marketing strategy. This enhances the website's visibility in search engines and increases conversions from target users.

In this article, we will explore what a semantic core is, how to create it correctly, the tools that can assist in the process, and its importance for developing a marketing strategy (SEO, Google Ads, etc.).

What Is a Semantic Core?

A semantic core is a list of keywords, phrases, and combinations that most accurately reflect a company’s activities. These are the terms users type into search engines to find relevant information, services, or products.

Depending on demand, the semantic core may include high-frequency, mid-frequency, and low-frequency queries:

• High-Frequency (HF) Queries. These are the most in-demand queries, usually with over 10,000 searches per month.* Advertising or promotion targeting HF queries can reach a broader audience, though it may also attract irrelevant traffic. Additionally, achieving top search rankings for these queries requires substantial budgets.

• Mid-Frequency (MF) Queries. These are more specific than HF queries, usually consisting of 2-3 words, with search volumes ranging from 500 to 10,000 per month.* Targeting MF queries allows for greater specificity in addressing user intent. They are less competitive, enabling quicker achievement of higher rankings and results.

• Low-Frequency (LF) Queries. Known as "long-tail" keywords, these usually consist of 3–5 or more words, with search volumes below 100 per month.* Despite their low demand, LF queries allow for quick and relatively easy top rankings, such as in the top 3 or top 1. However, they are unlikely to drive significant traffic to your website.

*The figures given are notional and usually depend on the competitiveness of the niche in the selected region

When creating a semantic core, it is essential to use a balanced combination of HF, MF, and LF queries based on your goals, budget, and niche competitiveness. This ensures optimal reach, maximum orders, and an effective marketing strategy within budget constraints.

Why Is a Semantic Core Necessary?

The semantic core serves as the strategic foundation for effective SEO and many other marketing efforts.

Key Applications of a Semantic Core:

1. Website Promotion

• SEO optimization of site pages relies on relevant keyword selection.
• Site structure is often developed based on grouped keywords.
• It serves as the basis for creating a content plan for writing targeted website articles.
• Internal linking (on-site links) using keywords optimizes navigation and prioritizes key pages.

2. Google Ads Setup

Analyzing and structuring the semantic core, along with identifying negative keywords, helps select targeted queries for ad campaigns, define ad budgets, and focus campaigns.

3. YouTube Video Optimization

The semantic core aids in naming videos and assigning relevant tags. Properly chosen keywords in video descriptions influence rankings and the frequency of viewer engagement.

How to Build a Semantic Core

To build a semantic core, you can use various tools and platforms such as Ahrefs, Serpstat, SE Ranking, Keyword Tool, and Google Keyword Planner. Additionally, analyzing competitors’ semantic cores and using Google suggestions can enhance relevance.

Tools Overview:

1. Serpstat

A multifunctional platform for SEO, PPC, link building, and marketing professionals. It offers various pricing plans, including a 7-day free trial. Features like "Keyword Selection," "Similar Phrases," and "Competitors" help analyze keywords and competitors efficiently.

The service also allows you to analyze competitors in the desired niche. To do this, you need to select the “Competitors” item in the menu and enter a query on the selected topic into the search engine.

Then click on one of the links with the competitor's name in the table. On the detailed page go to the “Keyphrase Metrics” block, and clicking the “Show more keyphrases” link will give you a list of keyphrases that can be exported for further analysis and application.

2. Ahrefs

A powerful SEO tool for keyword research, domain ranking analysis, competitor research, and more. It provides various pricing options depending on the required features.

3. SE Ranking

A cloud platform that integrates with Search Console and Google Analytics. Its "Keyword Research" tool delivers similar queries, their frequency, and difficulty. Free trial and tiered pricing plans are available.

4. Keyword Tool

An intuitive platform that generates up to 750 keywords per search query in its free version. A 7-day trial and paid options enable deeper analysis.

5. Google Keyword Planner

A free tool embedded in Google Ads that helps identify search terms, predict their performance, and analyze seasonality. The tool provides keyword suggestions, search volumes, competition levels, and CPC data.

As a result, we get: a list of keyword variants, data on the average number of queries, competition level, cost per click (for forecasting the budget of the advertising office), as well as a diagram that can be used to track changes in demand depending on the time period. The obtained results can be uploaded in any convenient format (Google tables, CSV and other formats).

Stages of Semantic Core Creation

• Search and Collection of Keywords. Gather all potential keywords using tools and analyze competitors’ keywords for additional insights.
• Filtering Irrelevant Keywords. Remove irrelevant, low-quality, or non-commercial queries to create a precise and effective core.
• Keyword Clustering. Group keywords based on themes and target pages. Clustering ensures relevant search results and prevents ranking issues.
  Methods:

• Manual Clustering: Best for up to 100 keywords, using tools like Excel or Google Sheets.
• Automated Clustering: Efficient for large-scale projects using platforms like SE Ranking or Serpstat.

Combining both methods can maximize efficiency and logical keyword grouping.

Creating a semantic core is a fundamental step in SEO optimization. Its quality determines the success of your strategy. While various tools are available for semantic core development, entrusting the process to professionals ensures the best results.

If you're interested in building a semantic core and developing an effective online strategy for your business, leave a request on our website! Our experts will help you collect and structure your site's keywords and create a successful marketing strategy.