The root form of a keyword that can be modified into variations (e.g., “run” → “running,” “runner”).
Why a Keyword Stem Matters
A keyword stem matters because it helps you understand a user’s search intent at a deeper level. While a user may search for a variety of terms, such as “run,” “running shoes,” or “ran,” the core intent is often the same. By optimizing your content for a keyword stem, you can capture a wider range of search queries and a larger audience. It’s a key part of building topical authority and a resilient SEO strategy. A website that is optimized for a keyword stem is more likely to be seen as a comprehensive and authoritative resource for a given topic.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The management of a keyword stem is a content strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress users can easily implement a keyword stem strategy by using a good SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math. These plugins can help you analyze your content and ensure you are using a variety of keywords that share a common stem.
Shopify
On Shopify, a keyword stem strategy is essential for your product descriptions and blog posts. You can use a keyword research tool to find the terms your customers are using and then use them in your product titles, descriptions, and collections to improve your visibility in search results.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still optimize for a keyword stem. The platform’s built-in SEO tools make it easy to manage your titles, meta descriptions, and on-page content.
Webflow
Webflow gives you granular control over your website’s design and code, which is perfect for a sophisticated keyword stem strategy. You can use it to create a perfectly structured page that is optimized for a wide range of keywords that share a common stem.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, you have the most control but also the most responsibility. You can build a system that automatically tracks and analyzes your keyword performance and provides your content creators with data-driven insights.
Across Different Industries
The way you use a keyword stem will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites can use a keyword stem to attract a wider audience. For example, a site that sells “running shoes” can use a keyword stem strategy to attract customers who are searching for “run,” “ran,” and “runner.”
Local Businesses
Local businesses can use a keyword stem to attract a wider audience. A plumber, for example, can use a keyword stem strategy to attract customers who are searching for “plumb,” “plumbing,” or “plumber.”
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can use a keyword stem to attract a wider audience. A company that sells project management software can use a keyword stem strategy to attract customers who are searching for “project,” “projects,” or “project management.”
Blogs
Blogs are a great way to capitalize on a keyword stem. A blog about cooking can use a keyword stem strategy to attract readers who are searching for “cook,” “cooking,” or “cooked.”
Do’s and Don’ts of a Keyword Stem
Do’s
- Do use a variety of keywords that share a common stem. This is a great way to attract a wider audience.
- Do use a keyword stem to inform your content strategy. It can help you find new content ideas and to create more comprehensive content.
- Do use a tool to analyze your keyword stems. A tool can help you find all the related keywords that share a common stem.
Don’ts
- Don’t use a keyword stem alone. It should be used in conjunction with a variety of keywords that are relevant to your content.
- Don’t use keyword stuffing. This is a dated tactic that can harm your SEO.
- Don’t ignore a user’s intent. A keyword should be used with a user’s intent in mind.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to use a variety of keywords: This can limit your visibility and your organic traffic.
- Ignoring a user’s intent: A keyword should be used with a user’s intent in mind.
- Focusing on a single keyword: This is a risky and outdated approach.
FAQs
How is a keyword stem different from a keyword variation?
A keyword stem is the root or core of a keyword, while a keyword variation is a keyword that is formed from a keyword stem. For example, “run” is a keyword stem, and “running” is a keyword variation.
Does a keyword stem help with my SEO?
Yes, a keyword stem can help with your SEO by allowing you to capture a wider range of search queries. It is a key part of building topical authority and a resilient SEO strategy.
What is the best way to use a keyword stem?
The best way to use a keyword stem is to use it in conjunction with a variety of keywords that are relevant to your content. You should use your keyword stem and its variations in your title, meta description, and body content.
Can a website with a small number of pages use a keyword stem strategy?
Yes, a website with a small number of pages can use a keyword stem strategy. It is a strategic approach to keyword research and can be used to inform your content strategy.
How many keywords should be in a keyword stem?
There is no magic number. A good keyword stem includes a mix of short-tail, long-tail, and user-intent keywords. The number of keywords will depend on your industry and your goals.
