N-gram analysis examines word sequence patterns in top-ranking content. Identify common phrases and terminology patterns competitors use to understand language that resonates with your audience.
Why N-gram Analysis Matters
N-gram analysis is a foundational concept in modern SEO because it enables search engines to move past an outdated approach of simply counting keywords. Instead of just seeing the word “SEO,” a search engine can use n-grams to understand phrases like “what is SEO” or “SEO best practices.” This is a key part of how search algorithms, particularly those powered by machine learning like RankBrain, can:
- Understand Context: It allows search engines to interpret the nuances of a user’s search query, moving beyond simple keyword matching to understand the user’s true intent.
- Assess Content Quality: It helps search engines evaluate the quality of a page by looking at its semantic relevance and its topical authority.
- Provide Better Results: It allows search engines to provide more relevant and helpful results, which can lead to a lower bounce rate and a higher click-through rate.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The management of n-gram analysis is a content and technical SEO strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress users can optimize for n-gram analysis by creating high-quality, in-depth content that is relevant to a user’s search intent. A good SEO plugin can help you analyze your content and ensure you are using a variety of keywords that are relevant to your content.
Shopify
On Shopify, n-gram analysis is a key part of how search engines understand a website’s authority. You can optimize for it by providing clear, consistent, and accurate information about your products. You should also ensure your Google Business Profile is complete and up-to-date, as Google often pulls information from there.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still optimize for n-gram analysis. 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 SEO strategy. You can use it to create a perfectly structured page that is optimized for a specific keyword or set of keywords.
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 SEO performance and provides your content creators with data-driven insights.
Across Different Industries
The way you use n-gram analysis will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites can optimize for n-gram analysis by providing high-quality, in-depth content that is relevant to a user’s search intent. This can lead to a rich result in search results.
Local Businesses
Local businesses can optimize for n-gram analysis by providing clear, consistent, and accurate information about their business. This can lead to a prominent Knowledge Panel in search results.
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can optimize for n-gram analysis by providing high-quality, in-depth content that is relevant to a user’s search intent. This can lead to a rich result in search results.
Blogs
Blogs can optimize for n-gram analysis by providing high-quality, in-depth content that is relevant to a user’s search intent. This can lead to a more prominent listing in search results.
Dos and Don’ts of N-gram Analysis
- Focus on topical authority: Create a comprehensive and authoritative body of content that covers a topic from all angles.
- Use a variety of keywords: A good SEO strategy includes a mix of short-tail, long-tail, and user-intent keywords.
- Write for your target audience: The best content is written with the reader in mind.
- Avoid keyword stuffing: This is a dated tactic that can harm your SEO.
- Avoid using a keyword that is not relevant to your content: A keyword should be relevant to your products or services.
- Avoid focusing on a single keyword: This is a risky and outdated approach.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to create high-quality, in-depth content: This is the most common mistake. A low-quality page can be seen as a negative signal by machine learning algorithms.
- Ignoring a user’s intent: A keyword should be used with a user’s intent in mind.
- Focusing on short-tail keywords alone: Long-tail keywords are often easier to rank for and can be a great source of organic traffic.
FAQs
How does n-gram analysis in SEO affect a website’s rankings?
N-gram analysis affects a website’s rankings by helping search engines understand a page’s true topical relevance and its authority. A page that is optimized for n-gram analysis is more likely to be seen as a high-quality resource and is more likely to rank higher in search results.
What is the difference between an n-gram and a keyword?
A keyword is a word or a phrase that a user enters into a search engine. An n-gram is a sequence of words that is used to analyze the content of a webpage.
What is a “long-tail” keyword?
A long-tail keyword is a long and specific keyword phrase that a user is searching for. These are often easier to rank for and can be a great source of organic traffic.
How can I test my website’s n-gram performance?
You can test your website’s n-gram performance by using a variety of tools. You can also use a tool that can provide a list of related terms and phrases that you should consider using in your content.
What is the difference between n-gram analysis and keyword density?
N-gram analysis is a process that looks at the semantic relationships between words and concepts. Keyword density is a quantitative metric that measures how often a keyword appears on a page. N-gram analysis is a more sophisticated and modern approach.
