Splits words into subword units → enables handling of rare words in search queries & content indexing.
Have you noticed that Google can understand words it has never seen before, like new slang or a complicated product name? It is amazing how smart the search engine has become at recognizing every bit of text.
I want to share the secret to this amazing understanding, which comes from breaking words down into smaller, meaningful pieces.
I will explain What is WordPiece Tokenization (BERT)? and give you simple, actionable tips to write content that aligns perfectly with Google’s advanced systems.
What is WordPiece Tokenization (BERT)?
What is WordPiece Tokenization (BERT)? is a technique that Google’s powerful BERT model uses to split words into smaller parts, or “tokens,” when reading your content.
For example, the word “unbelievable” might be split into “un,” “believe,” and “able.”
This allows the search engine to understand the meaning of a whole new word by recognizing the smaller, common pieces it is made of.
Impact on CMS Platforms
This is a deeper concept about word structure, but I still use it to guide how I write and structure my content on every platform.
WordPress
In WordPress, I focus on using descriptive, compound words that clearly explain my topic.
I do not just use “shoes”; I use “waterproof hiking boots” because it is rich with smaller, clear tokens.
I ensure my writing is clear and precise, giving the tokenizer the best possible building blocks to understand my subject.
Shopify
For Shopify, I apply the WordPiece idea by creating product titles that are rich in clear, descriptive adjectives and nouns.
I use full, descriptive names like “stainless-steel coffee-maker,” ensuring the search engine sees those strong, meaningful parts.
This helps the product rank for many different combinations of searches, even very specific ones.
Wix and Webflow
With these flexible platforms, I make sure my unique value proposition is communicated using unambiguous words.
I avoid overly clever or vague marketing language that is hard to break down into meaningful tokens.
I use clear, direct sentences that give the tokenizer obvious connections and meanings.
Custom CMS
On a custom system, I tell my team to make sure the templates do not hide important descriptive text in ways Google cannot read easily.
I focus on placing rich, descriptive phrases directly in the main body text, where they are easily tokenized.
I ensure that all unique technical terms or product names are spelled consistently across the entire site.
WordPiece in Various Industries
I use this concept to ensure the search engines always understand the precise nature of the business.
Ecommerce
I use WordPiece ideas to make sure my product details are fully searchable, even for rare combinations.
I include technical specs and features using descriptive compound terms like “low-friction,” “self-adjusting,” or “impact-resistant.”
This helps the page rank when shoppers search for items using complicated, descriptive language.
Local Businesses
I apply WordPiece by being very specific about my services and location.
I make sure my service descriptions include specific, token-rich terms like “residential emergency-plumbing repair.”
This clarity ensures Google correctly matches my detailed local service with complex user searches.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
For software, I ensure that all features are described using powerful, clear action words.
I use phrases like “automated data-syncing” or “customizable report-builder” on the feature pages.
This gives the tokenizer strong meaning and relevance for users seeking advanced software capabilities.
Blogs
In blog content, I use WordPiece principles to write rich, descriptive titles that leave no doubt about the topic.
I use titles like “The Ultimate Beginner’s Self-Help Guidebook” instead of vague, single-word titles.
This helps my article rank for a wider variety of long-tail questions and educational queries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my writing style because of this?
You do not need to change your style, but you should aim for clear, descriptive language.
Avoid too much slang or confusing jargon that the tokenizer might struggle to break down.
Just focus on writing naturally but with a lot of detail and precision.
Does WordPiece Tokenization help with new keywords?
Yes, this is one of its biggest strengths for search engines.
If you invent a new product name, the tokenizer can break it into familiar parts and still understand the meaning.
It means your new content has a better chance of ranking quickly, even if it uses unique terms.
Should I add hyphens to words myself to help?
No, I advise against manually adding hyphens to try and influence the tokenizer.
Just write naturally; the model is smart enough to handle most words correctly without manual help.
Focus your effort on using highly descriptive, clear language instead.
