Keyword ABCs – Accurate, Brief and Concise

The History of “Keywords”
Though many may not recall, the first use of “keywords” began in the early days of databasing software, particularly relational databases. Databases are information sources that contain information on sales, contacts, vendors, addresses, medical diagnoses, employee personnel data and any data that required tracking of specific types of information. The first databases had no relational aspect to them. Thus, they were akin to lists without a way to sort information adequately or to focus on a specific type of information contained in the data stored in databases.

The first feature to arrive on the datamining scene was the “sort” feature. Soon after, it was obvious that something was needed to set the priorities of the sort. Next came the “query” with one very signification feature missing: keywords. Keywords originated as the name implies as a key to finding a specific detail from among millions of others.

Once database software logic took off into spreadsheets, it was inevitable that search engines would borrow the “keyword” logic as the basis of allowing search engine users to find what they were seeking without wading through myriads of information, some of which might be duplications.

Keywords Today
Search engines use algorithms to determine the significance of the words used in web content for websites and blogs. The algorithms then place those words as “keys” to faster searches by users in their search formulas according to the percentage of keyword strength. This is how search engine optimization (SEO) began. It is how SEO continues to assist users to reach the most helpful information with the least number of pages of records, sometimes referred to as “hits”.

The Importance of Keywords In Online Marketing and Advertising
Human instinct is to get what’s needed as quickly as possible to satisfy the overwhelming sense of need. Users will nearly always review the results of a search using the keywords they entered into the query bar by process of elimination: If the search returns more than three pages, the first will get the most attention, while pages 2 and 3 may not. This gives an idea of the importance of using keywords as accurately and powerfully as possible.

Keywords In Human Speech
Whether we take note of it or not, every sentence or bit of dialogue spoken by humans is punctuated by keywords. Each time a dignitary makes a speech before the public, the number of times a specific word is spoken is interpreted by others as a symbolism. Until the advent of keywords used in SEO, this went largely unnoticed. Now, every writer, speaker and journalist reviews their work for keywords in order to present the most concise communication.

Communication – That’s What Keywords Are All About
Although benign by comparison to keywords in a speech, keywords in SEO for marketing and online use can make or break a business or blog. The sole purpose of keywords in any SEO content is so that the search engine will give the best ranking, ideally the first or second page of a search engine query result. The rule of thumb for keywords is like the ABCs – accurate, brief and concise.