What is a semantic core and how to collect it

The semantic core (SC) is an organized set of target words and phrases that define the topic of your website. A well-collected and clustered semantic core helps attract targeted traffic and provides both users and search engines with a clear understanding of your website’s purpose.

However, semantics is not just a collection of words; it’s an art of working with content. To develop an effective SEO strategy, you must carefully collect the semantic core, filter out irrelevant queries, divide them into clusters, and seamlessly integrate them into your content, maintaining the right density and organic flow.

What does a semantic core consist of?

A well-developed semantic core includes:

Keywords (queries) in all variations: high-frequency, mid-frequency, and low-frequency queries.
Longtails: narrowly targeted keys with 3-5+ words that precisely address your audience’s needs.
Informational queries: keys answering questions or providing useful information, e.g., “How to find the best SEO agency?”
Commercial keys: queries like “order,” “buy,” or “acquire,” targeting specific actions.
Local keys: essential for local SEO to help users find nearby locations.
Branded keys: including brand or product names, e.g., “SEO agency andFlint.”

When collecting a semantic core, analyze each element carefully to create the perfect combination.

Advice from &Flint: Don’t ignore zero-frequency queries! They may have low competition and lead to high conversion rates.

How to build a semantic core?

To create a semantic core that works:

Define the topic and niche: Understand your site’s focus and the products or services it offers.
Collect keywords: Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Surfer SEO to gather query data, including frequency, difficulty, and competition.
Analyze competitors: Study what top-ranking competitors are doing. Tools like Ahrefs can reveal additional keywords not captured elsewhere.
Cluster keywords: Group collected queries by topic to create meaningful content for each page or section. This improves both navigation and traffic.

Note: Semantics evolve, so regularly updating your semantic core should be part of your ongoing SEO strategy.

Why is the semantic core important for your website?

The semantic core isn’t just a tool to complicate SEO work—it’s a critical element of effective promotion and optimization.

Content optimization

Relevance: A semantic core ensures your content meets user needs.
Structurization: Keywords help logically organize content across relevant pages, improving user experience.

Improving search rankings

Ranking: A relevant semantic core boosts your site’s position in search results.
Targeting: Specific queries attract a broader, targeted audience.

Developing a content strategy

Thematic focus: The semantic core defines main topics and subtopics for content.
Content planning: A semantic core supports a systematic content plan, ensuring consistency and relevance.

Enhancing content quality

Relevance: Precise search query integration improves user satisfaction.
Navigation: Well-clustered queries make site navigation more intuitive.

How to create a high-quality semantic core that performs well?

A high-quality semantic core requires time and attention to detail. Use these tips:

Leverage top tools: Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Surfer SEO can help cover the widest range of queries.
Prioritize diversity: Use a mix of informational, commercial, navigational, and local keywords for each page.
Cluster logically: Group queries by topic, and remove irrelevant or competitor-branded queries.
Analyze competitors: Learn from their tested strategies and improve upon them.
Use LSI: Incorporate synonyms and related topics to capture more search variations.
Develop a detailed content plan: Write content briefs considering semantics, including meta tags, word count, and anchor text.
Optimize existing content: Refine old texts using new semantics, maintaining a keyword density of 1-2% for natural readability.

&Flint’s tip: Don’t focus solely on high-frequency queries. Low-frequency queries, when used effectively, can drive significant conversions.

Semantics are the foundation of your SEO strategy

A well-crafted semantic core will elevate your site, making the time spent on its creation and analysis worthwhile. For a perfectly optimized semantic core, a well-thought-out content strategy, and consistent project promotion, trust professionals. The &Flint team specializes in high-risk industries and is ready to leverage its expertise for your success!