What are Generic Keywords?
When you start exploring the world of website promotion, one of the first concepts you’ll encounter is “generic keywords.” But what does that mean exactly? Well, generic keywords are keywords or phrases that represent broad and general topics. They are characterized by a very high search volume, which means that many people search for them on search engines like Google.
You can think of generic keywords as a large umbrella that covers an entire field. For example, if you sell shoes, a generic keyword could simply be “shoes.” If you offer hosting services, a generic term would be “hotels.” And if you are in the insurance business, then “insurance” is a classic example of a generic keyword.
One of the most prominent features of generic keywords is the high competition for them. Because they are so popular, a lot of websites are trying to rank high in search results for these terms. This makes the task particularly difficult, especially for new or small sites.
Another disadvantage of generic keywords is that they are less focused on conversions. That is, although they can bring a lot of traffic to your site, not all of that traffic will turn into paying customers. This is because people searching for generic terms are often in an early stage of their search. They still don’t know exactly what they want, and they’re just trying to get a general idea of the topic.
Let’s take the term “shoes” as an example. Someone searching for this term may be interested in a wide range of things: sports shoes, evening shoes, children’s shoes, work shoes, etc. Therefore, it is very difficult to know exactly what that person is looking for, and it is more difficult to provide them with the appropriate content.
In summary, generic keywords are broad and popular keywords, but they are also very competitive and less focused on conversions. It is important to understand their advantages and disadvantages before you decide to use them in your SEO strategy.
What are Focused Keywords?
After diving into the world of generic keywords, it’s time to get to know the other side of the coin: focused keywords, or by their other, more familiar name, Long-Tail Keywords. If generic terms are the broad umbrella, focused terms are like a laser beam – more precise, focused, and effective in achieving the goal.
Focused keywords are longer, more specific phrases with a lower search volume than generic keywords. They focus on a specific niche, a specific product, or solving a very specific problem. For example, instead of “shoes,” a focused term could be “women’s running shoes size 40.” Instead of “hotels,” a focused term could be “boutique hotels in Tel Aviv with a pool.” And instead of “insurance,” a focused term could be “car insurance for students.”
One of the great advantages of focused keywords is the lower competition for them. Because they are less popular than generic terms, fewer websites are trying to rank high in search results for them. This makes it easier for you, especially if you are a new or small site, to reach the first page of Google.
Another advantage, no less important, is the higher conversion potential of focused keywords. People searching for such terms are usually at a more advanced stage of their search. They know exactly what they want, and they are looking for a specific solution to their problem. This means they are more likely to make a purchase or contact your business.
Let’s go back to our example with “shoes”. If someone is looking for “women’s running shoes size 40”, they probably already know what kind of shoes they want, and what their size is. If your site offers exactly those shoes, you have a very good chance of selling them.
In short, focused keywords are your way to reach the right customers, at the right time, with the right offer. They may not bring you the same amount of traffic as generic terms, but the traffic they bring will be much more quality and focused. Don’t forget to check your [keywords](#ביטויי מפתח).
What is the Main Difference Between Generic and Focused Keywords?
After understanding what generic keywords are and what focused keywords are, it’s time to sort things out a bit and see what the main differences between them are. You can compare it to the question of what is the difference between trying to catch fish with a huge net and trying to catch them with a specific fishing rod.
The first and most obvious difference is the search volume. Generic keywords are characterized by a very high search volume, meaning many people search for them. In contrast, focused keywords have a lower search volume because they are more specific.
The second difference is the competition. The competition for generic keywords is huge, as so many websites are trying to rank high in search results for them. In contrast, the competition for focused keywords is lower, making it easier for you to reach the first page of Google.
Another important difference is user intent. When someone searches for a generic keyword, it’s hard to know exactly what they’re looking for. They may be in an early stage of their search, and they are just trying to get a general idea of the topic. In contrast, when someone searches for a focused keyword, they usually know exactly what they want, and they are looking for a specific solution to their problem.
This difference directly affects conversion rates. Generic keywords can bring a lot of traffic to your site, but not all of that traffic will turn into paying customers. In contrast, focused keywords bring more targeted traffic with a higher conversion potential.
Let’s summarize the differences in a short table:
| Feature | Generic Keywords | Focused Keywords |
| Search Volume | High | Low |
| Competition | High | Low |
| User Intent | Not Clear | Specific |
| Conversion Rates | Low | High |
Ultimately, the choice between generic and focused keywords depends on your goals. If you want to increase brand awareness and bring a lot of traffic to your site, generic keywords can be a good choice. But if you want to increase sales and target your audience, focused keywords are the way to go.
How to Choose the Right Keywords for Your Site?
After understanding the differences between generic and focused keywords, the big question is how do you choose the right keywords for your site? The answer to this question is not always simple, and it requires some research and planning.
The first thing you need to do is match the keywords to your site’s goals and target audience. Ask yourself: What do you want to achieve through your site? Who is the audience you are addressing? Once you have a clear answer to these questions, it will be easier for you to choose the appropriate keywords.
The next step is to use a keyword research tool. There are many different tools that allow you to identify search volumes and competition for different keywords. One of the most popular tools is Google Keyword Planner, which is a free tool that provides valuable information about keywords.
After you have found some potential keywords, it is important to examine the search intent behind each term. What are people looking for when they type that term into Google? Are they looking for general information, or are they looking for a specific solution to their problem? The answer to this question will help you decide if the term is suitable for your site.
Finally, it is important to properly combine generic and focused terms in your SEO strategy. Generic keywords can help you increase brand awareness and bring a lot of traffic to your site, while focused keywords can help you target your audience and increase sales. A proper combination of the two types can lead to optimal results.
Understanding the difference between generic and focused keywords is critical for success in website promotion. An informed choice of keywords, taking into account the site’s goals and target audience, is essential for achieving optimal results. A strategic combination of the two types of terms, generic and focused, makes it possible to increase brand awareness, target the audience and increase sales. Remember, website promotion is an ongoing process that requires monitoring and testing of your keywords’ performance.
