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AI Overview
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Search terms are the words or phrases that people type into search engines like Google to find information.
They represent the user's intent when searching for something online.
Keywords, on the other hand, are terms that businesses use to optimize their content and target specific search queries in their marketing efforts, especially in SEO and PPC campaigns.
While often the same, search terms are what users enter, while keywords are what businesses target.
Key Differences:
Search terms
are the actual words or phrases typed by users into a search engine.
Keywords
are the terms that businesses use to target their content and ads to specific search queries.
User intent
is reflected in search terms, while keywords are used to capture that intent.
Search terms
are the "input" from users, while keywords are the "output" strategy for businesses.
Example:
  • A user might search for "best biodegradable cleaners for kitchens" (search term).
  • A business might use keywords like "green cleaning products" or "eco-friendly cleaning solutions" to target that search term in their ad campaigns, according to Semrush.
In essence: Search terms are what users type, while keywords are what businesses use to try and match those searches.
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Jul 26, 2024 · Search terms are the exact words or phrases users enter into search engines when they're looking for information, products, or services online.
People also ask
A search term (or search query) refers to a word or set of words that a person enters on a search engine like Google to generate specific results. According to Internet Live Stats, 100K+ searches take place on Google alone every second, implying 8.6 billion searches per day.
Here are some examples of search terms: A single-word search term: [reliablesoft] – The intent of the user is to find more information about 'reliablesoft'. Search phrase (multiple words): [How to tie a tie] – The user is looking for instructions on how to tie a tie!
Top 100 Google Searches Globally
Ranking
Keyword
Search Intent
1
YouTube
Navigational
2
Facebook
Navigational
3
WhatsApp Web
For example, if you are preparing to purchase running shoes you might use the search query: “What are the best running shoes.” The term “running shoes” would be the primary keyword, but the long-tail search query “what are the best running shoes” gives specific context to the keyword.
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Apr 14, 2025 · Search terms are the words or phrases users type into search engines to find information. This could be a Google search.