The power of choosing the right words in our content.(Semantic SEO)

This is the concept I have taken from lecture 55 of the topical authority course of Koray Tugberk GUBUR and explained with a detailed breakdown for easy understanding.

We all know how important language is in what we do, whether it’s SEO, content writing, or building those all-important topical maps. But have you ever stopped to think about how much impact a single word choice can have?

Koray’s advice about choosing the right word for different contexts is rooted in semantic precision and contextual relevance, which are key in SEO, content writing, and topical maps. In essence, the correct word choice ensures that the language used matches the user’s intent and fits the context of the topic being discussed. This principle is crucial in SEO as search engines like Google have become more adept at understanding the context and meaning behind queries (thanks to advancements like natural language processing).

Explanation of the Concept:

1. Disadvantages vs. Risks: Disadvantages: This word is more commonly used when discussing drawbacks in contexts like products, clothing, and services. For example:” Disadvantages of buying cheap electronics.” Disadvantages of fast fashion. “Disadvantages of a service contract. “In these cases, disadvantages refer to potential drawbacks or less favorable aspects that don’t necessarily imply danger but rather inconvenience, less quality, or missed opportunities. Risks: This word is associated with potential harm or danger, often used in health, safety, finance, or security contexts. For example: “Risks of using expired medication. “Risks of investing in volatile stocks. “Health risks of smoking.” “Risks of cyber-attacks on businesses. “Here, risk implies a chance of something negative happening that could cause harm or damage. This differentiation helps tailor content more effectively to user intent. For example, someone searching for “risks of investing” may want to understand potential dangers or losses, while someone searching for “disadvantages of this investment tool” might be focused on features or drawbacks without focusing on harm.

Application in Topical Maps:

Topical maps guide the structuring and interlinking of content to cover contextual relevance. If you’re creating a topical map for a website, each cluster (content section) should be built with the correct semantics in mind. Here’s how:

• Topical Map Cluster for Health:

Main Topic: Health Risks of Smoking

Subtopics: “Risks of lung cancer due to smoking.” “Risks of heart disease from second-hand smoke.” “How smoking increases the risk of stroke.”

Each subtopic is designed around the concept of risk, as it addresses potential health dangers. If “disadvantages” were used instead, it would sound less relevant and impactful for the audience looking for health-related information.

• Topical Map Cluster for Consumer Products:

Main Topic: Disadvantages of Buying Low-Cost Smartphones

Subtopics: “Disadvantages of buying smartphones with low RAM. “Disadvantages of low-cost smartphone camera quality. “Why low-cost smartphones have more disadvantages in battery life.”

Here, the word disadvantages is more appropriate because the focus is on the less favorable features, not the risks or dangers.

• Precaution vs. Safety Measures:

Precaution: Commonly used in health or personal safety contexts. E.g., “Precautions when handling chemicals.”

Safety Measures: Often used in business or industry contexts. E.g., “Safety measures for construction sites.”

• Issue vs. Problem:

Issue: A less severe term, often used in customer service. E.g., “Common issues with online shopping.”

Problem: Carries a more negative tone, often implying a need for a solution. E.g., “Major problems with global supply chains.”

Importance in Topical Maps:

In the context of topical maps, choosing the right term helps ensure that:

1. Search Intent: You meet the user’s search intent accurately.
2. Relevance and Authority: Your content appears more relevant to search engines, helping you rank for the correct queries.
3. User Experience: It improves user experience by addressing the topic appropriately, which can increase engagement, click-through rates, and conversions.

By organizing content in topical maps using the correct terms (like risks for health topics and disadvantages for product-related discussions), you’re creating a contextually relevant and semantically accurate structure that aligns with both user expectations and search engine algorithms.