A seed keyword is a broad, foundational search term used as the starting point for keyword research, from which a much larger list of related, more specific keywords is generated using keyword research tools.
For example, a seed keyword like “SEO services” might expand into hundreds of related variations covering different intents, locations, and specificities, such as “local SEO services for restaurants” or “affordable SEO services near me.”
Choosing the right seed keywords requires genuine familiarity with a business and its industry, since a poorly chosen seed keyword can send an entire research process in the wrong direction from the very start.
Seed keyword selection is the starting point of every SEO Content Strategy engagement we run.