If you’ve ever posted online and wondered why some content gets seen while yours doesn’t, keywords are a big part of the answer.
Keywords are simply the words or phrases people type into search bars. They help platforms like Google, YouTube, and Instagram understand what your content is about—and who to show it to.
What is a keyword?
A keyword can be one word or a short phrase.
For example:
- “nails”
- “nail art”
- “beginner nail art ideas”
The more specific the phrase, the easier it is to reach the right audience.
Why keywords matter
Keywords help your content get discovered.
When you use the right keywords:
- Your content shows up in search results
- The algorithm understands your topic
- You attract people who are actually interested
Without keywords, your content is much harder to find.
Short vs long keywords
There are two main types of keywords:
Short keywords
These are broad and very competitive.
Example: “nails”
Long keywords (long-tail keywords)
These are more specific and easier to rank for.
Example: “simple nail art for beginners”
As a beginner, it’s better to focus on longer, more specific keywords.
How to find keywords
You don’t need fancy tools to start. Try this:
- Type your topic into a search bar and see what suggestions come up
- Look at what other creators in your niche are using
- Read comments and questions from your audience
- Notice what people are searching for in your industry
These are all clues to what people want.
Where to use keywords
Once you have your keywords, use them naturally in your content:
- Captions
- Titles
- Hashtags
- Video descriptions
- On-screen text (for reels or TikToks)
Do not force them—just make sure they fit naturally.
Keep it simple
You don’t need loads of keywords. Start with:
- 1 main keyword
- 2–3 supporting keywords
For example, if your post is about a nail course:
- Main keyword: “nail course”
- Supporting: “nail training”, “nail workshop”, “learn nails”
Keywords are not about tricking the algorithm—they are about clarity.
When you clearly show what your content is about, platforms can show it to the right people. And when the right people find you, growth becomes much easier.
