Definition and difference between semantic search and lexical search

In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between semantic search and lexical search, which plays an important role in learning SEO or becoming a good expert.

Semantic search and lexical search are considered as two main methods in searching of search engine information. Both methods aim to find relevant information or documents.

SEO experts should understand the characteristics and performance of these two types of engines to determine their SEO strategy. By doing this, they can improve their website's user-friendliness and content, which will help them in gaining SEO ranking.

Important points

• Semantic search: Semantic search is becoming increasingly important for SEO. emphasizes understanding the meaning and intent behind a user's query.
• Lexical search: relies on matching specific words and phrases. SEO experts must be prepared to adapt their strategies to semantic search.

Since 2013, Google is slowly become a 100% semantic search engine. There are fundamental differences between them that need to be understood first.

Definition of Semantic Search

Semantic search is the search engine's ability to understand the meaning and intent behind a user's query. It's more than just the words used, considering the full context of what the user is looking for.

Semantic search engines use Natural Language Processing (NLP) to understand the meaning and intent behind user queries.

The Bengali meaning of the word Semantic is, "related to meaning in language or logic". Eg: "destination" and "last stop" mean the same thing.

Semantic

When something is searched for in a semantic search engine, it will return documents that match the meaning of the query.

They pay attention not only to the words used, but also to the context, location of the user, and other cues.

This means that they can often return results more relevant to the user's needs. and can understand more normal and complex user queries.

• Focus on meaning: Semantic search emphasizes understanding the intent and context behind a user's query, not just the semantics.
• Natural Language Understanding: It uses advanced algorithms to understand different aspects of natural language, often relying on artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Contextual relevance: Semantic search understands the breadth of words, phrases, and concepts in context, making it efficient at handling the ambiguity and diversity of language.
• User Intent: It tries to understand what the user is actually looking for, which takes into account their search history, location and other personal information.
• Complex queries: Semantic search is useful for understanding particular meanings or concepts and is efficient at handling complex queries.

Definition of lexical search

Lexical search provides results based on the exact match of words or phrases in the website content/database with the specific words and phrases used in the query. That is, it works based on keyword matching.

Lexical search is a method that relies on the lexical usage of queries. Lexical search engines are traditional methods that rely on finding keyword matches. Lexical search works well for direct and simple queries.

• Keyword-based: Lexical search relies on matching content with specific keywords or phrases in the search query.
• Less context-aware: It is less efficient at understanding context and user intent than semantic search.
• Simple Algorithm: Its technology is less complex than semantic search, focusing on direct matches.
• Limited to semantic words: Lexical search has trouble handling queries that require interpretation beyond the semantic meaning of words.
• Dependent on specific vocabulary: If the words used by the user do not exactly match the words used in the content, the effectiveness of lexical search is limited.

Difference Between Semantic Search and Lexical Search

While lexical search emphasizes direct keyword matching, semantic search takes a deeper understanding of the context, intent, and meaning behind the search query . This makes semantic search more consistent with how people naturally interact and find information.

• Effectiveness: Semantic search is more effective in complex queries and natural language processing. Semantic search generally provides more efficient, more relevant and personalized results for complex queries and natural language processing.
• Technology: Semantic search uses advanced and sophisticated AI technology.
• User experience: Semantic search provides a better user experience for handling context-heavy or ambiguous queries.
• Context-Aware Adaptability: Less able to understand the context or purpose of the user's query. Semantic search is better adapted to different types of queries and user needs.
• Scope: Lexical search may be more useful for direct, simple queries.

Some more information for new SEO experts

Semantic search is critical to the future of SEO . SEO experts need to be aware of this trend and be prepared to adapt their strategies to semantic search.

Many modern search engines use a combination of lexical and semantic search techniques , harnessing the power of both to provide more accurate and relevant results. This allows them to handle both simple keyword searches and more complex, sophisticated queries.

• Evolution of NLP: Semantic search capabilities will become more sophisticated as natural language processing (NLP) techniques improve. This will reduce the gap between human and machine understanding of language, creating an even more intuitive and personalized search experience.

Semantic search is also becoming increasingly important in local search . This is also important for voice search , as it is needed to understand users' intent.

Tips:

Create content that meets user intent.

Use semantically related words and phrases.

Keep your website structure and metadata clear and consistent.

Update your website content regularly.

Last comment

Every step we take in the world of SEO is a learning journey. The constant emergence of new technologies, algorithm changes and market demands motivate us to constantly learn and improve ourselves. Understanding the difference between semantic search and lexical search is an essential part of SEO strategy.

Neither approach is necessarily superior to the other, rather each has its place and requirements. Semantic search's analytical skills and ability to understand user intent, and lexical search's direct and word-based approach - both power our SEO strategy.

So, my final word to SEO experts is - keep pace with this evolution of technology, adapt yourself by learning new technologies and methods and remember, SEO is not just about keywords and links, it is about deeper understanding and improving user experience. . So constantly learning and adapting to change is our key strategy.