# Keyword clustering

Category: [Keywords & Research](https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/category/keywords-research/) › [Keyword research](https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/category/keywords-research/keyword-research/)

**Keyword clustering** is the grouping of related search terms into sets that share the same search intent, so that one page can target a whole set instead of one keyword. The result is a list of clusters, each meant for one page.

## How are clusters formed?

Two methods are common:

- **Semantic clustering** groups terms by meaning or word form, usually with language processing. It is typically free, but similar-sounding terms can still lead to different search results.
- **SERP-based clustering** groups terms that return a similar set of URLs. SE Ranking describes this as comparing the top results of each query. The more matching URLs are required, the smaller and more precise the clusters become, and the more terms stay ungrouped.

SE Ranking sums up the idea in the rule "one search intent = one keyword cluster = one page". Semrush also lists four steps: collect keywords, group them by intent, plan priorities by combined volume and difficulty, and then write or optimize pages.

## Why do it?

Clustering helps decide which terms belong on one page and which need separate pages. It can also reveal where two of your pages target the same cluster and compete with each other. Combined search volume of a cluster is a more useful planning figure than the volume of a single variant.

These are practice rules from tool vendors. Google does not publish guidance on clustering, and the number of matching URLs at which two keywords count as one cluster is a tool setting.

## Example

"canonical tag", "how to set a canonical tag" and "rel canonical example" return nearly the same top results, so they form one cluster and one page. "canonical vs redirect" returns different pages and gets its own cluster and page.

## FAQ

**Does clustering replace keyword research?**
No. It comes after it and structures the list you already collected.

## Related terms

- [Keyword](https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/keyword/index.md)
- [Keyword research](https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/keyword-research/index.md)
- [Keyword difficulty](https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/keyword-difficulty/index.md)
- [Search intent](https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/search-intent/index.md)
- [Topic cluster](https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/topic-cluster/index.md)
- [SERP analysis](https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/serp-analysis/index.md)

## Sources

- [Performance report (Search results) – Search Console Help](https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/7576553?hl=en)
- [Keyword Clustering – Semrush](https://www.semrush.com/blog/keyword-clustering/)
- [Keyword Clustering – SE Ranking](https://seranking.com/blog/keyword-clustering/)
- [Keyword Clustering Guide – Keyword Insights](https://www.keywordinsights.ai/blog/keyword-clustering-guide/)

---

Last updated: October 7, 2026
URL: https://seo-geo-glossary.com/en/glossary/keyword-clustering/