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Entity-based SEO

Entity-based SEO uses semantic relationships to rank in AI and Google. Learn how to structure content around entities, not keywords.

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Knowledge graph diagram showing how entities connect to each other and relate to search queries.
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Thibault Besson-Magdelain fondateur de Sorank

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Thibault Besson-Magdelain

Founder of Sorank, 5+ years of experience in SEO, GEO enthusiast.
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Summary: Entity-based SEO structures content around semantic relationships between concepts, making it understandable to both Google and AI models.

Search engines used to work on keywords. Today, Google understands entities: distinct real-world concepts with properties, relationships, and context. Entity-based SEO is the discipline of organizing your content around these entities.

AI models are inherently entity-based systems. This is why entity-based SEO is foundational to modern ranking. It is the bridge between traditional SEO and GEO.

Understanding entities, properties, and relationships

An entity has three components: the entity itself, properties, and relationships. According to Wikipedia's knowledge graph documentation, semantic clarity powers modern information retrieval.

Building entity clusters: topic modeling with entities

Topic clusters have evolved from keyword to entity clusters. Core to topic cluster strategy in the AI era.

Using schema markup to codify entities

Use schema.org standards to mark up entities, properties, and relationships. Proper schema is foundational to being understood.

Content that ranks through entity clarity

Three types rank exceptionally well: reference content, comparison content, biography content. Aligns with AEO principles.

Entity-based optimization for AI citations

AI models use entity recognition. LLMO strategies leverage this synergy.

Building entity authority across your domain

Entities accumulate authority. Use internal linking to connect entity-related articles.

Measuring entity-based SEO performance

Track entity concepts, not just keywords. Audit appearances in Google AI Overviews.

Conclusion

Entity-based SEO is the future of ranking. Define entities clearly, mark them up with schema, link them semantically. Track your semantic authority.

Frequently questions asked

What is an entity in entity-based SEO?

An entity is a real-world concept that search engines and AI models understand: a person, a place, a company, an idea. Entities have properties and relationships.

Is entity-based SEO just schema markup?

Schema markup helps, but entity-based SEO is broader. It is about structuring your entire content strategy around entities and their relationships.

How does entity-based SEO help with AI ranking?

AI models use entity recognition to understand what you are writing about. Clear entity definitions and relationships make your content more understandable.

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