What Are Transition Words For SEO? | A Complete List

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Has an article with excellent content but poor readability ever frustrated you? Because it has happened to me. Therefore, you will find that articles having the highest SEO ranking excel in quality, clarity, accuracy, readability, and keyword and image usage. However, an overlooked factor also affects SEO ranking- Transition words. 

Transition words, also known as linking words or signal words, are important for both readability and search engine optimization (SEO). They help create a smooth flow of information in your content and make it easier for search engines to understand the context of your text. Here’s a list of transition words commonly used in SEO:

  • Additionally
  • Furthermore
  • Moreover
  • In addition
  • Also
  • Likewise
  • Similarly
  • Likewise
  • Besides
  • On top of that, and many more

Now, we will discuss the meaning, importance, examples, and usage of transition words for SEO.

What are Transition Words? 

Transition words help connect a text’s different ideas, paragraphs, and sentences to form a meaningful whole. They act like a pathway from one point in your writing to another and provide structure. Transition words help avoid awkward pauses and keep the text flowing smoothly.

transition words and seo
Transition words

Consider these examples:

  1. People eat mangoes only in summer because it is a seasonal fruit.
  2. People eat mangoes only in the summer. It is a seasonal fruit.

The first example makes perfect sense and flows nicely into the second part since a transition word- because– has been used to connect the two ideas. The second example, however, leaves room for ambiguity and has a distorted flow.

We have given the above examples to demonstrate what transition words are.

Why are Transition Words important for SEO?

As discussed above, transition words clarify the relationships between different text elements. However, transition words for SEO are important because they significantly affect readability, which is another deciding element of your web page’s rank on a search results page.

Readability makes content easy and enjoyable for the reader to follow. Well-structured texts involving bullets, sub-headings, and adequate transition words rank higher than clumsy texts. 

See Also: 7 Places to Outsource Your Content Writing: Best Content Writing Services

Example of Transition Words for SEO

Now that you know the importance of transition words for SEO, it is best to familiarise yourself with some common transition words. So, here we are with a list of transition words that will significantly improve the quality and readability of your text.

transition words
Examples of Transition Words

Words for addition

These words are used to show a relationship between two or more ideas. The intention is to add to the point that has already been mentioned.

Some examples are-

  • Also
  • And
  • Furthermore 
  • Moreover 
  • Nor
  • Lastly 
  • Additionally 
  • Most importantly 
  • Again
  • Besides
  • Alternatively 
  • As well as

Refer to the following example-

You can buy an iPhone from the Unicorn store. Alternatively, you can also buy it from their official website.

The word alternatively is used to create a connection between the two sentences.

Words for contradiction

These transition words represent a contradiction to the expected outcome or result.

Some examples are-

  • But
  • However
  • Instead
  • Despite 
  • In contrast 
  • Yet
  • Nonetheless 
  • Conversely 

Refer to the following example-

I can’t go out on Tuesday because I have an exam the next day. However, we can go out on Wednesday.

The word however is used to present an alternative outcome.

Words for showing cause and effect relationship 

These words let the reader know that one event caused the other. They facilitate a logical flow in the argument presented.

Some examples are-

  • Therefore 
  • As a result 
  • Thus
  • Consequently 
  • Because of this
  • For this reason
  • Accordingly 
  • Hence

Refer to the following example-

Reena started many fights in school. As a result, she was suspended often.

As a result, is used here to show that engaging in fights was the cause for being suspended often.

Words for establishing a sequence 

They help the reader identify a sequence of events and make them aware of the passage of time. Instructional articles usually depend on these transitional words to clarify the order of steps.

Some examples are-

  • After/ Afterwards
  • Secondly
  • Subsequently
  • Eventually
  • Later
  • In a while
  • Next
  • Initially
  • Formerly

Refer to the following example-

Initially, there was the Big Bang which led to the formation of the universe.

Initially is used to show that the Big Bang happened before everything else.

Words for concluding

These words signify that the text is ending and help in summarising all that has been mentioned. They also create space for mentioning any key takeaways.

Some examples are-

  • In conclusion
  • Eventually
  • Thus
  • In short/brief
  • As a result
  • As a final point

Refer to the following example-

As a final point, using transition words for SEO is very important.

As a final point is being used to draw a conclusion.

How to improve your use of transition words for SEO?

Finally, let’s look at ways to improve the use of transition words in your writing. Most writers use transition words naturally. But, it is essential to find that perfect balance between too few and too many transition words.

importance of transition words
Importance of transition words

Following these tips will help you use transition words so that your page’s SEO ranking improves and your audience has a better reading experience.

Familiarise yourself with transition words

This is the first step to using transition words to boost your SEO. Read through different transition words and familiarise yourself with their meaning. Explore the different contexts in which these words can be used, and use them according to the relationship between different ideas.

The more you read, the more you will realize that you are automatically using transition words in your writing.

Understand the link between different ideas and concepts

When you are writing, you must be aware of how all the elements of your writing connect with each other. 

Transition words are only effective when they are used to establish a relationship. For that relationship to be clear for the reader, you, as the author, should be clear about how your writing comes together.

You will then be able to use transition words correctly.

Do not overuse transition words

The key to using transition words for SEO also is knowing when not to use them. If you think a transition word is not a good fit for what you are trying to convey, then try reading the text aloud.

Improving readability doesn’t mean using a transition word in every line because that can clutter your writing. Use transition words wisely so that they make the most impact.

See Also: 12 Best Examples Of Writing Strategies Not To Miss

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should you use transition words in all articles?

Transition words are essential for SEO because they provide flow and structure to the text, which helps improve readability. Content with higher readability has a better SEO ranking.

Which are the most common transition words?

The most common transition words are- and, because, although, moreover, however, but, therefore, lastly, in conclusion, for example, and as well as.

Which are the best plugins and SEO apps for transition words?

Plugins like Yoast SEO and All-in-one (AIO) SEO help you keep track of transition words in your writing. Additionally, they also check your readability score.

Would transitions words improve the SEO?

Familiarizing yourself with the concept will improve your writing. This will definitely help you to rank better and improve overall SEO.

Conclusion

This post has been our comprehensive guide on using transition words in your writing to improve your SEO ranking and provide a joyful reading experience. 

Perfection comes with practice, which is the key to improving the use of transition words for SEO strategies. If you keep practicing and learning, you will improve both your skill and quality.