Certified Internet Web (CIW) Professional Practice Exam

Which keyword search strategy is recommended for effective results?

1. Use nouns instead of verbs

2. Use verbs instead of nouns

3. Use as few keywords as possible

4. Include at least one preposition

The correct answer is: Use nouns instead of verbs

Using nouns instead of verbs is recommended for effective keyword search strategies because nouns typically focus on the subject matter or key concepts relevant to the information being sought. When search engines process queries, they often prioritize nouns as they define the primary topics or entities users are interested in. This can lead to more relevant search results, as nouns help in identifying essential themes, categories, or objects. In contrast, relying heavily on verbs might produce less precise results because verbs often describe actions or processes, which can be too broad and lead to outcomes that do not match the user's intent. Additionally, using fewer keywords can limit the specificity of the search, meaning the search engine may return results that are too general or unrelated. Lastly, while including prepositions might sometimes enhance clarity, they generally do not provide the core topics or focus necessary to optimize search results in the same way nouns do. Hence, using nouns is a more strategic choice in constructing effective keyword searches.