How to Find Related Entities for SEO (Without Going Down a Nerdy Rabbit Hole)
Let’s Be Honest—SEO Is Getting Smarter, and a Bit Creepier
Remember the good ol’ days of SEO? Just sprinkle some keywords, buy a few backlinks from sketchy corners of the internet, and boom—you’re on page one of Google. Easy, right?
Well... not anymore.
Search engines have gotten wise. They’re not just matching keywords anymore—they’re understanding context. Like, really understanding it. Sometimes a little too well, if you ask me.
So now, if you want to rank, you need more than just keywords. You need related entities.
I know, sounds a bit sci-fi, right? Like you’re about to crack open a Matrix-style knowledge graph or something.
But don’t worry—I got you.
In this post, we’re gonna break down:
- What the heck “related entities” even are
- Why they matter for SEO in 2025
- How to find them (without losing your mind)
- And how to actually use them in your content
All in plain English. No tech degree required.
Wait, What the Heck Are Related Entities?
Okay, quick story.
So I was writing a blog about coffee. You know, easy stuff. “Best coffee beans for cold brew.” I dropped in the usual keywords—coffee, cold brew, beans, grind, yadda yadda.
But then I checked who was ranking #1… and their post was talking about stuff I hadn’t even thought of: extraction time, brewing temperature, specialty-grade beans, caffeine levels, and even filters.
At first, I was like, “Are they just showing off?”
But then it hit me—these are related entities.
Basically, entities are things that Google understands. Like concepts, people, brands, places, or ingredients. When you mention them in your content, it signals to Google, “Hey, I actually know what I’m talking about.”
And when you use related entities, you're not just stuffing words—you’re building a semantic web. Which helps with semantic SEO (yeah, that’s a thing).
So What Is Semantic SEO Anyway?
Glad you asked. Here’s the short version (because the long version makes me want to take a nap):
Semantic SEO means optimizing your content not just for keywords, but for meaning.
You’re not just saying “coffee beans” over and over—you’re showing you understand:
- How coffee is brewed
- What affects flavor
- What tools people use
- The brands, processes, and techniques around the topic
Google’s Knowledge Graph—the big ol’ brain behind search—uses this kind of contextual understanding to decide if your content deserves to rank.
Bottom line? If you're not using semantic relationships and related entities in your content, you’re kinda whispering while everyone else is yelling.
How to Find Related Entities for SEO (Without Going Crazy)
Now the good stuff.
1. Google It—But Like, Really Google It
Let’s start super basic.
Go to Google and search your main keyword. Scroll through the first page. What do you see?
- Bolded words in the meta descriptions?
- Synonyms or concepts repeated across top posts?
- “People Also Ask” questions?
These are mini gold mines. Google is literally telling you, “Hey, we think these things are connected.”
Example: Search “plant-based protein.”
You’ll see things like:
- legumes
- tofu
- amino acids
- digestion
- muscle recovery
Boom—those are related entities.
Pro Tip: Check the “Related Searches” at the bottom. They’re often way more insightful than keyword tools.
2. Use Google’s Knowledge Graph Tools (Yeah, That’s a Thing)
Alright, this one’s a bit nerdy, but it’s worth it.
The Google Knowledge Graph is basically Google’s encyclopedia of everything it knows. And it loves entities.
Use tools like:
- Google Knowledge Graph Search API (dev-y but powerful)
- Kalicube (super visual and beginner-friendly)
- Thruuu (breaks down SERP data and helps find related terms)
- InLinks (built entirely around semantic SEO and entity optimization)
These tools show how Google connects topics—and how your content can play in that semantic sandbox.
3. Nerd Out with Wikipedia
Okay, hear me out.
Wikipedia might feel a little 2007, but it’s one of Google’s most trusted data sources. Like, they literally scrape it for entity relationships.
Here’s what to do:
- Look up your topic
- Check the contents section
- Scroll down to See also or Related topics
It’s like someone else already did the brainstorming for you.
Example: Look up “Digital Marketing.”
You’ll find:
- SEO
- SEM
- PPC
- Analytics
- Social media
- Conversion rate optimization
Boom. Entities galore.
4. Use NLP Tools (Natural Language Processing, Not Witchcraft)
So Google’s algorithm uses NLP to figure out what your content’s really saying.
You can reverse-engineer this by using free NLP tools like:
- Google NLP API (paste in your text, see what it thinks the “entities” are)
- TextRazor or IBM Watson (same idea, different vibe)
Paste your content, and it’ll spit out:
- Identified entities
- Categories
- Sentiment
- Salience (how important each thing is)
Kinda wild, honestly.
5. Just... Listen to Your Audience
Sometimes we get so caught up in tools and APIs that we forget: your real people are already telling you what entities matter.
Pay attention to:
- FAQs
- Comments on blog posts
- Reddit threads (Reddit is chef’s kiss for this)
- Customer support chats
What words do they use? What terms keep popping up?
You’ll find entities like “shipping delays,” “warranty policy,” “mobile-friendly site”—stuff your keyword tools probably missed.
So What Do You Do with These Related Entities?
Finding them is great. But let’s be real—you want to rank. So what now?
Here’s how to use related entities in your SEO content:
✅ Sprinkle Them Naturally
Don’t force it. Just weave them in where they make sense. If you’re writing about cold brew coffee, don’t awkwardly toss in “caffeine extraction ratio” just because it sounds fancy.
Make it flow like real conversation.
✅ Use Them in Subheadings
Helps with scan-ability and gives Google more context.
Instead of:
- “How It Works”
Try: - “How Cold Brew Affects Caffeine Extraction”
✅ Add Them to Metadata
Page titles, meta descriptions, image alt text—all fair game.
✅ Build Content Hubs or Topic Clusters
If you notice a ton of related entities around one main keyword, consider building a mini hub.
Write separate articles for each, and interlink them.
Example: If you’re in the fitness niche and write about “intermittent fasting,” build content on:
- Autophagy
- Insulin response
- Fasting windows
- Workout timing during fasts
Each of those is a related entity. Each deserves its own page. Google loves this.
Real Talk: Why Related Entities Actually Matter
Let me just say it like it is.
If you’re not optimizing your content around related entities in 2025, you’re basically telling Google:
“Hey, I’m writing about this thing, but I only sorta understand it.”
And Google’s like:
“Cool, I’ll show someone else’s page instead.”
Using related entities shows depth. It says:
- I know the main topic
- I understand how it connects to other stuff
- I’m not just keyword stuffing—I’m providing actual value
It's like showing your work on a math test. You’re proving you get it.
Quick Analogy: SEO Without Entities Is Like...
Ever watch a cooking show where someone makes “Italian food,” but forgets garlic, basil, or olive oil?
Technically it’s pasta... but is it really Italian?
Same with SEO.
If your blog about “SEO strategy” doesn’t mention semantic SEO, Google Knowledge Graph, search intent, or keyword clusters... you’re kinda missing the flavor.
FAQs: Because You Probably Still Have Questions
❓What is semantic SEO?
Semantic SEO is all about optimizing for meaning, not just keywords. You focus on the topic as a whole and include related concepts to show Google that your content is deep and helpful.
❓How do I find related entities for SEO?
Use tools like Google search (seriously), Knowledge Graph APIs, Wikipedia, NLP analyzers, or just listen to your audience. They’re everywhere—you just have to look.
❓What is Google’s Knowledge Graph?
It’s like a massive brain that helps Google understand how things relate. It connects people, places, concepts, and brands so search results are more accurate and relevant.
❓Are related entities the same as keywords?
Nope. Keywords are what people search. Entities are what those searches are about. Like “Tesla” isn’t just a keyword—it’s an entity with tons of connections (Elon Musk, electric cars, battery tech, etc.).
❓Do I really need to use semantic SEO strategies?
Honestly? If you want to rank in 2025 and beyond, yes. Google is obsessed with meaning now. Keywords alone won’t cut it.
Takeaway: Don’t Just Talk About the Topic. Know It.
So, to wrap it up:
Finding related entities for SEO isn’t just about ticking boxes or stuffing in fancy jargon. It’s about understanding the bigger picture.
It’s like having a full convo with Google:
“Hey, I get this topic. I know what people are really looking for. I’m not just playing the keyword game—I actually get it.”
And that’s what makes your content trustworthy. Rank-worthy. Bookmark-worthy.
So your mission?
Next time you create a blog post or landing page, go beyond the keyword. Map out the universe around it. Think of the related terms, tools, people, subtopics, and problems.
Then bake them right into your content—like garlic in that proper Italian dish.
You’ll not only make Google happy—you’ll actually help people.
And that? That’s what good SEO is all about.
Feeling stuck with your SEO strategy or want help identifying related entities in your niche?
Let’s chat. I promise to keep the nerd-speak to a minimum 😅
Ready to give your content some semantic superpowers? Start with your next blog. Right now.
Go on—I’ll wait. 👀