SEO keywords play a pivotal role in raising your online visibility. So what exactly is an keyword in SEO? Let's break it down.

In digital marketing, a keyword is a particular term or expression that people type into search engines when they are trying to find a specific service, product or information. SEO heavily depends on the use of these keywords for website ranking.

The essence behind SEO keywords lies in their ability to connect what users are searching for to the content that your website is providing. Effectively using these keywords will help lure the right audience and enhance the likelihood of leads.

Having established the definition of an SEO keyword, let's look at methods for efficiently using keywords. Optimizing the use of keywords necessitates a balance. You'll want to include relevant keywords to get the attention of search engines but not overly saturate your content with them.

One way is placing the keyword in your content’s title. This not only helps in ranking, but also makes your content more likely to be relevant to the searcher's query. Consider also using keywords in the meta description and headers of your website, as these are spots where search engines tend to look.

It's also essential to choose keywords that connect with your targeted market. This implies understanding the way they talk, their searching habits and their requirements.

To conclude, a well-chosen SEO keyword can act as a bridge between the user's query website and your online content. It's a critical tool for success in the competitive world of digital marketing. However, the best results can only be achieved by using it effectively and responsibly.