How to Select Keywords for Article Indexing in a Health Science Journal
You can select keywords for indexing articles in a health science journal by highlighting vital concepts and considering vital elements about specific terms. You need to complete eight (8) steps if you want to select the best keywords to index your article in a health science journal.
Proper indexing of articles in a health science journal gives your research more visibility among your target audience. It also gives your research greater publicity among research on a specific health science topic.
Let’s see the best way to choose keywords to index your article in a health science journal. In this guide, you’ll also get essential tips about how to choose the best keywords to index your article in a health science journal. Getting more citations and views to your research is easier with al the information provided in this article.
How to Select Keywords for Article Indexing in a Health Science Journal
1. Identify the relevance of keywords in article indexing
You need to identify the importance of keywords in indexing articles. These words work as metadata to convey main themes and content of an article to readers.
Authors must first see the relevance between preferred keywords, indexing systems, search engines, and academic databases before choosing terms.
2. Highlight vital concepts and themes
Next, authors should highlight essential concepts, points, and themes covered in an article to choose keywords for indexing. These researchers should review manuscripts and identify the main idea of their article including the:
- research question(s),
- objectives,
- materials & methods, and
- major findings
Understanding these elements should give you enough insight to draft a list of potential keywords for your article.
3. Use subject headings and controlled vocabulary
Many health science journals rely on discipline-specific subject heading to index articles for easy retrieval and reference. You need to consult controlled vocabulary or standardized subject headings in the health sciences to identify relevant keywords. These keywords should align with specific terms and classifications in the health sciences.
4. Include term synonyms, variations and related words
You should include related terms, synonyms, and variations in keywords to broaden the visibility of your article. Readers may be familiar with various related terms while searching for health science articles. Adding related terms will increase the reach of your research and ensure indexing of your articles under various search criteria.
5. Consider population-specific or geographic terms
You should include terms specific to a particular population or region if your research targets a specific audience. These keywords will enhance the visibility of your article whenever researchers or readers need information related to articles in special contexts.
6. Review relevant literature and similar articles
Examine existing literature related to your research along with similar articles to identify specific keywords suitable to index your article. Ensure you strike a balance while choosing keywords from existing studies to avoid stuffing or the inclusion of generic terms in your research.
7. Consider the frequency and placement of keywords
Authors should consider the placement of keywords during selection. You can decide to make these keywords appear in the:
- title,
- abstract,
- and body of your article
Placing these keywords at specific areas of your article improves its visibility and maximizes its post-indexing potential.
Tips to Choose the Best Keywords for Article Indexing in Journals
1. Understand the main theme and content of your article
Read the entire article properly and identify all major themes before choosing appropriate keywords. Understanding the main points will help you choose perfect terms to feature as keywords in your research.
2. Identify your target audience
Your readership should influence how you select keywords for indexing your health science articles in journals. The keywords you choose should align with terms and interests of your target readers.
3. Conduct a review of relevant literature
Conducting a review of related, relevant literature helps identify suitable keywords from existing publications. You should be able to locate recognized terms that enhance visibility and easy categorization of your article.
4. Ensure natural flow of keywords
You need to ensure the natural flow of keywords selected to feature in your article. Endeavor to insert keywords while avoiding repetitions that may negatively affect the quality or readability of your article.
5. Identify keyword popularity and competition potential
Consider how popular keywords are among all terms and their level of competitiveness. Taking note of the popularity and competitiveness of specific keywords will improve the potential of your article to reach a wider audience.
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Keywords for Article Indexing in a Health Science Journal
1. Generic keywords
Always choose keywords that do not lack specificity; opting for generic keywords can lead to poor indexing. Poor indexing could affect the reach of an article and limit its spread to audiences.
2. Excessive use of jargons or technical terms
You should include terms specific to health science but avoid technical jargon as much as you can. Using complex terms as keywords could alienate the broader section of your audience. Balance your keywords between accessible language and special terms at all times.
3. Ignoring controlled vocabulary and the use of subject headings
Use controlled vocabulary and subject headings while indexing to boost the discoverability of your article.
4. Failure to recognize variations in terms
Always consider the variations in terms used as keywords to avoid limiting the visibility of your article across audiences.
5. Keyword stuffing
Avoid stuffing keywords in your research; keyword stuffing leads to inconsistent indexing and may affect your article’s credibility. It may also affect the quality and readability of your health science article.
Final Word
Avoiding common mistakes while selecting keywords for article indexing increases the visibility of your journal. It also maximizes the reach of your articles through health science journals.
Your research will be able to make vital contributions to the health sciences and scientific community withy adherence to the steps outlined above. Take advantage of these steps to choose suitable keywords to index your articles in a health science journal.