Key takeaways
- Keywords function as search engine optimisation for academic databases.
- Combine broad field terms with specific method and application keywords.
- Keywords should appear naturally in your title, abstract, and paper body.
Academic discoverability works like search optimisation. Researchers find papers through database queries. Strategic keyword selection increases citation potential by ensuring your paper appears in relevant searches on Scopus, Google Scholar, and IEEE Xplore.
Keyword selection workflow
- 1Brainstorm 10–15 candidate terms from your paper.
- 2Search each term in Scopus—note result volume and relevance.
- 3Study keywords on top-cited papers in your target journal.
- 4Select 4–6 terms balancing breadth and specificity.
- 5Verify selected terms appear in your abstract and introduction.
Best practices
- Include method names: 'convolutional neural network,' not just 'machine learning.'
- Include application domain: 'medical diagnosis,' 'smart grid,' 'supply chain.'
- Use MeSH terms for biomedical papers where applicable.
- Avoid duplicate terms from your title.
- Update keywords if journal allows revision after peer review.