Episode #201
How to Rank for Head Terms
February 17, 2017

In Episode #201, Eric and Neil discuss how to rank for head terms. Tune in to know if the head terms and long-tail terms you are using are ranking well. Also, find out how easy it is for Google to read and rank your head terms.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

  • 00:27 – Today’s topic: How to Rank for Head Terms
  • 00:35 – Head terms are 1 or 2 keywords or a phrase like: shoes, basketball shoes, running shoes
  • 01:18 – Long-tail terms are three or more keyword phrases like “gray Nike running shoes”
  • 01:36 – To rank for head terms, first look at your external links; the more that people link to you, the better
    • 01:45 – “The sites with the highest domain authority tend to do well in ranking head terms”
    • 01:53 – Second is brand queries; the more people type in your brand name, the more likely you are to rank
  • 02:04 – If your term is the head term itself, it is easier to rank
  • 02:30 – Read the case study of Glen Allsopp of ViperChill
    • 02:36 – Glen studied a group of companies who linked to each other internally
    • 02:50 – Glen called out Condé Nast
  • 04:17 – Your content page should be in-depth and thorough
  • 04:42 – Use the software, Market Muse
  • 04:58 – That’s it for today’s episode!

3 Key Points:

  1. The sites with the highest domain authority tend to do well in ranking head terms.
  2. If your term is the head term itself, it is easier to rank.
  3. Make sure your content page is thorough and in-depth, making it easier for Google to rank the head terms.

Leave some feedback:

  • What should we talk about next? Please let us know in the comments below.
  • Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review.

Connect with us:

Discover Latest Episodes

Episode
The K-Shaped Future of Work
February 05, 2026

In this episode, hosts Neil and Eric break down the K-shaped future of software engineering, marketing, and white-collar work in the age of AI. They explain why senior talent is winning while junior r...

Episode
Revenue Per Employee Is Skyrocketing
February 04, 2026

Neil and Eric break down why revenue per employee is exploding and what AI means for the future of work, education, and careers. They unpack ARR per FTE trends, why top companies need fewer people, an...

Episode
This AI Finds Peoples Calendly And Books Sales Demos
February 03, 2026

Neil and Eric break down how AI is reshaping sales, hiring, and enterprise growth, from AI agents booking demos to why AI-driven outreach is making it harder to stand out. They dive into AI fluency, h...