Dos and Don’ts for Selecting Keywords

Do:

• Follow the journal guidelines. 
• Use keywords that focus on the main topic of your manuscript, keeping in mind that keywords can also be “key phrases” of two or more words.
• Be as specific as possible. For example, if your manuscript is about atmospheric and oceanic optics, using only the keyword “optics” will hinder the discoverability of your article.
• Review previously published articles for ideas.  Once you have identified a few potential keywords, enter them into an indexing database, journal site, or online search engine.  If your search yields results that include articles on topics similar to your own, then your selections are likely appropriate. Alternatively, if you are having difficulty identifying effective keywords, search online for articles on a similar subject.  You can then review the keywords included in your search results for ideas.

Don’t:

• If the journal does not allow it, don’t select terms that already appear in your title.
• Pick keywords that are too broad.