If there’s one silent truth in academic publishing, it’s this: Most papers are not ignored because they lack quality; many are ignored because they are invisible.
Your title, abstract, and keywords are the three doors through which your research is seen. If those doors are unclear, uninviting, or mislabeled, even the most brilliant study becomes difficult to discover. In an age where researchers compete not only with each other but with algorithms, databases, and keyword-sensitive search engines, visibility is no longer a bonus, it is strategy.
At AB Journals, we see hundreds of papers every month. The strongest ones are not just well-written; they are discoverable. Here’s how you can make sure yours is too.
1. Your Title: The First Signal of Relevance
Titles are not creative writing competitions; they are search tools. A good title performs three functions at once:
Describes the core idea
Signals the method or context
Uses terms readers actually search for
A clear, precise title tells readers and search engines exactly what to expect. For example:
“Innovation in Nigeria’s Health Sector” – too broad, vague
“Digital Health Tools and Patient Engagement in Nigeria: A Mixed-Methods Study” – searchable, specific, citable
If a keyword doesn’t appear in your title, ask yourself: “Do I want to be discovered for this topic?” If yes, add it.
2. Your Abstract: A 150–250 Word Story of Your Research
Think of the abstract as a first appearance. It creates the first impression, and it must be firm, confident, and informative.
The best abstracts read like a guided walk-through:
Start with the problem: What gap or question does your study address?
Explain your approach: What method or framework did you use?
Present the key findings: People need to understand what you discovered, not everything, just what matters.
End with the meaning: Why does this study matter? How does it contribute to your field?
Avoid:
Overloading with jargon
Hiding your findings
Writing long sentences without direction
Aim: Clarity over complexity. Precision over poetry. Impact over decoration.
3. Keywords: Your Paper’s Discoverable Engine
Most researchers underestimate how important keywords are. Databases like Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and even institutional libraries, depend heavily on keywords to classify and recommend your work.
How to choose strong keywords:
✔ Use terms readers naturally search for, not overly complex internal jargon ✔ Include synonyms or variant spellings, especially if your field spans different regions ✔ Ensure your keywords match your title and abstract, search engines look for alignment ✔ Avoid repeating the exact words already in the title (unless necessary)
Example: For a paper titled “Women’s Participation in Local Governance in Ghana,” stronger keywords would be:
Gender and governance
Local political participation
Community decision-making
Ghana public administration
These give your study more entry points.
4. The Algorithm Factor: Why Visibility Begins with Structure
Search engines favor papers that communicate clearly. Here’s what boosts visibility:
Straightforward titles (no metaphors, no over stuffing)
Abstracts that follow a logical structure
Keywords that match common search queries
Consistent terminology throughout the paper
Your goal is to make the job of the algorithm and human readers easy. The easier your work is to categorize, the faster it travels.
5. Ask Yourself Before Submitting
If someone searched for my topic today, would my paper appear in the results?
Does my title reflect exactly what I studied?
Can a non-expert understand my abstract?
Are my keywords aligned with the current language in my field?
If the answer is no, refine. Visibility is built in the details
Visibility is a Craft
Being cited begins with being found. Being found begins with how you package the very first 20–30 seconds of your research: your title, abstract, and keywords.
When you invest care and strategy into these, you’re not just increasing your paper’s reach, you’re amplifying your voice in your field.
At AB Journals, we are committed to helping researchers strengthen the visibility and impact of their work. Let your research be discoverable, readable, and ultimately citable.
