Keyword research identifies and analyzes the search terms people are using to find information online. It is an essential part of a successful SEO strategy, as it helps better understand how your target market finds products and services like yours online.
Types of Keywords
Keywords can be divided into two main categories: head terms and long-tail keywords. Head terms are broad and popular search terms, such as "shoes" or "hotels." Long-tail keywords are more specific and less competitive, such as "women's running shoes with arch support" or "family-friendly hotels in Orlando."
Why Some Keywords Are More Valuable
Like the stock market, not all keywords are created equal. Some are more valuable than others, depending on several factors, including:
- Search volume: How many people search for the keyword each month?
- Competition: How difficult is ranking for the keyword in search results?
- Conversion rate: How likely are people who search for the keyword to take a desired action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter?
How Do You Find High-Value Keywords?
You need to conduct keyword research to find the most valuable keywords for your business. There are many different keyword research tools available, both free and paid. They include Google Trends, Keyword Surfer, and Moz Keyword Explorer, to name a few. These tools can help you to identify relevant keywords, analyze their search volume and competition, and gain insights into their conversion potential. There are also SEO Services that can do the heavy lifting for you.
Once you have identified a list of valuable keywords, you can start incorporating them into your website content, blog posts, and other marketing materials. By targeting the right keywords, you can improve your website's visibility in search results and attract more visitors interested in what you offer.Here are some valuable tips for conducting keyword research:
- Start with your target audience. What are they interested in? What problems are they trying to solve? What are their goals? Once you understand your target audience well, you can start brainstorming keywords they might use to search for information online
- Use keyword research tools. There are several different keyword research tools available, both free and paid. These tools can help you to identify relevant keywords, analyze their search volume and competition, and get insights into their conversion potential.
- Be specific. Long-tail keywords are typically more valuable than head terms, as they are more specific and less competitive. For example, "running shoes" has a high search volume and competition, but "women's running shoes with arch support" is more specific and less competitive. However, you may find that the latter is a more valuable keyword if you are selling that product.
- Consider search intent. When people search for a keyword, what are they trying to achieve? Are they looking for information? Do they want to find a specific product or service? Are they ready to make a purchase? By understanding search intent, you can choose keywords relevant to your business and the goals of your target audience. We’ll talk in more detail in a future blog post, so be sure to subscribe to get it first.
Keyword research is an ongoing process. As your business grows and changes, your keywords must also be revised. So, you should periodically conduct keyword research to continue targeting the most relevant and profitable keywords.
