Hello there! Do you ever find yourself in a sea of Google searches and drowning in SEO jargon?
We’re not only going to demystify this elusive beast known as ‘keyword research’, but we’re also going to show you how to tame it to drive traffic to your site.
If you feel like you’ve been thrown into the deep end of the SEO (Search Engine Optimation) pool without a rubber ring or are just interested to know how it all works, this blog is for you. We’re about to turn you from an SEO minnow into a digital marketing shark. Let’s dive right in, shall we?
The ABCs of SEO and Keywords
SEO is all about making your website attractive to search engines (Google, we’re looking at you). Imagine SEO as the perfect outfit that makes you stand out at a party full of websites. And keywords? They’re the witty one-liners that keep the conversation. Or in this case, the internet traffic flowing your way.
We get a dynamite trio if we combine web design (another topic in itself) keyword research and SEO. Keyword research helps you discover the magic words and (or) phrases your potential visitors are using in their searches. And SEO? It makes sure your website is the one they find first!
Keyword Research: The Detective Work
Keyword research is like being a detective – it’s all about figuring out exactly what your audience is searching for. This means uncovering the specific words and phrases they’re typing into that search bar when they’re looking for the goods, services, or information you offer.
But why is it crucial, you ask? Well, when done correctly, keyword research and SEO can catapult your website from the internet backstreets right onto the high street! It’s the difference between having your shop in a hidden alleyway or smack bang in the middle of Oxford Street at Christmas time. So, buckle up, folks. It’s time to start our investigation.
Keyword Research Tools
You wouldn’t bake a cake without a recipe and the same goes for SEO and keyword research. You need the right tools to get cracking and tools like Google’s Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest are like your baking instructions. They guide you towards the sweet spot of effective keywords.
These tools are like your very own digital Sherlock Holmes. They help you suss out how often certain words are searched, how much competition there is for each of them, and can even suggest other related keywords to help you think out of the box.
Take these tools for a spin and before you know it, you’ll be whipping up a storm in the SEO kitchen.
Introducing Long Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are phrases with three or more words. They may seem as elusive as the Loch Ness Monster, but they’re actually hidden gems in the world of SEO and keyword research.
Think of these phrases as the underdogs, the unsung heroes. They’re specific, and targeted, and while they might not get as much search traffic as their shorter counterparts, they tend to attract more quality traffic—visitors who are more likely to stick around, have a nosey and even make a purchase.
Here’s an example – if your main keyword is “coffee machine”, a long-tail keyword example might be “best automatic coffee machine for home”. This long-tail keyword is more specific and targets a precise group of searchers – people looking for an automatic coffee machine to use at home.
How to Select the ‘Right’ Keywords
Choosing keywords for your website can feel a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. But you’ll be on your way with the correct blend of intuition and creativity, similar to web design.
You’d be forgiven to think that the ‘right’ keywords are the most searched ones but they’re not. They’re the ones most relevant to your content and target audience.
It’s about understanding your audience and asking yourself ‘what would they type into Google if they were looking for your product, service or content and how does that match with what you offer?
For example, if you own a bakery in London that specialises in vegan pastries, instead of using a broad keyword like “Bakery in London”, which is likely highly competitive, you might choose more specific keywords that accurately describe your business. The keywords could be “Vegan bakery in London”, “Vegan pastries London”, or “Best vegan croissants in London”. These keywords are more specific and directly target your desired audience. They could have less competition which makes them excellent choices for driving traffic to your site.
SEO and keyword research is a fine balance between popularity, relevance, and competition. Don’t be afraid to take risks and remember to think outside the box.
Tracking Keyword Success: Analytics 101
Keyword research for SEO is hard work and it’s important to know if your chosen words are driving traffic to your site. This is why you need analytics tools.
Imagine tools like Google Analytics are a sat nav that guides you through the maze of SEO. It will highlight which keywords are attracting visitors and how long those visitors stick around. It will also show what they do on your site, amongst many other things.
Common Keyword Research Pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
One of the most common pitfalls is choosing keywords that are too broad and it’s like trying to be heard in a loud crowd at a football match. How do potential customers know who to listen to if you and your competitors are all shouting the same thing? Stand out of the crowd and aim for more specific and long-tail keywords. They might have less search volume but they’re also less competitive and more targeted to your offer.
Another common mistake is not regularly updating and reviewing your keywords. SEO is a constantly changing landscape and you need to change with it. Keep up to date with online research such as Search Engine Journal.
Avoiding these pitfalls is about being strategic, flexible, and always ready.
It brings me great pleasure to congratulate you on concluding our fantastic expedition through keyword research for SEO. What a journey it has been! Your dedication towards this exploration has made you an adept SEO explorer – starting from understanding the basics to delving deeper into analytics.
I hope you have learned that acquiring optimal keywords is crucial in attracting your desired audience rather than selecting popular ones exclusively.
As my valuable apprentices, ensure to use these tools, tips, and tricks you’ve gathered along this journey while embarking on your personal digital expedition. Although remember: The realm of SEO involves constant changes; therefore keep up with its transformations by remaining curious and adaptable while enjoying every moment of it!
A Bit of Fun: SEO Jargon-Buster Quiz. It’s time to show off your newfound SEO smarts!
What does SEO stand for?
a. Super Exciting Oranges
b. Search Engine Optimisation
c. Special Egg Omelette
Long-tail keywords usually have:
a. More competition
b. More specific search intent
c. More syllables than a tongue twister
Google Analytics is:
a. A new-age math tutor
b. A tool to track keyword success
c. A mind-reading device
Are you embarking on your website journey or maybe you need help navigating the Google maze? If so, get in touch with us today!