Choosing the right keywords for SEO can feel daunting. With so many options and factors to consider, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But don’t worry—we’re here to guide you through the process. Whether you’re new to SEO or have been in the game for a while, this guide will step you through the process of curating keywords that have an impact. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Basics
First things first, let’s clarify what keywords are. Keywords are the terms and phrases people type into search engines when looking for information. For example, if someone is looking for a gym bag, they might type “best gym bags” into Google. If your online store sells fitness accessories, you want the search results to list your website for that query.
Why Keywords Matter
The reason keywords are pivotal in SEO is that they inform search engines about your content. So, when potential customers look for products/services similar to yours, the right keywords increase your website’s chances of appearing in search results.
Steps to Choose the Best Keywords
1. Brainstorm a List of Topics
Start by listing topics related to your business. Think about what your customers might be searching for. For example, if you run a bakery, your list might include topics like “cakes,” “bread,” “pastries,” and “wedding cakes.”
Tips for Effective Brainstorming:
- Involve your team: Gather input from different departments.
- Use customer feedback: What questions do customers frequently ask?
- Think seasonally: Are there topics that are relevant at certain times of the year?
2. Use Keyword Research Tools
Once you have a list of topics, it’s time to use keyword research tools to find specific keywords related to those topics. Some popular tools include:
- Google Keyword Planner: A free tool that provides information about what phrases and terms are being used, search volume data, and more.
- Ahrefs: A comprehensive SEO tool that offers keyword research, competitor analysis, and more.
- SEMrush: Another powerful tool that helps with keyword research, tracking, and competitive analysis.
How to Use These Tools:
- Start with broad keywords from your brainstorm.
- Look for suggestions for related keywords.
- Focus on search volume and keyword difficulty data.
3. Analyze the Competition
Look at what keywords your competitors are using. This can give you an idea of what works well in your industry. Tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush can help you see which keywords drive traffic to your competitors’ sites.
Competitive Analysis Steps:
- Identify your main competitors.
- Use tools to see their top-performing keywords—like Ahrefs and SEMrush.
- Analyze their content to understand why they rank well.
4. Consider Search Intent
Understanding search intent—the reason behind a user’s search—is key to choosing the right keywords. Are they looking for information, trying to buy something, or looking for a specific website?
For example:
- Informational intent: “How to bake a cake”
- Transactional intent: “Buy wedding cake”
- Navigational intent: “Bakery near me”
Matching Keywords to Intent:
- Create content that matches the search intent.
- Use keywords that align with the different stages of the buyer’s journey.
5. Look for Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases. While they might have lower search volumes, there’s typically less competition and more targeted traffic. For example, instead of targeting “cakes,” you might target “gluten-free birthday cakes.”
Benefits of Long-Tail Keywords:
- Higher conversion rates: More specific searches often mean the user is closer to making a purchase.
- Easier to rank: Less competition means you can rank higher more easily.
6. Check Search Volume and Difficulty
Check the keyword search volume and difficulty using your keyword research tools. Ideally, you want keywords with a good balance—high enough search volume to drive traffic but low enough difficulty that you can realistically rank for them.
Evaluating Metrics:
- Search volume: Indicates how often a keyword is searched.
- Keyword difficulty: Measures how hard it is to rank for a keyword.
- Cost per click (CPC): Useful if you’re planning to run paid campaigns.
7. Analyze Your Current Keywords
If you’ve been doing SEO for a while, look at the keywords you currently rank for. Are they still relevant? Are there opportunities to optimize for better keywords? Use tools like Google Search Console to get insights into your current keyword performance.
Steps for Keyword Analysis:
- Identify your top-performing keywords.
- Check for keywords that have dropped in rankings.
- Look for new opportunities to update or expand your content.
8. Analyze the SERPs
Analyzing the Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) can provide valuable insights into what kind of content ranks for your target keywords. Look at the top-ranking pages and identify patterns.
How to Analyze SERPs:
- Identify common features: Look for elements like listicles, videos, or infographics.
- Check page attributes: Note the word count, format, and structure of top-ranking pages.
- Assess user intent: Determine if the top results are fulfilling the same user intent you aim to target.
9. Choose Trending Keywords
Staying ahead of the curve with trending keywords can give you an edge over the competition. Use tools like Google Trends and alternatives to identify emerging trends in your industry.
Tips for Finding Trending Keywords:
- Use Google Trends: Explore search trends over time and identify rising topics.
- Monitor social media: Look for hashtags and trending topics relevant to your industry.
- Stay current with industry news: As you know, there are always the latest trends and developments to catch up on.
Putting It All Together
Choosing the best keywords for SEO is a blend of art and science. It requires knowing your audience, leveraging the right tools, and constantly analyzing and adjusting your strategy. Remember, SEO is a long game, so patience is key.
Ready to Take Your SEO to the Next Level?
Choosing the right keywords is essential, but it’s also just one piece of the SEO puzzle. If you’re ready to elevate your SEO strategy and increase website traffic, our team at Menerva Digital is here to help. With years of experience in enterprise SEO, we have the expertise (and awards!) to help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to learn more about partnering with us to help your business grow.
