The process of researching keywords is considered to be extremely crucial in search engine optimization. The decisions you make regarding the usage and targeting of keywords play a fundamental role in determining the style of your content, your approach to your audience, and your content strategy.
Non-specialists in search engine optimization often possess a limited understanding of keyword research, which can lead them down the path of either remarkable achievement or complete failure.
However, it is positive that SEO keyword research for beginners should not be seen as a mysterious and unknown process that DIYers find difficult.
Keyword research for SEO involves identifying the exact words and phrases individuals utilize when searching for information. Subsequently, it entails assessing the search volume and competition for your preferred keywords in order to optimize your ranking for a set of related keywords.
Keyword research is not just one step or action, but rather a process where each step informs the ones before and after it.
WHAT EXACTLY ARE KEYWORDS?
Shall we begin by starting at the beginning?
When thinking in a step-by-step manner, the text below can be rephrased while still conveying the same meaning. It is important not to introduce new information or omit any existing information. There are two types of keywords that can be used:
- the words or phrases that people search for
- the words or phrases that best describe the topic of your website
It would be ideal if these thoughts could align as we rephrase the text below step by step while preserving its original meaning. We should not include any additional information or omit any existing information.
When rephrasing the text, make sure to maintain the original meaning without adding or removing any information. The keywords you use should match the ones that your target audience (user) will search for.
WHAT IS KEYWORD RESEARCH?
In essence, the process of keyword research involves identifying the popular keywords that are relevant.
Using this information, a content creator or marketer can determine which keywords to prioritize on their website, and if executed properly, this process can lead to a noteworthy enhancement in organic inbound traffic, specifically from Google.
OK, SO WHY BOTHER?
Keywords continue to play a crucial role in content and SEO strategies.
Google uses keywords in its algorithms to analyze the subject matter and ranking of a website.
Content creators can use keyword research to understand the search preferences of their target audience. By doing so, they can make adjustments to their content to better suit the interests and needs of their audience.
Keyword research forms the foundation for both large and small scale content marketing strategies, as well as marketing and promotional activities.
In order to conduct keyword research, certain organizations choose to analyze the keywords being targeted by their competitors and subsequently modify their own strategy.
BRAINSTORM KEYWORDS, TOPICS & ANGLES
To begin creating your keyword list, start by making your best assumptions about the keywords people use when searching for your products and services. Begin by typing them out in a text file or spreadsheet, ensuring that you do not hold back and considering the following tips.
Think in terms of questions & needs
When people need/want your product/service, they come to search engines seeking answers to their questions. Instead of immediately searching with keywords, consider the specific questions that these individuals might be asking.
Take a moment to analyze your website, products, or services as possible solutions and then attempt to come up with the corresponding questions, similar to the format used in the American game show Jeopardy. Once you have compiled these questions, list as many alternative keyword variations that you would utilize to search for those questions on the internet.
Think in terms of your perfect visitor
When considering the perfect visitor, it is important to think in a systematic manner. Consider what knowledge they would possess beforehand, how they would conduct their search, the language they would utilize, and the types of questions they may pose.
Think laterally
Often, you may suffer from the ‘curse of knowledge,’ meaning that you possess such a deep understanding of your product/service/industry that it becomes challenging to effectively communicate its intricacies to someone unfamiliar with your field.
When you are in a specific profession, such as plumbing, it is common to use industry-specific terms and jargon that may not be understood by your target audience. Instead of solely relying on technical terms for your services, try using related concepts that can help you break away from this routine. Consider how you would explain products in different construction industries that you are less familiar with. Additionally, interview your customers to gather insights on how they would search for you.
Use Your Current Website
If Google Search Console has been installed, you have the option to navigate to Search Performance and arrange your queries by page.
By thinking step by step, you can rephrase the given text as follows without changing the meaning or adding/removing information: “This information will provide you with keywords that are already associated with your website by Google. You can utilize these keywords and make efforts to enhance them.”
To rephrase the given text step by step while maintaining the same meaning: 1. Go ahead and access Google Ads Keyword Planner (by creating a free account using your Google Account). 2. Once logged in, navigate to Tools & Analysis, then proceed to Keyword Planner. 3. Under Keyword Planner, select Search for new keyword ideas. 4. Enter the address of your website for Google to generate relevant keywords. 5. Google will provide a list of keywords that it deems suitable for bidding. 6. While not mandatory, these keywords can be utilized as suggestions for your SEO strategy.
USE KEYWORD RESEARCH TOOLS
First, it is important to differentiate between brainstorming ideas about how people may search for you while sitting at your computer, and actually understanding how people truly search. It is crucial to keep in mind that the objective of keyword research is to identify the ideal intersection between your content’s topic, the actual search queries people make, and the searches you can effectively compete in while offering added value.
Google Keyword Planner
Google’s replacement for the Keyword Tool that SEOs have been using for years is this tool. In order to access it, you must have a Google Ads account, but creating an account is free and there is no requirement to spend money on advertisements.
Initially, you will utilize it to determine the search volume of your keyword ideas.
If you hover over the chart logo beside the volume number, it will inform you about the trends throughout the year. The volume number indicates the number of times the exact keyword (excluding variations) has been searched for in your country within the past month.
To get additional keyword ideas for your list, you will also use Keyword Planner. Return to the Get New Ideas drop-down in the brainstorm section.
Google Instant
If your keywords (especially for blog posts) are too specific or have low search volume in Keyword Planner, you can try using Google Instant. Simply go to Google.com and begin typing your keyword.
If you have Google Instant enabled, previous search data is used to help predict your search queries. This means you can determine if a particular topic is actively being searched for, based on how quickly it appears in the search suggestions. The frequency and position of the suggestion indicate the level of popularity, taking into account factors such as location, language, recent events, and other variables.
Google Trends
Google Trends allows you to observe the fluctuations and developments in search volume over various time periods. By entering a set of keywords, you can analyze the rise or decline in search volume over weeks, months, or years and compare them with one another. It is evident that a significant seasonal trend is present in this data.
Google Trends can be used to determine which keywords to target. Make sure to avoid keywords that have not been searched for since 2007. Google Trends also provides valuable insights, including “Hot” keywords that have recently gained popularity, making it especially useful for blog post keyword research.
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