Keyword research is a vital part of digital marketing. It helps in finding the high search volume and low competitive keywords that can be used to optimize web content for SEO. We, along with top SEO gurus, believe that organic success yields more profits than paid SEO in the long run. Thus, generating traffic organically to a website will create more authority and trust among the search engines. So, here’s a simple guide to conducting keyword research for SEO.
What is Keyword research and why is it important?
Keyword research is the process of finding the words that people frequently type in search engines to find relevant content. Then these keywords are used in the web content that matches the search queries and shows in the search engine results.
For effective keyword research, you should find answers to the following:
- What do people want? What do they search in the search query?
- What is the search volume for specific terms?
- What is the competition and rank of the term in search engines?
When you find answers to all these, you’ll have keywords that are worth using in a user intent content.
Give importance to User Search Intent
Sometimes, users can use the same keywords to find answers for different contexts. For instance, if a user searches for shoes, what does it mean? Is he looking to buy it, popular brands, or simply comparing the prices? It’s why knowing search intent is very important. Also, Google BERT algorithm was rolled out last year to help the users find their answers easily.
So, majorly, there are four main categories of search intent:
- Transactional keywords: Download, Buy, Offer, etc. For example, COVID 19 insurance offers
- Informational keywords: Whys, what’s, How to’s. Example: How to prevent COVID 19
- Navigational keywords: Brand queries. Example: Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. updates
- Commercial investigation: Specific attributes, verses, best. Example, Google Vs Bing
How to Get Keyword Ideas?
The logic here is simple. You should find some 10-15 topics that are relevant to your business niche and find specific keywords to produce content that your target audience is searching for.
- Search from Target audience Point of View
Think like your target audience and think of the words or phrases they would use to search on the internet. So, while you create web content, then include those words in the content.
For example, if you are a digital marketing company, then you would brainstorm keywords like search engine marketing, social media marketing, best online advertising company, etc.
- Get the Keyword from your Website
Browse through your company’s website and research on product pages, blogs, USP statements, feature descriptions, and other things on the website know the relevant niche keywords of your industry to add to your website.
- Search the Internet
Surf through major search engines and video streaming channels for more frequently searched queries. These platforms will suggest the most commonly searched queries as soon as you type in the search bar.
- Research Your Keyword List
There are several tools like Google keyword planner, SEMRush, Ahrefs, etc. that show keywords that drive traffic to your competitor sites.
How to Choose Relevant Keywords?
Consider the following points when you are creating the keyword list:
- Search Volume
- Trending keywords
- Competitors keywords
- Click-Through Rates and Dwell time
- Keyword difficulty
Conclusion
A keyword strategy must be a cardinal part of any business and brand, thus, giving enough importance to keyword research. I hope this blog helps you conduct the process efficiently.
