What Are Common Keywords?
Common keywords are the essential words and phrases that you embed in your website’s content to help people find you through search engines like Google. These keywords should match what potential visitors discover as top Google searches when they hit search on Google. For example, if you sell handmade candles, effective keywords might include “scented soy candles,”
“handmade candles,” or “eco-friendly candles.”Consider you own a small online bakery. If someone searches for “homemade chocolate chip cookies near me,” you’d want your bakery to appear at the top of those search results. To make this happen, you’d have to strategically use relevant SEO keywords like “homemade cookies,” “chocolate chip cookies,” and “cookies near me” throughout your website.
By using the most searched keywords properly, your site essentially “speaks the same language” as your audience, making it much easier for them to find you amidst a sea of competitors on search engine results pages. Investing time in keyword research ensures your website attracts not only more visitors but also the right kind of visitors.
Why Are SEO Keywords Important?
SEO keywords are important for ensuring your website connects effectively with potential customers. This is why they are so essential to your website:
Connecting the Right People with Your Website
Keywords are like the clues you give Google about the content of your pages. They help search engines match your site with the searches that people are making. For example, if your bakery’s website frequently talks about “homemade cheesecake,” Google will learn to show your site when someone searches for that phrase.
Attracting Targeted Visitors
Using specific keywords allows you to attract more targeted visitors. For example, if you use keywords like “gluten-free cookies” or “vegan chocolate cookies,” you are more likely to draw in visitors who are searching specifically for these products. This targeted traffic is invaluable because these visitors have already shown an interest in what you offer, increasing the likelihood of a sale.
Improving Website Structure and User Experience
Keywords not only help attract the right visitors but also aid in organizing the content of your website. Knowing which keywords are most relevant to your products or services can help you decide how to structure your website. For example, if “birthday cakes” and “wedding cakes” are popular searches, you might create separate category pages for each on your site.
What SEO Keywords Should I Target on My Site?
Here’s how to determine which keywords you should be targeting:
Identify Your SEO Goals
First, you need to clarify what you want to achieve with your SEO strategy. Are you looking to increase overall website traffic, or are you more interested in attracting specific types of visitors? For example, if you run an online electronics store, your goal might be to attract customers who are ready to buy high-end gaming laptops. In this case, you would target specific keywords like “best gaming laptops 2024” or “high-performance gaming laptops on sale.”
Understand Your Audience
Knowing who your audience is and what they are searching for can greatly influence your keyword choices. If your target market includes tech enthusiasts, you might focus on keywords such as “latest tech gadgets” or “newest smartphone releases.” This approach ensures you are attracting visitors who are most likely to be interested in your products.
Types of Traffic and Keyword Specificity
Consider the type of traffic you want: Ready-to-buy visitors:Â Target more specific keywords that indicate purchase intent, like “buy organic dog food online.”Brand awareness: Use broader keywords that relate to your industry, such as “healthy pet diets,” which might attract a wider audience interested in pet care.
Speed of Results and Keyword Competition
If you need quick results, you might consider targeting “long-tail keywords,” which are less competitive and easier to rank for. These are longer and more specific phrases that potential customers are likely to use when they are close to making a purchase decision. For example, instead of “shoes,” target “women’s running shoes for flat feet.”
Best Practices for Improving Your SEO with Strategic Keyword Selection
Incorporating the right traffic-driving keywords into your SEO strategy can considerably boost your website’s visibility and traffic. Here’s how to apply best practices in your keyword efforts:
Utilizing Google Suggest for Long Tail Keywords
Many new to SEO struggle with targeting overly competitive keywords in the search volume. These are tempting because they attract a lot of searches, but they are extremely difficult to rank for. Instead, focusing on long tail keywords—phrases that are longer and more specific can be more effective. These keywords are often less competitive and more targeted towards specific user intents.
For example, if you’re looking to create content about “keto lunch,” simply typing this into Google will activate Google Suggest, revealing a plethora of long tail keyword suggestions like “keto lunch ideas for work” or “easy keto lunch recipes.” These suggestions provide targeted options for which your new website can realistically rank.
Leveraging Free Tools for Question-Based Keywords
Tools like AnswerThePublic.com and QuestionDB are invaluable for finding question-based, long-tail keywords. These tools generate questions people are actually asking about your topic.
For example, if your website specializes in skincare, using these tools with the keyword “acne” might reveal questions like “how to prevent acne naturally” or “best acne treatment for sensitive skin.” Content created around these questions meets specific user needs, upgrading your site’s relevance and engagement.
Exploring Trending Keywords with Amazon Suggest and Competitor Analysis
For eCommerce sites, Amazon Suggest is an excellent resource. Typing a product category into Amazon can help you discover niche product keywords, such as “LED light therapy for skin,” if you’re selling beauty gadgets. Similarly, using online tools to analyze what popular Google keywords your competitors rank for gives you information about potentially valuable niches.
Innovative Keyword Finding with SeedKeywords
If you’re seeking more creative keyword ideas, SeedKeywords.com offers a unique approach. This keyword research tool allows you to create scenarios and ask your audience how they would search for a solution on Google. For example, asking, “How would you search for a budget-friendly family car?” might yield unexpected keywords that aren’t saturated in your market yet.
Monitoring Trends and Performance
Keeping an eye on keyword trends through Google Trends and continually assessing your keyword performance via Google Search Console is essential. These tools help you understand the most popular Google searches worldwide and which ones you are already ranking for, allowing you to refine your strategy and double down on popular keywords.
Conclusion
Revamping your keyword strategy isn’t just about chasing higher traffic; it’s about connecting meaningfully with your audience. Be sure to explore long-tail and question-based keywords to discover what your potential customers are truly curious about. Embrace tools like Google Suggest, Google Trends, and innovative platforms like SeedKeywords to uncover less obvious but highly effective keywords. Start today and turn those insights into a thriving online presence that engages your audience and builds lasting connections.