Keyword research is the process of finding out what people search for when they type into search engines like Google and Bing. Also, it is a vital part of SEO Search Engine Optimization. It is also critical for marketing ads and social media.
Why should you do keyword research?
It tells you “the voice of the customer” and what are they searching for. You can learn what they want to know about so you can speak the right terms on your website, social media, and your blog. It can also tell you what people want to buy.
How do you do keyword research?
There are paid and free tools and software programs to help you find keywords. Free tools include Wordstream, Google Trends, Google AdWords Keyword Planner, and if your Sitemap has been submitted to Google and Bing you can use their keyword feature to see if any were used to get to your site today. Some enhanced tools tell you what a competitor site’s keywords are being used. I love this feature! It cuts right to the chase to see what your perspective client base is asking online today.
Some paid tools include Ahrefs, SEMRush, Diib, but there are many more to list.
Where do you start?
- Define the problem you think people are searching for.
- Use the research tools to get to know whats being searched on today.
- This is where we get into google’s ‘love language’ which is SEO. Add those words to your website’s homepage or certain page’s Title, the Header (aka ‘H1’) and be sure to also state that word 2-3 more times on that page. Be careful not to over-optimize.
Pro tip: do not repeat the placement of said keyword in Meta Titles across your website pages. Just one page should be dedicated to its own key word and meta title keyword setup. Or else- you may confuse google on which page it should return back to the searcher.
Wrap up and takeaways
Keyword research is a great way to improve your SEO, it helps you find what your target audience is searching for. Lastly it also helps you find new topics to write about.
Need help with keyword research for your new or existing website?
I can help and also set up on-site technical SEO needs too. Contact me today to see how I can help you achieve your website goals.
