Keywords are the secret sauce that can help your website rise to the top of search engine results pages (SERPs). But what exactly are keywords, and how can you use them to your advantage?
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What Are Keywords?
Keywords are the words and phrases that people type into search engines when they’re looking for something online. They’re like signposts that guide internet users to the content they’re seeking. For example, if you’re craving a pepperoni pizza, you might type “best Hawaiian pizza near me” into Google. In this case, “best Hawaiian pizza near me” is the keyword – and yes, I love Hawaiian pizza.
By contemplating your potential customer’s search intent you can shape your content so that they find you.
What Is Keyword Research?
Keyword research is the process of discovering which keywords are relevant to your website and are likely to attract the right kind of traffic. It’s like going on a treasure hunt to find the most valuable words and phrases for your content. By understanding what your target audience is searching for, you can optimize your website to meet their needs and increase your chances of ranking higher in search results.
Tools for Keyword Research
As a beginner in the world of SEO, you might feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools available for keyword research. But fear not! Here are a few user-friendly tools to help you get started:
- Google Keyword Planner: This tool is a goldmine for keyword ideas. Simply enter a few seed keywords related to your website or content, and Google will generate a list of related keywords along with their search volumes and competition levels.
- Ubersuggest: Ubersuggest is another fantastic tool for keyword research. It provides keyword suggestions, search volume data, and insights into the competition for each keyword. Plus, it’s incredibly intuitive and easy to use.
- AnswerThePublic: If you’re struggling to come up with content ideas, AnswerThePublic is here to save the day. This tool generates a visual map of questions and phrases that people are searching for on a particular topic, making it perfect for brainstorming blog post topics or FAQs.
Monitoring Your Website Traffic
Once you’ve optimised your website with the right keywords, you can monitor your traffic to see how well your SEO efforts are paying off.
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that provides detailed insights into your website traffic, including where your visitors are coming from, which keywords they’re using to find your site, and how long they’re staying on each page. By keeping a close eye on your website analytics, you can identify areas for improvement and continue to refine your SEO strategy over time.
Need a hand working out your keyword strategy or auditing your SEO?