When it comes to SEO, keyword research is a must. Without it, your website is just a ship lost at sea. Let’s break down why keyword research is important and how to master it to boost your site’s visibility.
Why is Keyword Research Important?
Launching a website without keyword research is like opening a store without telling anyone. You need to know what your potential customers are searching for, and that’s where keyword research comes into play. When you’ve nailed this part, you’ll get your website in front of the right people at the right time.
Elements of Keyword Research
Relevance
Relevance is arguably the most important factor in keyword research. Google ranks content based on relevance. A keyword is relevant if it aligns with the content on your site and the intent of your audience. When users search for something online, they’re looking for content that meets their needs, answers their questions or solves their problems.
Authority
Authority refers to the credibility of your website in the eyes of search engines. If your site is recognized as a trustworthy source, it will rank you higher for relevant keywords. You can become the most authoritative by producing valuable, original content that earns backlinks from other reputable sources.
Volume
Volume is the number of searches a keyword receives over a specific period, typically measured monthly. It gives insight into how popular a keyword is and how much potential traffic it can bring to your site.
How to Research Keywords for your SEO Strategy
Step 1: Make a list of important, relevant topics
Start by brainstorming a list of topics that are most relevant to your business. These topics should encompass the core of what your business focuses on. Consider what you want to be known for and what potential customers are likely to search for when looking for your products or services.
Step 2: Understand search intent and analyze accordingly
User intent is now one of the most pivotal factors in your ability to rank high on Google. Understanding this intent is crucial for choosing the right keywords. For example, you’re researching the keyword “how to bake a cake.” The intent is most likely to find a recipe for baking a cake, not a store that sells cakes.
Step 3: Research related search terms
When you type in a phrase and scroll to the bottom of Google’s results, you’ll notice some suggestions for searches related to your original input. These keywords can spark ideas for other keywords you may want to include or take into consideration and offer insights into phrases people are using to find similar content.
Understand that there are no “best” keywords, just those that are searched the most often. However, the best keywords for your SEO strategy will consider relevance, authority and volume. With this in mind, it’s up to you to craft an SEO strategy that will help you rank high and drive traffic. But if you don’t have the time, JSK Marketing is here to help. Our team can develop a tailored strategy to boost your online visibility and do keyword research that will connect you with your audience. Contact us today to learn about how we can elevate your business and drive meaningful results.