Why Is Searching For Keywords So Important?
What is a keyword(s)? They are specific words users type in the search engines. Simple as that. For example, if I am looking for “summer sandals” I would type in “summer sandals” or “sandals”. The results that come up will be websites that have used the keywords “summer sandals” , “sandals” or anything related!
There are three types of keywords; single word keywords such as “sandals”, keyword phrase which is two words like “summer sandals” or long tailed keywords that have three or more words such as, “pink and yellow summer sandals”. The more combinations you have the better. Make sure you DO NOT over stuff your content with keywords. Google will consider you as spam and sometimes suspend your website.
Keywords are the KEY to your website! If you don’t have specific words that fit your niche, then might as well just quit while you’re behind. One of the main factors of getting traffic to your website is to know the words users are typing in to get search results. Trends change on a daily basis and to get the most out of it, you need to stay ahead of the curve. Know what the new terms users are typing, evaluate your website and determine if you need to update your content with these specific terms.
A great tool to use when researching for the latest trends is Google Insights. Google said: “With Google Insights for Search, you can compare search volume patterns across specific regions, categories, time frames and properties.”
Know What Keywords Users Are Typing
Here are a couple of tools we use to do our keyword research. At first it can be a little over whelming, but once you start using it, you will LOVE IT!
Google has a great, FREE tool called Google AdWords: Keyword Tool.
Here are the benefits of using it:
- It is VERY easy to understand.
- It will give you an estimate of search query nationally and internationally.
- It tells you how competitive a keyword is.
- And the biggest benefit is that it will suggest other keywords that apply to your search query!
Click the image to enlarge.
Another tool we use is called Market Samurai.
Unlike Google AdWords: Keyword Tool, Market Samurai has to be downloaded to your desktop and purchased. They offer a FREE trial, so you can take advantage! I will show you the basics for searching for keywords.
Here are the benefits of using it:
- It will give you a huge selection of related keywords.
- It tells you how competitive a keyword might be.
- Shows you the latest trends on that keyword.
- You can use a number of other resources that Google offers all in one program.
Click the images to enlarge.
Then it will bring you to this screen:
Now…Evaluate And Update Your Website
Once you have determined which keywords will work, evaluate and update your site. Ask yourself these simple questions to determine if the keyword(s) will work for you:
1. Are the keyword(s) I have chosen fit (explain) my business or services?
2. Do the keyword(s) relate to the content of my website?
3. Are the keyword(s) I use the same as my competitor? (Of course if they are ranking higher than you, then you would want to make sure you use the same or related terms).
Implement Your Keywords To Your Website
Once you have determined what to do, then DO IT! It will make a great difference when you start to target these keywords and implement them to your website.
Add your keywords to….
1. Your title tag and meta description. (Refer back to our blog on title tags and meta descriptions).
2. Your website’s content. Remember, DO NOT over stuff each page with these words. Add about 5-10 terms to each page.
3. Your anchor texts when you are link building.
Google will start to relate your website to the keywords and you will see an increase in your rankings. This is, of course, one of many techniques used to optimize your site. It can be very time consuming, but it will make a difference when your website is ranked higher than your competitor!
Tell us what you think and how it has helped you! Learned anything new? Share it with us!
If you need help determining what keywords will work best for your niche, contact us! We are here to help.
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