Hoping to increase website traffic?
Most tactics start with effective keyword research. After all, how will you alter your site design or come up with relevant blog posts without knowing the right keywords and topics to focus on?
Don’t fret if you don’t know where to start or how keyword research works. We’ve listed seven useful tips right here for you to learn. Continue reading to learn more and improve your keyword research methods:
1. On-Site Search Tracking
Not all keyword research tips involve looking outside your site’s perimeter. You should always look at the search queries conducted on your website. Remember that these come from people already there.
They know what they from you but they simply can’t find it.
It’s now your job to narrow down the most common keywords people use on your site’s search bar and then make content to help those elements surface. For example, if you notice a lot of people are searching “formal clothes for boys” then you could include a section about this in your shop. Use the keyword phrase “formal boys clothes” for a page listing relevant products and make sure to add a new menu item specifically for this.
Now it’s more visible and people will easily find the products they need. This increases the likelihood of them purchasing instead of bouncing off your site.
2. Consider Search Volume
While conducting keyword research, take a moment to consider keyword rankings. Keywords with lower volume don’t see much use, meaning the competition is low. However, it also means fewer people use those keywords when searching and your audience for that phrase.
Do you want to target fewer people but dominate that search corner or do you face the competition head-on and rely on high-volume keywords?
The answer is both. You’ll want to strive to rank higher on competitive keywords but don’t forget to show some attention to niche keyword phrases. There is an audience for those keywords, you simply have to find a way to make them viral and raise visibility.
3. Google Suggestions
Ever tried to search on Google and discover how the search bar brings up multiple suggestions, many of which are eerily close to what you intend to type in? That’s Google’s autocomplete tool and it performs this by linking the words you typed with searches done by millions of other people. It autocompletes your search by smartly pulling up relevant queries.
Use Google’s autocomplete feature to your advantage.
Try to search something like “what is SEO” and you’ll find phrases like “what is SEO in digital marketing” or “what is SEO means” in the list of suggestions. Google already did a lot of the math for you. These are the keywords millions of people are typing in so why not focus on those?
4. Local Keyword Research
Unless your brand reaches out to the other side of the globe, you should focus on local SEO. Prioritize your neighborhood and people more likely to avail of your services or products.
If you offer HVAC repairs for people only in the Chicago area, why spend resources on keywords that aim for the global market? Narrow down your keyword research to the physical reach of your business.
Yes, this is easier said than done.
Even on a local level, the competition can be overwhelming. You can work around this by hiring Search Engine Optimization experts in your area. Their tools, expertise, and experience can help you rise above the local crowd.
5. Check the Competition
Speaking of the competition, don’t hesitate to check them out. Study their keyword strategy and the research they’ve done. In some ways, it’s like they did the work for you.
Utilize tools like SpyFu to get a sneak peek at the keywords your competitors use and rank high for. Study the strategy they use.
Did they use those keywords simply to boost their content strategy or did they alter their website and pages to cater to those phrases? Check if you can follow suit or if you’ll have to come up with a different tactic to use those same keyword phrases.
6. Always Check Current Trends
Got a tool like Google Analytics? Study the metrics to look for current trends. What are the most popular hashtags, social media campaigns, viral videos, and keyword mentions in your area that are also related to your field and business?
Knowing current trends can help you redirect your keyword research. If a viral video campaign launched on TikTok or Instagram, why not implement it with your current keywords and content strategy?
Jump into the bandwagon and see if you can become viral before your competitors do. When they give it a shot, people will remember that your business did it first.
7. Use Every Tool
Google changed how people use the Internet. Search behavior and keyword relevance are now important because Google prioritized the need for good and relevant content. Over the years, multiple tools have since come out to help SEO and marketing experts take the reins and manipulate their content.
Take advantage of these tools! Use everything available, from Google Keyword Planner to plugins such as Yoast SEO. Each tool has a specialized goal so don’t hesitate to use them and get a broader scope of the landscape.
Conduct Effective Keyword Research Today
Keyword research can sound like a tedious job. However, with these seven keyword research tips, you should be able to outrace the competition. Use every tool available, check the competition, use Google’s autocomplete, and don’t forget search queries on your website.
That said, keyword research is only the beginning. SEO and digital marketing involve using those keywords to your advantage.
Not sure where to start? Feel free to go over more of our marketing guides right here to learn different SEO tactics and methods to increase traffic and boost your site’s performance!
