When building a website, whether for a business, a blog, or an online store, keyword research is one of the most critical steps. But what does keyword research mean, and why should it matter to you? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Keyword research is finding the words and phrases people type into search engines like Google. You want your website to rank for these keywords in search results. Using the right keywords will make your site visible to people interested in your offer. Keyword research helps you understand what your potential customers are looking for and how you can meet their needs.
In SEO (search engine optimisation), keywords are the foundation of your content strategy. They help search engines understand what your website is about. By selecting the best keywords, you can improve your website’s chances of appearing in search results when people search for those terms. ~Apex Digital Agency Perth
How to Do Keyword Research
- Start with a Seed Keyword
A seed keyword is the main topic or idea you want to rank for. For example, if you sell shoes, your seed keyword could be “shoes” or “buy shoes online.” Think about the main products or services you offer. - Use Keyword Research Tools
Keyword tools can help you find related keywords, their search volume, competition, and other vital data. These tools show you what people are searching for and how often. Some popular keyword research tools are free; others offer premium versions with more features. - Analyse Search Volume
Search volume shows how many people search for a particular keyword in a month. It helps you identify which keywords are most popular. However, don’t just focus on high-volume keywords; sometimes, lower-volume keywords (also called “long-tail keywords”) can be more valuable because they are more specific. - Check Keyword Difficulty
Keyword difficulty shows how hard it is to rank for a particular keyword. If there is a lot of competition for a keyword, it will be harder to rank. Look for keywords with a good balance of high search volume and low competition. - Consider User Intent
User intent refers to what the person tries to find when searching for a keyword. Are they looking for information or want to make a purchase? For example, someone searching for “how to tie shoes” may not be ready to buy shoes. Understanding user intent can help you choose the right keywords for your goals. - Use Google Suggestions
Google’s autocomplete feature can help you find relevant keywords. When you start typing a search term in Google, it will show you suggested searches. These suggestions are based on what people are frequently searching for. This is a quick and easy way to find keywords related to your seed keyword. - Analyze Competitor Keywords
Check which keywords your competitors are ranking for. You can use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to analyze competitor websites and determine their target keywords. This can give you ideas for your keyword strategy. - Create a List of Keywords
Once you’ve found a good set of keywords, create a list. Organize them by search volume, difficulty, and relevance to your business. This list will help you create content and optimize your website.
Examples of Keywords
- Short-tail keywords: These are general keywords with one or two words. They usually have high search volume but are more challenging to rank for. For example, “shoes” or “buy shoes.”
- Long-tail keywords: These are longer, more specific phrases. They have lower search volume but are easier to rank for, often leading to higher conversions. For example, “buy running shoes online” or “best shoes for hiking.”
- Location-based keywords include a location and are essential for local SEO. For example, “buy shoes in New York” or “shoe store near me.”
- Questions: Keywords phrased as questions are great for targeting people seeking specific information. For example, “What are the best shoes for running?”
Best Tools for Keyword Research
- Google Keyword Planner
Google’s free tool is one of the most popular for keyword research. It shows search volume, competition, and other vital data. It’s beneficial for finding keywords related to Google Ads, but it can also help with SEO. - Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest is a free keyword research tool that provides keyword ideas, search volume, competition analysis, and more. It’s easy to use and a good option for beginners. - Answer the Public
This tool generates keyword ideas based on questions about a particular topic. It’s excellent for finding long-tail keywords and understanding user intent. - SEMrush
SEMrush is a paid tool that offers in-depth keyword research. It shows search volume, competition, and trends. It also allows you to see which keywords your competitors are ranking for. - Ahrefs
Ahrefs is another premium tool that provides detailed keyword data, competitor analysis, and other SEO insights. It is known for its accuracy and in-depth reports. - Moz Keyword Explorer
Moz’s keyword tool helps you find keyword ideas, check search volume, and analyze competition. It also gives you a keyword difficulty score to help you determine how easy or hard it will be to rank for a specific keyword. - KWFinder
KWFinder is a paid tool that helps you find low-competition keywords with high search volume. It’s an excellent tool for beginners and experts alike.
FREQUENTLY asked questions – faqs
What are SEO keywords, and how do you find them?
SEO keywords are words or phrases that people use when searching online. You can find them using tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, and SEMrush. Focus on relevant, high-volume, low-competition keywords that match your audience’s search intent.
How does SEO keyword research work?
SEO keyword research works by finding the terms people use to search for information, products, or services. It helps you understand what your audience wants so you can create content that answers their questions and meets their needs.
What are the best free keyword research tools?
Some of the best free keyword research tools are Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, Answer the Public, and Google Trends. These tools provide valuable data without requiring a paid subscription.
Why is keyword research important for SEO?
Keyword research is essential for SEO because it helps you create content that aligns with what people are searching for. By targeting the right keywords, you can increase your chances of ranking higher in search engine results.
How do I put SEO keywords on my website?
You should place SEO keywords in several places on your website, such as in the title tags, meta descriptions, headings (H1, H2), URL, and throughout the content. Be sure to use keywords naturally, without overstuffing them.
Is a paid keyword research tool for SEO worth it?
Paid tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz provide more detailed data and insights, which can help you optimise your strategy. They are worth it if you are serious about SEO and want in-depth information to improve your rankings.
What is the purpose of keyword research in SEO?
The purpose of keyword research is to understand what your audience is searching for so you can create content that meets their needs. It helps you target keywords, increase website traffic, and improve your SEO performance.
How can my SEO keywords be in the right places?
Use tools like Google Search Console or SEMrush to check if your keywords are being used effectively. Ensure that your keywords are in the title tags, headings, content, and URL, and that they align with user intent.
What is the best way to rank high with SEO?
The best way to rank high with SEO is to create high-quality, relevant content with the right keywords. Ensure your website is technically optimised for speed and mobile-friendliness, and build backlinks to improve your authority.
How do I deliver keyword research to clients?
When delivering keyword research to clients, please provide targeted keywords and data on search volume, competition, and relevance. Include recommendations on how to use these keywords in content, titles, and meta tags.