20 Jul, 2021

9 Tips for a Successful SEO Keyword Research

SEO Keyword Research

Most SEO experts like us here at Springhill marketing agree that keyword research is essential. However, such a task would often require time and resources. You must also be willing to study and understand the process.

They also concede that SEO keyword research is one of the most challenging components of your digital marketing strategy. This is probably the reason why most companies would rather delegate this task to qualified SEO professionals.

If you wish to undertake keyword research, consider the following tips to avoid the various pitfalls.

1.   Always prioritise searcher intent

Many website owners are happy once they hit their online traffic goal. However, your ranking doesn’t mean anything if your web content doesn’t answer what searchers are looking for. Your web visitors are also likely to leave immediately, which can increase your bounce rate.

It’s essential to know your prospects’ search intent – what they are looking for when they search online.

For example, if you’re a web design tutorial site, visitors want to learn about designing, not read 2,000-word content on what a particular design means to you.

Make sure that your content is both useful and relevant. Also, answering the right queries can boost your online traffic.

2.   Understand what the search results are telling you

Search engine result pages can help you understand a bit about user queries. However, even with tools, it pays to look at the type of content that is ranking for your target keywords.

There are cases where a user types in your keyword, but Google presents content different from yours. For example, you’re trying to rank for a keyword using a blog. However, the search engine interprets the query and leads the searcher to a product page instead.

If such is the case, you’ll need to modify your content so you can rank for that keyword.

3.    Keyword volume metrics don’t always tell everything

Many marketers would pick the keywords with the highest search volume. While this strategy may help your ranking, it doesn’t mean that it’s also suitable for your website.

Once visitors land on your page and find that your content doesn’t have the answer to their problems, they’ll leave. When this happens, expect your bounce rate to increase.

Therefore, don’t focus your attention on search volume alone. Instead, make sure that your content provides the solution to the searcher’s problem.

4.   Use long-tail keywords to your advantage

Volume-wise, long-tail keywords are not used by many searchers. However, the ones who do are often your leads. They are the ones ready to buy or take your deal.

Another advantage of long-tail keywords is fewer competitions. Also, having the right answer to your audience’s query will convince leads and customers to see you as an expert. They will consider your business as a trustworthy brand. They also won’t hesitate to make another purchase since you’ve established trust with them.

5.   Talk to your customers and clients

One of the biggest blunders many business owners make is not listening to their customers and clients. When they speak, note the words and phrases they use to describe their problems.

To increase your website’s online traffic, you likely need to talk to real people during your SEO keyword research. You can also reach out to people who directly deal with customers and clients.

6.   Find the search platforms used by your audience

You probably use Google and other search engines for your keyword research.  However, it’s also likely your audience is using a different platform. For instance, people may use the following channels in their searches:

  •       YouTube
  •       Reddit
  •       Quora
  •       Medium

You must know where most of your audience are doing their searches. This will help you customise your content.

7.   Don’t focus too much on exact matches

There’s an old SEO rule where you have to cram in your content the keyword, its synonyms, and any related words that the user can connect to. Thankfully, you no longer have to do that.

Search engines, or at least Google, is now making use of Natural Language Processing.

Instead of focusing on exact matches, you should instead concentrate on making your content more relatable. For example, write your blog as if you’re talking to the reader.     

8.   Use Local SEO

Localisation is essential, especially if you own or run physical shops or establishments. Studies show that many local searchers often go to the shop near their location. One successful local SEO strategy is creating a GMB (Google My Business) listing. It’s a free online directory where you can promote your

  •       Shop’s name
  •       Location
  •       Contact details
  •       Products or service offered

Once searchers obtain the details, they can go to your shop and make a purchase.

9.   Take note of your competitor’s actions

You probably realise that competitors can provide useful insights into your SEO keyword research. However, your competitors for your products and services may not be the same in search results.

You should know who your rivals are for the search terms that you’re targeting. It will help you understand the types of content that are ranking for your target keywords.

Conclusion

Keyword research is vital to SEO. It’s neither an easy job nor is it for everyone. You need to devote time and resources to succeed in such a task. If you’re doing keyword research, make sure you know the user intent before proceeding any further. Afterwards, you can evaluate search result pages based on your keywords. However, don’t pick keywords based on search volume alone. Often, those that generate lower volumes, such as long-tail keywords, deliver the sales for your business.

As mentioned earlier, keyword research is a challenging endeavour. If you want to save time and money, you can call us at Springhill Marketing. With our help, you can obtain the keywords that can both increase your online traffic and revenues.  

Drive Your Business Towards The Best Results.

Talk to us about how we can help.

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