Keywords are the foundation of search engine optimization (SEO). They are the words and phrases that people enter into search engines to find information, products, or services. If your website doesn’t have the right keywords, it may not appear in search results, which means that potential customers won’t be able to find you.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at why keywords matter and how to do keyword research for SEO. Choosing a digital marketing agency London can help you improve your website visibility if you’re not confident with creating an SEO strategy yourself.
What are keywords?
Keywords are the terms and phrases that people use to search for something on search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. For example, if someone is looking for a new pair of shoes, they might enter keywords like “best shoes for running” or “affordable running shoes.” These keywords help search engines understand what the person is looking for and show them relevant results.
Why do keywords matter for SEO?
Keywords are crucial for SEO because they help search engines understand the content on your website. Search engines use algorithms to analyse the content of a webpage, and they rely on keywords to determine what the page is about. If your website doesn’t have the right keywords, search engines may not be able to understand the content, which can result in lower search rankings.
How to do keyword research for SEO
Keyword research is the process of finding the right keywords for your website. Here’s how to do keyword research for SEO:
Brainstorm potential keywords: Start by brainstorming potential keywords that are relevant to your website. Think about the products or services you offer and the problems your customers are trying to solve. You can also use tools like Google Autocomplete or AnswerThePublic to see what people are searching for.
Use keyword research tools: There are many keyword research tools available that can help you find the right keywords for your website. Some popular options include Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz. These tools can show you how many people are searching for a particular keyword and how difficult it is to rank for that keyword.
Evaluate keyword competition: When choosing keywords, it’s important to consider the competition. Some keywords are highly competitive, which means that many other websites are trying to rank for them. It can be difficult to rank for these keywords, especially if your website is new. Look for keywords with lower competition that still have a decent search volume.
Consider long-tail keywords: Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that are less competitive than broader keywords. For example, “best running shoes for flat feet” is a long-tail keyword that is more specific than “running shoes.” Long-tail keywords can be a good option for new websites that are trying to rank for specific topics.
Analyse search intent: Search intent refers to the reason behind a person’s search. Are they looking for information, a product, or a service? Understanding search intent can help you choose the right keywords for your website. For example, if someone is searching for “how to fix a leaky faucet,” they’re likely looking for information, not a product or service.
Keywords are essential for SEO, and keyword research is an important part of any SEO strategy. By understanding the keywords that people are searching for, you can create content that meets their needs and improve your search rankings. Use the tips in this guide or find a digital marketing agency to suit you so you can find the right keywords for your website and start improving your SEO today.
