All SEO professionals begin their search engine optimization efforts by performing keyword research. As organic traffic to your site is a very effective and targeted means of accomplishing your long-term goals, keyword research is an important step of your search engine optimization campaign.
While some clients wish to provide a list of keywords for which they would like to receive more targeted traffic and be more visible in search results, others will rely on the SEO professional to guide them through this process. Below are some tips that will assist you and your SEO professional perform the best and most effective keyword analysis.
- Always start from long tail keywords (3 or more words long) for targeted traffic. Once you start ranking for long tail keywords, you can start targeting the head keywords and expand your keyword list.
- Check your competition and find out which keywords your competitors are optimizing. By searching Google manually and visiting the top 20-30 results, you can build a list of keywords for which you wish to rank.
- Choosing the perfect keyword phrase depends on how well the site content compliments the searchers intentions.
- Continuously track results and changes in the position. You can use Raven Tools or SEOMoz tools.
- The perfect domain name, containing the niche site keyword, helps you build a quality targeted site. Before finalizing your domain choice, make sure you’ve done the proper research.
- By using Google Keyword Research Tool, you can find out target key phrases that visitors are actively searching, as well as gain an understanding of the monthly search volume your keywords receive.
Keyword Research Tools
Your Website: Dig your own site’s traffic logs to find keywords relevant and optimize these keywords and related keywords. If you already have setup Google Analytics, check the most popular keyword.
Google Keyword Research Tools: As I mentioned above, this gives you a broad view using the feature like keyword search volume, related keywords, country wide targeting and lot’s more.
Google Insights: This tool really helps to shows trending for specific phrases over time. It allows comparison of phrases and also suggests a few phrases.
Google Trends: It is helpful when you do business internationally and optimizing your site in your international markets.
WordTracker: WordTracker provides free and paid services for keyword research. It is helpful in finding related terms and getting more idea about what people are actually searching online.
You can also use Google Webmaster Tools – great tool to see the “search queries” that Google is returning your website for in search results (impressions) and when these searches are actually resulting in visitors to your site (clicks). Twitter search can help you see the real time results for the keyword and interest or you can also use Twitscoop.
If you have any questions or suggestion in keyword research, please let me know in the comment section below. Good Luck!
