Thank you for viewing our primer on SEO for beginners through keyword research. If you’ve ever wondered what keyword research is for and how to do it, this guide will explain everything in simple terms
What exactly is keyword research?
Why is it so important?
Which keywords to use based on The user’s purpose?
Have you ever been told that using the right keywords can bring more traffic to your website? Or that optimizing your website with the right keywords can help you achieve your business goals? If you’re a business owner or aspiring SEO enthusiast, you’ve probably heard this advice countless times.
When I started, I was in your shoes too. I quickly learned just how important keyword research is for growing an online business through search engine optimization.
So today, I’m here to guide you through the basics of SEO, starting with the most fundamental concept: keyword research.
What is Keyword Research?
Keyword research is all about finding the right words and phrases that can bring the right people to your website. Imagine when you search for something on Google, like finding a solution to a problem. You expect the first page of results to have what you need—that’s called the SERP, or search engine results page.
With keyword research, we figure out what exact words and questions people are typing into search engines. For businesses or blogs, knowing these queries helps us create or improve pages that match what users are looking for. This not only helps them find answers but also brings more traffic, which is crucial for growing our business.
You can also use these keywords for online ads, like Google Ads or Facebook Ads, to attract even more visitors to your site or your clients’ sites.
In simpler terms, keyword research is about understanding what topics and ideas your potential customers are interested in online. It’s like learning the language your customers speak, so you can better connect with them and meet their needs.”
Example:
Imagine you own a bakery. By researching keywords like “freshly baked bread near me” and “birthday cakes local,” you optimize your website. When people search for these terms, your bakery appears higher in search results, bringing more customers to your door.
Google search is very smart; it can help you ask the right ask by proposing common key phrases. Depending on where you are and what you’re looking for, you might stick with your own query or pick one Google suggests.
The search engine keeps track of how often these queries are asked worldwide. Keyword research taps into this data, showing which queries are most popular, where they’re asked, and how often. As a business owner, this info helps you decide which questions to answer on your website. This helps people find your site and the solutions you offer.
Ultimately, this drives targeted traffic from search engines, leading to more sales—whether direct, ad-related, or through affiliate links.
That’s the power of SEO keyword research. With some preparation, you can boost traffic to your blog or business and make the most of your efforts.
Optimizing your keywords for search engines is called ‘On-Page SEO,’ but today, we’re diving deep into keyword research. It’s a data-driven way to grow your business quickly and efficiently, using facts alongside your instincts.”
Example:
Imagine you sell handmade jewelry online. Through keyword research, you find that people are searching for “unique handmade necklaces” and “artisan earrings.” You update your website to include these terms. Now, when someone searches for these products on Google, your store shows up higher in the results. This encourages more consumers to find your jewelry and contact your shop to purchase it.
“We can see search engines to find solutions by using tools for keyword research.” For example, Semrush shows us data on these search terms.”h like Semr
What is the Importance of Keyword research?
“Keyword research is significant for any business, whether a blog, e-commerce site, or service provider. Here’s why:
- It helps you understand how your target audience talks and searches on Google and other search engines. This insight is crucial for speaking their language and connecting with them effectively.
- It uncovers new and valuable search queries that can bring paying customers to your website through organic searches. This means people who are already interested and ready to buy.
- It lets you tap into current market trends and understand where your customers are heading. This helps you stay ahead of the competition by incorporating relevant keywords and SEO strategies early on.
Moreover, being early with SEO can give you a competitive advantage, leading to more backlinks and visibility, especially in less competitive niches.
Additionally, effective keyword research can reduce your digital marketing costs by driving organic traffic that you might otherwise pay for through PPC campaigns.
lastly, for marketers and bloggers using ad revenue platforms like Google AdSense, keyword research helps identify high-paying keywords, boosting ad revenue without extra effort.
In essence, keyword research isn’t just about finding words—it’s about understanding your audience, staying competitive, and maximizing your online presence efficiently.”
Example:
Imagine you run an online bookstore. Through keyword research, you discover that many parents are searching for terms like “best children’s books for toddlers” and “educational books for kids.”
By optimizing your website with these keywords, like creating pages titled “Top Toddler Books” and “Educational Kids’ Books,” you appear higher in Google searches. This helps more parents find your bookstore and increases your chances of making sales, all without spending on ads.
Types of Keywords Based on The user’s Purpose
Imagine you’re planning a vacation to Hawaii and you want to find a place to stay:
- Informational Keyword: You might start by searching “best places to stay in Hawaii” to gather general information about accommodations.
- Navigational Keyword: If you already have a specific hotel in mind, you’d search for its name directly, like “Hilton Hawaiian Village reviews.”
- Commercial Investigation Keyword: You’re comparing options, so you search “affordable resorts in Maui” to find suitable choices within your budget.
- Transactional Keyword: Ready to book, you search “reserve beachfront hotel room Honolulu” to find a place and make a reservation.
Each type of keyword reflects a different stage of your intent—whether you’re exploring options, researching specifics, comparing choices, or ready to make a purchase. This illustrates how understanding and targeting different types of keywords can align with and cater to varying user intents effectively.
A number of words keyword
- Short-Tail Keywords:
- Short-tail search terms are generally one to three words short.
- They are broad and general, often used by people who are in the early stages of their search process.
- Example: “digital marketing”
- Long-Tail Keywords:
- Long-tail keywords are longer and more specific, often containing three or more words.
- They are more targeted and specific, typically used by people who have a clear idea of what they are looking for.
Key Differences:
- Specificity: Short-tail keywords are general and broad, while long-tail keywords are more specific and detailed.
- Competition: Short-tail keywords often have higher competition because they are more generic, whereas long-tail keywords usually have lower competition.
- Intent: Long-tail keywords often indicate higher purchase intent or specific informational needs compared to short-tail keywords.
Keyword Research in SEO FAQs
How to do a Keyword analysis?
Keyword analysis involves using tools like Semrush, Ahrefs, Mangools, or similar keyword tools to identify relevant keywords for content. Start by providing to a set of keywords or studying those who compete. Use these tools to find keywords based on search volume, competition, and relevance to your niche. Once you have a list, use a clustering tool like Keyword Insights to create keyword clusters and develop content that establishes topical authority.
What is a Keyword in SEO with an example?
Keywords in SEO are words or phrases that users enter into search engines to find information. For instance, “best backlink checker” is a keyword someone might use to search for top backlink checker tools. Optimizing content around relevant keywords helps websites rank higher in search engine results for those specific search terms.
Which approach to keyword research is more beneficial in SEO?
The best keyword research technique depends on your objectives. Effective methods include:
- Analyzing competitor keywords: Use tools like Semrush to identify successful keywords used by top-ranking websites.
- Keyword Gap analysis: Identify keywords your competitors rank for that you do not, using tools to uncover opportunities for improvement.
- Generating keywords from seed words: Tools like Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool or Google Keyword Planner help discover unique keywords relevant to your niche, based on initial seed words.