Keyword Research – The First Step In Search Engine Optimisation

Before you do anything else on your website in regards to search engine optimisation, you need to first conduct thorough keyword research.  Keyword research is crucial to the success of the success of your website.  You need to ensure that the keywords you plan to target and be known for are actually keywords that your potential customers are searching for.

There are many tools you can use to conduct this research.  Some are paid tools such as Wordtracker and Market Samurai.  However, I always recommend you start with the free tool from Google – Google Keyword Tool.

1. Log into Google if you have an account as you will be get more results and not have to enter the captcha to search.
2. Click on “Exact Match” in the left hand column.
3. Type in the keyword phrases you would like to research.  You can enter one or multiple keywords on separate lines.
4. You can enter your website URL or a competitors URL to get more ideas or you can leave this blank.
5. Ensure you have the correct advanced options and filters set particularly for locations and languages.
6. Then click “Search”.
7. Then examine the results.

Don’t forget to use keywords that are both singular and plural as there can be a huge difference between the two.  Also brainstorm long-tailed keyword phrases – so one’s that include four to six words.  They may have a slightly lower search rate but people searching longer tailed keywords are normally not just researching but are ready to buy.  You ideally want more buyers to your site and not just researchers and lookers.  So you may have less visitors but you will have more conversions – which is what matters in the end.

Keyword research should be conducted every time you are adding new content to your website whether it be a blog post, a new product or a new page.  You can look at your competitiors for ideas and inspiration on what they are using but don’t just straight out copy them – they may be doing it all wrong.  Do your research and get it right from the beginning.

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