Keyword Research
How to start doing SEO
Have you ever asked yourself any of the following questions?
Blog Index
- Introduction
- Keyword Tools
- Search Intent
- Finding a Topic
- Long Tail Keywords
- Conclusion
Introduction
Keyword research is the first step to any SEO campaign.
Keyword research is essentially researching popular search terms people type into google. Once you have found keywords relating to your topic you can then strategically implement these keywords in your content so your content appears higher on search engine results pages or (SERP)
The first step of the keyword research process is finding a topic that is focused on a set of targeted keywords. To do this we need to use a keyword tool.
Keyword Tools
There are a number of good tools out right now, here are a few that I use. I am not endorsed by any of the following tools.
- Answer The Public
- Google Trends
- SEM Rush
- Ubersuggest
- Search Engines
Answer The Public
This tool is very unique and gives a lot of useful information about searches related to your keyword. It gives us questions, prepositions, comparisons, alphabetical searches, and related keywords. You are allowed 3 free searches a day on their free tier and can pay for use it more. Check out Answer the Public
Google Trends
I use this tool quite often as it shows you what search terms are currently trending on Google. This tool shows you what topics and related keywords people searched for, and it even shows you what states search for that keyword! A lot of keywords will not return results in this tool, that doesn't mean people don't search for it though. Check out Google Trends
SEM Rush
Most SEO professionals recommend this tool as they have a ton of useful data. You are able to search either for keywords or use a competitor website to analyze what keywords they rank for, which can be invaluable. They have a free tier that allows for 10 free searches a day. The cheapest subscription price they offer is $119.95 per month. Check out SEM Rush
Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest is very similar to SEM Rush, It was created by Neil Patel to rival SEM Rush. You will be able to get competitor website analysis, related keyword research, and other useful data. This website is much cheaper than SEM Rush as well. The cheapest plan will run you $29 per month. It does also offer a free tier that allows you 3 free searches per day. Check out Ubersuggest
Search Engines
The final tool that I use is simply google.com. You can also use any other search engine depending on which one you would like to optimize for. Here are a few commonly used search engines you can check out.
Search Intent
One thing to keep in mind when finding keywords is the search intent behind a search. Users generally are looking for one of three things when they search.
- To learn about something
- To take action
- To find something
You will want to find searchers that are looking for what you have to offer, this depends on your niche.
If you are an education company you will want to find searches with intent to learn, if you are a political entity you will want to find people that are looking to take action, if you are a retail or service based business you want to attract people that are trying to find your products.
Finding a Topic
To find a topic you'll want to make a list of important relevant topics based on your business.
For example we have an excavation company does driveways, land clearing, grading, and full site development.
Now we select a keyword from the list, we will go with driveways. Now we are ready to begin keyword research on this term to prepare to create some content.
Long Tail Keywords
Long tail keywords are what we need to find next in order to build a keyword pool that we can draw from to use in our content.
Long tail keywords are phrases generally made from 3-5 words. These keywords are more specific than generic terms. Long tail keywords attract higher quality traffic which is more likely to lead to conversions.
If we do research on driveways using our tools we find there are many terms searched relating to driveways such as gravel driveways, driveway repair, stone driveway installation, gravel driveway installation near me, and many more. The longer keywords will generally have less content written for them, so try to find longer tail keywords if the term you search for has a lot of competition.
Once we have a decently sized pool of words to utilize you are ready to create some content!
Conclusion
Keyword research is a vital part of the SEO process and will help build a strong foundation for any content you create.
If you would like to learn more about what you can do to grow your business online, head over to bakerwebsolutions.com/blog
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We are excited to continue sharing our knowledge with you on this blog. Cheers! - Dallan