In their simplest form, keywords are those words and phrases that your customer enters into Google to find you online. They’re used to boost your SEO efforts, describing what your content and website are all about.
As the basis of a successful SEO strategy, it can be difficult to decide which keywords to choose as your focus. But, by understanding what search looks like today and by conducting a bit of research, you can choose those keywords wisely.
Understanding the Search Engine of Today
When SEO got its start in the late ’90s, the search engine looked different than it does today. After the benefit of SEO was widely known, people began stuffing their keywords to push their rank. Thousands of updates later, search has evolved and “quality over quantity” reigns supreme.
Consumers are also using mobile devices and voice search as their tools of choice when searching online. Natural language and questions are more important than ever when optimizing for SEO.
How to Choose Effective SEO Keywords
Your keywords must align with the search engine of today for true optimization. To choose the proper keywords for your website, you must consider intent and conduct necessary keyword research.
Consider Keyword Intent
There are different ways individuals use keywords when searching. For example, they may simply type in a website name to navigate to it. Or, they might ask a question to get an answer or search for a product or service for more information prior to making a purchase.
What do the searchers who land on your website want from you? Understanding the intent can help you choose keywords that fit your SEO strategy best.
Conduct Keyword Research
Basic keyword research begins with the brainstorm. Consider the phrases you might use to find your website online and write those down first. You can also use Google Analytics to see keywords website visitors are currently using to find you. There are plenty of tools online you can use to further your keyword search including:
You can also check your social media for common questions your followers are asking for question keywords. Don’t forget to consider locations that you serve, too.
Place Your Keywords in Key Places
Now that you have a hefty list of pertinent keywords, they must be placed strategically in your website content. Some key places include:
- Titles of your website pages
- Meta description and title tags
- Content body
- Headers
Keywords Are Critical to Your SEO Strategy
Keywords can make or break your SEO strategy and basic keyword research is only the beginning. To truly optimize your website and boost your rankings, you need professional tools. To learn more about the importance of keywords, send us a message.
