Before you even start designing your website, there's a critical step that could determine its fate: keyword research. This foundational process is often overlooked, yet it's essential for ensuring your site's visibility and success in search engine rankings. Without proper keyword consideration, even the most visually stunning and content-rich website may struggle to attract organic traffic from search engines.
Keywords are the linchpin of search engine optimization (SEO). They are the terms and phrases that potential visitors use when searching for information online. If your website's pages are optimized for relevant keywords, you're more likely to attract visitors who are actively seeking the content you offer.
When conducting keyword research, aim for these two objectives:
By adhering to these principles, you enhance your chances of achieving prominent placement in SERPs.
Keyword research tools are indispensable for uncovering the best keywords for your site. One such tool is Wordtracker, which offers both a free trial and a full version. The full version is particularly robust, providing access to a wide array of search engines, directories, and pay-per-click engines.
To begin, use Wordtracker's "Keyword Universe" feature to brainstorm keywords related to your topic. This tool also suggests related terms and synonyms. For instance, entering "internet marketing" might yield related keywords like "web site marketing" and "online marketing."
After selecting potential keywords, proceed to Wordtracker's "Competition Analysis" to evaluate their viability. Here, you can choose to analyze data from various search engines, though many prefer to start with Google due to its significant market share.
Wordtracker presents a table sorted by the "Keyword Effectiveness Index" (KEI), which combines search volume and competition level to identify the most promising keywords. Other vital statistics include:
For example, "web site marketing" might have a high search volume but also face nearly a million competitors, making it a challenging target. Conversely, "marketing web site design" could have fewer searches but significantly less competition, offering a quicker path to high SERP placement.
Once you've curated a list of keywords, integrate them into various elements of your website:
Additionally, use your chosen keywords in the anchor text for backlinks to your site.
By consistently applying this keyword research strategy for each new website or webpage, you maximize your chances of attracting targeted search engine traffic.
While many are aware of the importance of keywords, few discuss the evolving nature of keyword research. For instance, voice search is becoming increasingly prevalent, with ComScore predicting that 50% of all searches will be voice searches by 2020. This shift means that long-tail keywords and conversational phrases are gaining importance in SEO strategies.
Moreover, according to Ahrefs, 90.63% of pages get no organic search traffic from Google. This statistic underscores the significance of thorough keyword research and SEO optimization to stand out in a crowded digital landscape.
In conclusion, keyword research is not just a preliminary step in website creation; it's a continuous practice that can significantly influence your site's success. By understanding and implementing effective keyword strategies, you can ensure that your website is well-positioned to attract and engage your target audience.
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