Keyword Research

On-site search engine optimization begins with finding the best keywords to target for a particular page of content or your whole website. Some guidelines for picking the best keywords for your website would be:

• Relevant to on-page written content
  • Is this a service your website describes and offers? Example: Roofer in Denver, Colorado. A general contractor may not offer roofing as a service. The time and effort to compete for major keywords must be decided from the start, or you could end up wasting a ton of content and time not ranking for the right categories.
• Something that is often searched by your target audience
  • Is this something my demographic is searching for? Example: Emergency plumber near me. This term is often used, most people use it in emergencies.
• Is a realistic goal for the authority of your website, for example, don’t go after a one-word short tail keyword phrase the first week you launch your website. You just won’t rank for it and spend an ample amount of time and effort trying for no results. 
  • You have to build traffic to your website, if you cannot rank immediately for highly competitive keywords, it is important to take advantage of keywords with traffic that are not as competitive.

One great tool for identifying keyword opportunities is ubersuggest.com

You will notice how the tool will tell you how many people search for this particular keyword monthly. SEO difficulty paid difficulty and the cost per click are some other great guidelines for picking whether a keyword works for you or not. 

As well, you can use the keyword ideas tab to further identify more specific keywords that could be valuable to your website.

Keyword research is a foundational and indispensable step in any successful website development and digital marketing strategy. This process involves identifying and selecting the most relevant and valuable keywords that your target audience is likely to use when searching for information, products, or services related to your website’s content. Effective keyword research serves as the compass guiding your content creation and on-site SEO efforts, ultimately leading to better visibility in search engine results and increased organic traffic.

The first step in keyword research is understanding your audience and their search intent. By putting yourself in your audience’s shoes, you can anticipate what terms they might use to find the information or solutions your website provides. This understanding helps you create a list of primary and secondary keywords, long-tail phrases, and questions that align with your website’s goals. Additionally, it’s vital to consider the search volume, competition, and the current ranking of these keywords to determine their effectiveness in driving traffic.

Once you’ve compiled your list of potential keywords, it’s time to use keyword research tools and analytics to refine your choices. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Moz can provide valuable insights into keyword metrics such as search volume, competition, and trends. This data helps you select keywords that strike a balance between relevance and attainability. Keyword research is not a one-time task but an ongoing process that adapts to evolving search trends and your website’s performance. By continually assessing and adjusting your keyword strategy, you can ensure that your website remains optimized for maximum visibility and success in the ever-changing digital landscape.