Table Of Contents
- Choose the Right Keywords
- Brainstorm Seed Keywords
- Understand the Search Journey
- Categorize Keywords by Intent
- Keep Keyword Research Simple
- Key Points
- Conclusion
Choose the Right Keywords
Our agency provides SEO services for a variety of clients in different categories, so we approach keyword research holistically, using a variety of tools and metrics, including SEMrush and Google Search Console.
We look at research to help us create high-quality SEO content that includes the important keywords we need to rank, but also to make sure our content is lucid and effective. To wit: content quality is diminished by keyword stuffing because the content itself becomes less readable and less educational and useful to the end user. This quality decrease hurts the project overall. It’s all about choosing the right keywords—not the most amount of keywords. This is just as it would be for any search engine optimization project—a blog post, a landing page, a video.
This means doing the research to find out what terms are being searched and what questions are being asked. To do this, we make sure to include not only the primary keyword—which one can think of as the “main subject” of the video or article—but also secondary semantic keywords that will make the piece more relevant.
Keep in mind that the keywords should be integrated into the text naturally; in other words, no “keyword stuffing.” Even with all the keywords, the description should read smoothly and make sense to your audience. Once you lose meaning, all the SEO and keyword research in the world won’t help.
Phillip Mandel, CEO, Mandel Marketing
Brainstorm Seed Keywords
My approach to keyword research begins with understanding the target audience and their search intent. I start by brainstorming seed keywords related to our business offerings, considering the specific services we provide and the problems we aim to solve for clients. Next, I analyze these keywords using various tools to assess their search volume, competition, and relevance.
One tool I find particularly effective for this process is SEMrush. It provides comprehensive insights into keyword trends, related keywords, and competitor analysis. With SEMrush, I can identify high-potential keywords that align with our content strategy and target audience, helping us optimize our website and improve our search-engine rankings. The ability to track keyword performance over time also allows for ongoing adjustments to our SEO strategy, ensuring we stay competitive in a constantly-evolving digital landscape.
Shehar Yar, CEO, Software House
Understand the Search Journey
My approach to keyword research is all about understanding the journey someone is taking rather than merely hitting numbers. If someone is searching for something, they’re usually looking for an answer to a problem. So, I start by asking, “What’s driving this search?” and “What information are they hoping to find?” This allows me to examine long-tail keywords and niche queries that bring more qualified traffic, not just big numbers. I want my content to solve problems, not just bring clicks.
The tool that’s helped me with this is AlsoAsked. It’s not as commonly mentioned, but it’s incredibly helpful. AlsoAsked takes the “People Also Ask” feature from Google and maps out related questions that users are asking. This shows how people are digging deeper into a topic, and it helps me figure out what kind of content to create around those questions. It’s great for finding hidden connections between searches that you wouldn’t spot with traditional keyword tools.
Matt Little, Founder & Managing Director, Festoon House
Categorize Keywords by Intent
I first look at the intent behind keywords as part of my research. I make sure that I understand how the keywords connect to the target audience’s needs. To do this, I categorize words into information, navigational, and transactional groups. Each group fits with different stages of the buyer’s journey. I find Ahrefs to be particularly useful for exploring keywords. I can check the search volume, keyword difficulty, and competitor analysis to find the right words. With Ahrefs, it’s easier to find long-tail keywords for more targeted traffic, so I can rank for specific queries.
Dan Brown, CEO & Founder, Textun
Keep Keyword Research Simple
Regarding keyword research, I like to keep things simple-but effective. First, I start by understanding what people actually search for. It’s all about getting into the customer’s mind. I think of the words or phrases they would type in when looking for a solution, product, or service.
I find Google Keyword Planner super helpful. It’s free and gives you a lot of useful data, like search volume, competition, and trends. It’s great because you can get real insights from Google, where most searches happen anyway. Plus, it helps you prioritize which keywords to focus on based on what’s being searched for the most.
After I gather my keywords, I sort them into categories. I focus on intent, like whether people are looking for information, trying to buy something, or just browsing. This way, I can pick the keywords that align with what I want my content to do—whether it’s driving sales or educating.
I always recommend revisiting your keyword strategy every few months. Search trends change, and what worked a while ago might not work today.
Kate Donskaia, Marketing Manager, Quantum Market Hub
Key Points
- Choose the Right Keywords:
Seo Agency in kerala
- Experts recommend using primary and semantic keywords naturally to enhance SEO without keyword stuffing.
- Brainstorm Seed Keywords:
Begin by identifying seed keywords related to your services. Tools like SEMrush help assess their potential and improve search rankings. - Understand the Search Journey:
Use tools like AlsoAsked to explore long-tail keywords, which align with user intent and solve specific problems rather than chasing big numbers. - Categorize Keywords by Intent:
Categorize keywords into informational, navigational, and transactional groups. Tools like Ahrefs can help target long-tail keywords for niche audiences. - Keep Keyword Research Simple:
Google Keyword Planner provides free insights into search volume and competition, helping to prioritize the most relevant keywords based on user intent.