5 SEO Tips for a better keyword research process
Keyword research is one of the primary things in SEO, and as all of us know, there are a set of keyword research tools that we all have been using for years. I personally feel that the keyword research area is the most important one in terms of laying your foundations for SEO, and unfortunately, this is also one ares where we don’t have much options.
So what does it take to create a better keyword research experience ? We all have the same set of keyword research tools, the same keyword research procedure, so what makes the difference ? Let’s see.
1. Use more than one tool, mix it up and get the best of it
Of course we all have out favorite tool, but does sticking to just one tool narrow down your possibility of finding out better keywords ? It does. In my opinion, one should always try it out with as many tools as possible and then get the best of everything. For instance the Google Adwords Tool has the advantage of popping up “realistic” keywords, but the search number and the competition is probably not accurate. You could use the SK Tool instead.
2. Do not pick the obvious keywords
Remember, in SEO its more about doing things better than doing things right. So if you pick the obvious keywords with the best search volume, you are forgetting the fact that other SEOs in your niche probably doing the same thing, and even better than you. So the wise thing to do is to track your competition and over-doing them, even if that means you have to deviate form the regular procedures.
3 – Match search volume in context with your site content
A mistake SEOs often repeat is getting carried away by the search volume and picking the most competitive keywords which they may not stand a chance to rank for. The problem here is that there is no focus on the content. Only if your content matches in context with the keyword selection would it be possible for you to go ahead with the rest of SEO factors and possibly get some traction. If you make the wrong selection, then you got things all messed up right from the beginning.
4 – Pick up the low lying fruits first rather than jumping for the big ones
Why ? Its easier to get the momentum. When you try and pick up competitive keywords first, you have to spend a lot of time on it until you get anything for result. Instead try picking up the low lying fruits first (long tail, lesser competitive keywords) and then once you have some momentum gained, leverage on it for the bigger ones. Makes sense ? Saves a lot of time too.
5 – Start from bottom up of your site
Another grave mistake SEOs do, especially with new websites is to start with their homepage. Nothing wrong technically, but you’re losing out on the opportunity that a lot of your content that lies in the inner pages of your website are still not optimized or catered properly to the search engines. There are several options available with them, so why not fix them first and move up gradually to the homepage ?
So there you have it. Five overlooked facts in keyword research, that could really make some difference to your overall SEO strategy. Did it help ?
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
I really appreciate this article – many of my clients are always looking for the biggest and best keyword when it doesn’t always have as much substance or quality.
Thanks again
I agree Keith.
thank you, these are nice tips.
I also have a website and all the time- same problems(
I would also like to ask the author if this article (summary) is his experience or good books?
Thanks! We’re always looking for SEO tips to learn & share with others; and we always have to keep in mind that all of this stuff takes time and work but in teh end and with some patience it will be worth it.
Great tips! Thanks for sharing them with us
Picking obscure words is KEY! I have a CRM product… and CRM “Software” is extremely competitive…. but if you don’t try to compete with the word Software in there, it’s much easier.
Once I stopped using obvious keywords, my site started showing up on the first page more often. I need to start using other keyword tools now…
Thanks For this one….
Great tips Mani, I try to follow your advice
Great Advice
first this is really cool article, i have question in my mind. please answer,
1. what is obvious keywords.?
2, Should we choose low ranked keyword from google keyword tool?
3. If our content matched with high ranked keyword! than what should be the criteria.
4. I have seen the official blog of google, that Google does not read meta tags of your blog, it will read the description and the title ! is it right?
kindly guide me , http://www.smashinghub.com this is my website, any suggestion, i will be very thankful to you
When I start a new site, I focus on three keywords for the main page. I pick ones from Google that get 7,000 to 15,000 search results the keyword query. That is usually a small enough niche to get page one rankings in the top three search engines. I usually wait about one year and then move up to the harder keyword phrases. It is always better to start small and work your way up to the ladder, as far as the keywords you choose to tackle within your niche.
thanks nice topic