Keyword research has seen many changes over the past years. However, keyword research still remains as one of the fundamental SEO tasks for marketers. This web blog deals with the basics of keyword strategy for SEO. Learning to do good keyword research and analysis is an essential and valuable skill every SEO professional must have. Continue reading to expand your knowledge about Keyword research and to build a solid foundation for your SEO.

What Is Keyword Research?

Keyword research for SEO is a process that involves discovering and identifying high potential keywords that suit the objectives of a given website. In order words, it involves finding the keywords you want and the keywords you should rank for. When done accurately, keyword research reveals several topic ideas based on which you should generate website content. Competitive analysis and keyword research go hand in hand. You can perform keyword research to uncover what keywords your competitors are ranking that you are not. In this way, keyword analysis will help you gain key insights not only for SEO strategy but also for your business. 

What Is the Purpose of Keyword Research?

Here’s why Keyword Research for SEO is important: –

a. By implementing Keyword research in your SEO tasks, you can understand the specific keywords people are using to solve their problems and the context behind those keywords.

b. It is eminent to research keywords to avoid any misunderstandings and assumptions you may have regarding your users’ needs and the language used by them to express themselves.

c. Keyword research keeps you up-to-date regarding your content optimizations at every step of the way.

d. By researching and selecting the most suitable target keywords, you create the opportunity to get higher ranks in search engines for every specific topic.

Outsource SEO services such as on-page and off-page optimization (social media, link building, guests post) to a reputed third-party company, agency or individual.

Stay Intact with Market Changes

The process of keyword research is not a one-time job, it has to be done continually keeping in mind the changes in market situations. 

Some of the market changes that call for new keyword research are:

a. Constantly changing needs or desires of your target consumers.

b. Brand new queries or new terms used by searchers to look for what you offer.

c. New competitors in the market.

d. Advancements of search engine algorithms or search features.

Make the keyword research process a regular habit to grow and maintain a good SEO. Use Google keyword research to stay ahead of the competition.

The Process of Keyword Research

The process of keyword research includes the following steps:

a. Analyze current keywords. – If you have a ready set of keywords you’ve been trying to rank for, this is where you should start. Analyze the keywords and track its performance. Keyword analysis provides metrics using which you can segregate the poor or low-ranking keywords from the high performing keywords with greater click-through rates.

b. Formulate your goals. – Establish a set of goals tailored according to your brand and target audience. This will help you get a sense of direction to have a successful SEO. 

c. Build your keyword “wish” list. – This step requires you to list out the keywords that best describe what your potential customer would search for in the various stages of their buyer journey.  

d. Assess the competitive landscape. – By assessing your competitor’s choice of keywords, you can come across keywords that you should rank for. Make use of Google keyword research and other keyword tools to identify your top competitors and track their high performing keywords.

e. Expand your keyword horizons. –  Use keyword tools to identify more terms relating to a particular topic to improve your SEO. Paid tools offer more depth by providing terms semantically related to your keywords. Formulate an organized list of keywords to come up with suitable content and a broad topical relevance with SEO’s.

f. Prioritize by opportunities vs. Investment. – This step is crucial to draw returns from the research done as mentioned above. Prioritize the best opportunities while simultaneously weighing the cost of investment. Make use of data metrics and trends to make the best decision. 

Outsource SEO services to a well-established company for professional keyword research.

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