How to find your target keywords for SEO
When it comes to SEO, research is key. Knowing the keywords and phrases your audience uses when searching for the types of services or products you offer is essential for optimising your website and gaining visibility in the search engine results pages (SERPs). As such, keyword research for SEO should be one of the first steps in your strategy.
So how do you know what keywords are best? Here are a few of the most important methods:
Research your competitors’ keywords
Use keyword research tools
There are a number of keyword research tools available online, such as Google Keyword Planner and Moz Keyword Explorer. These tools allow you to see what keywords people are searching for and how many searches they’re getting each month. They also provide insights into the difficulty of ranking for each keyword and related search terms.
Leverage long-tail keywords for SEO
Long-tail keywords (those that are more specific than broader terms) often have less competition and can be easier to rank for. Consider adding long-tail keywords to your content to help you target more specific audiences.
Analyse your audience’s intent
Knowing the intent behind a search query can help you create content that’s more likely to be found by your target audience. For example, if your audience is searching for “how to fix a broken refrigerator,” they’re likely looking for instructions on how to fix the problem.
Do a Manual Search
You may notice that when you start typing something into Google, Google will provide suggested content. This is a great way to see which queries are the most popular. Once you complete your search you can also scroll to the bottom of the search results and you’ll see other popular search queries (see image)
Keyword Research Summary
By researching your target keywords and understanding your audience’s intent, you’ll be better equipped to create content that meets their needs and ranks well in the SERPs. Keep in mind that keyword research should be an ongoing process — as your business evolves and new trends emerge, you’ll need to adjust your strategy accordingly.
To learn more about SEO, keyword research and how you can increase your ranking – why not book an SEO Audit or speak to us about our SEO management services.
