When it comes to building a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy for your business, using the right keywords is a must. Before you can sit down and write a great blog post, you’ll need to figure out which keywords will perform the best from an SEO standpoint. Not sure where to begin with keyword research? We’ve got some tips to help you get started.
1. Look at Your Competition
It might seem counterintuitive to look at your own competitors for examples of which keywords to use, but this can actually be a rather brilliant strategy. By knowing which keywords and phrases your competitors use in their own content marketing, you can take those keywords and ramp your content up to the next level. By writing better content using the same keywords as your competitors, you can outrank them.
2. Consider a Local Focus
If you’re looking to attract more local customers, ensure your SEO keywords reflect this effort. For example, if you run a business that sells handmade jewelry in the Los Angeles area, you’ll want to make sure that you have some target keywords to reflect this in your website content, blog content, and beyond. Some examples of local geo-focused keywords you may want to focus on include “custom jewelry Los Angeles,” “handmade necklaces LA,” and “jeweler near Los Angeles.”
3. Use Google Suggestions
Sometimes, even the most advanced keyword planning tools pale in comparison to Google’s own search bar. You’ll notice that when you begin to enter words into Google’s search engine bar, it auto-populates some suggestions based on what you’re typing. These suggestions can actually serve up some great ideas for additional long- and short-tail keywords, so give this a try for some of the keywords you’ve already tackled. You might be surprised at how many new blog topics you can come up with this way—many of which may not have been touched on by your competition.
4. Write Great Content
At the end of the day, keyword research is a big part of any successful SEO strategy. However, having a list of great keywords isn’t enough to make all the difference. If you really want your SEO to take off, you need to take those keywords and turn them into unique, relevant content that your target audience will truly appreciate. This includes not just blog content, but website content and beyond.
When your content is compelling, it’s more likely to be shared all over the web by your readers. This, in turn, boosts your SEO while building brand awareness and image.
Looking for a Boost?
There’s a lot to unpack when it comes to building an SEO strategy around keyword research. If you’re still feeling a little lost on how to get started, let our team at CleverLight Media help. With extensive experience in the SEO realm, we can help your business take off. Get in touch with our team today to get started or learn more.
