There is always a lot of mystery surrounding any topic related to Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Whether it’s creating relevancy, building authority, or any of the aspects of website SEO, these topics always seem to confuse us more than help us. Perhaps none of these are more cryptic than the subject of SEO keywords and the strategies around them. Keywords don’t have to be complicated, and understanding them is important for any business owner. With that in mind, we give you Language Matters: Understanding SEO Keywords, our simple guide to the basics.
What Are Keywords?
Keywords are the words used commonly in web searches. For example, if you’re looking for pizza, the word “pizza” becomes a keyword. Whether you’re looking to make it yourself, order out, or rant about how much you hate it, that word will consistently appear in searches. It seems very broad, right? We can actually narrow the focus of those keywords by adding to them, changing them up, using variations, and trying to find synonyms for them that our customers might use.
Simply put, keywords are the words our customers use to search for our business online.
Why Do They Matter?
What do you do when you need to find something on the Internet? We Google it, right? Google’s search engine has become so dominant that we actually use it as a verb to describe a web search. When we want to find a plumber, a lawyer, or the best pizza in our city, we type those search terms in, and away we go. Keywords matter because, by properly harnessing them, we make ourselves more visible to clients looking for us. The Internet is a massive marketplace and it’s easy to get lost in it. Keywords are important because they put your business on the front end of the street, not by being fancy or sneaky, but by telling people exactly what you do.
How Do I Pick the Right Ones?
Picking the right keywords is actually very easy. The key thing to pay attention to volume, is the number of searches each word is getting. How do you find this information? There are actually a number of great web-based research tools available, such as SpyFu and KWFinder. Find the one that works for you and start looking. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and add other words to form small phrases (long-tail keywords). Those experiments just may help you find the perfect word to reach your clients.
What Do I Do With Them Now?
So, you’ve identified the keywords you want to target, now what? This might be the biggest sticking point for people, understanding how to take the words and use them in their marketing. It’s not that difficult honestly. Do you write a blog? Then you need to use these keywords. Rewriting your website? These are the words to make sure you use. Don’t think of your keywords as silver bullets to magically solve all your ranking issues. Instead realize that these keywords are the words your potential customers and clients are using when they look for you, and they’re the ones you need to use when speaking to them.
Your Stingray Branding Team
As a business owner, a lot of things are on your plate. But not everything needs to be. While SEO isn’t extremely difficult, it does take time and a practiced hand to get the results you want. Our team of experts loves working with people just like you, helping the demystify the complexities of marketing, and putting a talented team to work for you. If you have questions about your marketing, or it’s time to take it to the next level, contact us today!
