Keywords are words and phrases people type into search engines when searching online. Think of them as the bridge between your website and potential customers. The right keywords can help your site show up in search results when people are looking for products or services like yours.
But how do you find the best keywords for your business? Let’s break it down step by step.
Brainstorm Keywords for Your Audience
Start by putting yourself in your customers’ shoes and make a list of words and phrases related to your business that they might use. If you run a cozy bakery, your customers might search for terms like “freshly baked bread,” “artisanal pastries,” or “local bakery near me.” Include everything that comes to mind – you can refine your list later. Think about your products, services, location, and any unique features your business offers.
Once you have a list, check to see how they perform. There are plenty of free and paid tools available that can help you with this. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, and Moz’s Keyword Explorer show you how often your keywords are searched and how competitive they are, and they even suggest related keywords.
Focus on Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases. They might get fewer searches, but they often attract people who are ready to make a purchase. For example, instead of just “bakery,” a long-tail keyword might be “gluten-free bakery in downtown Seattle.” These keywords can help you stand out from the competition and attract highly targeted traffic.
Check Out the Competition
Take a peek at what your competitors are doing. What keywords are they using? You can do this by visiting their websites and paying attention to the words they repeat. There are also tools that can show you what keywords your competitors are ranking for. This can give you some great ideas and help you identify opportunities to differentiate yourself.
Think About User Intent
User intent is what people aim to achieve when they search. Are you seeking information, looking to buy, or requesting a service? For example, someone searching for “best birthday cake recipe” probably isn’t looking to buy a cake, but someone searching for “order custom birthday cake” is. Understanding the intent helps you choose keywords that are more likely to convert visitors into customers.
Keywords can change, especially with technological shifts, culture, or seasons. It’s essential to stay up-to-date with trends in your industry. You can use tools like Google Trends to see what’s popular and adjust your keywords accordingly.
Hammersmith Support is Here to Help!
If all of this sounds great but you don’t have the time or skills required, we can help! The Hammersmith Support SEO service is ideal for taking your SEO to the next level. This includes driving traffic and increasing ranking. Sound great? Then give it a spin! Schedule a complementary 30-minute consultation to discuss how our SEO service can help drive more traffic to your website.