A Beginner’s Guide to Keyword Research

Whilst Google keeps all the SEO experts on their toes by updating algorithm. One thing that remains consistent for the marketers is optimising a website to appear in the search results. Keyword research is one of the prime aspects that needs all the attention, no matter how many times Google changes its algorithm.

What is keyword research?

This is the process of finding out and determining the actual search terms that users put into Google, Yahoo and Bing. The results that you derive from the search terms can help you to form an effective content strategy, followed by powerful digital marketing tactics.

Why it is important?

Keywords that exactly match with a user’s search is no longer considered a crucial ranking factor. Nowadays, professionals offering SEO optimisation services in Liverpool look for the intent behind the keywords and whether a blog can solve that intent.

Keyword research tells you about the topics people are searching which will let you decide the key phrases for your audiences. You can sort the keywords and create content on the topics which can be later used to target audiences. By researching keywords for search volume, popularity and intent, you can handle the most-asked questions by the audiences.

How intent affect the research?

User intent is one of the core factors that will help your website to achieve ranking in the search engines. Keywords may have various meanings and because of the intent, you need to be careful how audiences interpret the phrases that you targetted.

Suppose, you are searching "how to start blogging". However, the term "blogging" can mean social media content or website content. The user’s intention behind the phrase will influence the search’s direction. To know what is a user’s intent behind a keyword, it is better that you put the phrase in the search bar and check the results that come up.

How to research keywords?

Step 1: Make a list of relevant topics based on your business

Think about the topics which you want to put in generic baskets. You choose 5 or 10 topics that are important for the business and then select some key phrases for the same. The best way to determine the topics is to put yourself in the purchasers’ shoes like what can be your audience target. For instance, if you are selling marketing software, you might write on general topics, such as lead generation, social media marketing, search engine optimisation and more.

Step 2: Fill the topics with keywords

Now when you have some topics, it is time to recognise the key phrases suitable to those topics. These are the phrases that may achieve ranks in the SERPs because your targeted audience is probably searching for those items. Suppose, if you are writing on social media marketing, you can select phrases related to the topic like, social media strategies, social media channels, use of social media and more. And so on you will come across certain terms that your audience may search.

Step 3: Create a list of short-tail and long-tail keywords

Short-tail keywords are more generic whilst long-tail keywords are those which contain more than three words. It is essential to check these short and long-tail key phrases as it will help you in forming a solid keyword strategy which is well-balanced and is made for long-term results. Always remember that long-tail keywords are easier to rank as they focus on a particular item/product or service.

Step 4: Check your competitors

Understanding what your competitors are trying to rank for is an ideal way to create a list of keywords. If you find your competitor focussing on a keyword which is in your list too, you must definitely focus on improving its rank. However, you should never ignore the phrases that your competitors do not care. The goal should be to have a list of keywords that will fetch affirmative results in the end.

This is a complete guide to keyword research. Contact an agency offering SEO consultant services for the same.

Nhance Digital offers digital marketing and SEO consultant services to its clients all over the UK and North America. The services are affordable.