3 Types of Keywords That Get Great SEO Results

I won’t lie to you and say that keyword research doesn’t take work because it does. But if you’re willing to invest time and effort into your research, you’ll find that keywords can be one of the most valuable tools in your content arsenal. They help you build an audience through search engine optimization, which gets more people to see your site and click on your ads.

Keywords are among the most essential in search engine optimization (SEO). The problem with keywords is that some people overcomplicate them by adding too many different types or using ones that don’t matter. What you need to understand, though, is that three main types of keywords get great results because they’re simple and easy to rank for, which means they’ll also be more accessible to remember and manage on your website moving forward. If you are unsure how to find those keywords and strategically use them for your off-page and on-page SEO, you better find Melbourne’s #1 SEO agency.

Read on to find out what those three types are!

• Answer Questions

Keyword + (keyword plus, keyword and) – Adding ‘+’ or ‘and’ to your keyword phrase can help you rank for more competitive queries. For example, if you’re a plumber in Chicago, you might want to focus on keyword phrases like Chicago plumber + residential plumbing service.

Consider adding your brand name. Including your company name in your search terms can help people find your website when looking for a product or service by the same brand. If you run an online store that sells high-end clothing from both designer brands and emerging designers, it would make sense to include both in your search terms.

• Use Specific Phrases

Keyword density is the percentage of a word or phrase that appears on a page. Search engines like Google use this to determine how relevant your content is for users looking for information on a particular topic. The higher your keyword density, the more likely you rank well in search results pages. However, there’s no need to stuff keywords into your content just because you want them there; make sure they have meaning and provide value to readers.

• Add local words if appropriate.

Adding keywords to your site will help improve its ranking on search engines like Google. However, deciding which words to use can be difficult. If you’re not sure where to start, try these three simple types of keywords:

Keyword Phrases:

These are phrases that people often type into the search box when looking for something. Examples might be Chicago restaurants or the best running shoes.

Synonyms:

These words have similar meanings and can improve your ranking, such as colour and hue.

Misspelled Words:

Misspellings happen all the time in web searches. Even if a word is spelt correctly, someone may enter it incorrectly because they don’t know how to spell it.

Importance of Keyword Research in SEO

1. Enhanced Visibility and Ranking

Keyword research allows businesses to identify high-volume and relevant keywords within their niche. By optimizing their website and content around these keywords, companies increase their chances of ranking higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). Improved rankings lead to enhanced visibility, making it easier for potential customers to discover the business when searching for related products or services.

2. Targeted Traffic

Effective keyword research enables businesses to attract targeted traffic to their website. By understanding the search intent behind specific keywords, companies can create content that directly addresses the needs and interests of their target audience. This targeted approach drives relevant traffic and increases the likelihood of converting visitors into customers or leads.

3. Competitive Advantage

In today’s competitive online landscape, staying ahead is crucial. Keyword research allows businesses to gain insights into their competitors’ strategies, identifying which keywords they are targeting and how they are optimizing their content. With this knowledge, companies can refine their strategy, identify untapped opportunities, and differentiate themselves in the market.

4. Content Optimization

Keywords are the building blocks of content optimization. Businesses can improve their pages’ overall quality and relevance by strategically incorporating relevant keywords into their website content. This enhances the user experience and signals to search engines that the content is authoritative and valuable, ultimately contributing to higher rankings.

5. Long-term Sustainability

Keyword research is not a one-time activity but an ongoing process. By continuously monitoring keyword trends, changes in search behaviour, and industry developments, businesses can adapt their SEO strategies to remain relevant and competitive in the long term. This proactive approach ensures companies stay ahead of algorithm updates and evolving user preferences.

Methodologies of Keyword Research

1. Brainstorming and Seed Keywords

Begin by brainstorming a list of seed keywords—broad terms related to your business or industry. Use these seed keywords as a starting point to uncover more specific and long-tail keywords using keyword research tools.

2. Keyword Research Tools

Utilize keyword research tools such as Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz Keyword Explorer to identify relevant keywords, analyze search volumes, assess keyword difficulty, and explore related keywords and variations.

3. Competitor Analysis

Analyze the keywords that your competitors are targeting to gain insights into their SEO strategies. Identify high-performing keywords that present opportunities for your business and differentiate yourself by targeting unique keywords.

4. User Intent

Consider the intent behind each keyword—whether informational, navigational, or transactional—and tailor your content accordingly. Addressing the specific needs and queries of users enhances the relevance of your content and improves its chances of ranking for relevant searches.

5. Keyword Segmentation and Prioritization

Segment keywords based on relevance, search volume, and competition levels. Prioritize high-value keywords that align with your business goals and target audience, focusing on short-term gains and long-term sustainability.

Best Practices for Keyword Research

1. Stay Updated

Monitor search trends, algorithm updates, and industry developments to adapt your keyword research strategy accordingly. Stay informed about emerging keywords, evolving user behaviour, and new opportunities for optimization.

2. Diversify Your Keyword Portfolio

Explore keywords, including short-tail, long-tail, and semantic variations, to capture a broader audience and maximize your reach. Avoid over-reliance on a few high-volume keywords and strive for a balanced keyword portfolio.

3. Analyze and Iterate

Regularly analyze the performance of your keywords and content using web analytics tools. Identify top-performing keywords, areas for improvement, and opportunities for optimization. Iterate and refine your keyword strategy based on data-driven insights.

4. Optimize for User Experience

Prioritize the user experience when optimizing your content for keywords. Ensure your content is valuable, relevant, and engaging for your target audience. Focus on providing comprehensive answers to user queries and addressing their pain points effectively.

5. Test and Experiment

Experiment with different keyword strategies, content formats, and optimization techniques to identify what works best for your business. A/B testing, split testing, and experimentation allow you to refine your approach and optimize your SEO efforts over time.