September 14, 2024
Stephen Baker
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When it comes to getting your website to rank higher on Google, keywords are key. You’ve probably heard that a hundred times, right? But what exactly does “finding the best keywords” mean? And more importantly, how do you do it without pulling your hair out?
Well, you’re in the right place! In this post, we’re going to dive into exactly how you can find the best keywords on Google. I’ll break down the process so you can easily understand it and implement it yourself.
Let’s start with the basics. Keywords are essentially the words or phrases people type into Google (or other search engines) when they're looking for something. If your website has content that matches those keywords, you have a better chance of appearing in search results.
But it’s not just about slapping a bunch of keywords onto a page and calling it a day. You need to find the right keywords — the ones people are actually searching for and that make sense for your content. This helps drive more relevant traffic to your site.
Before you dive into tools or data, start with a good old-fashioned brainstorming session. Think about what your target audience would be searching for if they were looking for the product, service, or information you offer. Ask yourself:
Write down everything that comes to mind. Even if it sounds basic, it could be valuable!
Here’s a neat little trick: Google actually helps you find popular keywords through its autocomplete feature. You know how when you start typing in Google, it suggests phrases to finish your query? Those suggestions are based on what a lot of people are already searching for.
Start typing a relevant word or phrase into Google and see what comes up. These suggestions can give you insight into common searches that are directly related to your topic. It’s a quick and easy way to find keywords people are already looking for.
Another handy feature from Google is the “People Also Ask” box. When you search for something, this little box pops up with related questions that others have searched for. It’s a goldmine for finding additional keyword ideas based on what real people are asking.
Just search your main keyword, scroll down a bit, and look for the “People Also Ask” section. You can click on the questions to see even more related questions — it’s kind of like keyword research magic happening right before your eyes!
If you want to get more technical, there are plenty of keyword research tools out there that will give you detailed insights into search volume, competition, and more. Some of the popular ones include:
Most of these tools will give you the search volume (how many people are searching for a keyword), keyword difficulty (how hard it is to rank for that keyword), and related keywords to consider.
Now that you’ve got some keyword ideas, let’s talk about an important strategy: long-tail keywords. These are longer and more specific keyword phrases that people search for when they’re closer to making a decision. For example, instead of “plumbing services,” a long-tail keyword might be “affordable plumbing services in Vancouver.”
Long-tail keywords tend to have lower competition, meaning it’s easier for you to rank for them. And because they’re more specific, they usually bring in more qualified traffic — the people who are actually looking to take action. So, while short keywords can bring in a lot of traffic, long-tail keywords can often bring better results.
Once you have a list of potential keywords, check out the competition. Search for those keywords on Google and see what kind of content is ranking on the first page. Pay attention to:
This will give you an idea of what’s already working for those keywords and where you might have a chance to stand out.
Keyword research isn’t a one-and-done task. You should track how your keywords are performing over time and adjust your strategy as needed. Maybe you’ll notice some keywords are driving tons of traffic while others aren’t doing much. That’s normal!
Use tools like Google Analytics or Google Search Console to see how your content is performing, and don’t be afraid to tweak your keywords or content to get better results.
Finding the best keywords on Google takes a little time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end. The right keywords can drive more traffic to your site, improve your rankings, and ultimately help you grow your business.
So, to recap: start with some brainstorming, use Google’s autocomplete and “People Also Ask” features, leverage keyword research tools, focus on long-tail keywords, and keep an eye on the competition. And of course, be patient — SEO is a long game!
Now that you’ve got the basics down, go ahead and start finding those golden keywords for your site. Good luck!