If you want to improve your SEO ranking on Google, then keyword research should be at the top of your priority list. Essentially, this is the practice of finding and analysing search terms frequently used by people when using search engines. The goal is to use these search terms to improve your SEO or general marketing strategy.
The 4-Step Keyword Research Process
When conducting keyword research, your aim should be to find topics that interest your target audience and then provide them with content that falls under these topics. However, this is easier said than done. Luckily, there are a few steps you can follow to ensure you are on the right track to finding terms you should be targeting.
Step 1: Find Relevant Topics
First, you should think about your business and what topics are relevant to it. Once you have identified a few topics, run these terms through a keyword research tool and make a list that includes their monthly search volume. This will help you identify which topics are important to your target audience.
Step 2: Match Keywords to Topic Sections
Once you have your topics it is time to start thinking of keyword phrases that suit those topics. These are essentially the phrases that you think your target audience would type into search engines. Remember to put yourself in your target audience’s shoes when you do this.
Step 3: Identify User Intent
Next, you need to identify and analyse your user’s intent. It is more important than ever to provide your audience with helpful information when they do come across your content. If your content isn’t solving your audience’s problem, it will affect your ability to rank well on search engines such as Google.
Step 4: Using Related Search Terms
If you are struggling to come up with enough keywords, you can make use of related search terms. When you type your keyword into a research tool it will recommend related search terms. These can be just as effective and can spark ideas for other keywords.
Finding a (Free) Keyword Research Tool
There are multiple free keyword research tools out there. These include WordStream, Soovle, Ubersuggest and of course Google Keyword Planner. Google Keyword Planner is generally considered to be the best research tool on the market. All you need to access it is an AdWords account. This does not mean you have to spend anything on AdWords though, because starting up an Adwords account is free.
Keyword research and the basics of SEO is difficult to master, which is why it is probably wiser to enlist the assistance of specialists. At Starbright we offer SEO services in South Africa, ensuring you reach your target audience, rank highly on Google and accomplish your SEO goals.
Contact our team to start your SEO journey.