Assigning target keywords to specific pages on a website to avoid cannibalization and ensure relevance.
What is Keyword Mapping?
Keyword mapping is the strategic process of assigning specific keywords or keyword groups to individual pages on a website. It is a foundational part of a comprehensive SEO strategy. The goal of keyword mapping is to ensure that each page has a clear purpose and is optimized for a unique set of keywords. This helps to prevent issues like keyword cannibalization, where multiple pages compete for the same keyword. A well-executed keyword map provides a clear roadmap for a website’s content, ensuring that every page is a valuable asset that attracts organic traffic.
Why Keyword Mapping Matters
Keyword mapping matters because it brings order and strategy to your SEO efforts. Without a clear map, your website’s content can become a disorganized mess, with multiple pages competing for the same keywords. This can confuse search engines, dilute your link authority, and harm your rankings. A well-structured keyword map, on the other hand, helps you:
- Avoid Keyword Cannibalization: By assigning a unique set of keywords to each page, you prevent your own content from competing against itself.
- Boost Topical Authority: By ensuring that all the pages on your site are logically organized, you can build a stronger topical authority for your core topics.
- Improve User Experience: A clear keyword map can lead to a more logical site structure and a better user experience.
It is a key part of building a resilient and sustainable SEO strategy.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The management of keyword mapping is a content strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress users can manage their keyword mapping by using a good SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math. These plugins allow you to assign a primary keyword to each page and to track its performance. You can also use a spreadsheet or a dedicated tool to create a clear keyword map.
Shopify
On Shopify, keyword mapping is essential for your product descriptions and blog posts. You can use a keyword research tool to find the terms your customers are using and then assign them to specific products or collections to improve your visibility in search results.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still optimize for keyword mapping. The platform’s built-in SEO tools make it easy to manage your titles, meta descriptions, and on-page content.
Webflow
Webflow gives you granular control over your website’s design and code, which is perfect for a sophisticated keyword mapping strategy. You can use it to create a perfectly structured page that is optimized for a specific keyword or set of keywords.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, you have the most control but also the most responsibility. You can build a system that automatically tracks and analyzes your keyword performance and provides your content creators with data-driven insights.
Across Different Industries
The way you use keyword mapping will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites can use keyword mapping to assign a unique set of keywords to each product and product category. This helps them attract a wide range of customers and to prevent keyword cannibalization.
Local Businesses
Local businesses can use keyword mapping to assign a unique set of keywords to each of their service pages. For example, a plumber in Dubai can assign “plumbing repair” to one page and “emergency plumber” to another.
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can use keyword mapping to assign a unique set of keywords to each of their marketing pages. A company that sells project management software can assign “what is a CRM” to one blog post and “best CRM for small business” to another.
Blogs
Blogs can use keyword mapping to assign a unique set of keywords to each of their articles. This helps them to build topical authority and to prevent keyword cannibalization.
Do’s and Don’ts of Keyword Mapping
Do’s
- Do use a spreadsheet or a dedicated tool. A tool can help you organize your keywords and to assign them to specific pages.
- Do use a mix of keywords. A good keyword map includes a mix of short-tail, long-tail, and user-intent keywords.
- Do use a keyword map to inform your content strategy. A well-structured map can help you identify content gaps and opportunities.
Don’ts
- Don’t assign the same keyword to multiple pages. This is the most common mistake. It can lead to a drop in rankings and a loss of organic traffic.
- Don’t ignore a user’s intent. A keyword should be used with a user’s intent in mind.
- Don’t focus on a single keyword. This is a risky and outdated approach.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to do keyword research: This is a basic but critical step. You cannot improve what you do not measure.
- Ignoring a user’s intent: A keyword should be used with a user’s intent in mind.
- Focusing on short-tail keywords alone: Long-tail keywords are often easier to rank for and can be a great source of organic traffic.
FAQs
How is a keyword map different from a keyword list?
A keyword list is a disorganized collection of keywords. A keyword map is a strategic document that assigns a specific keyword to a specific page on a website.
What is the difference between keyword mapping and keyword cannibalization?
Keyword mapping is the solution. Keyword cannibalization is the problem. A well-structured keyword map helps to prevent keyword cannibalization.
How often should I do a keyword map?
You should do a keyword map on a regular basis. The frequency will depend on your industry and your goals. A good rule of thumb is to do one every quarter or so.
Can a website with a small number of pages use a keyword map?
Yes, a website with a small number of pages can use a keyword map. It is a strategic approach to content creation and can be used to inform your content strategy.
What tools can I use for keyword mapping?
You can use a number of tools for keyword mapping, including a spreadsheet or a dedicated tool like SEMrush or Ahrefs. These tools provide a KD score for a keyword and can help you analyze your competitors.
