The process of finding and analyzing search terms that people enter into search engines to use in content and SEO campaigns.
Why Keyword Research Matters
Keyword research is the most important part of a website’s SEO strategy. Without it, you are essentially creating content in the dark. A failure to conduct proper keyword research can lead to a website with a lot of content and very little organic traffic. A well-executed keyword research plan, on the other hand, can lead to a significant increase in organic traffic, a higher click-through rate, and more conversions. It’s about providing value to a user at the exact moment they need it, which is the most powerful signal of a high-quality, trustworthy website.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The management of keyword research is a content strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress users can easily conduct keyword research using a variety of tools. A good SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math can help you analyze your content and ensure you are using your target keywords effectively in your titles, meta descriptions, and body content.
Shopify
On Shopify, keyword research 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 use them in your product titles, descriptions, and collections to improve your visibility in search results.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still conduct keyword research. 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 research 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 conduct keyword research will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites can use keyword research to find keywords for a specific product or a product category. They can also use it to find seasonal keywords that can help them attract organic traffic during a specific season.
Local Businesses
Local businesses can use keyword research to find keywords that are relevant to their location. A plumber in Sialkot, for example, can find keywords like “plumber near me” or “emergency plumber Houston.”
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can use keyword research to find keywords for their marketing pages and blog content. They can also use it to find keywords that are relevant to their product’s features.
Blogs
Blogs can use keyword research to find keywords for their articles. They can also use it to find long-tail keywords that are often easier to rank for and can be a great source of organic traffic.
Do’s and Don’ts of Keyword Research
Do’s
- Do use a variety of tools. A tool like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush can help you find and analyze keywords.
- Do analyze your competitors. Look at the keywords your competitors are ranking for to find new opportunities.
- Do analyze a user’s intent. The best keyword research is built on a foundation of solid data and a deep understanding of a user’s intent.
Don’ts
- Don’t use keyword stuffing. This is a dated tactic that can harm your SEO.
- Don’t use keywords that are not relevant to your content. A keyword should be relevant to your products or services.
- 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
What is the difference between keyword research and a keyword planner?
Keyword research is the process itself. A keyword planner is a type of tool used to conduct keyword research.
What is a “long-tail” keyword?
A long-tail keyword is a long and specific keyword phrase that a user is searching for. These are often easier to rank for and can be a great source of organic traffic.
How many keywords should I target on a page?
There is no magic number. A page should be optimized for a primary keyword and a few related keywords. The goal is to create a page that is a comprehensive and authoritative resource for a given topic.
Can a website with no keywords still rank?
A page with no keywords can rank, but it can be difficult. A search engine uses keywords to understand the content of a page. A page with no keywords may be seen as less relevant and may not rank as well.
What is the best way to use keywords on a page?
The best way is to use them naturally and contextually. You should use your primary keyword in your title, meta description, and body content. You should also use related keywords and a variety of phrases that are relevant to your topic.
