The speed at which a site gains rankings for new keywords over time.
Why Keyword Velocity Matters
Keyword velocity is a critical metric for a number of reasons. For one, it provides a clear signal that your content is resonating with a target audience. It is an indicator of momentum. A positive keyword velocity suggests that a page is gaining relevance and authority, which can lead to a higher ranking in search results. A lack of keyword velocity, on the other hand, can be a sign that your content is not as compelling as you thought or that you have a technical SEO issue that is holding you back. It is a powerful leading indicator of your SEO performance.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The management of keyword velocity is a content and technical SEO strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress users can track their keyword velocity by using a tool like Google Search Console. A good SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math can help you optimize your content to increase your keyword velocity.
Shopify
Shopify users can track their keyword velocity by using a tool like Google Search Console. They can use the data to optimize their product descriptions and blog content to increase their keyword velocity.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still optimize for keyword velocity. The platform’s built-in SEO tools make it easy to manage your titles, meta descriptions, and sitemap. You can use the data from Google Search Console to inform your strategy.
Webflow
Webflow gives you granular control over your website’s design and code, which is perfect for optimizing for keyword velocity. You can build a system that allows you to track and analyze your keyword performance and to make changes to your content to improve your keyword velocity.
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 velocity and that provides your content creators with data-driven insights.
Across Different Industries
The way you use keyword velocity will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites can use keyword velocity to see how their product pages are performing for specific keywords. A high keyword velocity can be a sign that a product is trending and that you should invest more in its promotion.
Local Businesses
Local businesses can use keyword velocity to see how they are performing for local keywords. A high keyword velocity can be a sign that your local SEO strategy is working and that you are gaining visibility in your community.
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can use keyword velocity to see how their marketing pages are performing for specific keywords. A high keyword velocity can be a sign that your content is resonating with your target audience.
Blogs
Blogs can use keyword velocity to see how their articles are performing for specific keywords. A high keyword velocity can be a sign that a topic is gaining popularity and that you should invest more in its promotion.
Do’s and Don’ts of Keyword Velocity
Do’s
- Do use a tool to track your keyword velocity. A tool like Google Search Console is a must.
- Do use keyword velocity as a leading indicator. It is a powerful way to see how your SEO strategy is performing.
- Do use keyword velocity to inform your content strategy. A high keyword velocity for a specific keyword can be a sign that you should create more content on that topic.
Don’ts
- Don’t focus on keyword velocity alone. It is a metric, not a strategy.
- Don’t ignore a low keyword velocity. A low keyword velocity can be a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed.
- Don’t use keyword stuffing. This is a dated tactic that can harm your SEO.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to track your keyword velocity: This is a basic but critical step. You cannot improve what you do not measure.
- Ignoring the data: The data from a keyword velocity tool can provide invaluable insights into your SEO strategy.
- Focusing on a single keyword: Keyword velocity is a great way to see how a set of keywords are performing.
FAQs
How do I measure my keyword velocity?
You can measure your keyword velocity by using a tool like Google Search Console. You can also use a third-party tool that can track your rankings and organic traffic for a specific keyword over time.
Is a high keyword velocity always a good thing?
Yes, a high keyword velocity is generally a good thing. It is a sign that your content is gaining momentum and that it is resonating with your target audience.
What is the difference between keyword velocity and ranking?
Ranking is your position in the search results. Keyword velocity is the rate at which your ranking is changing over time. A page can have a high ranking but a low keyword velocity, or a low ranking and a high keyword velocity.
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.
Can a website with a low keyword velocity still rank?
Yes, a website with a low keyword velocity can still rank, but it can be difficult. A low keyword velocity can be a sign of a problem with your content or your technical SEO that needs to be addressed.
