Search Engine Optimization Fundamentals | Stacey Morgan Smith

So we’ve discussed that you HAVE to know your keywords. An effective SEO campaign without keywords is like rowing a boat without oars. You know where you want to be, but how in the heck can you get there without the right tools? There is always time for keyword research!

How do you choose keywords?

Start by thinking of every word that could be used to describe your product. Write down words people may search for to find your site. Ask other people – friends, coworkers, social networkers.

Once you have a list of possible keywords, use some of the wonderful free tools Google has provided to think outside of the box. The Google Search-based Keyword Tool, Google Trends, and Google Insights for Search provide additional keyword opportunities.

Another free tool, Google Analytics, provides in-depth visitor behavior analysis and keyword data to help you fine tune your keyword list.  In addition, if you have a site search tool, you will find additional clues as to what information site visitors look for on your site.

Finally, don’t forget the “long-tail keywords.” These are keyword phrases that may not get a great deal of traffic overall in the search engines but are very specific to your product. While the number of searchers may be lower, they tend to be more qualified because the query more closely matches your product.

Keywords are vital to SEO. Next learn how to write with them!

– Stacey Morgan Smith