How to Boost Your Website Traffic with Smart Keyword Research

The make or break situation of your website or your online business starts with the way you conduct keyword research. Every serious business owner should take this as the first step. SEO keyword research is one of the major keys for improving your website’s visibility and attracting more visitors. It plays a vital role in any successful online marketing strategy by helping you to understand what users are searching for and thus tailor your content accordingly.

In this blog post we will explore the ins and outs of SEO keyword research to help you increase your website traffic. We will cover topics such as:

1. Generating relevant keywords
2. Analyzing competitors’ strategies
3. Understanding keyword intent
4. Evaluating keyword metrics

I will also introduce you to some of the best tools available for conducting comprehensive keyword research.

If you implement these effective techniques, I am sure you will be able to create content that resonates with your target audience and fulfills their needs. This, in turn, will lead to higher user engagement, improved search engine rankings, and what is more important, increase your ROI (Return On Investment).

Tip: Return on Investment means different things to different people. This is a metric that is used to calculate your efforts whether the time spent, money spent or some others against what you are getting which can be in form of signups, downloads and sales of course. A higher ROI is the goal of every online presence I would say.

Throughout this guide, I will provide practical tips and strategies that can revolutionize your approach to SEO and drive significant online success.

Understanding Keyword Research

Keyword research is the start of effective digital marketing and SEO strategies. I would advice that some extra time be set aside for this process. I have, on several occasions found myself spending as much as two weeks on researching keywords while working for a digital marketing company here in Houston, TX. Mostly, they had to do with new clients in highly competitive industries such as oil and gas.

What is Keyword Research?

Keyword research involves identifying and analyzing search terms that people enter into search engines. This process helps SEO experts, like Reuben Oyeyele, determine popular topics and queries within a niche. By understanding what users are searching for, businesses can create content that aligns with these interests, thereby improving their visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs).

Importance of Keyword Research

The importance of keyword research cannot be overstated in the realm of digital marketing. It functions as a guide for content creation, ensuring that the material produced is relevant to both users and search engines. Here’s why this process is crucial:

• Enhances Visibility: Nailing the perfect keywords is like finding the secret sauce to improve your visibility online. It is not just about showing up; it is about stealing the spotlight in those search results. So, think of keywords as your golden ticket to digital fame!
• Drives Traffic: The connection between keyword ranking and web traffic is well-documented. Studies conducted by various authorities on search behaviors indicate that most users hardly scroll past the first page of search results. Therefore, ranking highly not only enhances credibility but also ensures more views.
• Informs Strategy: It informs broader marketing strategies by highlighting trends and user behavior.

Aligning Content Creation with User Searches

Keyword research plays a pivotal role in aligning content creation with user searches. This alignment ensures that your content is not only informative but also discoverable by those who need it most.

• Identifies User Intent: Through keyword research, you can understand user intent. They might be looking for information, they might be searching for something to buy or they might be searching for specific websites.
• Optimizes Content: This helps you to target specific keywords and optimize your content for your users.
• Improves Engagement: Content tailored to what users are actively searching for tends to have higher engagement rates. (Quality content is a Google ranking factor by the way).

When you incorporate key word research into your strategy, you position your website to meet both the needs of your audience as well as the requirements of search engines. This synergy ultimately leads to an increase in website traffic and better overall performance in SERPs.

The Keyword Research Process

Understanding how to conduct keyword research is a fundamental skill for anyone looking to improve their website’s performance. At the core of this process is the ability to generate relevant keywords, which will serve as the foundation for your SEO strategy. Within the next paragraphs, as we navigate down this article, I will be briefly demonstrating how I conduct keyword research just for you to grasp the fundamentals.

Tip: If your website is new, or just starting one, the best approach is to go for long-tail keywords relevant to your industry. Although they may have smaller search volumes, they usually have higher conversion rates, lower keyword difficulties and thus can easily be ranked for. With time, you can transition to higher volumes.

How To Generate Relevant Keywords

Generating seed keywords is the starting point in finding relevant keywords for SEO. These are basic terms related to your business or niche that will help you brainstorm more specific keywords later on. Here’s how you can effectively generate these seed keywords:

• Brainstorming: Begin by listing words and phrases that are directly related to your industry, products, or services. Consider what potential customers might type into a search engine when looking for what you offer.
• Customer Feedback: Engage with your audience through surveys or feedback forms to discover the language they use when describing your services or products. I wrote a blog post about my process of conducting keyword research for local businesses by going around the targeted community and asking random people what they would most likely type into Google while searching for services in their areas.
• Competitor Analysis: Examine your competitors’ websites and content to identify commonly used terms. By doing so, you might even stumble of keywords you never thought of and which can be relevant.
• Industry Publications and Forums: Review articles, blogs, and forum discussions related to your niche for commonly used terms.

Once you’ve developed a list of seed keywords, the next step is discovering relevant keywords that align with these seeds.

Attention! You should dedicate enough time to this aspect of digging out keywords that align with your goals. When, done wrong, it may cost you more than just money. You may spend plenty of time, write tons of content and get no tangible results. The biggest reason is that your content is not resonating with your audience because you chose the wrong key words. * There were times when I spent as much as two weeks just doing keyword research, especially if the industry is very competitive.

Examples of Keyword Research With SEMrush

I would like to use some illustration of keyword research with one of the best SEO tools available today – SEMrush. I will be using “keyword research” as the seed keyword. After that, I drilled down the list to identify long-tail keywords which can easily be ranked for although they may have low search volumes.

Research Beginning With Seed Keyword

Now, if you enlarge the image above, you will see that the key term “keyword research” has an average search volume of 9,900 per month and a keyword difficulty (KD) of 100% and gone red! You might be excited about the search volume but I want you to pay attention to the keyword difficulty. The number 9,900 will be quite amazing if you can rank on the first page of Google SERPs for the term and your traffic will be great but… The keyword difficulty (KD) is 100% for crying out loud! *The red is a no-go option for beginners!

What this means is that even though a lot of people are typing the search phrase into search engines on a monthly basis, you might never, at least not in the nearest future, come anything close to the first page of Google Search Results Page (SERP) unless you have got a tremendously high numbers of endorsements from extremely powerful websites in your industry. Therefore, my verdict and advice is to first try to strike a balance. Go for long-tail keywords with ample search volumes first. Then, as your website grows with more content, you may start optimizing for keywords with higher KDs. I would avoid KDs of 60% and above totally.

Drilling Down the List for Long-Tail Keywords

In the picture above, I briefly demonstrated how I go about conducting keyword research. From the seed keyword, I selected the following:

1. Broad Match: These are keywords that are closely related to my seed. These keywords can be in any order but they contain the seed keyword. Using the broad match option enables you to see keywords that you might have missed and which can help boost your organic traffic.
2. Exclude Keywords: There are some keywords that people are searching for but are not so closely relevant to either your brand. Here, I filtered out names of cities which I am not interested in, industries which do not align with my intended audience and some keywords which I believe are inappropriate for my website.
3. Keyword Difficulty: Here, I chose KD from 0 – 29% which are considered “Easy To Rank For”. For instance, the phrase “keyword research services” has an average of 880 searches per month and a KD of 24%. Now, as an SEO consultant, I would surely add this keyword, create content around it and sell my services of keyword research.

3 Tools for Discovering Relevant Keywords

I am now going to introduce you to the tools which I personally use for my keyword research. The degree to which I use these tools depend on what my final goal is. I will not be going into much details about each tool. I will save that for another post where I will be reviewing each of them one by one.

Using specialized tools can significantly enhance your ability to find keywords for a website. Here are some popular options:

• Google Keyword Planner: A free tool offered by Google Ads that allows you to find new keyword ideas based on a list of seed keywords. It provides valuable data such as search volume and competition level.
• SEMrush: Known for its comprehensive features, SEMrush helps you discover keywords by analyzing competitor strategies. It offers insights into organic rankings and paid advertising efforts.
• Ahrefs: This tool excels in competitive analysis and backlink research. Ahrefs’ keyword explorer feature can help identify high-performing keywords and trends over time.
• Ubersuggest: Developed by Neil Patel, Ubersuggest offers keyword suggestions alongside metrics like search volume, CPC, and competition data.

When compiling your list of relevant keywords, consider incorporating local keywords if you aim to attract local customers. These may include geographic modifiers such as city names or neighborhood identifiers paired with primary terms (e.g., “Houston bakery” or “plumbers in Houston, TX”).

Local SEO keyword research enables businesses to appear in local searches, which is crucial for attracting customers in specific locations. Understanding customer intent becomes vital here, as users often include location-specific details when searching online.

Employing these techniques and tools will equip you with a robust set of keywords tailored to boost your site’s visibility across search engines effectively. Each method contributes uniquely; combining them ensures that no opportunity is overlooked in capturing user interest through targeted keyword selection.

Analyzing Competitors’ Keyword

Finding out what keywords your competitors are ranking for is one element of the package I call “Spying On Your” competitors. Nobody knows it all. Although you may be an expert in your niche or business, you may not be aware of certain things which other know. The goal of analyzing your competitors’ keywords is to arm you with enough information with which to beat them and dominate your industry.

Understanding the landscape of your niche is crucial to any successful SEO keyword research strategy. One of the most effective ways to do this is by analyzing competitors’ keywords. This process provides insights into what works for others in your industry and can guide you in finding relevant keywords which your audience would love and which you otherwise may not have paid attention to.

Importance of Competitor Analysis in Keyword Strategy

Competitor analysis should be a foundational step in your SEO keyword research. By examining what keywords are driving traffic to your competitors’ websites, you can uncover opportunities that might have been overlooked in your own strategy. This not only helps you identify valuable seed keywords but also aids in setting SEO goals before starting the process.

When you get a list of keywords which are performing well for your competitors, how can this benefit you? The answer is simple as I will outline below.

• You will discover gaps in your content that need addressing. You can then create content around those missing keywords making sure they have better quality and add more value than those of your competitors.
• If you are optimizing for local businesses, you will be able to identify high-performing local keywords.
• You may even uncover potential new markets or niches.
• You can refine your own content strategies based on observed trends.

Tools for Analyzing Competitors’ Keywords

Several powerful tools can assist you in this endeavor:

1. SEMrush: Offers comprehensive keyword analysis features. By entering a competitor’s domain, you can see which keywords they rank for, their search volume, and even their ad copy.
2. Ahrefs: Known for its robust backlink analysis capabilities, Ahrefs also excels at keyword tracking. You can analyze search terms that competitors rank for and gauge keyword difficulty easily.

Both these tools provide a step-by-step guide to conducting keyword research, allowing you to analyze search terms effectively and integrate them into your SEO strategy seamlessly.

Engaging with these tools not only streamlines the process of finding relevant keywords for website optimization but also sharpens your competitive edge by aligning more closely with user intent and search behaviors within your industry.

Tip: I use both tools for competition analysis. SEMrush is great when you are tying to discover keywords with which your competition is performing well but missing from your website. While in my personal opinion and experience, Ahrefs is better at discovering back links to your competitors’ websites. I run my analysis through both tools, compare the generated results and then make my decision based on many factors.

Leverage Keyword Intent

Understanding keyword intent is crucial for a successful SEO strategy. By recognizing the types of search intent, you can improve your approach to finding relevant keywords for SEO and create content that meets user expectations.

1. Informational Intent

Users with informational intent are looking for answers or explanations. Keywords associated with this intent often include phrases like “how to conduct keyword research” or “step-by-step guide to conducting keyword research.” Content tailored to this intent should be educational, providing value through detailed insights and solutions.

2. Navigational Intent

Navigational intent occurs when users aim to locate a specific website or online resource. These keywords might involve branded terms or direct navigational phrases such as “Google Analytics Help Page” or “Google Search Console Login.” Crafting content for navigational intent focuses on ensuring that users find your brand effortlessly when searching directly for it.

3. Transactional Intent

Transactional intent reveals that the user is ready to make a purchase or take a specific action. Keywords here might include “buy SEO tools” or “subscribe to Ahrefs.” Content targeting transactional intent should be optimized for conversions, featuring clear calls-to-action and compelling offers.

Aligning your SEO keyword research with these intents ensures that you address the user’s needs effectively. Whether you’re setting SEO goals before starting the process or seeking local keywords to boost regional visibility, understanding search intent for SEO is crucial. Integrating the right keywords for website content based on user intent enhances engagement and drives targeted traffic efficiently.

Tip: Each of these intents have their own significance. My personal approach is I group them accordingly. I tend to create landing pages based on transactional or commercial intent. The reason behind this is to increase conversion rate and ROI. I create blog posts around informational intent because there are users who would like to get detailed information about a product or service before they take action. Although informational blog posts can convert, I usually place Calls-To-Action and also link and funnel the traffic to the landing pages where they have a greater chance of converting.

How to Evaluate Keyword Metrics

As you are trying to conduct your keyword research using the tools I mentioned or some others which you personally like, there are a couple of metrics that you should pay attention to and analyze seriously. Your success will be determined based on your chosen keywords or key phrases. There are two primary metrics which I personally consider. These are, Keyword Difficulty (KD) and Monthly Search Volume (MSV).

1. Keyword Difficulty

I borrowed this image from ibeamconsulting.com.

This metric indicates how challenging it is to rank for a specific keyword in search engine results. A high keyword difficulty suggests that many websites compete for the same keyword, making it harder to achieve a top ranking. Tools like Moz and SEMrush provide this metric, allowing you to gauge competition levels effectively. When assessing keyword difficulty, aim for a balance between search volume and competition. Keywords with moderate difficulty offer more manageable opportunities for ranking.

2. Monthly Search Volume (MSV)

MSV measures how often users search for a particular term within a month. A higher search volume implies greater interest or demand but often accompanies higher competition. Understanding MSV helps prioritize which keywords to target based on potential traffic gains. It’s essential to align your content strategy with keywords having sufficient search volume to drive meaningful traffic without overwhelming competition. See the picture above!

3. Long-Tail vs. Head Terms Keywords for SEO

Both long-tail keywords and head terms play distinct roles in shaping your website’s SEO strategy. Recognizing their differences can enhance your keyword targeting approach.

Long-Tail Keywords

These are typically phrases containing three or more words, often more specific and less competitive than head terms. For example, “best vegan restaurants in Houston” is a long-tail keyword that targets a niche audience. Long-tail keywords usually have lower monthly search volumes but are highly effective for capturing user intent and driving targeted traffic due to their specificity.

Head Terms

These are shorter, more generic keywords consisting of one or two words, such as “restaurants” or “SEO.” Head terms generally have higher search volumes but also face intense competition. While they can attract significant traffic, ranking for these terms requires substantial effort and resources.

Tip: As I have mentioned, Head Terms have higher search volumes and are usually difficult to rank for. My personal strategy is to use these head terms as anchor texts for internal linking which is an important SEO ranking factor.

Differences Between Long-Tail and Head Terms

1. Search Volume
   • Long-tail keywords tend to have lower search volumes compared to head terms.
   • Head terms attract large audiences due to their broad nature.
2. Competition
   • Long-tail keywords typically experience less competition because they cater to niche markets.
   • Head terms face stiff competition from numerous businesses attempting to rank high in SERPs.
3. Conversion Rates
   • Long-tail keywords often yield higher conversion rates as they align closely with specific user needs or queries.
   • Head terms may generate lots of traffic but might not convert as well due to their generic focus.
4. SEO Strategy
   • Incorporating long-tail keywords into your strategy allows you to capture highly qualified leads through precise targeting.
   • Using head terms can help build brand visibility over time but requires consistent effort in content creation and link-building.

Incorporating both long-tail and head term strategies into your SEO efforts ensures a comprehensive approach, balancing immediate results with long-term growth potential. By understanding these differences and evaluating key metrics like keyword difficulty and monthly search volume, you can optimize your keyword selection process effectively—paving the way for increased website traffic through smart keyword strategies.

A Breakdown of the Most Popular Keyword Research Tools for SEO

I feel I just have to elaborate more on these tools because I can’t imagine any serious search engine optimization effort without them. There are lots of such tools out there and I have used a lot of them but, these are my favorites. Each of them have their scopes and each of them have their edge over others as I am going to explain in the following chapters.

Engaging with the right keyword research tools is critical in crafting an effective SEO strategy. These tools not only streamline the process of discovering potential keywords but also provide valuable insights into search volume, competition, and trends.

Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner is a staple among keyword research tools, especially beneficial due to its integration with Google Ads. It offers:

• Search Volume Data: Access to average monthly searches for specific keywords.
• Competition Analysis: Insights into the competitive landscape for each keyword.
• Bid Estimates: Helpful for those considering paid advertising alongside organic efforts.

This tool is particularly useful for beginners due to its straightforward interface and direct connection to Google’s search data.

SEMrush

SEMrush stands out as a comprehensive digital marketing tool, offering extensive features beyond basic keyword research. With SEMrush, you can:

• Competitor Analysis: Identify which keywords are driving traffic to competitors’ websites.
• Keyword Difficulty Scores: Evaluate how challenging it might be to rank for a particular term.
• Organic Traffic Insights: Obtain detailed analytics on organic search performance.

Its robust suite of features makes SEMrush ideal for those looking to dive deeper into the competitive aspects of SEO. * It is one of my favorite tool and I use it most.
Ahrefs has almost the same exact features as SEMrush, so, I deliberately leave it out for now.

Ubersuggest

For those seeking an intuitive and budget-friendly option, Ubersuggest offers several appealing benefits:

• Keyword Suggestions: Generate a list of related keywords quickly.
• Content Ideas: Discover top-performing content pieces related to specific keywords.
• SEO Metrics: Provides essential metrics like search volume and CPC (Cost Per Click).

Ubersuggest is particularly appreciated by small businesses and solo marketers thanks to its user-friendly design and affordability. I wasn’t impressed with this tool and have not used it I can’t remember since when. The generated reports showed a very wide margin of discrepancies compared to keyword research generated by both Ahrefs and SEMrush, both of which are my favorites. Maybe they have improved it in the meantime, I don’t know. It is worth checking out.

Selecting the Right Tool for Your Keyword Research

Choosing between these keyword research tools often depends on your specific needs and budget constraints. While Google Keyword Planner excels in simplicity and direct access to Google’s data, SEMrush provides a more detailed analysis suitable for comprehensive digital strategies. Ubersuggest serves as an excellent middle ground, offering both ease-of-use and insightful data without heavy investment.

Exploring these tools empowers you to make informed decisions about which keywords will most effectively drive traffic and enhance your website’s visibility in search engine results.

Implementing Findings into Content Strategy for SEO

Now that we have addressed the process of researching keywords, key phrases and discussed about the necessary tools, it is time we go into how to use the data in your optimization efforts in order to get the best results.

Creating a robust content strategy with keywords is central to driving organic traffic to your website. Once you’ve conducted thorough SEO keyword research, it’s vital to integrate these keywords effectively into your content. Here is how to do it.

1. Content Mapping

Begin by aligning your chosen keywords with specific pages of your website. This ensures each page targets relevant search queries, enhancing the site’s overall relevance and authority.

Strategic Keyword Distribution

When mapping keywords to your website’s content, consider these essential elements for optimal search performance:

• Homepage Keywords: Target broad, high-volume terms that reflect your main business offerings
• Service/Product Pages: Focus on specific, transactional keywords related to individual offerings
• Blog Posts: Utilize long-tail keywords and question-based queries for informative content

Creating Topic Clusters

Organize your content into thematic groups by:

1. Identifying core topics (pillar content)
2. Developing related subtopics
3. Linking relevant pages together

This hierarchical structure helps search engines understand your site’s expertise in specific areas while providing clear navigation paths for users.

Content Hierarchy Planning
Map your keywords according to user intent:

• Top-level pages: Competitive, high-volume keywords
• Category pages: Mid-tail keywords with moderate competition
• Individual product/service pages: Specific, targeted phrases
• Support content: Long-tail keywords addressing specific user questions

Remember to maintain a balanced keyword density across your site’s architecture while ensuring each page serves a distinct purpose in your overall SEO strategy.

2. On-Page Optimization

Strategic Keyword Placement for SEO Success

Incorporate primary keywords strategically throughout your content while maintaining natural readability. Here are the essential locations for optimal keyword placement:

1. Title Tags (50-60 characters)
   • Place target keyword near the beginning
   • Include brand name when relevant
   • Create compelling, click-worthy titles
2. Meta Descriptions (150-160 characters)
   • Front-load with primary keywords
   • Include a clear call-to-action
   • Write unique descriptions for each page
   • Incorporate secondary keywords naturally
3. Headings and Subheadings
   • Use H1 for main title (only one per page). Never use H1 more than once on a page!
   • Include keywords in H2-H6 subheadings
   • Maintain logical content hierarchy
   • Ensure headings accurately describe content
4. Body Content Optimization
   • Aim for 1-2% keyword density
   • Place keywords in first 100-150 words
   • Use variations such as plurals, singulars, synonyms and LSI keywords
   • Include keywords in bullet points and lists
   • Add keywords in image captions and alt tags when relevant

Important: Focus on user experience first. Keywords should enhance, not compromise, content quality. Search engines may penalize websites that practice keyword stuffing or unnatural placement.

5. Additional Placement Tips:
   • Use keywords in URL structures
   • Include keywords in internal link anchor text
   • Add keywords to file names of images
   • Incorporate keywords in schema markup

Remember to analyze keyword performance regularly through analytics tools and adjust placement strategy based on data-driven insights.

3. Content Creation

Develop high-quality content around identified keywords. Aim for informative, engaging pieces that answer user queries comprehensively. Use secondary and related keywords to enrich the context and improve visibility for variations of the search intent.

4. Use of Multimedia

Enhance keyword-rich content with images, videos, and infographics. Optimize file names and alt text with relevant keywords to support image and video searches.

5. Internal Linking Strategy

Connect related pieces of content through internal links using anchor texts that include targeted keywords and head terms. This practice not only aids navigation but also boosts SEO by redistributing link equity across pages.

By embedding your researched keywords into your content strategy thoughtfully, you create a seamless user experience while improving search engine rankings. The next step involves staying abreast of evolving trends and adapting your strategies accordingly.

Keeping Up with Trends in Keyword Research for SEO

Keyword research is not a “done and forget thing”! It constantly evolves. Technology is changing, the market is changing, and searcher behaviors are changing. You just have to follow the trend to stay ahead of your competition and offer your audience the latest and most valuable information needed fore you to convert them into your loyal customers.

Staying ahead in keyword research is essential as user behavior and search engine algorithms are constantly evolving. To maintain a competitive edge, regularly update keyword research practices to align with current trends and behaviors.

Adapting to changing trends involves understanding the shifts in popular search terms and modifying your content strategy accordingly. This could mean targeting new keywords that have gained traction or adjusting existing ones to better fit user intent. Search engines like Google frequently update their algorithms, often affecting how keywords are ranked. This year 2024 alone. Google has updated its core algorithms three times while it has updates minor algorithms several times during the year. Keeping up with these changes ensures your website remains relevant and visible.

The importance of staying updated with industry changes cannot be overstated. Here are some ways to keep abreast of trends:

• Subscribe to SEO Newsletters: Staying informed through newsletters from industry leaders can provide insights into emerging trends. *I am a subscriber to Search Engine Journal, Search Engine Land and a bunch of others on social media platforms as well as on Youtube.
• Use Real-Time Analytics: Tools that offer real-time data can reveal how users interact with your site, allowing for timely adjustments.
• Participate in SEO Forums and Communities: Engaging with peers can highlight new strategies and tools others find effective.

By regularly updating your keyword research, you can better anticipate user needs and adjust your content strategy dynamically. This proactive approach helps ensure that your website not only meets current demands but is also positioned for future growth. As you adapt to these trends, your site remains a valuable resource for users and maintains its competitive standing in search results.

The Final Takeaways

Starting your journey with SEO keyword research can lead to significant improvements in your website traffic. By exploring smart keyword strategies, you set the stage for optimizing your website’s visibility and engagement.

Here are the key takeaways:

1. Effective Keyword Research: A thorough understanding of keyword research is crucial. It not only aligns your content with user intent but also enhances your digital marketing efforts.
2. Diverse Techniques: Employ a variety of techniques to generate relevant keywords. This includes using tools like Google Keyword Planner and engaging in competitor analysis to gain insights into what works best in your niche.
3. Understanding Intent: Recognizing different types of search intent is vital. Crafting content that addresses informational, navigational, or transactional queries ensures you meet users’ needs effectively.
4. Evaluating Metrics: Assess keywords based on metrics such as search volume and difficulty. Long-tail keywords often offer less competition and more targeted traffic compared to head terms.

By implementing these techniques, you can expect to see significant increases in your website’s traffic. The practices shared here empower you to refine your content strategy for optimal results.

I hope you have enjoyed this blog post and learned something from the content thereof. Please leave a comment if you have something to communicate to me.

Thanks for reading!