8 Ways to Carry Out Keyword Research

Arguably the most important part of any SEO strategy, keyword research is how you attract visitors to your site, entice prospects, and drive conversions of your products or services. When you are writing content for your website, identifying keywords and high-volume search terms is critical for boosting traffic and reducing bounce rates. 

This is due to keywords helping direct and inform your content, helping Google index it well and allowing it to be easily accessed from search engines. While it is a time-consuming task, that requires attention to meticulous detail, it is the foundation of your content and SEO strategy and helps you create content that converts. 

What is a Keyword?

Summarising a keyword it is simply a word that describes your content best. It is also used as a search term that you want that page to rank for. This means that when anyone decides to search that word or search term, they are directed to that page on your website. When creating your content, you need to think about:

• What search terms will be out into search engines? 
• What search terms do you want to be found for?
• What will this search query look like? 

Being able to summarise your content using your keywords will help you be found on different SERPs and allow your business to grow. Always think of what reflects your content best and use the appropriate keywords to reflect that.

What is Keyword Research?

In a broad sense, keyword research is analysing and finding lists of valuable keywords that can be utilised when doing the process of SEO copywriting or content writing. These keywords give direction to your content and guide your marketing strategies to help inform your users and readers.  

Keyword research can be more than just singular words. Sometimes, keyword research includes search terms which are the bringing together of several keywords that form a search query on search engines. 

The Importance of  Keyword Research 

So, you’ve found high-volume keywords or search terms to utilise on your website, that’s the end of the story, right? SEO keywords have to be more than just placed on your website. They have to reflect your brand, products and services that your customer would use naturally. This is why keyword research is so important. 

Once you have developed thorough keyword research, then you can begin to develop an SEO strategy that will eventually lead to you achieving your goals. You need to be precise in how you are showing keyword research. 

For example, you might be wanting to rank for ‘Belfast apartment’ because you are renting a home in the city. However, people are using the search term ‘apartments in Belfast’. It is these subtle distinctions that make keyword research so necessary because while that search term is technically correct, it isn’t what users are specifically looking for. 

Keywords should also take your target audience into consideration because then you will be able to select keywords that have been designed specifically for that niche. It is also important to consider similar keywords that will usually have different search volumes and competition levels. 

Choosing higher, more relevant keywords will give you better results than related or semantic keywords. 

Carrying Out Keyword Research

Now that you understand the importance of keyword research, the next stage is to begin doing it. To carry out keyword research, there is a range of factors that have to be taken into consideration. By outlining your goals and objectives while understanding what tools to use help you make a keyword strategy that positively impacts your overall SEO strategy. Here are eight important ways to carry out keyword research.  

1. Understand Your Niche and Target Audience

You are promoting your brand or product, and you know what you want to deliver but before you begin to find out exactly what keywords to utilise, ensure that you understand your target audience or niche that you are in. 

Carrying out keyword research requires a firm grasp and understanding of who your audience is and what they are looking for. Talking to your existing customers is a good way of determining what people are searching for and gives you insight into how they describe your brand, product or service. This allows you to generate keywords specifically in your niche, for a particular segment. 

Read deeper into your niche, be that going on forms and socials. Analyse your competitors’ sites and see what language they are using and what is performing well. Keep up with the trends in your niche and reflect on how you can best showcase your brand, product or service to new customers. 

2. Set Out Your Goals 

When planning a keyword strategy, you also need to be clear on what your goals are and what you want to achieve with each piece of content. Things to consider are what your brand is and what it represents, what your unique selling point is, and what you want to deliver or achieve when someone buys your product or service or even visits your website.

Understanding what your brand is and what you want to achieve allows you to curate custom content, providing a direction for your SEO strategy and delivering content that converts. Due to having target audiences already mapped out, you can create custom content through a keyword strategy that can be directed at your target audience at different stages of the marketing funnel. 

Doing this will allow you to reach a larger audience, as well as bringing in people who are going to convert with relevant search terms and informative content. It also scores well with Google as your site is seen as trustworthy and domain authority. 

3. Create Topic Clusters 

Now that you understand your goals and audience, creating topic clusters is another integral part of keyword research that has to be carried out. This allows you to make a list of all the topics that are related or relevant to your brand that you want to rank for on Google. 

If your brand is a sport’s equipment brand, you might want to search for terms like ‘yoga leggings’, ‘football boots’ or even ‘equipment for hockey’. Remember when you’re creating your topic clusters to consider your segments or buyer personas, and think about topics that are important to your business. 

You know your brand best and you know what people are looking for. Think of the topics that are directly related to your business and then you can break these down into keywords that can be utilised in content that attracts visitors to your site.

4. Develop a Seed Keywords List

You’ve got your topic clusters and you’ve done the research to appeal to your target audience, now you can carry out keyword research by developing a seed keywords list. From topic clusters, you can lift keywords that are directly correlated to what your target audience will be searching for on search engines.  

Your seed keywords list is the foundation of your keyword research. These help you identify competitors and define your business within your niche. Using keyword search tools helps you deliver these topic clusters and lists to create full target keyword lists that make your content valuable and drive traffic to your site that converts prospects.

5. Use Keyword Research Tools

We understand our audience and have developed our topic clusters and now we want to expand from our seed keywords list but how do we clarify what is being searched for online? 

Using keyword research tools helps you take the knowledge you have gathered and apply it to your SEO strategy. 

Refining your search terms helps you curate content that is relevant and valuable to your audience. Using these, you can inform and educate with lower-volume keywords in blog posts and using higher ranking keywords for web copy content. 

There are a plethora of keyword research tools that you can utilise to delve into keywords relating to your business. Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, Wordstream, and Ubersuggest are just some of the tools that can aid you effectively to develop a keyword strategy. There are also tools like Keyword Surfer that can be added as a browser extension. 

Using these tools helps you narrow down your search terms to help direct your target audience to your site. It can also give you more creativity as they offer keywords that you might not have considered previously that you can rank for. 

6. Discover Search Intent 

Many people think that putting high-volume keywords and stuffing them on their pages is how you get traffic to your website. The truth is, there is more finesse to pulling customers onto your pages. Google’s Algorithm updates regularly, so understanding how it works is integral to rank high.  

The algorithm is so advanced now that it compares search terms with user queries. Why does it do this? Google wants to know more about search intent – why people are searching for a specific term. You need to understand this too to help develop your SEO and overall marketing strategy.

Learning why someone is searching is key to understanding their mindset. Do they want a question answered or are they searching for a specific website? Are they trying to buy something in particular? Once you have this knowledge, you will be able to directly answer their problems and queries by having targeted keywords and phrases cleverly weaved into your copy. 

Search intent also helps you refine your keyword research as you are finding keywords that directly match why your audience is searching online in the first place. 

7. Find Long Tail Keywords

We have discussed seed keywords that are used to reflect shorter search terms that are related to a brand’s major topic. Longer tail keywords are more descriptive (usually) and contain content from topic clusters that are usually in sub-topics. 

Due to the nature of long-tail keywords, it is easier to match them to an audience’s search intent than it is for seed keywords. If you had a website that published content on music and reviewed albums you could have “best album of 2021” which would attract a more relevant audience than “best album”. 

While they do get fewer clicks, they have a much higher chance of conversion due to being focused on a specific product or topic. 

8.Identify Your Competitors

Mentioned briefly earlier, another important part when carrying out keyword research is identifying who your competitors are. You need to understand what they are doing and help you glean parts of their content strategy that are performing well and applying it to your own work. 

The content landscape that your niche fits within can determine what your target audience enjoys and wants. Understanding can help you develop your SEO and understand the competitiveness of certain keywords. It also helps you see what might be too hard to rank for.

The most important part of this process is keyword opportunity gaps. These are keywords that you can identify in your industry that have low to medium competition. This means that you can lock in key search terms and outrank your competitors for them.

Keyword Research: Integral for Every SEO Strategy

When you have completed a thorough keyword plan, you are then able to create and curate high quality and high performing custom content. You can also expand your SEO strategy. It doesn’t matter what your brand or business is, keyword research is a crucial component to online success.  

Keyword research can be complex and if you want a professional opinion on how to develop your keyword strategy and expand your SEO opportunities, contact ProfileTree today to speak to one of our SEO experts.

2023 Search Engine Statistics: Navigating the Keyword Landscape

Keyword research remains the cornerstone of SEO success, but the landscape is constantly evolving. To craft optimal keyword strategies in 2023, let’s dive into the latest search engine statistics and trends:

Search Volume Growth Rates:

• Overall search volume: While growth has slowed compared to the pandemic boom, global search volume is projected to reach 5.4 trillion searches in 2023 (Source: Statista)
• Mobile search: Mobile search continues to dominate, accounting for over 63% of all searches globally (Source: Search Engine Land)
• Voice search: Voice search is on the rise, with 46% of adults using voice search daily (Source: Pew Research Center)
• Local search: “Near me” searches have grown by 500% in the past few years, highlighting the importance of local SEO (Source: Google)

Conversational vs. Commercial Keywords:

• Conversational keywords: Long-tail, question-based keywords like “how to fix a leaky faucet” are gaining traction due to the rise of voice search and semantic understanding (Source: Moz)
• Commercial keywords: While still important, traditional “buy now” keywords face increased competition and require more sophisticated targeting strategies (Source: SEMrush)

Emerging Trends:

• Intent-driven targeting: Understanding user intent behind each keyword is crucial for effective SEO. Tools like Google Search Console and keyword research platforms can help identify intent (Source: Backlinko)
• Topic clusters: Grouping related keywords into clusters can improve website structure, topical authority, and organic ranking potential (Source: HubSpot)
• Entity-based SEO: Optimizing for entities (people, places, things) can expand your reach and improve search engine understanding of your content (Source: Ahrefs)

These statistics point towards a dynamic keyword landscape where understanding user intent, embracing conversational search, and utilizing advanced targeting strategies are key to success.

Here are some actionable insights based on these statistics:

• Focus on long-tail, question-based keywords: These keywords are often less competitive and offer valuable insights into user intent.
• Optimize for local search: Claim your Google My Business listing and target relevant local keywords to attract nearby customers.
• Utilize intent-driven keyword tools: Analyze search intent behind keywords to ensure your content aligns with user expectations.
• Embrace entity-based SEO: Research and incorporate relevant entities into your content to improve search engine understanding and reach.
• Continuously monitor and adapt your keyword strategy: Stay updated on industry trends and search engine algorithm changes to adjust your approach accordingly.

By staying informed and adapting your keyword strategy to the evolving search landscape, you can attract the right audience, boost your website traffic, and achieve your SEO goals in 2023 and beyond.

Keyword Research Techniques with Actionable Insights

Mastering keyword research goes beyond just listing methods. Let’s delve into specific how-to instructions, insightful screenshots, and actionable examples for each technique, equipping you with the knowledge to conquer the keyword landscape:

1. Keyword Seed List:

• Action: Brainstorm relevant keywords related to your niche. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush Keyword Magic Tool, and Ahrefs Keyword Explorer.
• Screenshot: Example of a seed list created in Google Keyword Planner: [Insert screenshot]
• Insight: Prioritize broad, high-volume keywords to start, then expand to long-tail variations and related searches.

2. Keyword Competitiveness Analysis:

• Action: Analyze keyword difficulty using tools like Moz Keyword Difficulty and SEMrush Keyword Difficulty Index.
• Screenshot: Example of keyword difficulty insights in SEMrush: [Insert screenshot]
• Insight: Focus on keywords with medium difficulty initially, gradually targeting higher difficulty terms as your authority grows.

3. Search Intent Understanding:

• Action: Use tools like Google Search Console and SpyFu to understand user intent behind keywords (informational, transactional, etc.).
• Screenshot: Example of search intent insights in Google Search Console: [Insert screenshot]
• Insight: Tailor your content to match user intent. For informational keywords, create blog posts and guides. For transactional keywords, optimize product pages and call to actions.

4. Long-Tail Keyword Exploration:

• Action: Use tools like Answerthepublic and Long Tail Pro to discover long-tail keywords based on user questions and searches.
• Screenshot: Example of long-tail keyword suggestions in Answerthepublic: [Insert screenshot]
• Insight: Utilize long-tail keywords in blog titles, meta descriptions, and page content to target specific user searches.

5. Competitor Keyword Research:

• Action: Use tools like SpyFu and SEMrush Keyword Gap Analysis to see which keywords your competitors rank for.
• Screenshot: Example of competitor keyword gap analysis in SEMrush: [Insert screenshot]
• Insight: Identify valuable keywords your competitors are missing and target them to gain a competitive edge.

6. Local Keyword Optimization:

• Action: Claim your Google My Business listing and optimize it with relevant local keywords and NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) consistency.
• Screenshot: Example of a well-optimized Google My Business listing: [Insert screenshot]
• Insight: Target “near me” searches and optimize for local voice search to attract customers in your area.

7. Topic Cluster Building:

• Action: Group related keywords into topic clusters to build a comprehensive content strategy. Use tools like Topic Clusters and Semrush Content Hub.
• Screenshot: Example of a topic cluster map in Topic Clusters: [Insert screenshot]
• Insight: Create pillar content (detailed guides) for each cluster and link to supporting content (related blog posts) to improve topical authority and SEO performance.

8. Entity-Based Optimization:

• Action: Research and incorporate relevant entities (people, places, things) into your content using tools like Ahrefs Content Explorer and Google Knowledge Graph.
• Screenshot: Example of entity-based content suggestions in Ahrefs Content Explorer: [Insert screenshot]
• Insight: Optimizing for entities can expand your reach, improve search engine understanding, and attract users searching for specific entities related to your topic.

Keyword Research Method Comparison Table

Method	Strengths	Limitations	Ideal for
Surveys	Direct user insights, Identify hidden gems, Validate existing research	Sample bias, Recall bias, Cost and time	Refining existing keyword lists, Discovering niche opportunities
Competitor Analysis	Uncover winning strategies, Identify untapped opportunities, Benchmarking performance	Limited scope, Blindly copying, Data accuracy	Finding new keywords, Identifying gaps in your strategy
Search Predictions	Real-time insights, Identify trending topics, Stay ahead of the curve	Short-term focus, Limited detail, Over-reliance on tools	Keeping up with current trends, Adapting content to evolving searches
Keyword Research Tools	Vast data analysis, Competition insights, Long-tail exploration	Cost and complexity, Data overload, Overdependence on tools	Analyzing large datasets, Identifying high-potential keywords, Assessing competition

Additional Notes:

• Consider combining methods: For a comprehensive strategy, use a mix of approaches to gain diverse insights.
• Choose based on goals and resources: Select methods that align with your specific needs and available resources.
• Human analysis is key: Tools provide valuable data, but human judgment and interpretation remain crucial.
• Experiment and adapt: Continuously test different methods and refine your approach based on results.

FAQ: Demystifying Keyword Research

Q: Which keyword research method is the best?

A: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer! Different methods offer unique strengths and limitations. Combine surveys, competitor analysis, search predictions, and keyword research tools to create a comprehensive strategy.

Q: How often should I conduct keyword research?

A: Aim for an annual audit to stay updated. Consider semi-annual audits for rapidly changing industries or high-traffic websites.

Q: What are some free keyword research tools?

A: Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush Keyword Magic Tool offer limited free features. Consider Ahrefs and Moz for more advanced features, but they require paid subscriptions.

Q: I’m new to SEO, where do I start?

A: Begin with basic keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner and focus on long-tail keywords with medium difficulty. Don’t overwhelm yourself, start small and expand your strategy gradually.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake to avoid in keyword research?

A: Over-reliance on tools! While they offer valuable data, human analysis and understanding user intent are crucial. Don’t blindly copy competitors – create your unique keyword strategy based on your specific audience and goals.

Conclusion: Unlock Your SEO Power with Keyword Research

Keyword research isn’t just about finding the right words; it’s about understanding your audience, their needs, and how you can connect with them. By strategically choosing the right methods, analyzing data effectively, and adapting your approach based on insights, you can unlock the full potential of keyword research and propel your website to the top of search engine results.

Remember, keyword research is a continuous journey, not a one-time destination. Embrace experimentation, stay informed about industry trends, and never stop refining your strategy. With dedication and a data-driven approach, you can use keyword research to conquer the SEO landscape and achieve your online success goals.