Keyword research is one of the services a local or national SEO agency offers to drive people to your website. Users type specific words, phrases, or sentences when looking for information online. Keyword research is the process of identifying such phrases to help you determine the ones your target audience uses. Here’s more information on keyword research and how it helps:
How Keyword Research Is Done
Search engines rank pages based on various factors, including keyword usage, content relevance, bounce rates, inbound links, and user experience. You can work with a national SEO agency to identify the phrases people use to find the products, services, or information you offer. This process is known as keyword research and involves brainstorming, listening, ranking, mapping, and optimizing. During brainstorming, you put yourself in your target audience’s shoes to determine potential keywords they use. List all the short-tail and long-tail keywords you think people may use to find a website like yours. SEO agencies also provide tools to find keywords easily. They help you determine what type of content is ranking highly for each keyword.
Search engines also provide a list of related keywords and questions people ask. During keyword ranking, prioritize phrases that offer the best opportunity for your pages based on search volume, difficulty, and intent. Search volume is the average number of times a keyword is searched in a month, while difficulty is how hard it is to rank for it. Search intent examines what users want to accomplish with their search, which can be navigational, informational, or transactional. Ranking allows you to find keywords with high search volumes, match user search intent, and compete with other sites. Mapping involves tracking your keywords and ranking progress. Optimization involves working the keywords into your content.
How Keyword Research Helps
You can use keywords on your website’s URLs, page titles, and meta descriptions. Keywords are also used in headings, subheadings, image ALT texts, paragraphs, and anchor texts that carry internal links and backlinks. Ranking algorithms scour your website for information that can be linked to what the user has typed on the search engine. If your content and page description match the keyword, your website is ranked highly on search engine result pages. Ranking highly on search results increases your website’s visibility and drives more page traffic. Users often stay on the first page when looking for information online. If they don’t find what they want from the first search, they change the search phrase to deliver more relevant results.
Consistently appearing on page one of search engines helps to build trust and credibility. Users are more likely to remember your website when they see it on page one and find valuable information during visits. Increased traffic can lead to more conversions if you attract the right audience for your products and services. Keyword research allows you to create valuable content that answers specific queries and pain points. Whether you target a local or national audience, keyword research allows you to attract the ideal customer for your business. If visitors find helpful information, they may be more likely to become regular customers. Research also helps you identify keywords with high traffic and low competition, giving you a competitive advantage in your niche.
Get Keyword Research From a National SEO Agency
Keyword research is an ongoing endeavor required to maintain your position on page one of search engine results. You can work with an SEO strategist to identify and integrate relevant, high-traffic keywords in your content and website. Contact a national SEO agency today to find out more about keyword research and other website optimization services.
