Keyword research has changed substantially in the last few years. We’re keeping up with the changes so that you can tackle this job efficiently and get on with that mile-long list of to-dos that running a business requires.
Today, we share seven keyword research tips to help you know what people are looking for and base your NetSuite SEO strategy on the latest trends.
1. Beyond AdWords Keyword Planner
In the past, this could be your end-all for keyword research. No more. The AdWords Keyword tool now hides data, so you need to go further. First, complement Adwords Keyword Planner analysis using Google Suggest and related searches. Second, brainstorm with your customers and employees for other keywords. Once you’ve collected these other words, input them into AdWords for a more comprehensive and accurate list.
Google Trends is another effective tool for a different type of keyword research. Instead of commercial terms based on suggested bids that the Keyword planner gives us (generally for AdWords campaigns), Google Trends will provide more contextual and no commercial keywords based on actual news and the freshest content. This can be very useful when generating original content based on those specific keywords.
Based on suggested bid & Avg. Monthly searches on exact keywords based on the date range and targeting.
2. Consolidate Pages with Intent
Understanding user intent has become key for your NetSuite SEO initiatives – including keyword research. The critical concept to adopt is that for different keywords matching the same intent, Google will resolve with the same content. That’s different from the past, when we almost had to build a separate page for each different keyword. So, we need to understand which keywords can be grouped under the same intent, and then make pages for each intent.
An example can be the different search queries regarding “computer” related keywords and “laptop” related keywords. Because both are looking for the same thing, we must optimize the same landing page to include these relevant keywords.
3. Head Terms & Long Tail Keywords
Not sure what we mean? A head term is a keyword search that is generally shorter and more generic such as “swimming.” A long tail keyword is longer and more specific, like “swimming lessons in Tucson.” Although head terms usually provide a greater volume of searches, long tail keywords produce more desirable traffic. Long tail keywords can be much more profitable in the end and typically are associated with lower bidding costs. A good mix of head terms and long tail keywords is the idea.
4. Competition
First, if your competitors rank for the exact keywords, you know you are on the right track and should push harder for a higher ranking on those terms. Second, if you are ranking for keywords that your competitors have not included, these provide you a unique opportunity to own market share.
Several online tools can take advantage of your competitor’s keyword research, like compete.com or semrush.com. But before you use these, use the old excel spreadsheet where you will put your keywords and the competitor ranking for those.
Semrush user interface
5. Focus on Rich Content
With the introduction of Hummingbird in 2013, everything changed in the keyword search. Gone are the days of incorporating keywords into your site as often as possible. Instead, rich content now produces the most desirable traffic. Avoid keyword stuffing.
It’s all about what your audience expects to read (or watch). If your audience doesn’t care about your content, they will leave your website, and Google is watching, hurting your page relevance to the search query, which may damage your page ranking next time.
Try to connect with your audience. Remember, always write for your audience, never for search engines.
6. Squeeze Value From Your Spreadsheets
If you’ve been doing keyword research for any time, you probably have a spreadsheet to track it. But are you using this tool to its fullest extent? In his posts, Rand Fishkin (SEO guru) suggests adding the following metrics: difficulty, opportunity, business value, requirements or options, and prioritization.
By evaluating keywords from all of these angles, you will see tangible improvement in your research efficiency.
7. Think Small to Think Big
With the increasing use of voice search, many keyword searches have a more significant local element. For example, on their PC, someone might search “iPhone repair Orlando,” but using voice search, their search changes to “iPhone repair near me.” How should you change your keyword search to accommodate this change? First, check local listings for your firm (i.e., Yelp) to ensure the correct information. Also, utilize Google+ and confirm that your keyword search terms include a local reference.
We hope these tips help you get started on your research so you can crush your NetSuite SEO goals! Keep in mind that newer generations are also using social media marketing platforms like Instagram or TikTok to do their research on products and services, so don’t forget to use these keywords in your captions too!
For further information on this topic, contact us to start building the perfect eCommerce growth strategy for your business.
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