What is Keyword Research?
It’s identifying and analyzing the words and phrases people use in search engines, crucial for optimizing content and driving organic traffic to websites.
Ideal Outcomes: To Increase organic traffic, improve rankings, enhance content relevance, and boost conversions.
Required Tools:
Free Tools (Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, AnswerThePublic, Google Trends.)
Paid Tools ( Ahrefs, SEMrush, Moz Keyword Explorer, KWFinder)
When it should be done: During initial site planning, before new content launches, and quarterly for ongoing optimization.
Source–Search Engine Journal
Why is the Keyword Research Process Important?
- Understanding User Intent: Keyword research reveals what users seek online, aiding in relevant content creation. In 2023, over 70% of searches were for local services (Source: Google).
- Enhanced SEO: Targeting the right keywords improves website visibility. Websites ranking #1 on Google have an average CTR of 31.7% (Backlinko).
- Competitive Advantage: Identifying untapped keywords boosts online presence. About 53% of website traffic comes from organic search (Source: BrightEdge).
- Relevant Content Creation: Aligning content with popular search terms increases user engagement pages on Google’s first position average 1,447 words (Source: Backlinko).
- Targeted Traffic: Targeting specific keywords brings interested visitors. Conversion rates are nearly 10 times higher for search traffic than social media traffic (Source: WordStream).
- Content Inspiration: Keyword research inspires content ideas. Over 60% of smartphone users have contacted a business directly using the search results (Source: Think with Google).
- Optimized Marketing Spend: Focusing on effective keywords maximizes ROI. Businesses make an average of $2 for every $1 spent on Google Ads (Source: Google Economic Impact Report).