Google uses over 200 ranking metrics to determine your site’s authority. Among these metrics, keyword targeting is the most prominent ranking factor. You need thorough SEO keyword research to target the right keywords in your web or blog content.
While most guides and blog posts share surface-level knowledge and SEO keyword research tips, we’ll go in-depth and explain how you can rank your content in the top 100 SERPs through effective SEO keyword research.
But before we dive into the core aspects of SEO keyword research and share our tips, it’s best to understand what is SEO keyword research.
Keyword research is the process of finding phrases or words your target audience is searching for on search engines. Tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs are great for finding valuable keywords, but you need to know what you want.
Therefore, it’s best to place your competitor's link in the keyword explorer tab on Ahrefs and make this your starting point.
SEO keyword research is slightly different from conventional keyword research. Why? Because in simple keyword research, you value search intent and other metrics.
However, in SEO keyword research, your priority is getting traffic and ranking. Hence, your keyword research process would be slightly different.
With that out of the way, you must wonder whether keyword research for small businesses is different. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
As a small business owner, you may not have the time and resources to do keyword research like a pro. But that’s not the only obstacle in keyword research for small businesses.
Your site may not have a high DA/DR to target high-value keywords.
Simply put, DA/DR is a score that determines your site’s credibility. This score is generated through Ahrefs(DR) and Moz(DA)
This score is a sum of ranking keywords and backlinks on your site. It determines how Google views and values your site.
You can target high-difficulty keywords if your site’s DA/DR is more than 70. However, if your domain rating is low, it may be challenging for you to rank for high-value keywords.
Therefore, small business keyword research focuses on low-hanging fruits. These are keywords with low traffic and difficulty.
Once your site starts ranking for such keywords, your DA/DR improves, and your content may start ranking for high-difficulty keywords as well.
The best way to target keywords for small businesses is to mix and match low and high-difficulty keywords. This is called “keyword seeding,” and your aim is to rank your content for low-difficulty keywords with high-difficulty keywords integrated into your content.
Here’s our handy SEO keyword research checklist.
Now that you know what SEO keywords are and how to find them for your small business, it’s time to dive into 4 keyword research tips. Follow these tips religiously and your content will start ranking in no time.
1. Keyword DifficultyThe first step is determining the keyword difficulty you plan to target. You can find keyword difficulty on Ahrefs when you type a phrase related to your business in the keyword explore section.
Once you have a list of keywords, you must set base keyword difficulty, which will depend on your site’s DA/DR. If your domain is new, there’s no point in targeting keywords above 30 difficulty.
Start with a KD score of less than 25 and infuse them in your web content and blog page. Also, mix some high-difficulty keywords for keyword seeding, as mentioned above. This will give you a good mix. Add keyword modifiers such as “best,” “services” etc. For instance, if you are targeting Content Writing tips” add modifiers to this keyword, and you have a higher chance of ranking.
2. Keyword VolumeKeyword volume determines how many people are typing that particular keyword on search engines. High-volume keywords are usually short-tailed and have high KD.
But you can find high-volume keywords in the long-tail keywords department. There isn’t a particular section for it on Ahrefs and you’ll need to scroll through keyword suggestions.
Long-tail keywords are easy to rank for and more targeted. Think about it: anyone searching for Nike sports shoes size 43 is definitely looking to buy rather than browse.
3. Keyword Gap ResearchKeyword gap research is the process of finding keywords your competitors aren’t targeting. You can do this by searching your competitor's site on Ahrefs “keyword explorer.”
This will show a host of keywords your competitor is ranking for. Now, you need to manually browse through the keyword list and discover keyword opportunities.
The more competitors you search in Ahrefs, the higher the chances of finding better keyword opportunities. And even if you find one keyword that 3-4 competitors aren’t targeting, you can easily rank on search.
.9 Related Search Terms
The Related search term option on Ahrefs is great for finding keywords you conveniently install in your content.
You need to search for a keyword or your competitor's site for related search terms. From there, click on related terms to find a host of keywords you can target.
Related terms are relatively easier to rank for, depending on your niche. Regardless, you can score good search rankings if you conduct an in-depth related keyword search.
You can make related terms your primary keyword for better ranking chances. In addition, you can build backlinks on these keywords and improve your site’s DA/DR.
SEO keyword research is the key to ranking content on search engines because if you don’t have relevant keywords in your arsenal, you’re shooting arrows in the dark.
At Branding Mate we have SEO keyword research experts with 15 years of experience finding relevant keywords.
We’ve helped plumbing, electrician, and other general contractor businesses find their spot on SERPs.
If you’re looking for SEO keyword research services, you can connect with us on call or visit our SEO page for more details.
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