If you’ve been doing your search engine optimization homework, you’ve probably seen the phrase, “keyword research” everywhere. Keyword research is one of, if not the most, valuable aspects of SEO. Why? Because having the right keywords can actually make or break your websites success.

How Does Keyword Research Work?

It should come as no surprise that in the field of search engine optimization, things are constantly changing. There will always be new updates and algorithms from each search engine. However, one consistent optimization strategy has always been keyword research.

One of your biggest online goals is to have your page reach those who are searching for products or services similar to the ones you offer. You’ll want to be pinned somewhere at the top of a SERP (Search Engine Results page).

When someone searches for a certain keyword phrase, it’s good to show up in the top three results. Users will naturally click on your page, assuming you’re at the top, because your page is most relevant to their search. This is where you’ll receive a majority of your sales.

Bottom line, if you want your website to have a better chance of survival, implementing these keywords on your page will help you out. Find your keywords, and start plugging them in on your pages, allow users to find your web page, and wait for the traffic to start rolling in.

Types of Keywords

Keyword research helps you to find the best keywords to fit your niche. However, there are two types of keywords, each beneficial in their own way. The type of keywords you choose to use typically depend on the type of business you are running.

Short-Tail Keywords

Short-tail keywords will typically contain very general words. Someone looking to gain more knowledge in SEO may Google a generic keyword, such as “SEO classes”, or even “SEO classes near me”. Unfortunately, short-tail keyword phrases may not get you to rank quickly. In fact, most don’t find themselves at the top of SERP’s from the use of generic keywords.

Don’t get me wrong though, they could be beneficial. If you come up organically, in a top rank position, on a generic search, then you’ll find yourself with tons of traffic. Generic searches contain a ton of user volume. So essentially, the competition is high, but so is the volume.

Long-Tail Keywords

If you want to get noticed a little easier, you should definitely include long-tail keywords into your SEO strategy. Long-tail keywords are longer, very specific keywords. Users searching for SEO training classes would likely type something along the lines of “WordPress training classes in New York”.

With long-tail keywords, you aren’t going to get the volume you would get with short-tail keywords. For some companies, this could be a make or break. If you’re trying to cater to a specific audience, you’re going to find success in longer-tail keywords. If your audience is relatively broad, longer tail keywords may not work in your favor. Low volume, and low competition.

Finding Value in Keyword Research

Understanding which keyword phrases are best for you to use will eventually come second nature. You’ll start to learn what is working best for you and how to implement them. You want your business to be booming.

While there isn’t exactly a magic formula, there are ways to determine what keywords to use, which ones are being searched, and how to see if they’re working for your site.

Keyword Research Tools

Initially, you’ll want to check out some of the better keyword research tools on the market. There are plenty of them, and you’ll see they hold a lot of the same information. Some of the most popular ones are Moz Keyword Explorer, Google Trends, Google AdWords Keyword Planner Tool, and even Wordtracker.

When you type in a particular phrase into one of these tools, you’ll get a list of similar phrases that have been searched. You’ll typically also get information on how they’re found organically, or through paid ads.

Do Some Testing

Testing, testing – 1, 2, 3. At the end of the day, a good way to see what is working for you, is just start trying out different keywords or keyword research techniques. Try some things out. If its not successful, move onto the next set of keywords. If you’re noticing more traffic and direct sales, keep up the good work.

Reach Out to the Professionals

Sometimes, we just need an extra hand to help us get started. If you’re not seeing the success that you are looking for, there are SEO professionals, like New York SEO Training Academy, who will go above and beyond to make sure your business is on the right foot.

For more information on keyword research, or to enlist a little help for your business, give us a call today at (888)736-7766.

Steve Scott

Steve Scott is the CEO & Director of Training at the New York SEO Training Academy. He has taught SEO skills to people from around the world and currently offers his hands-on search engine optimization training workshops in New York to individuals and businesses of all sizes. Corporate SEO training classes and consulting are also available.

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