Every time Google’s search algorithm updates, many of the popular solutions for SEO keywords strategies become outdated. Though many businesses are devoted to their SEO strategies, most don’t see the right results simply because they don’t understand how to make the most out of keyword research.
If you’re struggling with your keyword strategy, then it might be a good idea to upgrade your efforts to something more modern. Here are five tips that should get you started.
1. Combine Long-tail and Head keywords
While head keywords are short and simple phrases, like “running tips”, long-tail keywords are more precise, like “Running tips for people with arthritis”. One major difference between the two is that head terms are more competitive. Alternatively, long-tail keywords are less competitive, and less likely to get high amounts of traffic.
The more you know about your target audience, the more effective your long-tail keywords are likely to be. Ideally, modern SEO strategies should focus on using both long-tail, and head terms in their SEO keyword strategies.
2. Don’t Force your Keywords
Some businesses automatically start any content production with an arbitrary goal for keyword density. However, simply stuffing keywords anywhere doesn’t work anymore. If you want your SEO keyword strategy to work for you, then you need to make sure that the terms you use fit naturally into your content.
If any of the keywords that you use end up distracting your users, or making your content sound strange, then you should remove them immediately. If you can never include keywords naturally in your content, then you might need to select some new terms.
3. Focus on Giving Customers What They Want
When you’re focusing on all the technical details of SEO, it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. The important thing to remember is that you need to offer whatever your target audience is searching for online.
The needs of your customer should be the center of your SEO strategy. If you can’t imagine your customers typing your keywords into Google, then you’re going to need to invest in some new ones, and create content that serves a purpose for your audience.
4. Refine your List
Since some businesses tend to target too many keywords at once, it might be helpful to start narrowing down your existing list. If you don’t know what you need to leave out, try to evaluate your terms quantitatively. Google offers a few tools that will help you to do that. For instance, Google AdWords can give you an opportunity to look up search volume for your specific terms.
Try to refine your list at least a few times each year. Though you won’t always have to remove things, you will find some words that come in and out of style over time.
5. Don’t Focus Too Heavily on Individual Keywords
While there are some marketers who attempt to exploit the world of SEO, Google is rarely far behind. Since individual keywords are frequently at the center of black-hat SEO tactics. Google is moving away from them as quickly as possible. The message is clear enough: don’t think about keyword based solely on individual words. Google will eventually push everyone to move away from this format of SEO.
Remember to revisit your keyword research every few months, and try to come up with new long-tail keywords too!
