What is keyword research and why is it important?

What is keyword research?

Keyword research is the process of discovering and analysing words and phrases that people use when searching for information on a particular topic. This is typically done in order to optimize a website or content for search engines, as well as to understand the needs and interests of a target audience.

Keyword research can involve several steps, including:

Identifying the topics and themes related to a business or website.
Using tools to find out which keywords and phrases are commonly used by people searching for information on those topics.
Analysing the competition for those keywords, including the number of websites that are already ranking for them and the strength of those websites.
Selecting the most relevant and valuable keywords to target in the website or content.

By conducting keyword research, businesses and website owners can determine the most effective terms to use in their marketing and content strategies in order to attract and engage their target audience. It can also help them to understand the needs and interests of their audience and tailor their marketing efforts accordingly.

Why is keyword research important for a business?

Keyword research is important for a scaling business because it helps to inform and optimize the business’s online marketing and content strategy. By understanding which keywords and phrases are commonly used by people searching for information related to the business’s products or services, the business can tailor its marketing efforts to better reach and engage its target audience.

Here are a few specific reasons why keyword research is important for a scaling business:

It helps to improve the visibility of the business’s website and content in search engine results: By targeting relevant and valuable keywords, the business can increase the likelihood that its website and content will rank highly in search results, which can lead to more traffic and potential customers.
It helps to understand the needs and interests of the target audience: By analysing the keywords and phrases that people are using when searching for information related to the business’s products or services, the business can gain insight into the questions and concerns of its potential customers. This can help the business to tailor its marketing and content strategies to better meet the needs of its audience.
It helps to inform and optimize the business’s marketing and advertising efforts: By targeting the most relevant and valuable keywords, the business can ensure that its marketing and advertising efforts are more likely to reach and engage its target audience.

Keyword research is an important part of any business’s online marketing strategy, and it can be especially valuable for a scaling business that is looking to expand its reach and attract new customers.

what-is-keyword-research-and-why-is-it-important

6 best practices to keep in mind when conducting keyword research:

Start with a list of seed keywords: Begin by brainstorming a list of keywords and phrases that are related to the business’s products or services, as well as the topics and themes that the business wants to target. These seed keywords can serve as a starting point for further research.
Use keyword research tools: There are a variety of tools available that can help to identify which keywords and phrases are commonly used by people searching for information related to the business’s products or services. Some popular options include Google’s Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Ahrefs.
Analyse the competition: Once you have identified a list of potential keywords, it’s important to analyse the competition for those keywords. This includes looking at the number of websites that are already ranking for the keywords and the strength of those websites.
Consider the intent behind the keywords: It’s not enough to simply choose keywords that are related to the business’s products or services. It’s also important to consider the intent behind the keywords. Are people using the keywords to find information, or are they looking to make a purchase?
Use long-tail keywords: In addition to targeting short, specific keywords, it can also be helpful to use long-tail keywords, which are more specific and less competitive. These keywords are often more targeted and can lead to higher conversion rates.
Regularly review and update your keyword list: Keywords and search trends can change over time, so it’s important to regularly review and update your keyword list to ensure that it remains relevant and effective.

By following these best practices, businesses can conduct effective keyword research and use it to inform and optimise their marketing campaigns.

Here are 4 tools to accelerate and optimise your keyword research

Google Keyword Planner – a free keyword research tool offered by Google to help advertisers plan their campaigns. Try it here: https://ads.google.com/
SEMrush – a comprehensive digital marketing toolkit that includes keyword research and analysis, site audit, competitor analysis, and more. Try it here: https://www.semrush.com/
Ahrefs – a powerful keyword research tool that offers detailed keyword analysis, search traffic data, and backlink information. Try it here: https://ahrefs.com/
Scribespace – a power AI writing assistant that generates thousands of words of content within seconds. With over 200+ use cases, you can optimise your keywords, extract keywords from articles, generate full-length articles and more. Try Scribespace here: https://scribespace.ai/ai-content-templates-scribespace/

Keyword research is a crucial aspect of digital marketing and is essential for businesses of all sizes. By conducting thorough keyword research, businesses can gain valuable insights into the terms and phrases their target audience is searching for, allowing them to craft more effective and relevant content that appeals to their target audience.

Keyword research also helps businesses to understand their competitors and the market, enabling them to make informed decisions about their online presence and digital marketing strategies. Overall, investing time and resources into keyword research can greatly improve a business’s online visibility, drive more targeted traffic to their website, and ultimately help to achieve their marketing and business goals.