We all know that SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is important if we want our website or blog to be successful. But what exactly is SEO? And what role do keywords play in SEO?
In its simplest form, SEO is the process of making sure your website or blog appears as high up as possible on search engine results pages (SERPs). The higher up you are, the more likely people are to find and visit your site.
What is SEO?
In a nutshell, SEO is the process of optimizing your website or blog to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). SEO is important because it can help you attract more visitors to your site, which can lead to more sales and conversions.
To understand how SEO works, you need to know about two things: keywords and search engine algorithms.
What are Keywords?
Keywords are the terms or phrases that people type into Google when they are searching for something. For example, if you are a plumber, some of the keywords you might want to rank for could be “plumber”, “plumbing services”, or “emergency plumbing”.
Types of Keywords
¬ Long-Tail Keywords: Long-tail keywords are more specific and usually longer than short-tail keywords. They are
less competitive and therefore easier to rank for.
Example: “best red widgets”¬ Short-Tail Keywords: Short-tail keywords are more general and usually shorter than long-tail keywords. They are
more competitive and usually harder to rank for.
Example: “red widgets”The Importance of Keywords as they apply to Ranking in SEO
Keywords tell Google what the page is about. If you want to rank for a certain keyword, then you need to use that keyword and other related words throughout your webpage, including in the title, in the content, the description, the H1-6 tags, and the body copy.
Most of the words and phrases associated with your blog’s main keywords are related to one another in various ways. Search engines are aware of the significant role that each word plays in a website’s SEO. Google uses LSI or natural language processing to help determine the meaning of words on a page. This helps Google to match a page with searchers’ queries.
In its simplest form, SEO is the process of making sure your website or blog appears as high up as possible on search engine results pages (SERPs). The higher up you are, the more likely people are to find and visit your site.
Why Do Keywords Matter?
Keywords are important because they help to tell Google what your website or blog is about. Keywords are also important for helping potential customers find your site. When someone enters a keyword into a search engine, Google will show them the websites or blogs that are most relevant to their search. If you’re not using the right keywords, then you’re missing out on potential customers.
What is the Best Way to Pick Keywords?
The best way to pick keywords is to use a mix of short-tail and long-tail keywords that are relevant to your business. You can use a tool like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs Keywords Explorer to help you find the right keywords.
Tools to Use to See What Keywords You Rank For Now
These tools will show you the average position that your website is appearing in SERPs for each keyword.
- Google Analytics – Google Analytics is a free tool that you can use to see what keywords you are currently
ranking for.
To find this information, log in to your Google Analytics account and go to “Acquisition” –> “Search Console” –> “Queries”.
- Google Search Console – Google Search Console is another free tool from Google that you can use to see what keywords you are currently ranking for.
To find this information, log in to your Google Search Console account and go to “Search Traffic” –> “Search Analytics”.
- Ahrefs is a paid tool that you can use to see what keywords you are currently ranking for.
To find this information, log in to your Ahrefs account and go to “Organic Keywords”.
What are some other simple SEO tips that can help my business?
Although finding and using the right keywords is important, there are other things that you can do to improve your website’s SEO. Here are a few other simple tips:
¬ Use keyword-rich titles, descriptions, blog posts, and articles
¬ Optimize your website for mobile
¬ Use social media to promote your content
¬ Publish high-quality content
¬ Build backlinks to your website
¬ Optimize your images with keywords
¬ Monitor your SEO progress with tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console
The Bottom Line
Keywords are important because they help Google to understand what your website or blog is about. The right keywords can help you rank higher in SERPs and get more traffic to your website. Choose your keywords carefully and make sure to use a mix of short-tail and long-tail keywords that are relevant to your business.
As always, we’re here to help!