Keywords Research Not As Straightforward As It May Seem

Keyword research remains an important tool for search engine optimisation (SEO). In fact, keywords are what the industry is centred around. SEO experts look for the most commonly searched keywords or words and phrases, and develop a strategy to improve a website’s ranking in search engine results pages (SERP) for the very same keywords. Sound simple, right? Well, it’s not as simple as it may sound. On the contrary, it’s tough work which brings results only if done properly.

The Most Searched Keywords Not Always the Best Choice

As strange as it may sound but the most searched keywords are not always the best choice. It’s great to rank high for keywords that have thousands of searches per day, however, that doesn’t necessarily bring the desired results. Also, websites that rank high for the most searched keywords don’t necessarily get the most traffic in the industry and much less make the most sales. A number of factors need to be considered in order for keyword research and the subsequent SEO campaign to achieve success. But above all, keywords must be selected by considering the factors below:

Relevance. This one is easy. If you’re selling mobile phones, you obviously want to rank high for related terms and phrases. People who are directed to your website for particular keywords should find what they are looking for and hopefully, make a purchase. Also, your SEO campaign is more likely to be successful if the targeted keywords are related to your website’s content.
Audience. Getting as many visitors as possible is the goal of every website owner. Those who are focused on getting the most return from their websites, however, know that they need the right “type” of visitors. And here is where keyword research gets tricky. Everyone can find the most commonly searched terms and phrases using tools such as Google Adwords Keyword Planner. But only a few can find keywords which are most likely to bring visitors who aren’t browsing for information but are looking to buy.
Competition. Needless to say, the competition for the most searched keyword is extremely intense in all industries. Not that the competitors can’t be beaten but it may take for a very long time to outrank them. And as mentioned before, the most searched keywords don’t necessarily bring the most visitors and make the most sales. This is because they account for only about a third of total searches. The other two thirds are the so-called long tail keywords. So in the end, websites attracting most visitors and making most money don’t necessarily hold the #1 position for the most searched keywords.