Keyword research is a critical element to any successful SEO campaign as it helps businesses to discover valuable search terms that their potential customers are already searching for. As an SEO professional, I have developed a systematic process to help me conduct effective keyword research that ensures I create content that ranks highly in search engine result pages (SERPs).
The process begins with a thorough analysis of the topic that I have been asked to optimize. This includes researching all of the websites, blogs, competitor keywords and niches related to the topic. This allows me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the information that currently exists, which helps to identify potential gaps where I can add more content.
Next, I turn to keyword research tools, such as Google’s Keyword Planner, to uncover high-value search terms that are related to the topic. I use these terms to create a keyword list, which I then review and fine-tune. Once I have a comprehensive list of keywords that I can use for optimization, I run them through a search engine to see their average monthly search volumes and related search terms.
My keyword research process doesn’t end there, however. I also strive to uncover keyword opportunities in different languages if I am working with a global brand. Additionally, I analyze the search intent of users to determine if the keywords have high commercial or informational value and rank accordingly. I also check the competition level to see if the terms are too difficult to rank for or are not worth of pursuit.
Finally, I use the keyword list in my optimization efforts. This includes crafting content around the targeted keyword phrases, integrating them into tag titles, identifying internal links, and optimizing images and videos.
Overall, keyword research is an essential SEO process which I have developed a systematic approach to help me uncover the best search terms to target. By combining the use of keyword analysis tools and competitors analysis, I am able to consistently create content that ranks highly in SERPs.