No matter how long you've been in the SEO game, chances are you've probably made at least one mistake. That's why it's important to be aware of the #1 biggest SEO mistake nearly everyone makes.
The biggest mistake that nearly every single SEO novice and even veteran makes is not understanding keyword research as a whole. Much of SEO revolves around finding the right keywords in order to better optimise your website for search engine results. As such, a thorough understanding of keyword research is absolutely paramount for SEO success.
Now, keyword research is a massive topic and not something that can be covered in one article, so I won't go into detail here. However, here are some key pointers:
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Know Your Goals and Focus on Long Tail Keywords – Most newcomers to SEO are so focused on trying to rank for the most popular keywords, they often miss out on the opportunities provided by long tail keywords. Long tail keywords refer to more specific phrases and may not have as much search volume as the more broad terms – but the upside is that they usually convert better and the competition is much lower.
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mind the Competition – Before selecting a keyword term, it's a good idea to check out the competition. It's important to choose keyword terms that have a low competition level so that you have a better chance of getting a higher spot in the search engine results.
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Use Keyword Modifiers – Modifiers like “best”, “cheapest”, or “top” can make all the difference when it comes to keyword research. Adding a modifier to your keyword can help make the phrase more specific and give you the edge you need to grab that coveted top spot in the search engine results.
By understanding the basic principles of keyword research and how to apply them to your SEO strategy, you can avoid the #1 SEO mistake most people make. The key is to focus on long tail keywords, be mindful of the competition, and incorporate keyword modifiers in your strategy. With a bit of practice, you'll soon be on your way to SEO success.