Sunday, June 9, 2024

How to find good keywords for a website

Certainly! Here's an extended conversation between two people, Alice and Bob, discussing how to find good keywords for a website.


Scene: A coffee shop with a cozy atmosphere. Alice and Bob are sitting at a corner table with their laptops open.

 

Alice: Hey Bob, thanks for meeting me. I really need some help with SEO for my website. I've been reading a lot, but I'm still confused about how to find good keywords. Can you help me out?

 

Bob: Of course, Alice! I'd be happy to help. Finding good keywords can be a bit tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes much easier. Let's start with the basics. What kind of website are you running?

 

Alice: I run a blog about sustainable living. I cover topics like eco-friendly products, zero-waste tips, and sustainable fashion. I want to attract more readers who are interested in these topics, but I’m not sure how to choose the right keywords.

 

Bob: That’s a great niche! Sustainable living is becoming more popular, so you have a good opportunity to reach a wide audience. The first step in finding good keywords is to understand your audience. Who are they, and what are they searching for? Have you done any audience research?

 

Alice: A little bit. I know most of my readers are women aged 25-40, and they’re interested in reducing their environmental footprint. But I’m not sure what specific keywords they might use to find my blog.

 

Bob: That’s a good start. Knowing your audience is crucial. Now, let’s talk about keyword research tools. Have you used any before?

 

Alice: I’ve heard of a few, like Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs, but I haven’t used them much. Are there others I should know about?

 

Bob: Definitely. Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs are great tools, but there are also others like SEMrush, Moz Keyword Explorer, and Ubersuggest. Each tool has its own strengths. For instance, Google Keyword Planner is good for getting ideas directly from Google, while Ahrefs and SEMrush provide a lot of detailed data about keyword difficulty, search volume, and competitor analysis.

 

Alice: That sounds a bit overwhelming. How do I know which tool to start with?

 

Bob: It can be a bit much at first, but don’t worry. Let’s break it down step by step. Since you’re just starting out, I’d recommend trying Ubersuggest. It’s user-friendly and offers a lot of insights for free. Let’s open it up and take a look together.

 

Alice: Okay, sounds good. (Opens Ubersuggest on her laptop) What should I do first?

 

Bob: Type in a broad keyword related to your niche. For example, you could start with “sustainable living” or “zero-waste tips.” This will give us a broad view of what people are searching for.

 

Alice: (Types “sustainable living” into Ubersuggest) Wow, there are so many suggestions! How do I narrow it down?

 

Bob: Great question. You want to look at a few key metrics: search volume, SEO difficulty, and CPC (cost per click). Search volume tells you how many people are searching for that keyword. SEO difficulty gives you an idea of how hard it is to rank for that keyword. CPC is more relevant for paid search, but it can also indicate the value of a keyword.

 

Alice: I see. So I should look for keywords with high search volume and low difficulty?

 

Bob: Exactly. That’s the sweet spot. But you also want to make sure the keywords are relevant to your content. No point in ranking for a keyword if it doesn’t bring in the right audience. Let’s take a closer look at some of these suggestions. Pick a few keywords that seem relevant to your blog.

 

Alice: Okay, how about “eco-friendly products,” “zero-waste lifestyle,” and “sustainable fashion tips”? They all seem related to what I write about.

 

Bob: Those are great choices. Now, let’s analyze each one. Look at their search volumes and SEO difficulties. Which one looks the most promising?

 

Alice: “Eco-friendly products” has a high search volume but also high difficulty. “Zero-waste lifestyle” has a lower search volume but much lower difficulty. “Sustainable fashion tips” is somewhere in between.

 

Bob: That’s a good analysis. Sometimes, it’s worth targeting keywords with lower search volumes if they have less competition. You can build authority in those areas and gradually tackle the more competitive keywords. Let’s dig deeper into “zero-waste lifestyle.” What related keywords do you see?

 

Alice: There are quite a few, like “zero-waste products,” “how to start a zero-waste lifestyle,” and “zero-waste tips for beginners.”

 

Bob: Perfect. These related keywords can form the basis of your content strategy. By creating content around these specific topics, you can capture a wider audience and increase your chances of ranking well. Have you thought about how to incorporate these keywords into your content?

 

Alice: I’ve read about using keywords in titles, headings, and throughout the text, but I’m not sure how often to use them or how to make it sound natural.

 

Bob: You’re on the right track. The key is to use keywords naturally. You don’t want to stuff your content with keywords, as that can hurt your rankings and make your content hard to read. Aim to use your main keyword in the title, the first paragraph, and a few times throughout the article. Use related keywords and variations naturally as well.

 

Alice: That makes sense. So, for an article on “zero-waste lifestyle,” I could title it “How to Start a Zero-Waste Lifestyle: Tips for Beginners” and include related keywords in subheadings and the text?

 

Bob: Exactly. You can also use synonyms and related terms to keep the content varied and natural. For instance, you might use “eco-friendly lifestyle” or “waste reduction” as well. This helps with SEO and makes your content more engaging.

 

Alice: Got it. What about meta descriptions and alt text for images? Should I use keywords there too?

 

Bob: Yes, definitely. Meta descriptions are important for click-through rates. Include your main keyword in a compelling description that encourages people to click. For alt text, describe the image naturally and include a keyword if it fits. This helps with image search and overall SEO.

 

Alice: This is really helpful, Bob. But how do I track my progress and see if my keywords are working?

 

Bob: Good question. You’ll want to use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console. Google Analytics can show you how much traffic you’re getting and where it’s coming from. Google Search Console can show you which keywords are driving traffic to your site and how you’re ranking for them.

 

Alice: I’ve set up Google Analytics, but I’m not very familiar with Search Console. How do I use it?

 

Bob: Let’s set it up together. (They open Google Search Console) First, you’ll need to verify your site. You can do this by adding a meta tag to your site’s homepage or uploading an HTML file. Once it’s verified, you’ll be able to see data about your site’s performance in Google search.

 

Alice: (After verifying her site) Okay, it’s set up. What should I look for here?

 

Bob: Start by looking at the Performance report. This will show you the queries that are bringing traffic to your site, your average position in search results, and your click-through rate. You can also see which pages are performing well and which keywords they’re ranking for.

 

Alice: This is great! I can see some keywords I didn’t even think of targeting. Should I adjust my content based on this data?

 

Bob: Absolutely. Use this data to refine your strategy. If you see a keyword that’s bringing in traffic but you’re not ranking as high as you’d like, consider optimizing your content for that keyword. If a page is performing well, think about how you can build on that success with related content.

 

Alice: Thanks, Bob. This gives me a lot to work on. Do you have any final tips for finding and using keywords effectively?

 

Bob: Sure! Here are a few more tips:

1. Keep an eye on trends: Use tools like Google Trends to see what’s currently popular in your niche.

2. Analyze competitors: Look at what keywords your competitors are ranking for and see if there are opportunities to target similar keywords.

3. Focus on long-tail keywords: These are longer, more specific phrases that may have lower search volumes but can be easier to rank for and often bring in more targeted traffic.

4. Create high-quality content: Ultimately, content is king. Focus on creating valuable, informative content that answers your audience’s questions and needs. Keywords should enhance your content, not dominate it.

5. Stay updated: SEO is constantly evolving. Keep learning and adapting your strategy as needed.

 

Alice: Those are excellent tips. I feel much more confident about my keyword strategy now. Thanks a lot for your help, Bob!

 

Bob: Anytime, Alice. Good luck with your blog, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions.

 

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Alice: Actually, Bob, one more thing. How often should I revisit my keyword strategy? Is this something I need to do regularly?

 

Bob: Great follow-up question. Yes, SEO isn’t a one-time task. It’s an ongoing process. I recommend revisiting your keyword strategy at least

 

 once every quarter. Trends change, search behavior evolves, and new competitors can enter the market. Regularly updating your strategy helps you stay ahead.

 

Alice: That makes sense. So, when I revisit my strategy, should I just repeat the same process we did today?

 

Bob: Essentially, yes. Review your current keyword performance using tools like Google Search Console and Analytics. Look for new opportunities using keyword research tools. Also, check if there are any new trends or topics emerging in your niche. It’s like a continuous cycle of improvement.

 

Alice: Got it. Do you have any advice on creating content that can rank well for multiple keywords?

 

Bob: Yes, that’s a smart approach. To rank well for multiple keywords, consider these strategies:

1. Cluster topics: Create comprehensive guides or cornerstone content that covers a broad topic in-depth and naturally includes several related keywords.

2. Use semantic SEO: This involves using synonyms and related terms throughout your content, which helps you rank for a variety of related keywords.

3. Answer multiple questions: Structure your content to answer several related questions. This can help you capture traffic from long-tail searches and featured snippets.

4. Internal linking: Link to related articles within your site. This not only helps with SEO but also keeps visitors on your site longer.

 

Alice: I love the idea of creating comprehensive guides. It sounds like a great way to provide value to my readers while boosting SEO. Do you have an example of how I might structure such a guide?

 

Bob: Sure! Let’s take “zero-waste lifestyle” as an example. You could create a comprehensive guide titled “The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Zero-Waste Lifestyle.” Here’s how you might structure it:

1. Introduction: Explain what a zero-waste lifestyle is and why it’s important.

2. Getting Started: Tips for beginners, including easy first steps.

3. Zero-Waste at Home: How to reduce waste in different areas of the home (kitchen, bathroom, etc.).

4. Zero-Waste Shopping: Tips for reducing waste while shopping, including product recommendations.

5. Sustainable Fashion: How to incorporate zero-waste principles into your wardrobe.

6. Community and Advocacy: Ways to spread the zero-waste message and get involved in the community.

7. Resources and Tools: Links to helpful resources, tools, and further reading.

 

Each section can target different related keywords and provide internal linking opportunities to other articles on your blog.

 

Alice: That’s an excellent structure. I can see how it covers a lot of ground and offers plenty of value. Plus, it gives me a chance to link to my other posts. Thanks again, Bob. This has been incredibly helpful.

 

Bob: I’m glad to hear that, Alice. Remember, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep creating valuable content, stay updated with the latest trends, and you’ll see your efforts pay off over time.

 

Alice: I’ll keep that in mind. I’m excited to get started on my new content strategy. Thanks for all your help, Bob!

 

Bob: You’re welcome, Alice. Good luck with your blog, and feel free to reach out if you need any more advice. I’m always here to help.

 

### A Few Weeks Later...

 

Alice: Hey Bob! Just wanted to give you an update. I followed your advice, and I’ve already seen an increase in my traffic. Some of my articles are starting to rank higher, and I’m getting more engagement from my readers.

 

Bob: That’s fantastic news, Alice! I’m really happy to hear that. It sounds like you’re on the right track. Have you come across any new challenges or questions as you’ve been working on your content?

 

Alice: Well, I’ve noticed that some of my older posts aren’t performing as well. Should I go back and update them with new keywords and information?

 

Bob: Absolutely. Updating old content can be very beneficial. You can refresh them with new information, add current keywords, and improve the overall quality. Google loves fresh, relevant content, so this can help boost your rankings.

 

Alice: How should I prioritize which posts to update?

 

Bob: Start with the posts that have the most potential. Look at the ones that are getting some traffic but aren’t ranking as high as they could be. Also, consider updating posts that cover evergreen topics – content that will always be relevant to your audience.

 

Alice: That makes sense. I’ll start with those. Do you have any tips for making my updated posts stand out?

 

Bob: Sure! Here are a few tips:

1. Improve readability: Break up long paragraphs, use bullet points, and add subheadings to make your content easier to read.

2. Add new visuals: High-quality images, infographics, and videos can make your content more engaging.

3. Update links: Make sure all your links are current and relevant. Add new internal links to your latest content.

4. Include updated data: If you have any statistics or references in your post, make sure they’re up to date.

5. Enhance your CTA: Improve your call-to-action to encourage more engagement, whether it’s comments, shares, or sign-ups.

 

Alice: These are great tips. I’ve also been thinking about branching out into new content formats, like videos and podcasts. Do you think that’s a good idea?

 

Bob: Definitely! Diversifying your content can help you reach a broader audience and keep your current readers engaged. Videos and podcasts are becoming increasingly popular and can complement your written content well. Plus, they offer additional opportunities for SEO.

 

Alice: How can I optimize videos and podcasts for SEO?

 

Bob: For videos, make sure to:

1. Use relevant keywords in your video title, description, and tags.

2. Add transcripts: They make your content accessible and provide additional text for search engines to crawl.

3. Create engaging thumbnails: They can improve your click-through rates.

4. Embed videos in relevant blog posts to enhance your content and keep visitors on your site longer.

 

For podcasts:

1. Include detailed show notes with relevant keywords.

2. Transcribe episodes: Just like with videos, transcripts help with SEO.

3. Promote episodes on your blog: Write accompanying articles that expand on the podcast content and include links to the episodes.

 

Alice: That’s really helpful. I’ll start experimenting with videos and see how it goes. Thanks again for all your advice, Bob. I feel like I have a solid strategy now.

 

Bob: You’re very welcome, Alice. It sounds like you’re doing a great job. Keep up the good work, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions. I’m looking forward to seeing your blog grow!

 

Alice: Thanks, Bob! I’ll keep you posted on my progress. Have a great day!

 

Bob: You too, Alice. Good luck with everything!

 

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### Three Months Later...

 

Alice: Hey Bob! I just wanted to share some exciting news. My blog’s traffic has doubled, and I’m starting to get a lot more engagement from my readers. Your tips have really made a difference!

 

Bob: That’s fantastic, Alice! I’m thrilled to hear that. It sounds like your hard work is paying off. What do you think has made the biggest impact?

 

Alice: Updating my old posts with new keywords and fresh content made a huge difference. I also started creating comprehensive guides and branching out into videos. My readers seem to love the new formats.

 

Bob: That’s great to hear. Diversifying your content and keeping it updated are powerful strategies. Have you noticed any new trends or topics that your audience is particularly interested in?

 

Alice: Yes, actually. There’s been a lot of interest in sustainable travel and eco-friendly home renovations. I’m thinking about creating some new content around these topics.

 

Bob: Those are excellent topics, especially since they’re related to your niche and currently trending. Make sure to do thorough keyword research for these new topics. You might find some great opportunities there.

 

Alice: I will. Thanks for the advice. I also wanted to ask about backlinks. I’ve read that they’re important for SEO, but I’m not sure how to go about getting them.

 

Bob: Backlinks are indeed important. They signal to search engines that your content is valuable and trustworthy. Here are a few strategies to get backlinks:

1. Guest posting: Write articles for other blogs in your niche with a link back to your site.

2. Reach out to influencers: Connect with influencers in your niche and ask if they’d be interested in sharing your content.

3. Create shareable content: Infographics, original research, and comprehensive guides are more likely to be linked to by others.

4. Engage in online communities: Participate in forums, social media groups, and other online communities. Share your content when it’s relevant and adds value to the conversation.

 

Alice: These are great strategies. I’ll start reaching out to other bloggers and see if I can write some guest posts. Thanks for all your help, Bob. I couldn’t have done it without you.

 

Bob: I’m glad I could help, Alice. It’s been great to see your progress. Keep up the fantastic work, and I’m sure your blog will continue to grow. If you ever need more advice, you know where to find me.

 

Alice: Thanks, Bob. I really appreciate it. Have a great day!

 

Bob: You too,