Monday 17 September 2012

The Basics of Keyword Selection

The first step in the process of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is keyword selection. Without it, you cannot optimize your site and make it rank highly in the search engine results pages. Consequently, you lose your chance of making the site more visible to the public. If you have an online business, you know how serious this problem can be. You don't only drop your chance in popularity but in profitability too. In this article, we will further discuss the importance of selecting the right keywords and how to go about it. First, let's define what keyword is.

In SEO, keywords are the words you use several times in the content of your site as well as in other write-ups for promotion. It is the first step of SEO and if you get this wrong, you get everything else wrong. Keywords are selected based on what the public is likely going to type on the search engines when looking for some information. Simply put, they are what you type when you go to Google.

From here, you can gather that the first thing you must do when selecting keywords is to make sure that the term or terms are connected to what your niche is about. You can't optimize any website by simply using what you think is a fancy set of words. It has to say something about your specialty.

After finding terms that are directly related to your niche, there are other things you have to consider during keyword selection. One being the competition.

"Competition" pertains to other businesses of similar nature which may likely use the same keywords you have in mind. Luckily, there's an easy way to determine whether you are going against an impossible number of competitors. That is by using a keyword selection tool online.

Typically, a keyword tool functions in several ways but its basic usage is to show related terms with the keyword you initially have in mind. It also reveals the number of searches each related term has, as well as how many other ventures are using them. These details are useful as they give you idea which option can stand a better chance in the competition.

Generally, a better keyword is one that is composed of two or three terms rather than just one. Being more specific increases your likelihood of being found. See, general terms are widely used and thriving can be tough using them. For example, the word "soap" will surely prompt you with an impossible number of results. Making it more specific, say, "soap for newborn babies" can cut the competition down in the social media.

When choosing a keyword, it is best that you opt for one that is actually a phrase and not just a single word. Two or three words can increase the probability of you being found. General terms are used by a lot hence the competition is tougher to beat. For example, using the keyword "acne" makes your chances much lower than when you use the phrase "natural cures for acne." There are other handy tips on keyword selection but these are the basic ones you shouldn't forget. Keeping them in mind can undoubtedly help you get things right.

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