SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, has become indispensable for businesses of all scales. So much so that without it, long-term sustainability would seem impossible. That is why everybody is so much into learning or offering SEO services in Geelong.
In the vast subject of SEO, if we have to pick one of the most important aspects, it has to undoubtedly be ‘Keywords.’ Without the inclusion and analysis of appropriate keywords, you will not be able to make much impression on the search engines.
If you are new to the SEO world and wish to know what we are exactly talking about, read this blog post till the end. Apart from learning to analyse various keyword metrics, you will also understand why they are so important.
First things first—
Why Analyse Keywords?
For a keyword, say “SEO tips,” you’ll find information like search volume, personalised keyword difficulty score, current ranking position, and other key metrics on whatever tool you’re using. These metrics are essential because not all keywords are worth creating content for. Some may be irrelevant to your audience, overly competitive, or offer too little value to justify the effort.
However, you’ll also encounter keywords that are ideal for your site. Keyword metrics assist in narrowing down these options and selecting the best keywords.
This guide will explore six key metrics SEOs should consider when targeting keywords. It will also demonstrate how to identify the right keywords for your site today.
1. Search Volume
Search volume means the average number of monthly searches for a specific keyword. High search volume denotes popularity, meaning many people are searching for that term. Ranking for these keywords can drive more traffic to your site, potentially leading to more sales.
Aim to target keywords with at least 100 monthly searches to generate meaningful traffic. Keywords with very low search volumes, such as 10-20 monthly searches, are less likely to bring significant visitors.
For international businesses, consider the global search volume of a keyword to better understand its total traffic potential.
2. Keyword Difficulty (KD)
Keyword difficulty suggests how hard it would be to rank on Google’s first page for a specific keyword. The basics of understanding the KD metric is that most SEO tools use a scale of 1-100 to represent keyword difficulty. A higher difficulty score, say above 70, means more effort is required to rank well for that keyword. Contrarily, lower-difficulty keywords are easier to rank for and are great opportunities for newer websites.
3. Search Intent
Search intent is simply the reason behind a user’s query. It is not a traditional metric, but understanding it can help greatly in creating content that aligns with what your users are looking for. This increases your chances of ranking well.
The 4 types of search intent are:
– Informational: Users seek answers or general knowledge, like “What is SEO?”
– Navigational: Users are looking for a specific site, such as “Facebook login.”
– Commercial: Users are researching products or services, like “best smartphones 2024.”
– Transactional: Users are ready to buy, with queries like “buy running shoes.”
For the keyword “personal finance,” the search or user intent is informational. Therefore, your content should include general information rather than product or service recommendations. You can attract both users and search engines with such thoughtfully tailored content.
4. Search Trend
Search trends track how a keyword’s popularity changes over time. This helps you assess if interest in a keyword is rising, falling, or steady.
Declining trends indicate a keyword is becoming less relevant, while upward trends are potential opportunities. You can use the Google Trends tool to know what keywords are trending at the moment. It is quite easy to use; even a non-professional can quickly understand how it works.
5. Cost Per Click (CPC)
CPC reflects the amount advertisers are willing to pay per click on ads for a given keyword. A high CPC suggests a keyword has strong conversion potential and may be valuable for your SEO strategy.
CPC data is available in Semrush’s Keyword Overview tool. For example, the CPC for “personal finance” is $4.30.
6. SERP Features
SERP features are special elements that appear on search results pages, such as featured snippets, local packs, and knowledge panels. These features can increase your visibility, making it important to assess whether your keywords trigger any SERP features.
Bonus Tips for Choosing Keywords:
SEO can be a great tool in a marketing campaign. If you can use it well, it can bring significant traffic and revenue to your website. Here are some more bonus tips for choosing the right keywords.
- Ensure keywords are relevant to your business.
- Identify quick wins with low-difficulty keywords, but also plan for long-term success by targeting more competitive terms.
- Analyse the SERPs to assess your competition.
- Consider multiple metrics together when analysing keywords.
Final Word:
By using keyword metrics, you can target relevant keywords that will drive meaningful results for your site. But let us ask you one question before wrapping up the article. Do you have time to learn SEO and then execute it for your business? Or will you consider hiring a professional and save time?
If your answer is the second one, consider connecting with the team at Make My Website – https://www.makemywebsite.com.au/seo/geelong/ , a top agency for SEO services in Geelong. With their support, you will get faster results and better profits. So, call and book your consultation with their experts.
