How Do I choose the Right Keywords?

Keyword research is a vital step in the initial stages of SEO. I recommend that you do some of the research on your own before you go to hire an SEO firm. The reason being, knowing your market and what people are searching in your field will help you decide the best keywords and knowledge is power. Some keywords are more competitive than others and SEO firms can take advantage with false hopes by suggesting the less competitive keyword and having them achieve 1st page placement in rapid speeds.

Where you start? There are a number of free services that can show you how many people are searching on a daily, monthly or yearly basis. To name a few:

Overture
Word Tracker
Google Adword: Keyword Selection Tool

Remember when you are researching your terms to start broad then work your way down to more specific selections. Sometimes what YOU think is the most searched keyword is not actually case. You will find that the more broad terms of your keywords will often have more searches but because of geographic location you will not get the most out of it.

For example if your website deals with "small business loans" the obvious choice would be that exact key phrase, but often you are just dealing with small business loans in specific locations and so you could find a number smaller keywords that are targeting your actual location. These are often less competitive and will target the actual market that you specify.

Search engine optimization is a form of marketing, so always think of your potential clients first. If you combine a great keyword strategy, excellent content with a diligent linking campaign you will surely find your self on the first page of the search engines in not time.

I hope you enjoyed this first of many FAQ's that I will be answering over the next few months. If you have a question that you would like to see answered please email me and I will do my best to get it answered for you.