Effective Techniques For Keyword Research
December 2, 2009 by Michael H. Fleischner
Filed under Marketing
The best way to achieve search engine dominance is by focusing on keyword research. As a search engine optimization consultant, I’ve worked with hundreds of companies that miss the important step of keyword research. Achieving number one rankings is largely based on the competitiveness of the keyword phrase you are trying to optimize your website for. If your competitor is in the top position with a well entrenched web site, then your chances of out ranking his site may be limited.
To be successful with keyword research you must go beyond the concept of competitiveness. After finding a keyword that doesn’t have much competition, the next step is to research the type of traffic you can expect from number one rankings with that keyword. Using the Google keyword tool or other traffic estimator is a good way to see what type of traffic can be expected. Don’t focus on keywords that can’t generate enough traffic to make things worthwhile.
After finding a keyword or keyword phrase that isn’t all that competitive but receives an sufficient amount of traffic, you should spend time researching your competition for that keyword. An effective technique is to visit each of the top ranked sites, competing for the chosen keyword, and analyze them. Pay particular attention to the Google PR of competing sites and number of inbound links. If sites are well established and have been online for a long time, it may be difficult to outrank them.
After you have selected the keywords you want to compete for, it’s time to enhance your web pages using the chosen keywords. Begin by enhancing your meta tags, page titles, and copy, including your keywords where appropriate. By including your keywords in this manner, you’re telling search engines what your web site is about. This allows the engines to rank your site for appropriate keywords. In addition to the on page factors, Google considers off page factors to determine web site ranking. Off page optimization involves generating links from third party websites. Focus your efforts on link building through article directories, web site directories, blogs, social bookmarking sites, and other sites.
Your optimization strategy should include a plan for the continuous creation of inbound links. Build links too slowly and you’ll never get the authority needed to achieve the number one ranking. Develop links too quickly and search engines may think you’re up to no good. If you want to improve your organic search engine results, begin with keyword research before link building. Having the right keywords makes the difference in your overall optimization results. Update your meta tags and web pages to integrate your keyword phrase, focus on building links over the long term, and you’re sure to achieve search engine dominance.
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categories: keywords,internet marketing,seo,marketing,web sites,google,search engines
