If you want your website to show up in Google, you need the right words. Those words are called SEO keywords, and they’re the bridge between what people type into a search box and the pages you’ve built. Picking good keywords isn’t magic – it’s a series of simple steps that anyone can follow.
Every time someone searches, Google decides which pages match the query best. The decision is based on relevance, authority, and user intent. When your content includes the exact phrases people are looking for, Google sees a clear match and is more likely to rank you higher. Bad keywords, like overly generic terms or phrases that don’t match what your audience wants, waste your time and keep your traffic low.
Think of a coffee shop that only uses the keyword "drink" in its SEO. People searching for "best espresso in London" will never find it. But if the shop targets "London espresso" and "best coffee near me," it appears right where the customers are looking.
1. Brainstorm seed ideas. Start with the main topics of your site. If you sell web design services, write down words like "web design," "website redesign," and "responsive sites."
2. Use a free tool. Google’s autocomplete, "related searches" at the bottom of the results page, or a basic keyword planner can turn your seed ideas into longer phrases. For example, typing "web design" might suggest "web design pricing UK" or "affordable web design services."
3. Check search volume. You don’t need exact numbers, but a tool that shows relative volume helps you spot terms that people actually use. Aim for keywords with decent volume but low competition – those are the sweet spots.
4. Mind user intent. Ask yourself what the searcher expects to find. A query like "how much does a website cost" signals a buying intent, so your page should talk about pricing, packages, and quotes.
5. Group keywords. Put similar phrases together and plan one page to target each group. This avoids keyword cannibalisation, where multiple pages compete for the same term.
6. Place keywords naturally. Put the main phrase in the title, the first paragraph, a sub‑header, and a few times in the body. Don’t force it; make sure the sentence still reads well.
7. Track and tweak. After publishing, watch rankings and traffic in Google Search Console. If a keyword isn’t moving, try a new angle or add more specific content.
That’s it – a quick, repeatable process you can run every month as your business evolves. The more you understand what people are searching for, the easier it becomes to write content that answers their questions and earns clicks.
Remember, SEO keywords are not a set‑and‑forget item. The search landscape changes, competitors adjust, and new trends emerge. Keep your list fresh, adapt your pages, and you’ll stay visible without spending a buck on ads.
Struggling to figure out how many keywords you should use for solid SEO? This article breaks down the sweet spot for keyword usage, explains why cramming too many is bad, and offers strategies that actually boost your search rankings. Get the facts on keyword density and modern user behavior. Developers can expect concrete tips tailored for today’s web, not recycled advice from years ago. Keep your tech and content in sync with advice that works.
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