5 SEO Tips for a better keyword research process

Keyword research is one of the primary things in SEO, and as all of us know, there are a set of keyword research tools that we all have been using for years. I personally feel that the keyword research area is the most important one in terms of laying your foundations for SEO, and unfortunately, this is also one ares where we don’t have much options.

So what does it take to create a better keyword research experience ? We all have the same set of keyword research tools, the same keyword research procedure, so what makes the difference ? Let’s see.

1. Use more than one tool, mix it up and get the best of it

Of course we all have out favorite tool, but does sticking to just one tool narrow down your possibility of finding out better keywords ? It does. In my opinion, one should always try it out with as many tools as possible and then get the best of everything. For instance the Google Adwords Tool has the advantage of popping up “realistic” keywords, but the search number and the competition is probably not accurate. You could use the SK Tool instead.

2. Do not pick the obvious keywords

Remember, in SEO its more about doing things better than doing things right. So if you pick the obvious keywords with the best search volume, you are forgetting the fact that other SEOs in your niche probably doing the same thing, and even better than you. So the wise thing to do is to track your competition and over-doing them, even if that means you have to deviate form the regular procedures.

3 – Match search volume in context with your site content

A mistake SEOs often repeat is getting carried away by the search volume and picking the most competitive keywords which they may not stand a chance to rank for. The problem here is that there is no focus on the content. Only if your content matches in context with the keyword selection would it be possible for you to go ahead with the rest of SEO factors and possibly get some traction. If you make the wrong selection, then you got things all messed up right from the beginning.

4 – Pick up the low lying fruits first rather than jumping for the big ones

Why ? Its easier to get the momentum. When you try and pick up competitive keywords first, you have to spend a lot of time on it until you get anything for result. Instead try picking up the low lying fruits first (long tail, lesser competitive keywords) and then once you have some momentum gained, leverage on it for the bigger ones. Makes sense ? Saves a lot of time too.

5 – Start from bottom up of your site

Another grave mistake SEOs do, especially with new websites is to start with their homepage. Nothing wrong technically, but you’re losing out on the opportunity that a lot of your content that lies in the inner pages of your website are still not optimized or catered properly to the search engines. There are several options available with them, so why not fix them first and move up gradually to the homepage ?

So there you have it. Five overlooked facts in keyword research, that could really make some difference to your overall SEO strategy. Did it help ?

Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.