Happy Friday! We made it to the end of the week! As you wrap up, let’s talk about an essential SEO skill that every freelancer and small business owner needs: keyword research. Finding the right keywords ensures that your website attracts the right audience, helping you rank higher on search engines and drive more traffic.
Why Keyword Research Matters
Keyword research is the foundation of SEO. Choosing the right terms means your small business can compete effectively online. Without it, you might target words that are too competitive or that don’t align with what your customers are searching for.
Steps to Do Keyword Research for Small Businesses
1. Understand Your Audience
Start by identifying who your ideal customers are. What problems are they trying to solve? What words or phrases would they use to find solutions online?
2. Use Keyword Research Tools
Leverage free and paid tools to find relevant keywords:
- Google Keyword Planner (Free) – Great for basic keyword ideas.
- Ubersuggest (Free & Paid) – Finds keyword difficulty and competition.
- Ahrefs & SEMrush (Paid) – Advanced tools for deep keyword insights.
3. Look for Long-Tail Keywords
Short keywords like “web design” are hard to rank for. Instead, use long-tail keywords, which are longer and more specific, like “affordable web design for small businesses.” These are easier to rank for and attract more targeted visitors.
4. Check Search Intent
Not all keywords serve the same purpose. Some keywords indicate information-seeking (“how to do keyword research”), while others indicate buying intent (“best keyword research tool for SEO”). Prioritize keywords that match your business goals.
5. Analyze the Competition
Search your potential keywords in Google and check the top-ranking sites. If large businesses dominate, you may need to refine your keywords for lower competition.
6. Optimize Your Content
Once you have your keywords, use them naturally in your:
- Title and Headings
- URL (e.g., yoursite.com/keyword-research-small-business)
- First 100 words
- Image alt text
- Meta description
Final Thoughts
Keyword research is a game-changer for small businesses. By understanding what your audience is searching for and using the right tools, you can improve your WordPress SEO and grow your online presence.
Enjoy your weekend! See you next week for more WordPress SEO tips!