Whenever you are considering the deployment of a new search engine optimised site, you most likely already have a list of keywords in mind that will be the scaffolding for driving traffic to the site. Because SEO is so complex and far-reaching, many people have developed their own unique strategies and in the process, have missed out on many helpful tips that can dramatically increase the sustainability of their websites.
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Keyword research is complicated and rather than being solely a beginning step, it is a constant process that must be revamped and modified as time goes on. The following advice covers several tips for dealing with keywords that are often forgotten in all the rush of mining those select words and phrases.
Select Reasonable Keywords
Many people attempt to pick keywords that are already dominated by a number of upscale sites, only to find out that the SEO methods do not work for them. When searching for keywords in your specific niche, don’t just pick any keyword and go with it. You need to find competitive keywords with which you can burst into the search results; if a keyword is returning more than 500,000 results, chances are that you should avoid this keyword (at least in the short-term). The fewer returned results, the better chance you have of breaking into the top slot on Google.
Use Singular and Plural Keyword Versions
You may have wondered whether there is a difference between the singular version and plural version of a keyword. For example, does ‘keyword generator’ and ‘keyword generators’ mean the same thing to Google? The short answer is no, and you can explore both keyword variations to your benefit if they are open to competition as mentioned earlier. Usually, people will search for the singular version of any given keyword, but there is a segment of search that you can dominate by also taking advantage of the plural version of any given keyword.
Don’t Use Single Words
If you are planning on using single words as keywords in your site or blog, forget about it. You will simply end up being lost in the crowd when trying to compete this way. Not only do most single keyword phrases have the utmost competition on the web, but most people simply don’t search using one word. Each and every keyword or phrase that you use should consist of at least two words as this will give you a greater chance of breaking into search results (phrases have less search results than single words).
Research Each Phrase Individually
Many people try to determine their keyword performance by searching vague terms and getting an “average” of what the search results will be for their niche. Please, please do not do this! Each keyword and phrase must be researched as intended to be used in order to figure out if it is effective for your site. If you broad-stroke it, you will end up with irrelevant and duplicate keywords as well as ones where you have no hope of competing. The whole point of keywords is that you have to research them and find the ones best suited for your particular site and/or niche.
Keep On Top Of Things
Every month it seems, search engine optimisation tactics change and your keyword dominance one month may become a joke the next. Not only do you have to individually research keywords upon selection, but you must continuously monitor them in order to maintain your lead over other sites. If you begin to see your site slipping in the ranks, you will want to investigate further into what specific tactics are needed to return you to the top. Many times, other sites may surpass you in content with the relevant keywords, so it may be something as simple as pumping out more content.