Trying to find the best keywords to use and then using them to maximum effect for your online business can be challenging work. Keywords are the words and phrases that someone types into a search engine when searching for something on the Internet.
There are generally two types of keywords. The first is called the short tail keyword. This is usually a one or two word phrase. Due to the fact that the keyword is so short, that means that the keyword will be generic and will have a high level of competition from other websites. The second keyword is called the long-tail keyword. These are the longer, more precise keywords that are less common and can really improve search-driven traffic to your online business website.
What are the best keywords to use for your online business?
It is not uncommon for a combination of long-tail keywords to generate more traffic than the broader, more general short-tail keywords. As an example, let’s say you run an online dog training business and your keyword research shows that ‘dog training’ receives approximately 2,500 searches per day.
If you start looking, you will find that there are many long-tail keyword phrases for that niche. For example, dog training collars, dog potty training, dog training runs, etc. When you add all the long-tail keywords, which are easier to master in Google’s search engine result pages (SERPs), it equates to more traffic than if you simply searched for “dog training.”
If there are thousands of websites competing for the search term ‘dog training’ but a much smaller number competing for ‘dog training DVD’, you will have a better chance of getting to the first page of Google. The more specific your keywords are to your online home business, the better results you will get.
What about keywords for your online home based business ideas?
Some online marketers don’t pay attention to long-tail keywords, thinking they need to rank well for the top keyword phrases to get results. But others are using them to reach customers who are ready to buy. Ultimately, would you rather get traffic from people searching for the word ‘golf’ or someone searching for a ‘TaylorMade R11S TP Driver’?
If a person is looking for a specific item, it often means that they are ready to buy. The person entering golf into the search engine might be doing some homework for a project, or might want to take a golf vacation, or might be interested in going to a local golf competition. Those searches won’t help your online business if your website sells golf clubs.
Choose the right keywords.
Choose your keywords and phrases carefully. If you’re not sure which keywords to use, there are several free keyword tools to help you find the best keywords to use for your work from your online business. These include Wordtracker, SEO Book Keyword Tool, and Keyword Eye. Separate your broad and generic terms from your long tail phrases so you can monitor your Google SERP rankings and see how your keyword list is performing for you.
Placing the best keywords in the most appropriate places with the right consistency on your website allows search engines to quickly understand the topic of your website. The best keywords are those that are relevant and related to your online business and the impact of long tail keywords is continually increasing.