After choosing an SEO article topic and briefly outlining what the content will be, it's time to pick a great set of keywords. What are the best keyword research tools and how can writers best determine the competition for SEO keywords?
Keyword Brainstorming Before Keyword Research
Before relying on external keyword tools, SEO writers should practice a little independent brainstorming. Looking at the article's topic and outline, what are the top 5 keyword phrases that come to mind? Remember to think like a reader: what exact terms would readers search for in order to find the article? What questions or concerns does the article address?
Avoid stuffing an article with barely relevant yet popular keywords in the hopes of attracting readers. Once they see that the content is not exactly what they're looking for, they'll quickly navigate away from it without staying to click on any ads or become repeat traffic.
Online Keyword Research Tools
Once a writer has already brainstormed keywords, it's time to take advantage of online artificial intelligence. Internet keyword research tools like Google AdWords can help SEO writers find synonyms and alternate keyword phrases to ones they already have.
An SEO writer doubles his or her chances of being found by Internet traffic by incorporating similar yet distinct keywords into an article, such as "alphabet recognition for kids" and "preschool letter activities."
Mix High CPC With High Search Volume
Most sound SEO techniques involve mixing high cost-per-click keywords with those that garner a high volume of monthly searches. Upon pulling up the Google AdWords tool, the search volume automatically appears but to see the CPC of the keywords a user must choose that particular column to display with the results.
Assess Competition for SEO Keywords
Another thing that SEO writers can never forget is keyword competition. Content with too much competition will get buried, so writers can increase their likelihood of getting Internet traffic by choosing keywords for which there is less competition.
Writers can perform a Google search for an SEO keyword phrase in quotes to assess the competition. If it appears that there is an angle of the topic that isn't adequately addressed by the first few pages of results, then the article is bound to be successful. Make sure to tweak all keywords to describe the unique angle or position taken by the article.
Search engine optimized content revolves around keyword usage. Finding good keywords to use is done through independent brainstorming, researching SEO keywords online, blending high CPC and search volume, and choosing low-competition key words and phrases.
Readers may also be interested in Where to Find Online Writing Jobs and Improving Google PageRank.
Jenny Evans - Jenny Evans is a freelance writer and editor specializing in parenting and the family. She is also the Mormonism Topic Editor for ...
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