Advanced Keyword Research Guide – 2023

Have you ever thought a single word can be a game-changer, determining the fate of your online presence? Keywords are the backbone of SEO, shaping your online success. The right ones elevate you, while the wrong ones derail your efforts.

In the dynamic realm of search engines, staying ahead of the game can be a challenge. That’s why we present to you an advanced keyword research guide. Get ready to delve deep into the world of cutting-edge techniques that will elevate your keyword research game to new heights.

By the journey’s end, you’ll possess the expertise to confidently conduct advanced keyword research. It’s time to unlock your SEO potential.

🔍 Decoding Keyword Research

Keyword research is the process of finding and analysing words or phrases people use to search on search engines like Google, Bing, and YouTube. No matter your website or business, if you dream of soaring higher in search engine results, beckoning visitors to your digital domain, and transforming them into loyal customers, it all starts with one essential quest: keyword research.

🌟 The Vital First Step

Keyword research is the cornerstone of any SEO campaign. It’s crucial for ranking higher in search results, attracting more visitors, and converting them into customers.

🔑 Why do Keywords Matter?

Keywords communicate to search engines what your site is about and help potential customers find your products or services. Both SEO & PPC campaigns rely on the power of keywords.

🎯 Types of Keywords

Broad vs. Niche Keywords

Broad keywords are general terms that describe your offerings, while niche keywords are more specific to individual products or services.

👞 Example: Men’s Shoes

Broad keywords: “shoes,” “men’s shoes,” and “footwear.”

Niche keywords: “men’s dress shoes,” “men’s running shoes,” and “men’s casual shoes.”

Short-Tail vs. Long-Tail Keywords

Short-tail keywords capture a broader audience with general terms, casting a wide net. In contrast, long-tail keywords cater to specific desires and preferences, refining the search for highly relevant and valuable traffic.

👞 Example: Shoes

Short-Tail Keywords: “shoes,” “footwear,” “running shoes.”

Long-Tail Keywords: “best men’s running shoes for beginners,” “affordable men’s beginner running shoes.”

🔑 The Hidden Power of Keyword Research

🎯 Precision Targeting: Decipher the secret language of your potential customers. With keyword research, you gain a deep understanding of the exact words and phrases they use when seeking solutions. By aligning your content with these keywords, you strike a bullseye with your target audience.

🌟 Competitive Edge: Step into the spotlight and leave your rivals in the dust. Uncover untapped keyword opportunities that your competitors have overlooked. With these hidden gems, you carve out your unique digital space and attract an army of dedicated followers.

💡 Enhanced User Experience: Speak the language of your audience and watch their hearts light up. By crafting content that directly addresses their needs and offers relevant solutions, you create a delightful user experience. This magical connection heightens engagement and boosts conversion rates.

🚀 SEO Optimization: Wave your digital wand and capture the attention of search engines. By strategically sprinkling keywords throughout your website’s content, meta tags, and headings, you send powerful signals about your website’s purpose and relevance. The result? Improved organic visibility and soaring rankings in search results.

📝 Content Planning: Unleash a wellspring of creativity and captivate your audience. Keyword research unveils the hottest topics and themes that ignite the passion of your target audience. Armed with these insights, you generate captivating blog posts, mesmerising videos, and engaging content that keeps your brand at the forefront of their minds.

🎩 The Magic of Keyword Research for Traffic Growth

1️⃣ Visibility Booster: Keyword research reveals what your target audience is searching for, giving you the opportunity to optimize your content and attract more visitors to your website.

2️⃣ Competitive Edge: Uncover untapped keyword opportunities, outshining competitors and capturing a dedicated audience. Evaluating keyword competition helps you gauge the difficulty in ranking for specific keywords. Consider factors like bidding, ad quality, landing page relevance, and keyword history.

3️⃣ Targeted Traffic: Align your content with audience search queries, attracting visitors who are actively seeking your offerings.

4️⃣ Adaptation and Evolution: Stay updated with trending keywords to continuously optimize and attract relevant traffic.

5️⃣ Content Strategy Magic: Insights from keyword research optimize your content strategy, engaging and retaining visitors.

Incorporating these strategies and insights into your keyword research process will set you on the path to success, driving targeted traffic and boosting your online presence. 

🔍 Decoding Keyword Essentials

📈 Search Volume: Imagine a bustling marketplace, where the search volume represents the footfall of potential customers. It reveals the number of people searching for a particular keyword each month. Keep in mind that high search volume alone doesn’t guarantee success. You need to assess the competition and relevance of the keyword to make informed decisions.

🎯 Search Intent: Think of search intent as a compass guiding you through the vast online realm. It’s about understanding the intentions and motivations behind a user’s search. Are they seeking information, looking to make a purchase, or searching for a specific website? By aligning your keywords with search intent, you can cater to the needs and desires of your audience more effectively.

🧩 LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing): Picture LSI as a helpful companion assisting search engines in deciphering the context of your content. It’s like providing additional clues and related words that complement your main keyword. LSI keywords expand the depth and relevance of your content, allowing search engines to better understand its meaning. 

✨ Synonyms: Synonyms are like colorful variations of a keyword, offering different shades of meaning. They add depth and flexibility to your content, helping you express ideas in diverse ways. Just as a thesaurus provides alternative words, synonyms in your content enable search engines to grasp the context and relevance of your message. 

Beware the allure of high search volume, for it can be misleading. Here’s why:

Competition and Ranking:

1. Even with a high number of searches, if many websites already rank for the keyword, your chances of ranking well are slim.
2. Search volume can be artificially inflated due to misspellings or variations of the keyword. Different terms may lead to the same results, masking the true search volume.
3. High search volume may result from different reasons people search for the keyword. This makes it challenging to gauge the actual interest or demand.

To accurately assess search volume and competition:

• Consider the keyword’s competition: If many advertisers bid on it, the search volume is likely higher.
• Look for high-quality keywords: Those relevant to buying intent usually have higher search volume.
• Evaluate keyword relevance: If the keyword aligns well with your product or service, it’s likely to have a higher search volume.

When analyzing competition:

• Note the number of bidders: More bidders indicate higher competition.
• Assess the quality of ads: Well-written and relevant ads imply intense competition.
• Check landing page relevance: If the landing page matches the keyword, competition tends to be higher.
• Consider the keyword’s history: If it has a reputation for competitiveness, expect a challenging battle.

To conduct effective keyword research, pay attention to these factors. They will guide you through the intricacies of search volume and competition, ensuring better decision-making.

💡Unlocking the Treasure Trove of Keyword Ideas

But how does one embark on the quest to discover these valuable keyword ideas? Fear not, for the journey is simpler than it seems. 

Unravelling Search Intent:

To narrow down your list, harness the power of search intent. Here are its key categories:

1. Informational: These keywords cater to those seeking knowledge. They tend to be longer and can take the form of questions or queries, such as “What is [product name]?” or “How does [product name] work?”
2. Navigational: When searchers look for specific websites or brands, navigational keywords come into play. These often include brand names or website addresses.
3. Commercial Investigation: Keywords in this category signify a searcher’s intent to purchase a product or service. They possess a transactional nature, like “Best price for/buy/purchase” or “Compare prices for/discount/deals on.”
4. Transactional: Searchers in the transactional phase are ready to make a purchase. These keywords are shorter and more specific, such as “How much does [product name] cost?” or “Order [product name] online.”

Generating a List of Topics:

To equip yourself with a pool of potential keywords, consider these avenues:

1. “Searches related to”: Start your keyword research by typing your seed keyword into Google. Scroll to the bottom of the search engine results page (SERP) and explore the “Searches related to” section. These suggestions offer a wealth of potential keywords for your content.
2. Reddit: Delve into the realms of Reddit, where conversations on your topic unfold. Type in your seed keyword and explore the discussions. The “new” tab can unveil the latest posts related to your subject.
3. News: Keep an eye on the news to uncover potential keywords. Stay informed about recent developments and topics that align with your content.
4. Google and YouTube Suggest: Utilize the power of Google and YouTube Suggest. Begin typing your seed keyword and observe the suggestions that appear. These can lead you to valuable keyword ideas.
5. Forums: Forums serve as a treasure trove for potential keywords. Search for your seed keyword within relevant forums and observe the discussions. You’ll gain insights into the topics people are actively engaging with.
6. Wikipedia Table of Contents: Explore the table of contents of relevant Wikipedia pages to discover potential keywords. It provides a structured overview that can inspire keyword ideas aligned with your topic.
7. Google Trends: Uncover trending keywords using Google Trends. If you’re in the fitness industry, for example, target keywords related to “fitness” or “exercise.” Once you identify a potential keyword, Google’s Keyword Planner can provide additional data for further analysis.

Armed with these methods, venture forth on your keyword research expedition. Let the sea of possibilities reveal its treasures, enabling you to choose the perfect keywords for your content.

🔧Tools for Keyword Research Quest

There are a number of different keyword research tools available. Some of the most popular include Google AdWords Keyword Planner, KWFinder, and SEMRush.

1️⃣ Google AdWords Keyword Planner: A free tool for keyword research.  Log in to your Google AdWords account, enter a keyword, and access data on search volume and competition. 

2️⃣ Ahrefs: A paid tool with a 7-day trial for $7. Get search volume, difficulty, and related keywords by entering a keyword into “Keywords Explorer.” 

3️⃣ Moz Keyword Explorer: A paid tool with features like keyword suggestions and competitor analysis.  Create an account, enter a keyword in “Find keywords,” and discover search volume and competition. 

4️⃣ SEMrush: A paid tool with keyword suggestions and competitor analysis.  Create an account, enter a keyword, and uncover search volume and competition. 

5️⃣ Ubersuggest: A free tool offering keyword suggestions and competitor analysis.  Simply enter a keyword in “Find keywords” for data on search volume and competition. 

📌Step-by-step guide on how to choose a keyword

Now that we’ve gone over all of the metrics you need to consider when choosing a keyword, it’s time to put it all together in a step-by-step guide.

Step 1️⃣: Brainstorm a list of potential keywords

Start by brainstorming a list of potential keywords that you think would be a good fit for your business. If you’re not sure where to start, try thinking of words or phrases that describe what you do or what you offer.

Step 2️⃣: Research the competition for each keyword

Once you have a list of potential keywords, it’s time to do some research on the competition for each one. Start by searching for each keyword on Google and taking a look at the results.

Step 3️⃣: Consider the search volume for each keyword

Another important factor to consider when choosing keywords is the search volume for each one. This is the number of times people are searching for a particular keyword each month.

Step 4️⃣: Choose keywords that are relevant to your business

When choosing keywords, it’s important to make sure they are relevant to your business. There’s no point in ranking for a keyword that won’t bring you any traffic or customers.

Step 5️⃣: Organic click-through rate

The organic click-through rate (CTR) is the percentage of people who click on your listing in the search results. A higher CTR means that your listing is more relevant to the keyword, which can help you to rank higher.

Step 6️⃣: Difficulty

The difficulty score is a measure of how hard it is to rank for a particular keyword. The higher the difficulty, the more difficult it will be to rank for the keyword.

Step 7️⃣: CPC

The CPC (cost per click) is the amount that you would pay for a single click on an ad for the keyword. This is a measure of how competitive the keyword is for paid advertising.

Step 8️⃣: Searches per month

The number of searches per month is a measure of the keyword’s popularity. The more searches that are performed for a keyword, the more popular it is.

Step 9️⃣: Business Fit

The business fit score is a measure of how well the keyword fits your business. The higher the score, the better the keyword will fit your business.

Step 1️⃣0️⃣: SERP Features

SERP features are the different types of results that can appear on a Google search results page. The SERP features that are most relevant to your keyword will be displayed here.

Based on all the above factors and using the suggested keyword research tools, you can make your optimum list of keywords to begin your SEO campaign.

Source: DemandJump

🚧Navigating Challenges

When it comes to keyword research, one of the biggest challenges is keyword difficulty. It basically tells you how tough it is to rank for a specific keyword. The higher the difficulty, the harder it is to make it to the top.

Keyword Categories:

1. Head terms: Short, one or two-word keywords. They have high search volume but are highly competitive.
2. Body keywords: Usually three to four-word phrases. They have moderate search volume and are less competitive than head terms.
3. Long-tailed keywords: More specific and longer phrases. They have lower search volume but higher conversion rates. For example, “how to do keyword research for SEO” is a long-tailed keyword.

🎯 Targeting Strategy: 

To succeed, aim for a mix of both short and long-tailed keywords. This way, you can attract traffic from high-volume general keywords and also reel in those who are looking for something specific. It’s like casting a wide net while also having a special bait for those unique fish.

🔧 Unleashing the Tools: 

To find those magical long-tailed keywords, you can turn to tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest. They’ll guide you on your quest, helping you discover keywords that are just right for your business.

📈 Measuring Keyword Difficulty: 

To measure the keyword difficulty, you can rely on tools like Moz’s Keyword Difficulty Tool or the mighty CanIRank. They’ll evaluate the competition level, giving you a clear picture of what you’re up against.

🔍 Authority of Sites on Google’s First Page: 

Pay attention to the authority of sites ranking on Google’s first page. Look out for their MozRank and Domain Authority (DA). The higher these values, the more power they hold in the search realm.

With this keyword knowledge in your arsenal, you’ll be ready to conquer the SEO battlefield and unlock the treasure trove of search success! 

🚀Expert Tips for Keyword Research

1️⃣ Optimize with Synonyms and Related Keywords: 

Rather than cramming every keyword into your content, focus on using a variety of related keywords and synonyms. This helps Google understand your page better.

By incorporating these variations throughout your content, you increase the chances of appearing in search results for different keywords, expanding your visibility.

2️⃣ Shoulder Keywords: 

Besides your main keywords, include “shoulder keywords” related to your main topic. These are similar but not exact matches.

For instance, if your blog post is about the best hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest, “hiking trails” would be your main keyword, and shoulder keywords could include “hiking,” “trails,” “Pacific Northwest,” and “outdoors.”

Using a combination of main and shoulder keywords broadens your reach, attracting more readers to your content.

3️⃣ Analyze Based on Searcher Intent: 

Ranking high on Google requires more than keyword stuffing. It’s crucial to align your content with searcher intent—the reason behind a specific search. Understanding what people are looking for enables you to create highly relevant content.

By tailoring your content to match searcher intent for a given keyword, you significantly increase your chances of ranking well in Google’s search results.

🔥Unleashing Advanced SEO Strategies

🐚 Barnacle SEO :

Introducing the game-changing concept of “Barnacle SEO” coined by Will Scott. It involves leveraging the authority of well-established websites to enhance your own rankings.

Here’s how it works:

1. Identify popular, high-authority websites in your niche.
2. Get your content featured on these platforms.
3. Benefit from the authority transfer, boosting your own site’s credibility.
4. Increase your chances of ranking highly on Google.

The best part? It’s a quick and effortless way to kickstart your SEO journey.

To find opportunities:

1. Google your main keywords + “guest post” or “write for us.”
2. Explore websites that accept guest contributions.
3. Study their content to understand their preferences.
4. Pitch a guest post aligned with their interests.

📈 GSC Research:

Utilize Google Search Console (GSC) to gain insights into your website’s performance in Google’s search results. Enter your website’s URL in GSC’s search bar, navigate to “Search Traffic,” and click on “Search Analytics.” Explore the keywords your website is ranking for and leverage this information to enhance your SEO.

🔍 Ahrefs Content Gap:

Discover compelling topics to write about by utilizing Ahrefs’ content gap feature. Enter your competitor’s URL, access the “Content Gap” tab, and unveil the topics they rank for, but you don’t. Create content around these topics to improve your chances of ranking for them.

In conclusion

Keyword research is a vital aspect of SEO. By conducting thorough keyword research, you can identify the keywords to target for improved SEO. This guide has covered popular and effective methods for advanced keyword research. If you have any questions, feel free to approach us. Our web developers at Pixel Street are here to assist you. 

Thank you for reading!🙌