Keywords, in the world of digital marketing, are the phrases and words used by others to locate your business online, in other words, the main words, your future clients type into the search bar to find your business.
Keywords are also how a search engine i.e Google or Bing know to send your future client to the right place, their playing matchmaker.
If your website has none of the relevant keywords on it how will anyone find your business online? They probably won’t.
How do you know what the right keywords for your business are? You could guess or assume but we all know where assuming gets us….
The best way to know the keywords that work best for your specific business is to do some solid research, know your niche and think like a client NOT like the business expert you are.
This video can give you some quick, free and easy way to do this ↓
You can always ask a reputable digital marketing company to do some keyword research for you as well. If you choose to do that, make sure they’re asking specific questions about your business needs, niche, current clients, business goals and take time to understand your service. It’s important that you’re marketing to the right person online and that your digital marketing efforts align with your business goals.
Try for specifics and longer phrases first You probably already know the basic search terms being used to find your service, for example ‘ Calgary Marketing Company’ or ‘web designer in Calgary’ are pretty obvious for our company and chances are other digital marketing companies in Calgary know this too and are doing their best to actively show up on Google for these terms.
When you deep dive into your keyword search you will be able to pull out more specific terms for the content on your website that will help drive clients to your site and turn them into customers. For example, “Companies in Calgary that can help with my marketing” is a long phrase that our potential clients might type or speak into their search bars, or smart home devices. Yup, voice search is growing in use everyday and your online marketing efforts have to reflect that.
A great way to do your own keyword research is to use Google Ads Keywords Tool called Keyword Planner, here is a link.
It helps to really know your niche as much as possible when using a tool like this. Sometimes clients say “but everyone can be my client”. That’s great but pick one specific type or kind of client and start there. The more specific you can be the better your online and traditional marketing efforts will be. Think good ROI (Return On Investment).
“Does that mean that once I know my keywords I should just type them over and over again on my website”?
I get this question a lot and in theory it sort of makes sense but have you ever seen a website like this? I have and it was not pretty. It’s actually called ‘keyword spamming’. When you are actively marketing and have a website you want to make sure your website is designed well and has proper keyword placements. Who wants to land on a website and just see the same words over and over? I’m guessing nobody.
The best way to place your keywords on your business website is to use them when it makes sense on your home page, service page and of course blog. Take time to write at least a 300 word welcome section on your home page and naturally and thoughtfully use your keywords in a way that flows well and allows the search engines to show your website to your future customers. On your service pages make sure things are written logically, easy for users to read and include your keywords where it can be placed naturally. Add a blog section to your website, having a blog section on your website allows you to deep dive into any specific niche ( if you have more than one) and lets your really focus on your keywords.
As you have read by now, keywords aren’t just a buzzword marketers use. It’s important to know them, and include them when designing your website. Keywords are how Google and Bing (and other search engines) connect your business to your future clients. Search engines are genius robots but even they can’t read minds, so make sure your website is clear on what it’s about and include those key – keywords.
Did this article make you want to jump right back onto Google, so you could ask it “what are the keywords for my business” ? Save yourself from going down the rabbit hole and book a free consultation with us.
