SEO keywords, not only the driver of your organic traffic, but the key element that underpins your whole SEO strategy. As an SEO Consultant, I’ve seen small businesses absolutely master their SEO keyword stratagies, but on the flip-side, I’ve also seen big companies fail. So grab your notepad as I talk you through the top types of SEO keywords you, as business owners or marketing gurus, should be including in your SEO keyword strategy, as well as the top SEO keyword research tools that will help you select these keywords.
Understanding SEO Keyword Types
Firstly, I cannot express enough the importance of having a holistic and well-rounded keyword strategy. Relying solely on highly competitive head terms like ‘red dress’ or ‘accountant’ is like trying to win a marathon with a sprinter’s strategy. As an SEO Consultant, this is the first thing I express to my clients and students. So let me breakdown the distinct types of keywords you need to include in your SEO strategy.
What are the different types of SEO keywords?
1. Short-Tail Keywords: The Broad Search Terms
Short-tail keywords are concise and typically consist of one to two words. Examples include “shoes” or “digital marketing.” While these keywords will give you substantial traffic potential, broad search terms are very competitive.
2. Mid-Tail Keywords: Balancing Volume and Specificity
Mid-tail keywords, ranging from three to four words, strike a balance between search volume and competition. These SEO keywords provide specificity without the intense competition of short-tail keywords. Examples include “running shoes for women” or “social media marketing tips.”
My SEO Expert Tip: Mid-Tail Keywords make for great content pieces, such as ‘Keyword Research for Small Business Owners’ ;).
3. Long-Tail Keywords: The Precision Instruments
Long-tail keywords, consisting of four or more words, are highly specific and have lower search volumes. However, as the search volume is lower here, so is the competition. In my experience, long-tail keywords are a good starting point for small businesses who offer specific services, such as ‘accounting services for nonprofit organisations’ or ‘best running shoes for flat feet’.
Utilising The Best Keyword Research Tools
Now that we’ve mastered the different types of SEO keywords you should be include in your SEO strategy, let’s go through the best keyword research tools. These keyword research tools are your trusted allies in the quest for online visibility and success:
1. Google Keyword Planner: The Foundation of Keyword Research
The Google Keyword Planner serves as a fundamental resource in any SEO Consultant’s toolkit. This user-friendly tool provides insights into keyword search volumes, competition levels, and offers tailored keyword suggestions, tailored to your business niche.
My SEO Expert Tip: This is a FREE tool, so utilise it as much as you can!
2. SEMRush: A Comprehensive SEO Solution
SEMRush is a versatile and comprehensive SEO tool that has consistently proven it’s worth in my SEO consulting experience. Beyond keyword discovery, it also offers cool features like competitor insights, keyword ranking tracking and SEO audits.
3. Ahrefs: The SEO Powerhouse
Ahrefs, oringinally known for it’s backlink analysis tools, also excels in keyword research. Afres offers extensive keyword data, including search volume metrics, keyword difficulty assessments, and even click-through rate (CTR) estimations.
4. Moz Keyword Explorer: A User-Friendly Gem
Moz Keyword Explorer is a valuable asset for its simplicity and ease of use. It delivers critical insights such as keyword difficulty and related keyword suggestions, making it an ideal choice for small business owners looking for a paid keyword research tool.
5. Ubersuggest: Budget-Friendly and Effective
Ubersuggest is as a budget-friendly alternative that delivers robust results. It generates keyword ideas, offers search volume data, and provides insights into top-ranking pages for selected keywords. Ubersuggest doesn’t offer some of the additional tools like MOZ, Ahrefs or SEMRush, but it’s a simple and insightful keyword tool.
The importance of importance of long-tail keywords for small business owners and SEO DIYer’s
Drawing from my consulting experience, time and time again, I see long-tail keywords as powerful assets for small business owners. Here’s why they are strategically significant:
- Precise Audience Targeting: Long-tail keywords enable small business owners to connect with an audience that exhibits a high level of purchase intent. For instance, a search for ‘best local gym for women” indicates a strong inclination to make an enquiry or purchase.
- Reduced Competition, Elevated Rankings: The specificity of long-tail keywords translates into diminished competition. This paves the way for higher rankings in search engine results pages (SERPs), even for businesses with modest online footprints.
- Enhanced Conversion Rates: When content aligns seamlessly with a user’s specific query, the probability of conversion skyrockets. Long-tail keywords consistently direct high-converting traffic to websites.
- Loads of Content Ideation: Each long-tail keyword presents an opportunity for content creation. Whether it’s informative blog posts, engaging videos, or compelling product descriptions, long-tail keywords serve as an evergreen source of content inspiration. If you’re needing help with how to prioritise your SEO content (and SEO Strategy), check out my guide on 7 Key Steps to Prioritising SEO Tasks.
With the right tools and good understanding of keyword types, you will be on the right path to mastering your keyword strategy and driving free organic traffic to your website. If you’re ready to take your SEO strategy to the next level or if you’ve realised the value of guided help with your keyword strategy, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m here to help you navigate the intricacies of SEO, so you make fewer SEO mistakes and make quicker progress.