SEO Simplified - “7 Steps of SEO Research for SEO success.”
What is SEO Research?
SEO research is the process of identifying the best keywords and phrases that potential customers are using in search engines.
By understanding these search terms, businesses can optimize their websites to rank higher in search engine results, ultimately driving more traffic and increasing visibility.
This process involves analysing competitors, understanding search intent, and selecting keywords that are both relevant and achievable.
Why is SEO Research Important?
Neglecting SEO research can limit a small business's SEO growth. Without targeting the right keywords, your website will remain buried in search engine results, making it hard for potential customers to find you. This means less traffic and fewer opportunities to attract high quality visitors who are genuinely interested in your products or services, leading to lower conversion rates.
Additionally, if you don't understand what your target audience is searching for, your content might miss the mark, resulting in your website being served to the wrong audience.
By following the below 7 steps you can boost your visibility, attract the right traffic, enhance user experience, and stay ahead of your competitors.
7 Step SEO Research Guide for Small Businesses.
1) Identify Your Goals:
Implementation Example: The construction company sets a specific SEO goal: to increase online lead forms completed by improving organic visibility. They aim to attract more customers searching for rennovations in their city or region.
2) Brainstorm Seed Keywords:
Implementation Example: Initially, the construction company brainstorms broad seed keywords such as "qualified builders" "renovations" and "home renovations" These terms reflect their core offerings and appeal to general interest in high-quality projects.
3) Use Keyword Research Tools:
Google Keyword Planner: They use this tool to explore keyword ideas and estimate search traffic. For instance, they discover keywords like "local qualified builders" "kitchen renovation near me," and "home renovation by local builders" which are popular among local customers looking for renovations.
Ubersuggest: This tool provides additional keyword suggestions and competitive analysis. They find that "large renovation" and "award winning renovations" are competitive keywords that their competitors are ranking well for, prompting them to consider similar terms in their strategy.
AnswerThePublic: By visualising search queries related to their keywords, they gain insights into specific customer queries like "best builders for a kitchen renovation" or "who to do my bathroom renovation" helping them tailor their content to match these search intents.
4) Analyse Competitors:
Implementation Example: Using SEMrush, the construction company conducts competitor analysis. They discover that competitors are ranking for keywords such as "local builders" and "kitchen rennovations" This analysis reveals gaps and opportunities, guiding them to target keywords that competitors may be overlooking or underutilising.
5) Research on Forums Where Your Target Audience Are Posting:
Implementation Example: The company actively engages in renovation related discussions on platforms like Reddit. They observe discussions about preferences for kitchen designs, renovation styles, and general property chat. This firsthand insight helps them understand customer preferences and the language their target audience uses, which they can incorporate into their SEO strategy.
6) Evaluate Keyword Difficulty:
Implementation Example: Using tools like Moz Keyword Explorer, they assess the difficulty and competitiveness of keywords such as "best builders in [city]" or "kitchen renovation." They prioritise keywords with moderate competition and significant local search volume, ensuring they can realistically rank for these terms and attract relevant traffic.
7) Group and Prioritise Keywords:
Implementation Example: Based on their research and analysis, the construction company organizes keywords into thematic clusters. For example, they categorise keywords under themes like "kitchen renovations," "local builders," and "best renovation" They prioritise keywords based on relevance to their product offerings, local search volume, and competitiveness, ensuring they focus their SEO efforts effectively.
SEO research sets the foundations to SEO success. For small businesses, mastering SEO means attracting the right customers at the right time. Imagine your construction ranking first for "best builders near me" or "kitchen renovations".
Take charge of your organic digital presence today. Let's boost your businesses SEO together—discover how we can support your journey!