Achieve relevant keywords in just 5 steps.
Introduction
Adding keywords to an article is important for search engine optimization (SEO) purposes. By including appropriate keywords in your article, you can increase the chances of your content being discovered by users searching for that particular topic. Here are some steps to help you incorporate keywords into your article effectively for them to rank on the top list of search engines.
Here's a quick and easy-to-follow step-by-step guide on how to correctly and safely use keywords in your SEO content:
Step 1: Keyword selection
Keyword research is a crucial step in the SEO process that involves identifying and selecting relevant keywords and phrases that your target audience uses to search for your content, products, or services. Here's an elaborated overview of the keyword research process:
Brainstorming
Start by brainstorming a list of keywords related to your business, product, or service. Consider your industry, target audience, and the content you want to create.
Keyword Tools
Utilise keyword research tools like:
* Google Keyword Planner (GKP)
* Atarget='_blank' hrefs Keyword Explorer
* SEMrush Keyword Magic Tool
* Moz Keyword Explorer
* Long Tail Pro
* Uber Suggest
Keyword Analysis
Analyse the keywords you've brainstormed and the suggestions from keyword tools.
* Search volume (average monthly searches)
* Competition (number of websites targeting the keyword)
* Keyword difficulty (how hard it is to rank for the keyword)
* Relevance (how closely related the keyword is to your content)
* Cost-per-click (CPC) (the cost of advertising for the keyword)
Keyword Filtering
Filter your keywords based on your analysis. Consider:
* Minimum search volume (e.g., 100 searches per month)
* Maximum competition (e.g., 0.5)
* Keyword difficulty (e.g., 60)
* Relevance (e.g., 80%)
Keyword Grouping
Group your filtered keywords into categories or topics. This helps you create content that targets multiple keywords at once.
Keyword Prioritisation
Prioritise your keywords based on their potential impact and relevance. Focus on the most promising keywords first.
Keyword Optimization
Optimise your content for your target keywords. Use them in your:
* Page title
* Meta description
* Headings
* Body content
* Image alt text
* Internal linking
Remember, keyword research is an ongoing process. Continuously monitor your keyword performance, and adjust your strategy as needed.
*Step 2 Keyword Placement
Keyword placement refers to the strategic positioning of keywords in your content to maximise search engine optimization (SEO) benefits. Here are some key places to consider:
A. Page Title: Include your primary keyword in the title tag, which appears in search engine results pages (SERPs).
B Meta Description: Use your keyword in the meta description, a brief summary that appears in SERPs.
C. Headings: Incorporate keywords in headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to structure your content and highlight important phrases.
D. Body Content: Use keywords naturally throughout the body content, aiming for a keyword density of 1-2%.
E. Image Alt Text: Include keywords in image alt text and file names to optimise image search results.
F. Internal Linking: Use keywords in anchor text when linking to other relevant pages on your website.
G. URL: Include keywords in the URL slug, especially for blog posts and landing pages.
H. Subheadings: Use keywords in subheadings to break up content and emphasise important points.
I. Bullet Points: Incorporate keywords in bullet points or lists to highlight key information.
J. Conclusion: Summarise your content by reiterating your primary keyword in the conclusion.
Remember to use keywords naturally and avoid keyword stuffing, which can lead to penalties from search engines. Aim for a balanced and readable content that provides value to your audience.
Step 3: Keyword Variation
Keyword variation refers to the practice of using different forms and variations of your target keywords throughout your content. This technique helps to:
1. Avoid keyword repetition and stuffing
2. Improve content readability and natural flow
3. Increase keyword coverage and density
4. Enhance search engine ranking potential
Types of keyword variations:
1. Synonyms: Use words with similar meanings (e.g., "happy" instead of "joyful")
2. Related phrases: Incorporate phrases related to your keyword (e.g., "search engine optimization" instead of "SEO")
3. Long-tail keywords: Use more specific phrases with lower search volume (e.g., "best Italian restaurants in New York City")
4. Keyword phrases with modifiers: Add words like "top," "best," "guide," or "review" to your keywords
5. Singular and plural forms: Use both singular and plural forms of your keywords (e.g., "keyword" and "keywords")
6. Verbal variations: Use different verb forms (e.g., "optimise," "optimising," "optimised")
7. Acronyms and abbreviations: Use shortened forms of your keywords (e.g., "SEO" instead of "search engine optimization")
By incorporating keyword variations into your content, you can create a more natural and diverse keyword profile that appeals to both search engines and readers.
Step 4: Content Quality
Content quality refers to the value, relevance, and overall excellence of the content you create. High-quality content is essential for engaging your audience, building trust and credibility, and achieving your SEO goals. Here are some key factors that contribute to high-quality content:
1. Uniqueness: Original and unique content that offers fresh perspectives or insights.
2. Relevance: Content that resonates with your target audience and addresses their needs and interests.
3. Accuracy: Error-free and factual content that reflects expertise and authority.
4. Clarity:Clear and concise language that communicates ideas effectively.
5. Engagement: Content that captures and holds the audience's attention, encouraging interaction and sharing.
6. Depth: Comprehensive and detailed content that provides valuable information and insights.
7. Organisation: Well-structured and logical content that flows smoothly.
8. Style: Engaging writing style that reflects your brand's voice and tone.
9. Visuals: High-quality images, videos, or other multimedia elements that enhance the content.
10.Optimization: Content optimised for SEO with relevant keywords, meta tags, and internal linking.
By focusing on these factors, you can create high-quality content that resonates with your audience, builds your brand, and supports your SEO effort.
Step 5: Keyword Safety
Keyword safety refers to the practice of using keywords in a way that avoids penalties from search engines, such as Google, and ensures long-term ranking success. Here are some guidelines for keyword safety:
1. Avoid keyword stuffing: Use keywords naturally, without excessive repetition (over 2% keyword density).
2. Use variations: Incorporate keyword variations, synonyms, and related phrases.
3. Optimise for user experience: Prioritise content quality, readability, and user engagement.
4. Avoid keyword manipulation: Refrain from using keywords in hidden text, cloaking, or other deceptive tactics.
5. Use keywords in context: Use keywords in a natural, contextual way, avoiding forced or artificial placement.
6. Monitor keyword density: Ensure keyword density remains within safe limits (1-2%).
7. Avoid over-optimization: Balance keyword usage with other ranking factors, like content quality and user experience.
8. Keep content fresh: Regularly update and refresh content to maintain relevance and avoid stagnation.
9. Use keywords in meta tags: Use keywords in meta titles, descriptions, and headings, but avoid duplication.
10. Prioritise content quality: Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your audience.
An example to understand the topic more clearly:
Let's say we're writing an article about
"Best Hiking Trails in the Maharashtra".
Keywords for this topic could be:
- "Hiking Trails"
- "Western Ghats”
- "Best Hikes"
- "Mountain Trails"
- "Outdoor Adventures"
- "Nature Walks"
- "Scenic Hikes"
- “Monsoon”
- “Waterfalls”
- “Caves”
These keywords would be used in the article's:
- Title: "Discover the Best Hiking Trails in the Western Ghats”.
- Meta description: "Explore the top hiking trails in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra and enjoy breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures."
- Headings: "Best Hikes in Rainy season ", "Top Trails in the Western Ghats", “10 toughest Trails and hiking in Maharashtra”.
- Body content: "The Western Ghats offer some of the best scenic views .. Monsoon is the best time for hiking … “Waterfalls and historical caves are the hidden gems” discovered while nature walks and treks….
By using these keywords, the article becomes more discoverable for people searching for information on hiking in the Western Ghats
By following these steps, you can effectively and safely use keywords in your SEO content to improve its visibility and ranking. Remember, keywords are just one aspect of SEO, and high-quality content should always be your top priority.
Being a full time Enterpreneur ,my passion for writing never died