If you’ve ever found yourself in a conversation about your website’s visibility on Google and someone starts throwing around the term "SEO keywords," you might feel your eyes glazing over. It’s easy to think they’re just using jargon that’s hard to follow. Don’t worry — I’m here to break it down for you!
When discussing SEO keywords, people typically refer to three distinct yet interconnected concepts that work together to form a cohesive SEO strategy. Watch my video and read on to learn more.
When people talk about SEO keywords, they might be referring to any one of these three concepts:
When talking about SEO keywords, they may be referring to the specific terms or phrases that users enter into a search bar when searching for information. For instance, if someone types "best Italian restaurant in Chicago," that exact phrase is an SEO keyword.
These keywords are crucial because they serve as the bridge between users and relevant content. The more closely your website aligns with the keywords being searched, the better its chances of ranking higher in search results, ultimately leading to more visibility and traffic.
When people mention SEO keywords, they may also be referring to a targeted list of keywords or a keyword map. These are the specific phrases you want your website and key pages to rank for in search engines.
Developing this list involves keyword research to understand what potential visitors are searching for and ensuring those keywords align with your content. This carefully crafted list serves as a roadmap for your content strategy, helping you attract the right audience and drive more visitors to your site.
Lastly, SEO keywords can refer to how those targeted phrases are used throughout your website. This includes using variations of your keywords, such as synonyms or long-tail keywords. By doing so, you not only increase your chances of ranking for your primary keywords but also expand your reach to include related searches.
Once you've uncovered how people search for your product or services and have developed a list of targeted keywords, the next step is to effectively integrate them into your website’s content via on-page SEO tactics. This means using them strategically in areas like your title tags, headings and meta descriptions to help search engines better understand what your content is about. But it’s not just about stuffing keywords everywhere — the goal is to weave them in naturally, so they enhance your content without disrupting the flow.
If you aren’t sure what someone is referencing when they say “SEO keywords,” just ask!
They could be referring to any of these concepts, and all are equally important for your SEO strategy. Most importantly, remember that the right keywords have the power to connect you with your ideal audience, driving traffic, engagement, and ultimately, conversions.