Did you know that 71% of customers begin their purchase journeys on search engines? So if your website is not showing up on these search results, you could be losing valuable customers. One of the best ways to ensure your website is showing up is by using SEO. 

This type of digital marketing is the process of optimizing a website for search engines. It consists of three pillars, technical, on-page and off-page optimization. A critical component of these pillars is choosing the right keywords. Yet, one of the most common SEO mistakes small businesses make is not using effective keywords. 

To help you avoid this mistake, our Denver SEO consultants have created this helpful guide on how to find the right keywords for your market. 

Keywords 101

Before going through keyword research strategies, you must first understand what keywords are. Keywords are words or phrases that refer to and exemplify the brand, services offered or products sold. In SEO, these keywords are what help web pages rank at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs). 

For example, if you are a thrift store, you want to use thrift store-based keywords. An example of these keywords includes “thrift stores near me” and “thrift stores in Denver Colorado.” If you have a physical location, then you want to use keywords that include physical locations. 

Why are keywords important?

Keywords are important to both SEO and SEM strategies. These terms can make or break your search engine marketing efforts. If you were to use the wrong keywords, you might never get the results you want to see. A common mistake that companies make is choosing keywords that are too competitive. Some frequently-used keywords are harder to rank in, especially if your website is new. That is why you should do some keyword research.

Tips on how to find the right keywords for your market

Find your target audience

The first step should be figuring out who your target audience is. This group consists of the people who are more likely to do business with you. After you have figured out your target audience, you want to research what they are searching for to find your product or service. 

For example, if you are a thrift store, your target audience is probably typing “thrift stores near me” or “thrift stores in Denver.” These are the keywords you should be using for your SEO and SEM strategies. 

Do keyword research

Next, you want to do some keyword research. This process is all about finding and analyzing search terms for people to find specific information. You can do this by yourself or with the help of Denver SEO consultants. A major benefit of using an SEO expert is that you can rest easy knowing your website is in good hands,  while also saving yourself time and money. 

Choose quality keywords over quantity 

The final step is choosing quality keywords. Good keywords lead to quality website traffic. That means your website will attract Internet users who are looking to buy your products and services. The goal at the end of the day should be to use keywords that result in conversions and revenue. 

Hire one of the best Denver SEO consultants to help you find the right quality keywords!

If you need a little help finding the right keywords or managing your company’s SEO, let us help. We have a team of SEO experts who can manage your SEO and SEM strategies. Contact us to learn more about our SEO services.