In the world of online presence and digital marketing, the power of keywords cannot be underestimated. As Brent Winters, President of FirstPlace Software, Inc., the creators of the award-winning web promotion software, WebPosition Gold, aptly puts it, “Target the wrong keywords and all your efforts will be in vain.” Keywords are the linchpin of successful online visibility, but what exactly are they, and why are they so crucial? Let’s delve into the intricacies of keywords and their role in web success.
Deciphering the Essence of Keywords
For the occasional web visitor, the term “keyword” might not hold much significance. However, for a seasoned webmaster, it’s a cherished asset. A keyword, in essence, is a word or a combination of words that users, like you and me, employ to obtain search results. These search terms are as diverse as the individuals using them, yet they all converge on the same goal: finding relevant information. To secure a prime position in search results, websites must optimize their content for a variety of keywords. Understanding how searchers use keywords is essential. Different individuals may express their queries in unique ways, making it necessary to cater to multiple keyword combinations.
The Language of Keywords
Statistics from a 2004 OneStat report reveal that 32.58% of web users use 2-word phrases in their searches, 25.61% prefer 3-word phrases, and only 19.02% opt for 1-word phrases. Notably, the global use of both 2-word and 3-word phrases has been on the rise, while 1-word phrases have declined. This underlines the importance of considering various keyword combinations to achieve a favorable position in search results.
WebSearchWorkshop cites an NPD survey, indicating that 45% of online users search using multiple keywords or key phrases, 28% employ a single keyword, 18% navigate via predefined options like browsing directories, and 9% use questions as search queries. Achieving a top rank in search results requires a well-coordinated effort, emphasizing the need for strategic keyword targeting.
The Significance of Search Engines
Despite complaints about the diminishing relevance of search results, web surfers continue to rely heavily on search engines as their primary means of navigating the internet. According to a WebSideStory press release from March 12, 2003, search engines’ share of global internet usage nearly doubled in a year, jumping from 7.1% to 13.4%. Today, this figure is likely even more impressive. The importance of search engines is underscored by several key factors:
- A study by the Georgia Institute of Technology found that 85% of potential online customers prefer search engines to discover their choices.
- 57% of internet users frequently use search engines, making it one of the most popular online activities, second only to emailing.
- Convenience plays a significant role in the preference for search engines as an information source.
Given that the online population is continually growing, with an estimated 940 million in 2004, it’s clear that internet marketing efforts will continue to surge. Success in securing prominent search rankings will require innovative strategies and intelligent marketing.
Keywords: The Cornerstone of Web Success
While keywords are not the sole weapon in a webmaster’s arsenal, they are a fundamental element for achieving prominent search rankings. Search engines collect and catalog the content of webpages, storing them in databases. When a user searches for a website, it’s crucial that the keywords they use match the content on your webpages. If not, your webpage won’t appear in search results.
This underscores the importance of identifying relevant keywords for your website, which are also popular among web users from various locations. Understanding web searchers’ preferences is vital, as Dr. Jim Jansen, an Assistant Professor at Pennsylvania State University’s Information Sciences and Technology department, points out. He notes that a web page must be well-designed, quick to load, and relevant to a searcher’s needs. Failing to meet these criteria may result in 40% of users abandoning a website within a 3-minute window.
Moreover, statistics suggest that a first-ranked page receives about 7% of search traffic, while a page ranked tenth receives only 0.35%. Therefore, achieving top rankings is just the first step. To transform this visibility into better sales, websites must engage and retain their visitors.
Nevertheless, as search engine marketing surpasses other forms of advertising, the importance of a high rank in major search engines becomes evident. To make this happen, you must start with selecting the most relevant keywords and use them strategically for maximum impact.
The Path Forward: Planning Your Keyword Strategy
In an increasingly globalized online landscape, your web venture is not limited to a single location or country. Therefore, your keyword strategy should reflect this global reach. To begin, gather a list of keyphrases by querying yourself, colleagues, friends, and relatives about the terms that accurately describe your website. Collect a hundred or more keyphrases and then conduct brainstorming sessions to assess their relative importance. Trim the list by eliminating less significant keyphrases.
Scott Buresh recommends using descriptive adjectives, nouns, and other modifiers to appeal to a wide range of search traffic. His approach, outlined in “Search Engine Keyphrases and the Power of the Modifier,” can help refine your keyword list. Additionally, Jayde’s “Keyword Selection” process provides essential guidelines for selecting the most relevant keywords.
Once you have your initial list of keyphrases, the next step is crucial. Utilize one or more keyword tools to determine the relevance of each keyphrase and to discover other popular and related keyphrases. These tools monitor searches on major search engines globally, ensuring that you identify the most relevant terms.
After obtaining suggestions from keyword tools, further refine your list. It’s advisable to use no more than 4 to 5 keyphrases on a single webpage to maintain an optimal keyword density. Additionally, consider seeking assistance from qualified SEO specialists or content writers to effectively incorporate your selected keyphrases into your webpages. Remember that keyword selection and placement are equally important. Google, for example, can extract information from various areas of your webpage in response to search queries.
Valuable Keyword Tools
Several keyword tools are available for different applications. One of the most popular choices is Wordtracker, which offers a free trial to familiarize yourself with its functions. Their paid service provides more advanced ways to discover keywords. SEO Research Labs offers a package called “Keyword Research for Bottom Line Results,” while Web CEO’s “Keyword Popularity Research” is part of the Web CEO Suite.
Other tools include Good Keywords, a free software from Softnik Technologies that queries multiple search engines to help you find your best options. You can also explore resources like Overture Inventory, Google AdWord Keyword Suggestions, and 7Search for keyword ideas. GlobalPromoter provides free access to Overture network searches for keywords.
Wrapping It Up
In the dynamic world of the internet, keeping your website relevant, interesting, and inviting is crucial. Keyword research is an integral part of website management, and it’s an ongoing process. Stay informed about the latest trends and continually monitor keyword usage patterns in your weblogs. The first
