When you perform keyword research, what is your starting point? Have you ever thought about this or you simply start your research intuitively because you believe this is what works best?
Many webmasters and bloggers choose this intuitive approach. However, if you belong to this group, it may be a good idea to take a step back and think a bit more carefully about your keyword research methods.
What is the use of performing keyword research if you do not take your target audience needs into consideration?
“But I do take their needs into consideration,” you may say. You may even claim that your keyword research methods are reliable because you are or have been part of said target audience. Nonetheless, chances are you have lost a bit of perspective and are analyzing search terms that are not really used by your potential Web site visitors–or at least not nearly as often as you would need if you expect to make any conversions.
The main mistake many people make is to forget that their visitors may be using different words than expected when they search for things on the Internet.
Are you using the same search terms as your prospects? Are you sure? If you haven’t been overly successful in your keyword research and SEO attempts, this may be a point to consider. In fact, it is essential that you keep it in mind.
Who is your customer? What does he or she like? Which problems he or she need to solve? Most importantly, how do they express their needs? If you are not sure you know the answers to these questions, it is time for a little investigation before you do any further keyword research.
Talk directly to your prospects. If this is not possible, try talking with relatives or friends that may know your typical prospects. Additionally, join the forums and social media sites where your potential customers gather and pay attention to the questions they ask and to the answers they provide.
Use this invaluable data to improve your keyword research sessions. You will see that you will eventually get much more realistic results, which will lead to more profits.
Tags: keyword research methods, keyword research sessions, Search Optimization