You’ve built a beautiful website, but you’re not getting any traffic. What’s wrong? Chances are, it’s not optimized for search. What many business owners don’t realize is that building a stunning website is just the beginning of establishing an online presence. To drive visitors to your digital masterpiece, you need to include the SEO keywords your customers are searching for.

What are SEO Keywords?

SEO keywords or keyphrases (two to five-word phrases) are the terms that a potential customer would type into a search engine when looking for the products or services you provide. 

Examples:

USA-made Cabinetry

            Dog Rescue Harness

            Custom Furniture & Built-ins

            Personalized Nutrition Plans

How to Develop Your Keyword List

While no one knows your business quite like you, developing a keyword list isn’t always intuitive. Here are some tips to help get you started:

1. Think like your customers.

We advise our clients to put themselves in the shoes of their customers. Instead of thinking about how you would describe your business, consider what a potential customer would be searching for. 

For example, you may describe yourself as a “garden designer,” but your potential clients are more likely to type in “landscaper” in a Google search. Even if you wouldn’t describe your services this way, your customers and prospects do—and when it comes to getting found online, that’s what matters.

2. Describe what you do.

Take a moment to create a list of keywords and phrases that describe the products and/or services you offer. Be specific. Consider pairing these keywords with relevant, trendy terms like “DIY” or “organic.”

3. Address common problems.

When people conduct online searches, they are typically looking for a solution to a problem. Take some time to think about the common problems your customers face.  

Examples:    

Help with Frozen Pipes

Hair Color Correction Services

Behavioral Training for Biting Dogs

Natural Thumb Sucking Solutions

4. Highlight your niche.

If you provide unique, specialized products or services, include specific descriptions in your keywords and phrases to ensure you come up in searches for these areas. Perhaps you’re a builder and remodeler who has extensive experience remodeling historical buildings and homes. Or you’re a therapist who specializes in early childhood trauma. Maybe you’re a photographer who offers drone wedding photography and videography.

5. Take a look at your competitors.

Once you’ve created a list of terms, conduct a Google search to see if your competitors come up. If they do, you’re probably going in the right direction.

 6. Consider your location.

If you run a local business, it’s important to include your location within your website content. This will help you target customers in your location or service area.

PRO TIP:  If you provide a service within several cities and towns, consider adding regional landing pages to your website. These pages are optimized for search engines for the specific locations you serve. Our service industry clients have had tremendous success using this strategy to expand their customer base and growth their business.

7. Monitor your search results each month.

Once you’ve added your keywords and phrases to your website, it’s essential to monitor how well they are ranking. Sprout’s IT team uses the latest SEO tools and technology to determine how you are ranking in online searches, and advise you on what to do if your website is slipping in search rankings.

Is your website optimized for search?

People are searching for products and services everyday. If your website is not coming up in searches, Sprout’s team of writers, designers, and IT professionals can help you. Many of our clients experience first page organic (unpaid) search results. Contact us today for a free consultation.