How to Choose Keywords for SEO

How to Choose Keywords for SEO: A Beginner’s Guide (No Tools Required)

If you’re new to SEO (Search Engine Optimization), the idea of choosing keywords can seem overwhelming. You may not even know where to start. But don’t worry! This guide will show you how to choose the right keywords for your website without needing access to advanced SEO tools. Let’s break it down step by step in simple terms.

What Are Keywords?

Keywords are the words or phrases people type into search engines like Google when they’re looking for something. For example, if someone is searching for a necklace, they might type in “silver necklace” or “gold chain.” These phrases are keywords.

By using the right keywords on your website, you can attract people who are looking for the products or services you offer. Choosing the best keywords is the key to getting more visitors to your website.

Step 1: Think Like Your Customers

The first and most important step is to put yourself in your customers’ shoes. What are they looking for when they want your product or service? Think about the kinds of phrases they might use. Let’s say you own a bakery. Some common phrases people might search for could be:

• Fresh bread near me
• Best birthday cakes
• Vegan cupcakes delivery

Write down all the words and phrases that you think your customers might use to find your business.

Step 2: Use Specific Phrases

Broad keywords like “bread” or “jewelry” are too general. When you use such common terms, you’ll be competing with many websites, and it will be hard for your site to stand out.

Instead, use specific phrases that describe what you offer. For example:

• Instead of “bread,” try “fresh sourdough bread in [your city].”
• Instead of “necklace,” try “handmade silver necklace for women.”

These more specific terms are called “long-tail keywords.” They may have fewer searches, but the people who do search for them are more likely to find exactly what they’re looking for—like your product!

Step 3: Check What’s Already Working

Look at your website and take note of which products or services are the most popular. What kind of language do you use to describe them? Use those words as a starting point.

Next, look at your competitors’ websites. How are they describing similar products or services? You don’t need to copy them, but it might give you new ideas about what keywords to target.

Step 4: Get Local

If you serve a specific location, be sure to include that in your keywords. People often search for services in their area. For example, if you’re a florist in New York, you could use keywords like:

• “Florist in New York”
• “Wedding flowers in Manhattan”
• “Flower delivery in Brooklyn”

By adding location-specific keywords, you’ll have a better chance of showing up in local search results.

Step 5: Use Different Forms of the Same Word

People search in many different ways. For example, someone might search for “buy silver necklace” while another person might search for “silver necklace for sale.” Both mean the same thing, but they’re slightly different.

Try to think of various ways people might phrase their searches. You could use:

• Buy handmade jewelry
• Purchase handmade jewelry
• Handmade jewelry for sale

Step 6: Ask Your Customers

Don’t be afraid to ask your current customers how they found you or what they searched for when they were looking for your business. This can give you real-life insight into the words and phrases people are using. It’s a simple, yet often overlooked way to discover great keywords!

Step 7: Keep It Relevant

It’s tempting to try to rank for every keyword related to your industry, but it’s important to stick to words that are directly relevant to your products or services. If you’re a bakery, don’t target words like “healthy meals” unless that’s something you offer.

The more relevant your keywords are, the more likely you are to attract visitors who are interested in what you offer.

Step 8: Keep a List of 25 Keywords

Now that you’ve gathered a lot of ideas, narrow it down to around 25 keywords. These are the words you’ll focus on using in your website content, product descriptions, and even blog posts.

A well-thought-out list of keywords can help search engines understand what your site is about and guide the right people to your pages.

Wrapping Up

Choosing keywords for SEO doesn’t need to be complicated. By thinking like your customers, being specific, and keeping it relevant, you can create a solid list of keywords without any fancy tools. Start with the basics, test out your ideas, and as you learn more about your audience, refine your keyword strategy over time.

And remember: SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay patient and consistent, and you’ll start to see results!