The Latest Keyword Research Best Practices You Should Use Right Away

Did you know that the top result on Google accounts for 25% of a query’s traffic? The right keyword strategy can take you from virtual anonymity to global renown.

Of course, you’ll have to utilize the right keywords to make it that far.

While there’s a lot of work ahead of you, this article will explain how you can reach your goals and make your next PPC campaign a smashing success. So be sure to keep reading as we explore the most important keyword research best practices that your company should follow.

Get Into the Mind of Your Audience

Marketing efforts are only effective if you’re capable of creating content that your audience truly cares about. That means getting out of your own way and focusing less on selling and more on addressing the needs of the consumer first and foremost.

Not only will this help you create stronger content, but it’s vital to your marketing efforts, as it can help you think of keywords to target.

Say you’re a tech company looking to sell antivirus software. You’d want to research relevant keywords that your customers would have an interest in, such as ‘paid vs free antivirus software’ or ‘malware protection’.

Check Out the Competition

This article from The HOTH brings up a great point — your competitor’s data is every bit as valuable as your own. After all, they’re already ranking well, so why wouldn’t you want to learn what they’re doing that you’re not?

This tip is especially helpful if you’re using sites like Ahrefs or Moz that allow customers to track keyword popularity, as you can enter a competitor’s URL and see how their keywords stack up to yours.

Not only is this perfectly legal, but it’s encouraged! Moreover, it’s a tactic that your competitors are likely using, even if you don’t realize it.

Account for Voice Search

It seems like there’s an innovative marketing technique hitting the web every day, and that’s not going to change. Accordingly, you’ll need to keep up with marketing trends, particularly the ones you’re not already benefiting from.

Voice search is a perfect example. Did you know that one in five Google searches uses voice recognition?

But using this popular technique means reshaping the way you structure your keywords. Namely, you’re going to have to phrase more of your keywords as questions to match the natural way search engine users apply voice search functionality.

For instance, let’s stick with our previous example and say you’re selling software. Instead of ‘free vs paid antivirus software’ voice users might search ‘is free antivirus software worth it?’

Notice how they’re essentially looking for the same information, but the ways in which they arrive to the information is completely different.

The Keyword Research Best Practices Your Business Needs

As we start wrapping things up, we’ll leave you with one more reminder that your audience should always come first. By thinking like your customer base, you’re more likely to have stronger results, particularly when utilizing these keyword research best practices.

Keep up with trends and find new and exciting ways to reach your audience. They’re out there, and they’re waiting for you!

For more tips on growing your audience, check out the rest of our marketing section.