What keywords should I use on my website?

To create a successful search strategy, one must consider what keywords to use in their website content. With the right combination of keywords and other quality copy, a website can drive traffic, generate leads and ultimately convert searchers into shoppers. While using Google Analytics and other keyword planning tools will be helpful to determine the base of the terms to use, understanding the various types of keywords will allow you to create keyword content that not only reads well, but helps you achieve your search goals too.
What is a keyword?
Before you can identify what types of keywords to use, or even the specific keywords to zero in on for your site, it’d help to understand what a keyword is. The formal definition of a keyword is, “ an informative word used in an information retrieval system to indicate the content of a document,” according to Oxford Languages. In this case a document would be a website. In broader terms, they are words used by people using search engines to find what they’re looking for. So, what types of keywords are there that fit this definition? The primary ones are known as short-tail, mid-tail and long-tail keywords. Let’s look at some examples.
Short-tail Keywords
A short-tail keyword, also known as a head keyword, is generally a highly popular and broad search term. As the name suggests, they tend to be short, usually no more than one or two words. The problem with short-tail keywords, is they have a lot of competition, making them hard to rank for within search results. That said, always include relevant terms in your content.
-
Example: auto repair
Mid-tail Keywords
On the next rung of the keyword ladder are mid-tail keywords. These keywords are usually 3-4 words and offer a bit more description. They remain competitive in search, but sprinkling them into your content with various adjectives can certainly improve ranking.
-
Example: auto repair estimate, or, same day auto repair
Long-tail Keywords
A primary method of improving search ranking is identifying the right long-tail keywords for your business. Though specific, they often have higher conversion rates because those who find them were looking for them.
-
Example: cost of engine repair for Subaru Forester
Geo-Targeted Keywords
For local businesses, geo-targeted keywords are a must. Not only do they inform searchers of your location, but search engines as well, helping ensure your business is included for searchers in certain geographical areas.
-
Example: auto repair in North Seattle
There are many types of keywords, but they all have one goal, to get people onto your site so you can sell them your goods and services. If researching keywords and developing content around them sounds like a big chore (it is!), consider teaming up with the local web presence experts at MORBiZ. Our team offers professionally written websites that contain all the right keywords to drive traffic to your site and your front door. To learn more about our website building and other Internet marketing capabilities, or to request a free web presence analysis for your business, please give us a call at 855-266-7249or use this contact form . Our team can’t wait to help you build your business online and off!









