Keyword research is an essential component of any successful e-commerce SEO strategy. It involves identifying the keywords and phrases that potential customers are using to search for products or services that you offer. The right keyword research strategies can help you increase your online visibility, drive traffic to your website, and ultimately increase sales. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best keyword research strategies for e-commerce websites.
Start with a broad list of keywords
When starting your keyword research, it’s important to begin with, a broad list of potential keywords. This will help you get an idea of the general terms that your potential customers are using to search for your products or services. There are several ways to generate a list of potential keywords, including brainstorming, analyzing competitors’ websites, and using keyword research tools.
Using Keyword Research Tools
Keyword research tools are a great way to identify relevant keywords that you may not have thought of otherwise. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and SEMrush can help you find relevant keywords, as well as provide data on search volume, competition, and more. These tools can also help you identify long-tail keywords, which are longer and more specific phrases that may have less competition but can be highly relevant to your business.
Analyze your competitors’ websites
Analyzing your competitors’ websites can also provide valuable insights into relevant keywords. By looking at the keywords they are targeting, you can identify gaps in your own keyword strategy and find new opportunities. Tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs allow you to analyze your competitor’s websites and see what keywords they are ranking for, as well as the search volume and competition for those keywords.
Focus on long-tail keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer and more specific phrases that may have less search volume but can be highly relevant to your business. These keywords often have a higher conversion rate because they are more specific to what the user is looking for. For example, instead of targeting the broad keyword “shoes,” you might target the long-tail keyword “women’s running shoes for flat feet.” By targeting more specific keywords, you can attract a more qualified audience to your website.
Consider user intent
When selecting keywords, it’s important to consider user intent. User intent refers to the reason behind a user’s search query. Are they looking to buy a product, find information, or compare prices? By understanding user intent, you can choose keywords that are more likely to lead to conversions. For example, if a user is searching for “best running shoes,” they may be in the research phase and not yet ready to make a purchase. However, if they are searching for “buy running shoes online,” they are likely ready to make a purchase.
Use Google Autocomplete
Google Autocomplete is a feature that suggests search queries as a user types in the search bar. This feature can be a great source of inspiration for relevant keywords. Start typing a keyword related to your business, and Google will suggest related search queries. For example, if you type in “women’s running shoes,” Google might suggest “women’s running shoes for flat feet,” “women’s running shoes with arch support,” and so on.
Consider seasonality
Seasonality can have a significant impact on search volume for certain keywords. For example, keywords related to winter clothing are likely to see an increase in search volume during the winter months. By considering seasonality when selecting keywords, you can ensure that you are targeting the right keywords at the right time.
Monitor and adjust your strategy
Keyword research is an ongoing process, and it’s important to monitor and adjust your strategy over time. Regularly review your keyword strategy and track your rankings to see how your keywords are performing. Use this data to make adjustments to your strategy, such as adding new keywords, optimizing existing content, and adjusting your targeting based on search trends.
Use keyword modifiers
Keyword modifiers are words that are added to a keyword to make it more specific. For example, adding words like “best,” “cheap,” or “reviews” can help you target a more specific audience. For example, instead of targeting the broad keyword “running shoes,” you might target “best women’s running shoes for flat feet.” By using keyword modifiers, you can increase your chances of ranking for specific search queries and attracting a more qualified audience to your website.
Consider local search
If you have a physical storefront or service area, it’s important to consider a local search when selecting keywords. The local search involves targeting keywords that are specific to your location, such as “women’s running shoes in Boston.” By targeting local search, you can increase your visibility among potential customers in your area.
The Bottom Line
Using effective keyword research strategies is crucial for any e-commerce website to increase online visibility, attract more qualified traffic, and ultimately increase sales. By focusing on a broad list of keywords, using keyword research tools, analyzing competitors’ websites, and considering user intent, local search, and seasonality, you can develop a successful keyword strategy for your e-commerce website.
Remember to monitor and adjust your strategy over time, as search trends and user behaviour are constantly changing. With the right keyword research strategy, you can increase your online visibility, drive traffic to your website, and ultimately increase sales for your e-commerce business.
If you’re not familiar with keyword research or simply don’t have the time to conduct it properly, consider hiring eCommerce SEO services to help you optimize your website for search engines. These services can help you identify relevant keywords, optimize your website content, and track your rankings over time.
