SEO: Five DIY Tools for Keyword Research
Oct 10

SEO: Five DIY Tools for Keyword Research

Unbeknownst to many, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has always been a huge component of a company’s online marketing. With so much hype about website design, many companies are uninformed that even though their site looks sexy and marketable, it still hasn’t left the parking lot. Between online directories and competitors, it is becoming increasingly difficult reach that “Page 1” status on Google. “Getting Found” online requires clearly written web content, weekly research on industry trends and keywords, and analyzing your analytics often.

 

Having your website rank on Google, and other search engines, is important when it comes to online marketing conversion ratios. Unlike Social Media, being found on Google provides a higher rate of conversation because it is your target market searching for you!

 

When I introduce SEO to a company, I bring to their attention 5 tools to use so they, at the very least, can get started on generating traffic to their website via Search Engines.

 

  1. Website Submission

    If your company hasn’t submitted your website to be indexed on Google and Bing, then this is an important first step. If you haven’t notified the Search Engines, then your website is floating aimlessly around in cyberspace waiting to be found. Take a moment and submit your site to Google Website Submission and Bing Website Submission.

  2. Google Analytics

    How can a company quantify their online marketing strategies without a mechanism that tracks website activity? Google Analytics does this for you and it is such an important tool to have as a business.

    Do you have Google Analytics installed on your website? Here is a quick way to find out.

    Type in your website address. Click right anywhere on the screen. Select View Source. Hit Ctrl-F to type in the word “Analytics”. You should see the following code

    [pre]<script type=”text/javascript”>
    var gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”);
    document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”));
    </script>
    <script type=”text/javascript”>
    try {
    var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-7505449-1”);
    pageTracker._trackPageview();
    } catch(err) {}</script>[/pre]

    If you do not see this code, then it’s time to contact your web designer to guide you on creating a Google account . As web designers come and go, I think it’s very important to have your Google analytics and tools registered through own Google account.

  3. Google Keyword Tools

    As an SEO fanatic, I love Google Keyword Tools. With Keyword Tools, I am provided with the most popular keyword phrases universally and locally (this would be Canada not my city) based on the keyword I submit. I tend to focus on low competition, (which means that not many of my competitors will show up) with a high search rate. You may be surprised that many “typical” keyword phrases within your industry isn’t what your consumer is searching for.

    Utilize this tool to create informative blog posts and to revise old website pages. With this simple tool, I guarantee that you will see your search engine rankings climb. Getting to #1 is a challenge but Keyword Tools helps.

  4. Google Trends

    Google Trends allows you to take the keyword phrases that you have selected and compare trends with other keyword phrases. Your company will want to pick keywords that are higher up on Google trends and are showing an increasing trend (or at least not a decreasing trend).

  5. Google Adwords

    You would be amazed how much information can be found by launching a simple $100 Adword campaign. Keyword Tools assists you in selecting keyword phrases to advertise on Adwords. The information gained at the end of a Adwords campaign gives you real numbers on the keywords that your target is searching. It’s worth the investment because now you’ll be able to really refine the keywords on your website.

About The Author

Mike Jennings launched MoreSALES in 2005 with a focus on generating results for B2B clients across North America. Mike's expertise includes developing and implementing customized marketing, creative, and sales strategies to help realize greater profits.