Performing keyword research is an essential step in any ecommerce SEO audit. It helps businesses identify the right keywords to target in their website content, product descriptions, and metadata to improve their organic search rankings and drive qualified traffic to their online store.
Keyword research for ecommerce SEO audits involves analyzing search volume, competition, and relevance of keywords to determine the most valuable and profitable terms to target. Below are some steps to effectively perform keyword research for ecommerce SEO audits:
1. Understand Your Target Audience: Before diving into keyword research, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of your target audience, their preferences, and search behavior. Identify their pain points, interests, and the specific language and phrases they use when searching for products or services similar to yours.
2. Brainstorm Relevant Keywords: Start by generating a list of relevant keywords related to your business, products, or services. Include both generic terms and long-tail keywords that are more specific to what you offer. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Google Trends, or even manual brainstorming to come up with an extensive list.
3. Analyze Keyword Search Volume: Once you have a list of potential keywords, identify their search volume. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or third-party platforms can provide insights into how often each keyword is searched for. Focus on keywords with a considerable search volume that aligns with your business goals.
4. Assess Keyword Competition: Evaluate the competitiveness of each keyword. Competition refers to how many other websites are targeting the same keyword. High competition keywords might be more difficult to rank for, especially if you have a new or small ecommerce website. Look for lower competition keywords that still have a decent search volume.
5. Consider Keyword Relevance: Analyze the relevance of each keyword to your website and products. Ensure that the keywords directly relate to what you offer and are likely to attract the right audience. Avoid targeting irrelevant keywords, as they can lead to poor conversion rates and wasted effort.
6. Analyze Current Rankings: Conduct a competitor analysis to understand how your competitors are ranking for your target keywords. Identify their strengths and weaknesses and learn from their strategies. Tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs can provide insights into your competitors’ organic search rankings and help you adjust your keyword targeting.
7. Use Keyword Research Tools: Take advantage of keyword research tools to gather more data and refine your keyword list further. These tools can provide additional metrics like keyword difficulty, cost-per-click (CPC), and trends. Consider using tools such as SEMrush, Moz Keyword Explorer, or Ahrefs for a more comprehensive analysis.
8. Prioritize and Organize: Once you have gathered all the necessary data, prioritize your keywords based on relevance, search volume, and competition. Create a well-organized keyword list categorized by product categories, target pages, or specific campaigns. This will help you streamline your optimization efforts.
9. Regularly Review and Update: Keyword research is an ongoing process as search trends and customer behavior can change over time. Continuously review and update your keyword list to ensure it remains aligned with your business goals and reflects the evolving search landscape.
Performing keyword research for ecommerce SEO audits is a crucial step towards improving your website’s visibility and driving more targeted traffic. By understanding your target audience and using the right tools, you can optimize your ecommerce website effectively and boost organic rankings, ultimately leading to increased sales and revenue.
