Guest Expert: Shelley Hitz
Are you using keyword research resources to help your blog gain visibility in the search engines? If not, you could potentially be missing out on a lot of free traffic from the search engines.
And if you have a blog, you are most likely looking for ways to increase blog traffic to gain more exposure and fans, right? It seems like everyone has a blog these days. Moms, chefs, antique lovers…and authors. Today, writing and maintaining a blog or website is one of the primary ways to connect with millions of people across the globe, in an instant.
However, Are People Finding Your Blog?
If you are like me, you find yourself checking your website statistics often to see if anyone is actually reading what you are posting. I personally use two free tools to track my website statistics: Google Analytics and StatCounter.
And since I started my first website in 2004, one of the best ways I’ve found to increase traffic to my website has been through the use of keyword research resources.
The Power of Keywords
I have discovered the power of keywords. But, not just any keywords. There is power in choosing the best keywords for your blog post or website article.
And it’s something that not many people take the time to do.
Why? Well, it involves research.
Now, don’t cringe. You may have visions of a high school or college class when research was a chore. However, instead of thinking of keyword research like a chore, think of it like a treasure hunt.
Because if you find the right keywords, it could literally be like finding a hidden treasure.
The treasure? More and more people finding your blog and eventually buying your books and products.
The Keyword Treasure Hunt and Keyword Research Resources
To find my keywords, I use the brainstorming software that comes with my webhost, SBI. It is amazingly powerful. However, there are other places you can research keywords as well.
- Free tools: Google AdWords Keyword Selector, Wordtracker (Free Trial)
- Paid tools: Wordtracker, Market Samauri, SBI Brainstorming Software, Keword Elite
I’ve compiled a comparison chart of keyword research resources for you. Now, choose a tool to use and then let’s get going!
Three Steps to Finding the Perfect Keywords for Your Blog
Now, it’s time to start your treasure hunt.
Step #1: Brainstorm a list of topics.
Come up with a list of topics that you can write about in your niche. Don’t limit any idea and write everything down. If you need help getting started, I have a list of 50 topics to blog about that can be a good starting point.
Step #2: Enter a topic into your chosen keyword tool.
Now that you have your list, start entering in one topic at a time into your chosen keyword tool.
Step #3: Analyze the results.
As you analyse your results, you want to look for two main things:
- Demand – How much demand is there for your keyword or topic? The more people searching for your keyword, the better.
- Competition – How much competition is there for your keyword or topic? The less competition (pages already written online) out there, the better.
Using Google Keyword Tool – Free Keyword Research Resources
Conclusion
So instead of just haphazardly writing posts about anything and everything, I encourage you to pack your bags for a keyword treasure hunt. Spending a little time researching the best keywords for your blog can reap rewards in increased traffic, fans and book sales.
Shelley Hitz is an entrepreneur, author and speaker. Her website, Self Publishing Coach, provides resources and tutorials that help you publish and market your book. Sign up for her newsletter, Self Publishing Tips to download her book templates and 200+ free book marketing tools, which she offers surprisingly free.
