When starting a website, one of the most crucial steps is selecting the right SEO keyword phrase to focus on.
Your SEO keyword choices will determine how easily potential customers can find your site through search engines like Google.
In this guide, we’ll break everything down in simple terms. We’ll cover how to find, analyze, and select the best keyword phrase for your website using Google Keyword Planner, Google Trends, AHrefs, Ubersuggest, and Answer the Public.
What is an SEO Keyword Phrase?
An SEO keyword phrase is the specific word or group of words that people type into search engines when looking for information. For example:
- Single keyword: “shoes”
- Keyword phrase (long-tail keyword): “best running shoes for beginners”
Long-tail keywords are usually better because they have less competition, attract highly targeted traffic, and lead to higher conversion rates.
Why Choosing the Right Keyword Phrase is Important
Choosing the right SEO keyword phrase helps your website rank higher on Google, meaning more people will find your site. A well-chosen keyword phrase can:
- Increase organic traffic (free visitors from search engines).
- Boost engagement by attracting visitors looking for exactly what you offer.
- Improve conversions, leading to more sales, sign-ups, or other business goals.
How Many Keyword Phrases Should You Target?
If you’re just starting, it’s best to focus on one good keyword phrase per page. Trying to target too many keywords at once can make your content less focused and harder to rank.
- For beginners: Choose one strong keyword phrase per page.
- For advanced users: Optimize for a primary keyword phrase and 2-3 related phrases.
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Best SEO Keyword Phrase
1. Brainstorm Keyword Ideas
Before using tools, think about what your target audience would search for. Ask yourself:
- What problem does my product/service solve?
- What questions do people ask about my industry?
- What words do I use when describing my business?
2. Use Keyword Research Tools
Business Examples with Keyword Phrase Suggestions
Here are 8 examples of different businesses and the types of keyword phrases they might target:
| Business Type | Suggested SEO Keyword Phrase |
|---|---|
| Local Coffee Shop | Best coffee shop in [your city] |
| Online Clothing Store | Affordable summer dresses for women |
| Fitness Trainer | Best home workout plan for beginners |
| Real Estate Agent | Homes for sale in [your city] |
| Freelance Web Designer | Affordable website design services |
| Personal Finance Blog | How to save money on a tight budget |
| Pet Grooming Business | Best dog grooming services near me |
| Online Course Creator | Best online courses for digital marketing |
Best Practices for Using Your Keyword Phrase
1. Use Keywords Naturally (Avoid Keyword Stuffing)
Avoid repeating a keyword too many times, which makes content unreadable and can get your site penalized by Google.
2. Use H1, H2, and H3 Tags Correctly
- H1 tag: Your page title should include the keyword.
- H2 and H3 tags: Use variations of the keyword in subheadings.
3. Optimize Blog Posts for Keywords
Each blog post should target one main keyword phrase.
- Use the keyword in the first 100 words.
- Include the keyword in the meta title and meta description.
- Add internal links to related content.
- Use alt text on images with the keyword.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to SEO, start with one low-competition, long-tail keyword and create high-quality content around it. Focus on user experience, not just keywords.
By following these keyword research and optimization tips, your website will have a much better chance of ranking on Google and attracting the right audience. 🚀