How to Do Keyword Research?

1. What are keywords and why do they matter?

Keywords are the words and phrases people type into search engines when they’re looking for something online. Think of them as the bridge between what people want and the content you offer. When you optimize your website with the right keywords, you make it easier for search engines like Google to understand what your site is about. This helps your site show up higher in search results, which means more visitors and potential customers. If you want to dive deeper, check out Wikipedia’s guide on Keyword Research.

2. Analyze search volume and competition

Not all keywords are created equal. Some are searched for thousands of times a day, while others might only get a handful of searches. It’s important to find a balance between how often a keyword is searched (search volume) and how many other websites are trying to rank for it (competition). Tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest can help you discover which keywords are worth targeting based on these factors.

3. Focus on long-tail keywords

Instead of going after broad, highly competitive keywords like “website,” try to target more specific phrases, known as long-tail keywords. For example, “corporate website design in Baku” is more precise and usually less competitive. These long-tail keywords attract visitors who are closer to making a decision, so they often lead to better conversion rates. It’s like fishing with a spear instead of a net — you catch fewer fish, but they’re exactly the ones you want.

4. Analyze your competitors

One smart way to improve your keyword strategy is to see what’s working for your competitors. By analyzing the keywords they rank for, you can find opportunities to enter similar markets or discover gaps they haven’t covered yet. SEO tools like Ahrefs and SEMRush make this process easier by showing you detailed insights about your competitors’ keyword performance.

5. Integrate keywords naturally into content

Once you’ve picked your keywords, the key is to use them naturally throughout your website. This means including them in your page titles, meta descriptions, headings, and within the body text — but without overdoing it. Keyword stuffing, or cramming too many keywords into your content, can actually hurt your SEO and make your site less enjoyable to read. Aim for a smooth, natural flow that helps both search engines and visitors understand your content.