If you have a niche website you’ve likely spent countless hours crafting amazing content.
You’ve got tips, advice, and stories that are simply begging to be shared. But what’s the use of creating all that content if nobody can find it? This is why keyword research is a vital ingredient for side hustle success.
Why you ask?
Imagine the internet as a massive library and keywords people to the books they’re looking for.
When someone searches for something on Google or any other search engine, they type in specific words or phrases – and if your website content is well-optimized with the right keywords, it’s like having a neon sign that says, “Hey, come check out this awesome stuff!”
And that, my friend, is how you drive organic traffic straight to your digital doorstep.
Keyword research isn’t just about finding random words that seem relevant. Nope, it’s like putting on your Sherlock Holmes hat and deducing what your audience is thinking.
When you dive into keyword research, you start understanding the very words your potential readers are typing when they’re hunting for information related to your niche.
By knowing what they’re searching for, you gain an incredible advantage – you can tailor your content to match their interests and needs like a custom-made suit.
Let’s say you’re running a niche website about plant care. You’d want to know if people are searching for “how to care for succulents indoors” more than “best fertilizers for indoor plants,” right?
With keyword research, you’ll not only discover these preferences but also figure out the language your audience speaks. Are they using casual terms or diving into scientific jargon? This little detective work ensures your content resonates on a personal level.
So, whether you’re nurturing a blog, starting an online store, or creating a platform for your unique expertise, keyword research is everything.
It guides you to high organic traffic and engaged visitors. With the right keywords in your arsenal, you’re not just getting clicks; you’re forming connections that can turn a casual browser into a loyal visitor.
Keep reading for more keyword-knowledge gems, and get ready to unlock the potential of your niche website!
This week’s newsletter brings you:
- Trends – How important is it to be on the first page of Google these days? Very important if these figures are anything to go by!
- Strategies – Everything you need to know about finding the right words to get more traffic to your website!
- Tool of the Week – SEMrush is a fantastic tool that can be your sidekick through every step of your side hustle journey.
Trends
Did you know that 54.4% of all clicks on Google go to the first three search results?
This is why SEO and ranking highly in search engines is so important!
Top 3 organic results = 54.4% of all clicks
People tend to click on the top search results because they often perceive them as more relevant and trustworthy. Higher rankings lead to higher visibility, which in turn increases the likelihood of getting clicks.
If your website is listed among the top results, you’re more likely to receive a significant share of clicks.
Strategies
Let’s break down keyword research in simple terms. Keyword research basically means finding the right words people type into search engines.
These words boost your site’s visibility, which is important for SEO (making your site show up higher on Google).
The cool part? This research also lets you know what your audience wants. It’s like reading their minds, so you can create content that clicks with them.
So, in short, keyword research is like a roadmap to success for your site. Let’s dive in and make your site stand out!
Setting the Foundation: Identifying Your Niche’s Core Topics
Think of your website as a puzzle. You start with the big pieces before getting into the little details, right? That’s why broad niche topics are important.
Let’s say you’re into fitness. Your big topic could be “Fitness and Wellness.” This topic sets the boundaries for what you’ll cover.
Now, these broad topics become your roadmap in the world of keywords. Inside your “Fitness and Wellness” world, you have sections like “Strength Training,” “Cardio Workouts,” and “Healthy Eating.” These are your core topics. They’re the main paths leading to the right keywords.
For example, in “Strength Training,” your keywords could be “effective dumbbell exercises” or “full-body home workouts.” These keywords connect to your core topic.
Now over to you, what is the broad category your side hustle falls into? Is it health, wealth, relationships, business, or something else?
Take a moment now to jot down your broad category.
Remember, starting with broad niche topics is like having a map. It’s your starting point for finding the right keywords. Your core topic will help you focus your keyword research and ensure you’re making content that really matters to your niche audience.
Brainstorming Seed Keywords
Now that you know your broad niche topic, get ready to uncover a world of keywords that will elevate your website’s content! For this exercise, you’ll need some pen and paper, or an empty spreadsheet if you prefer doing things digitally.
Brainstorming Seed Keywords
Seed keywords are your starting point in the world of keyword research. They’re simple words or phrases that kick off your search for relevant keywords.
Let’s say you’re passionate about photography and your focus is on landscape photography.
For landscape photography, your seed keywords might be things like “landscape photography tips” or “best camera settings for landscapes.” These basic terms lead you to discover more specific and detailed keywords.
Techniques to Brainstorm Seed Keywords
- Think Like Your Audience: Put yourself in your audience’s shoes. What words would you use to search for landscape photography advice? Those words are potential seed keywords.
- Use Google Suggest: As you start typing a seed keyword into Google, it suggests related searches. This gives you insight into what others are searching for.
- Explore Forums and Communities: Visit photography forums or groups. Pay attention to the questions and topics people are discussing. These discussions can give you ideas for seed keywords.
For example, if you start with the seed keyword “landscape photography tips,” you might uncover more specific seed keywords like “long exposure techniques for landscapes” or “composition rules in landscape photography.”
Remember, seed keywords are the initial blocks that set your keyword research in motion. They pave the way for discovering a variety of content ideas that will resonate with your niche audience.
Expanding Your Keyword List
Now that you’ve got your seed keywords, it’s time to expand your horizon with a technique that’s pure keyword gold: long-tail keywords.
Long-tail keywords are phrases that are more specific and longer than your seed keywords. They may not have massive search volumes, but that doesn’t matter. Why?
Because they’re incredibly valuable for connecting with an audience that’s looking for precise answers.
If your seed keyword was “landscape photography tips,” a long-tail keyword could be “best aperture settings for sunset landscape photography.”
Capturing Specific Audience Intent
Long-tail keywords are the magic key to understanding what your audience is really searching for. They express intent.
Someone typing in “landscape photography tips” might be in the early research stage, while someone typing “how to capture vibrant colors in sunset landscape photography” is on a mission to nail a particular technique.
By aligning your content with these specific queries, you become the solution they’re seeking.
Utilizing Keyword Research Tools
Ready to take your keyword game to the next level with some digital tools? Here are a few popular ones: Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Ahrefs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Keyword Research Tools
1. Google Keyword Planner:
- Access the Tool: Log into your Google Ads account and head to the Keyword Planner.
- Enter Seed Keywords: Input your seed keywords. Google will generate a list of related keywords.
- Discover Search Volume: You’ll see estimated monthly search volumes for each keyword. This gives you an idea of how often people search for them.
- Analyze Competition: Look at the competition column. Low-competition keywords might be easier to rank for.
2. SEMrush:
- Access the Tool: Sign in to SEMrush and navigate to the Keyword Magic Tool.
- Enter Seed Keywords: Type in your seed keywords and hit search.
- Explore Keyword Ideas: SEMrush will show you a list of keyword ideas, along with search volume and keyword difficulty.
- Check Related Keywords: Scroll down to the related keywords section for even more ideas.
3. Ahrefs:
- Access the Tool: Log in to Ahrefs and go to the Keyword Explorer.
- Enter Seed Keywords: Put in your seed keywords and choose your target country or region.
- View Keyword Insights: Ahrefs provides search volume, keyword difficulty, and a “parent topic” which can lead you to more keywords.
- Explore Competitor Keywords: Use the “Competing pages” feature to see what keywords your competitors are ranking for.
Why These Tools Rock:
Keyword research tools give you insights that take your keyword strategy from good to outstanding. You’ll discover new keyword variations, uncover search volumes, and even gauge how tough the competition is. These tools help you see beyond the surface and dig deep into what your audience wants.
Bonus Tips:
- Don’t just rely on one tool; using a combination can provide richer insights.
- Don’t shy away from experimenting. Try different variations of your seed keywords to uncover hidden gems.
Assessing Keyword Metrics
Now that you’ve armed yourself with keywords using those awesome tools, it’s time to make sense of the metrics they throw at you. Here’s the keyword decoder for metrics like search volume, keyword difficulty, and competitiveness.
Interpreting Metrics:
- Search Volume: This tells you how many times a keyword is searched on average each month. A higher search volume means more people are looking for it.
- Keyword Difficulty: A score that indicates how challenging it is to rank for a keyword. The higher the score, the tougher the competition.
- Competitiveness: This tells you how many other websites are trying to rank for the same keyword. High competitiveness means more sites are vying for that keyword.
Finding the Right Balance:
Now, here’s the secret sauce – balancing high-traffic keywords with low competition. Aim for keywords that strike a harmony between being frequently searched (high search volume) and not overly contested (low keyword difficulty and competitiveness).
Let’s say you’re running a blog about pet care. The keyword “best dog food” might have high search volume, but the competition could be stiff. On the other paw (sorry I couldn’t help it), “healthy homemade dog treats” could have a decent search volume and lower competition.
Remember, it’s not just about one metric. A keyword might have lower search volume but if it’s super specific to your niche, it could be gold. Likewise, a high-competition keyword might be worth pursuing if you have a unique angle or top-notch content.
In essence, keyword metrics are like puzzle pieces. You’re fitting them together to form a clear picture of which keywords to target. So, as you analyze metrics, trust your gut and aim for that balance that suits your niche and your goals.
Creating a Content Plan
Now that you’ve gathered a bunch of shiny keywords, it’s time to transform them into a well-structured content plan. This plan isn’t just about churning out words; it’s about delivering value and meeting your audience’s needs.
Using Your Keyword Research:
Your keywords are like signposts pointing you toward topics your audience is hungry for. Let’s say you’ve chosen “beginner photography tips” as a keyword. Craft a blog post around this, breaking down essential tips for newcomers. Use your research to guide you on what specific advice your audience seeks.
The Importance of Value and Information:
Keywords are the keys to the doors your audience wants to unlock. When you create content around them, you’re offering solutions, knowledge, and insights. Your content should aim to genuinely help your audience. If you’re using “easy plant care for beginners” as a keyword, your content should provide step-by-step guidance, maybe even a video tutorial.
Remember, it’s not just about stuffing keywords; it’s about making sure they fit naturally in your content while addressing your audience’s needs. Each piece of content should leave your readers feeling informed, inspired, or equipped.
Don’t write like this!
Monitoring and Iterating
Launching your keyword-powered content is just the beginning. To keep your website sailing smoothly in the digital sea, continuous monitoring and adjustments are essential.
Keyword performance isn’t a one-time gig; it’s an ongoing dance. Regularly track how your chosen keywords are performing. Are they driving the traffic you hoped for? Has their relevance shifted over time? Keep your finger on the pulse of your keywords’ performance.
Tools like Google Search Console or third-party tools allow you to monitor how your content ranks for specific keywords. Keep an eye on the fluctuations. Some keywords might climb the ranks, while others might dip. This gives you insights into what’s working and what needs tweaking.
Making Data-Driven Adjustments:
Data doesn’t lie – it guides you. If you notice a keyword isn’t performing well, don’t panic. Instead, consider making changes. Maybe tweak your content, improve its depth, or optimize it further. On the flip side, if a keyword is driving substantial traffic, explore creating more content around similar themes.
Final Tips:
- Stay Patient: SEO is a long game. It takes time for changes to reflect, so don’t expect instant results.
- Stay Adaptable: The digital landscape evolves. Trends shift, and so does search behavior. Be ready to adjust your strategy accordingly.
Remember, the keyword journey isn’t about setting and forgetting; it’s about dynamic engagement. As you monitor, you’re not just gathering data; you’re gaining valuable insights into your audience’s preferences and search patterns.
With these insights, you’ll be well-equipped to fine-tune your content strategy and keep your website thriving.
So, embrace the journey, keep your eyes on the data, and adjust as needed.
Tool of the Week
SEMrush is a fantastic tool that can be your sidekick through every step of your side hustle journey. Here’s why:
1. Comprehensive Keyword Insights: For keyword research, SEMrush is a goldmine. It provides a wide array of related keywords, search volume data, and even the difficulty of ranking for each keyword. This is invaluable for finding the right keywords that align with your niche and audience.
2. In-Depth Competitor Analysis: SEMrush lets you peek into what your competitors are up to. You can see what keywords they’re ranking for, which can provide a wealth of inspiration for your own content strategy.
3. Content Planning and Ideas: With the Content Ideas feature, SEMrush helps you generate topic ideas based on your chosen keywords. It even analyzes top-ranking content, suggesting improvements and helping you create more valuable pieces.
4. Tracking and Monitoring: SEMrush doesn’t stop at research. It offers tools to track how your keywords are performing, giving you insights into what’s resonating and what needs adjustment.
5. Continuous Improvement: SEMrush is a tool for the long run. It helps you monitor changes, keep an eye on trends, and adapt your strategy over time. This is crucial for side hustlers aiming to maintain a strong online presence.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow your side hustle, SEMrush can be your all-in-one solution. It’s like having a virtual marketing assistant that supports you in discovering the right keywords, creating captivating content, and staying ahead of the curve.