Keywords are a well-known term, but if you’re new to SEO, you’re probably not sure what they are or why they’re so crucial. Keywords are words or phrases that individuals type into a search engine to find relevant content.
They are an important part of your SEO strategy as they inform search engines about the content on your website. This means if a user searches for a product or service you offer, your website will show up on the search results page if the keywords on your site match their search.
Keep reading to learn more about the different types of keywords and how they work.
How Do Keywords Work?
The keywords you choose must match the words or phrases that people put into search engines. This way, your ads or website will show up when potential customers search for a product or service you offer.
Keyword research is vital for selecting effective keywords for your SEO campaign. The process involves knowing the terms potential customers use when searching for a product or service and implementing them in your website or ad campaign.
For example, if you sell clothes, you can use the term “purchase clothes” in your Google Ads campaign, and your ad might show up on the search results page.
The Different Types of Keywords
Branded Keywords
A branded keyword is a word that’s associated with a business and is the keyword used to search that business. When a branded keyword is combined with another keyword or keyword phrase, it’s called a brand-plus keyword.
Generic Keywords
These are often known as short-tail keywords (e.g., “running shoes,” “plumbing,” and “towing”) and typically cover unclear terms. The gist of a generic term is that we don’t yet know what the user wants. Nothing in their search indicates if the person wants to purchase a pair of shoes or if they’re simply looking for information on running shoes.
Transactional Keywords
Keywords with both strong and mild buying intent are known as transactional keywords. You can classify a keyword as commercial as long as it has some buying intent.
Local Keywords
Local keywords are highly useful for businesses with a physical store that are targeting local audiences. The phrases are essentially location-specific terms that produce related results based on a certain location.
Long-tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are those that have more than three to four words—for example, “Nike marathon running shoes.” They are usually highly transactional, which means they convert at a higher rate than other keyword categories.
Informational Keywords
Keywords that are used to search for information are classified as informational keywords. It could be anything from “how to get rid of a wart” to “Sears shop directions.”
Are you in need of an effective SEO strategy that makes use of quality keywords? At Mike Hamm Communications, we offer reliable digital marketing services and resources that are bound to take your business to the next level.
Our team of experts will conduct an analysis of your online presence and develop customized digital marketing strategies that will help your business grow. To get started on your digital transformation, get in touch with us!