What does the term keyword mean exactly? I was often pondering whether they are called “key” words because they hold the “key”, they are all important for unlocking your website for your visitors….or whether they are called key words because they are the words your potential customers type on the “key”board to find what they are looking for?

Whatever the case, they are of crucial importance to your online success. A keyword does not have to consist of a word only, it can be a phrase as well. They are entered into a search engine and then the results will appear on the computer screen. The results are links to web pages and to ads (Adwords ads).

The text on your site, landing page and any ads you may place needs to contain the right keywords. Beware of what is termed as keyword “stuffing”. You don’t want to repeat the same phrase or keyword too often on your webpage. Opinion varies as to what is the right amount of keyword usage. Rather than worry about it too much, write your text for your potential customers so it is pleasant to read, clear and to the point. Avoid confusion and keep it simple.

Think about what your ideal customer might be looking for. What questions might they type into the search engine? “How to” do something is a question often used to find relevant information.

Let’s assume you are selling an instructional CD that shows how to make a belt. The key word “belt” is far too broad. What would your customer be looking for?

How to make a belt, leather work, how to make a belt from recycled material, easy ways to make a belt, men’s or women’s belt, dress up belt for a particular era…..also think about singular, plural and synonyms for the work belt. Consider strap, tie, rope. There are luggage belts and straps and belts for wearing. You might come up with a novel use for belts!

Good look with your keywords, test, measure and experiment and find out what works best for your site.

Connie and Charly

from

http://www.stretchyourmindandbody.com/blog