The Importance of Keyword Research – Part 2
In the last post, I covered a few of the keyword search tools that can be used. To illustrate the process of keyword research, I will use Market Samurai, and by picking two niches.
Am I an expert in SEO? No as I am not and am still learning like everyone else. Please note that rankings are always changing due to the nature of the competitions trying to outrank each other or search engine making adjustments to their algorithms, sites are going through the google dance process etc … So the results that I will show below may not be the same after from the date of this actual post, if one would go at the search engine and looking for the web site in the top 10 – 30. The video I have given below shows that at the time of this post was made the ranking was present. I have other sites getting ranked. The one that I will show below is a sub domain. Nowadays rankings gained on sub domains normally don’t last long. It’s always best to go for plain domains to maintain the ranking for longer periods. The principles below are for long tail keywords.
Now I understand that everyone probably cannot afford to purchase Market Samurai. If that is the case, I will have a post in the near future that will show how some Firefox free plugins can be used to achieve the same tasks as Market Samurai. However the work is very tedious and time consuming as it’s a manual process, and has to be repeated for each of the websites showing on page 1 of Google.
As mentioned above to illustrate this process, I will cover two different niche. The first will be the internet marketing niche, and the 2nd niche will be a different niche not related to internet marketing. I stressed in the post The Importance of Keyword Research – Part 1, that it is wise not to try and choose keyword(s) that are over saturated. Over saturation is a term I use that means that the top 10 websites from the SERPs have been pretty well optimized both on page seo and off page seo, and as a result is not worth trying to compete as it will take too long to get a top rank to start to get some free traffic to your own site.
I will cover on page seo and off page seo rules of thumb that is important as part of the keyword research process. For an understanding of the terms used when searching, Alex Whalley has written a very good post titled Keywords 101: The Keyword Thesaurus. For a good reference on off page seo, Mirko Gosch begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting has covered good grounds on this aspect at his blog post titled Backlink To The Future – How Article Marketing Helps Your Off Page SEO. Please read both blog posts and the comments as well for a good understanding to see how this all come together.
Your goal when doing keyword research is to find keywords that gets a decent amount of searches per day, that will not take too long to get a page 1 listing from the SERP (Search Engine Ranking Placement) to start getting free traffic. Rules of thumd, from my own experience, are as follows:
- Rule 1: If more than 3 website, from the top 10, has the keyword in the Title, Url, Desc and Head of the page then the test has failed. Otherwise the test has passed, go to rule 2;
- Rule 2: If at least 2 or more websites, from the top 10, have a google page rank 3 or below, then the test has passed and proceed to rule 3. Otherwise the test has failed;
- Rule 3: If at least 1 website, from the top 10, has less than approximately 50 – 60 backlinks to its page that is getting the top ranking, then the test has passed, and we can focus on this keyword for a top ranking on Google. Otherwise the test has failed.
These rules are easily viewed from Market Samurai “SEO COMPETITION” matrix. Normally with the matrix the more reds you see, the harder it is to compete. The more green you see, the easier it is to compete.
Now with the two niche keywords, one niche keyword will be the bad choice to go for, and the other will be the good one to go for. So let’s get started, shall we.
Niche 1: Internet Marketing, The Bad Choice
Keyword: internet marketing
Market Samurai “KEYWORD RESEARCH” reveals that the keyword internet marketing on the Phrase Match Type gets 90,082 searches per day, and SEOC of 28,500,000. When you go to Google and type the keyword with “” around internet marketing as “internet marketing”, this will give you SEOC. You can view this from the picture below. Please right click your mouse and select view image to view the whole image.
To decide if this keyword is a worth trying to compete for a page 1 listing, we move to Market Samurai “SEO COMPETITION” matrix analysis, and the rules stated above. The picture below illustrates Market Samurai “SEO COMPETITION”. Please right click your mouse and select view image to view the whole image.
The matrix clearly indicates that keyword is not worth considering investing time for a page 1 listing.
Niche 2: Atkins niche, The Good Choice
Keyword: low carb vegetables
Market Samurai “KEYWORD RESEARCH” reveals that the keyword low carb vegetables on the Phrase Match Type gets 398 searches per day. You can view this from the picture below. Please right click your mouse and select view image to view the whole image.
To decide if this keyword is worth trying to compete for a page 1 listing, we move to Market Samurai “SEO COMPETITION” matrix analysis, and the rules stated above. The picture below illustrates Market Samurai “SEO COMPETITION”. Please right click your mouse and select view image to view the whole image.
The matrix indicates that the keyword is worth considering as it passes all rules stated above.
Now what is the web site of mine for the Atkins niche. My web site is a sub domain called http://atkins.netbizint.com.au/. The web site is not visible at Google.com page 1 listing. If you however go to page 3 of Google.com you will see the web site of mine. However if you visit Google Australia at Google.com.au, you will see my web site is on page one. The video below illustrates this. How long will the ranking last on a sub domain. As I said above they don’t last long, and for the new network I will be building, all keywords sites will be on their own domains.
This is where I will end part 2. In the part 3, we will take a closer look at analysing the web site on page seo factors. If you would like to use Market Samurai to take your keyword research to the next level, you can download a free copy. Try Market Samurai free version now. Until then, send me your comments.
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28 Comments
If i say about keyword research tools, i think semrush is one of the best ones – i use it for a long time and glad with the results. Have you ever tried it? Maybe your opinion will be different, it will be nice to know it.
Hi Utah,
I have not used Semrush and so cannot comment. But I always like to hear new ideas, and approach. I have taken note and will see what the software is about, and I will let you know what I think.
- Louis
Thank you Louis, i’ll be happy to know your opinion.
Hey Louis,
Nice Post. I think Market samurai is best tool for keyword research.
Looking forward to read part 3 and 4. Thanks for sharing this great post and video.
~Dev
Dev @ Make Money Blogging recently posted..8 Powerful Steps to Make Money Online
Hi Dev,
Yes I think it’s the best one out there. I am however curious to check out semrush that a commentor has stated on the post and will compare.
Thanks for visiting again.
- Louis
Hi Louis,
Well you really know your stuff! Thanks for the tips on using the rules to follow, that helps a lot!
I was thinking about getting a similar product called Micro Niche Finder which seemed really good but I could not run it on my Mac. I can run Windows on my Mac now so I will look into getting something like that in the future.
Anna
Anna Haller recently posted..Planning – The key to your success
Hi Anna,
Micro Niche Finder is good to find low competition niche keywords. However I don’t think it will give a detailed analysis of the top 10. Just picking a “long tail keyword” is not enough.
I have Micro Niche Finder, but have not used it in a while now. But as I said in this post, once I have the blog post about the free Firefox plugin to analyse the top 10 closer, this will suffice for you to do your analysis.
- Louis
Louis.
Thanks for this post man and you reall know your stuff.
The one thing and it’s one of the most important things that I see so many people miss.
They look at the number of competing pages and when they see its low they say “right, that’s a good choice”
But they always miss out the number of backlinks that the page has going to it.
If you can’t match that number without losing years of your life then its not worth the hassle.
Thanks for the post my friend
Reach new heights,
Nathan
Nathan Rufus recently posted..The 60 Day Challenge…
Hey Nathan,
Well it depends on some cases and the person’s experience with SEO. I have gone after competition in the millions, for a page 1, in the some niches with backlinks > 250 and < 1000.
For any newbie, the above rules would be best suited. There are millions of niches and millions of keywords. So why focus on the obvious ones that everyone else would go for, which is done by most people who does not know what they are doing, and complain when they don't get results.
- Louis
Hi Louis
I must admit I don’t know much about page ranking and SERPS, so this is all a bit above my head at the moment.
I carry out a very basic keyword search, looking for longtail keywords with more than 1000 searches but less that 10,000 competition pages.
My traffic from search engines is EXTREMELY LOW, so I know I am not doing something as well as I ought.
I will come back and study yours, Alex Whalley’s and Mirko’s posts on this, as well as checking out Market Samurai.
I need to get the hang of this topic because I know I’m losing out on traffic because of it.
Thanks for the informative post – this is a must re-visit for me. If I have specific questions, I might pm you in the forum.
Excellent work.
Jaycee
Jaycee recently posted..Review: MaxBlogPress Ninja Affiliate Plugin
Hi Jaycee,
Don’t worry and take it slow. After reading a few times, it will start to make sense to you.
With 1000 searches and 10,000 competitions, that is already a good start for you. But you have to do an extra step once you have that with the keyword, and that is see how the top 10 for the keyword looks.
If you do check Market Samurai, can I ask for permission to give an affiliate link, only if you plan on buying after. This is not the only software out there though. It is still in Beta mode. I however find it the easiest to use to do the SEO stuff.
The other approach is you can always outsource that part, if you still find it hard to understand after a few attempts. They have a lot of videos, as a customer, that explains everything in detail on how their software works.
You can pm me anytime in the forum. By the way did you look at the new templates design for the blog ?
- Louis
Hi Louis
Thanks for your reply. I will take SERPS and SEO slowly, and as you say, I’m sure I will eventually get the hang of it.
Most definitely if I am interested to buy Market Samurai in the future, I will buy it through your link, so I’ll get back to you if that happens.
With regards to the wp themes you sent me – no, I haven’t had a chance to really look at those yet, but thanks for sending them, I will get around to it!
Cheers
Jaycee
Jaycee recently posted..Review: MaxBlogPress Ninja Affiliate Plugin
Hey Louis,
(the keywords we will build a site around, I have some random ones too)
Thanks for the shout out my friend, very much appreciated.
This is a good analysis of what MS can do so thanks for the insight, good to get a look at other software. Looking forward to the next few posts.
Low carb vegetables hey? Few too many beers lately mate?
Alex@Keyword Research Blogger recently posted..The Internet Marketing Jigsaw Puzzle. Why do I have too many edge pieces??
Hey Alex,
No problem mate.
Well you know aussies can’t do without their beer.
I’m actually Mauritian, but have an Australian citizenship, and believe it not much of a drinker. My friends have a hard time getting me to get drunk.
I’ll be curious to know what the software you use can do, if you ever decide to blog some content on it at some point.
By the way have you tried semrush at all ? If so what are your thoughts ?
Thanks for stopping by.
- Louis
Hey Louis
Can you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do my keyword research ha ha!
You certainly know your stuff, I have not got a clue.
Even with you walking me through the steps I still feel a little confused by it all.
Possibly better if I just outsource this type of thing rather than try to master it like you.
Sally
Sally recently posted..Is Social Media FAB or a FAD?
Hey Sally,
When I started years ago, I too did not know what I was doing, and was confused. I’ve only been in the search engine optimization game, in the last 3 years and have been learning along they way. I have made mistakes, and learned from them, and learning all the time.
My advice to you would be to take it one step at a time. Things that does not make sense or confuses you, write down your questions, and send them to me. Even if they are basic questions, send it. You can pm me in Alex Jeffreys forum anytime.
Outsourcing can actually become expensive, if you are on a tight budget. I would only leave this as a last resort, if after many attempts, it just does not make sense to you.
Anna, and Jaycee have started with Micro Niche Finder. You perhaps can start from this software also to get the long tail keywords. With the top 10 analysis, if you follow the simple rules above, this will be enough to at least put your keyword research in the right direction.
Through practice, you will eventually master this task of keyword research.
Take Care
Louis
Hey Louis, thanks for the offer I will pm you
I did try micro niche finder and I didn’t like it, trust me I have tried a TON of keyword research tools!
Just now I have the free version of Market Samurai and I quite like that, so may upgrade if I cannot find someone willing to do my seo stuff for me.
Sally
Sally recently posted..Is Social Media FAB or a FAD?
Hey Sally,
No problem about pm me. If you ever do upgrade Market Samurai, can I get credited for it. I only recently joined their affiliate program.
I have been using Market Samurai for about 12 months now, and quite like it.
I’ve have tried quite a few myself and found MS to be more user friendly.
Louis
Louis, I’m not involved with niche site marketing, but I am SO impressed with the information you share and your level of helpfulness to your readers. Really, it almost makes me want to start a niche site
Truly, I only have the time and energy for one blog and the projects I’m developing through that. I’m completely serious about what you’re doing here though, Louis. Even though it might seem crazy to some to give away so much good stuff for free, you’re demonstrating your expertise and gaining trust and loyalty.
Jean Sarauer recently posted..How to Turn Life’s Lemons Into Blog Post Lemonade
Hi Jean,
Glad to hear that the information is helpful. That’s why I started this blog. In the past I have kept my personality and knowledge behind closed doors, and as a result it blocked my online success after trying persistently since 1999. But it’s not too late.
Yes crazy to some to give away such information, but what I have learned from my marketing coach and mentor Alex Jeffreys, is that in doing so, the BIG returns will come after.
I know what you mean about being focus with what time permits. For me I am doing quite a few projects:
1. Helping others with this blog;
2. Niche marketing;
3. Business partnership commitments;
4. And on top of all that working in my full time profession.
Thanks for stopping by again, and I look forward to read more of your impressive writing at your blog.
Louis
Hi Louis
Nice and very informative post. I have a question for you: I use Traffic Travis for keyword analysis, mostly because it’s free and gives also, not only the backlinks, but also the backlinks from GOV and EDU sites. Do you have any kind of comparative between Keyword Samurai and Traffic Travis?
Cheers
Jorge
Jorge recently posted..Starting Own Business Online – The 5 Gold Rules
Hi Jorge,
I have a free account with Traffic Travis also but do not use it much. Market Samurai also gives that information (BLEG from SEO COMPETITION). My version is already upgraded for Market Samurai, but I think their free version also gives that information.
Market Samurai has also embedded Domain Samurai in it which also helps with keyword research for aged domain. Having your keyword in the domain name helps a lot with search engines.
I would really need to look at Traffic Travis again to compare features. Someone else in the post mentioned another tool called semrush. Alex Whalley uses something else as well for his research and analysis (see Part 1 comments on this topic).
If Traffic Travis gives more or less the same information as Market Samurai, then you can stick with it if you are happy using it. So long as it gives the necessary information so that you can make a decision on the rules I stated above when choosing your keyword(s).
Sorry, I would really need to look at Traffic Travis fully to compare, to be able to give a more constructive answer to you.
Louis
Hey Louis
I think I will PM you in the forum quite soon, as I’ve got a FREE report out that I think people would love to read – if they knew that it was there! Gotta learn this traffic stuff – fast!
Cheers
Jaycee
Jaycee recently posted..Response cached until Mon 28 @ 14:35 GMT (Refreshes in 43 Minutes)
Hey Louis,
Really great post on Keywords. You’re releasing a lot of really valuable information on keywords and I’m getting quite a bit of good help. Thanks!
Peace,
Darren L Carter
Darren L Carter recently posted..The Problem With Mentors- YOU
Hey Darren,
Thanks for stopping by. That’s the point of my blog which is to educate others to take their online efforts in the right path, and not waste time going in circles not getting anywhere to make money online.
Louis
Hey Louis,
You share some really good and in-depth lessons on keyword research here. I enjoyed reading your post and agree with everything. Market Samurai btw is my favorite software of all time and the best tool I´ve discovered for diligent keyword research.
Keep up the great work, Louis and the best of all to you in order to recover from your flu fast.
Talk soon
Mirko
Mirko Gosch recently posted..Backlink To The Future – How Article Marketing Helps Your Off Page SEO
Hey Mirko,
Yes MS is pretty good and user friendly. I like the SEO matrix as it saves tons of time to see what the competition has done. I am slowly recovering from this flu.
Thanks for stopping by.
Louis
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