What Is A Primary Keyword?
There are a lot of different types of keywords – Primary, Secondary and Tertiary that will inform your SEO strategy, but the most important is the Primary Keyword.
Simply put, a primary keyword is the main term or phrase that you want a specific webpage to rank for in search engine results like Google. It’s the focal point around which your content is built. These search terms will typically have high search volume and potential for traffic.
For example, if you run a bakery and decide to write a blog post about gluten-free desserts, your primary keyword might be “gluten-free dessert recipes.” Where your secondary terms might be “gluten-free cake” or “gluten-free cookies.”
What Makes Primary Keywords Important?
One thing any SEO will tell you is that ensuring your website and its pages are the foundation of a successful SEO strategy.
But how do you do that? Keywords!
Using a well-researched primary keyword is a great way to boost your search engine visibility. It helps search engines understand what your content is about, making it more likely that your page will show up in relevant search results.
Your Primary Keyword is also a seed keyword. Think of it as the starting point for your content strategy. From this primary keyword, you can discover secondary and tertiary keywords that complement it, helping you create a more comprehensive and engaging piece.
Additionally, when you focus on a specific primary keyword, you can align your content with what your users are actually looking for, which means they’re more likely to find your information helpful.
How To Find Primary Keywords
There are several effective strategies to help you find the most effective primary keyword. These include:
- Look at Your Competitors: One of the best ways to identify potential primary keywords is to analyse your competitors. Have a look at their webpages, check out the keywords they are ranking for and see which ones drive traffic to their sites. Tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs can help you uncover this data, giving you insights into successful keywords in your niche.
- Think About What Users Are Searching For: Put yourself in the shoes of your target audience. What questions are they asking? What problems are they trying to solve? By thinking from their perspective, you can brainstorm primary keywords that align with their needs and interests.
- Use SEO Tools: There are plenty of SEO tools available that can help you discover primary keywords. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs and SEMrush cam provide valuable data on search volume, competition, and related keywords, making it easier for you to choose the most effective terms for your content.
- Use Google: Don’t forget about good old Google itself! Start typing a keyword related to your business into the search bar and see what suggestions pop up. The “People Also Ask” and “Related Searches” sections at the bottom of the search results can also give you ideas for primary keywords that users might be searching for.
Pro Tip: When writing content, try to only optimise for one primary keyword per page. This keeps your content focused and clear, making it easier for readers to grasp the main topic.
So, How Do You Avoid It?
Fortunately, there are a few things that can be done to avoid it,
Match Intent To Content
Make sure your content aligns with what users are searching for. Conduct keyword research to understand user intent and tailor your content accordingly. Intent can be categorised into:
- Informational: Users are looking for answers to specific questions or trying to solve a problem
- Navigational: Users are looking for a specific website or resource
- Transactional: Users are looking to make a purchase or book a service
- Investigation: Users are comparing different products or learning more about them.
Ensure Your Website Is Appealing
When visitors land on your website, the first impression matters and a visually appealing and organised layout can draw users in and keep them engaged!
Keep you website clean and clutter free, keep your colour palette consistent and opt for easy-to-read fonts. Don’t forget to incorporate high-quality images, videos, and infographics.
Improve User Experience
Prioritising user experience (UX) is crucial for keeping visitors on your site! Focus on website speed by optimising images and minimising code to reduce load times. Make sure your site is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate, using clear menu options and internal links to guide users. Breaking up text with headings and bullet points also improves readability and navigation.
Avoid Clickbait Titles
Catchy titles can draw clicks but may disappoint users if the content or intent doesn’t match. Your titles should accurately reflect your content, offering value and clarity. Instead of vague phrases, opt for specific titles that include keywords (But, don’t overuse them as this can come across as spammy and lead to lower trust from your audience!)
