Websites appear in search engine results based on key phrases (known as keywords). An example keyword might be ‘barbers matlock’ or ‘barbers near me’. Keywords can be used in different places throughout a website. Using keywords effectively is one of the key factors in Search Engine Optimization.
So how and where do you use keywords on your site. Here are the 5 most important places.
- Use the exact keyword in the the webpage at least one. It sounds obvious but Google will look at a page and return results where the exact phrase appears on page. So, a page is likely to rank better for ‘barbers matlock’ if it contains the exact text ‘barbers matlock’ rather than say ‘we are a great barbers located in the centre of matlock’. In addition to body text, header tags (particularly H1 and H2) are a good place to introduce keywords.
- In the page title tag.com say: When search engines rank your page for a keyword, the <title> tag is the most important place for the keyword to appear. Use the exact keyword or phrase in your title to help search engines associate the page with a topic and/or set of terms.
- Use keywords in your URL. Pages found at www.thegoodbarber.co.uk/about-us are fine but URLs like www.thegoodbarber.co.uk/barbers-matlock will rank better for the search term.
- Keyword in the meta description tag. com say: If your keywords are in the meta description tag, it is more likely search engines will use it as the snippet that describes your page. Potential visitors see the keyword bolded in the snippet, which increases your page’s prominence and visibility. Be careful not to over do it, including your keyword twice is enough.
- Use keywords in image Alt attributes. Images on a website have a number of text attributes not seen by most users but which indicate to search engines what the image relates to. Setting the alt attributes of images to your keywords is a good way to help your site rank better. It’s also a useful way of covering a number of different keywords without making your site look stuffed.
- But Don’t…
- Stuff your site with two many keywords, it is likely to have a negative effect.
- Try to hide keywords by making them invisible. Google don’t like it.
Summary
Overall Google are looking for sites which are well written and provide a good user experience. A site should be easy to navigate and should not sacrifice usability and relevance for the sake of repeating keywords over and over.
Also, keep in mind that effective use of keywords on your site is only one part of SEO. Other factors like links to yore website, citations and reviews are important too. It’s safe to say though, that if you don’t get your onsite keywords right, the other factors will be less effective.
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