UCR Intern: Finding the Niche Markets of Utah County

I talk with clients all the time about the importance of keyword research.

I think the majority of the people I work with get it.

I think a few are close.

And, unfortunately, I know there are some that either don’t think it’s really that big of a deal or don’t see the bigger picture. They end up doing nothing and getting nothing in return.

I’m not sure I can say it any clearer:

Keyword Research is ESSENTIAL to Online Marketing Success!

Here’s a case study to help you understand keyword research value, hopefully in a different way:

  • I start working with a client who has been involved in construction, real estate, and decorative concrete for almost 30 years.
  • The client didn’t have too much internet experience but he was willing to work at it.
  • We talk about keyword research.
  • I have him follow my keyword research step by steps:

Keyword Research To Do List

STEP 1: Read these articles about keyword research and make a comment:

  1. Keyword Research: Demand vs. Competition
  2. Keyword Research Video

STEP 2: Start with 10 Targeted Keyword Phrases

– Think about MONETIZEABLE keywords – phrases that people would be looking for if they were hoping to BUY something

– Make sure we look at demand/competition numbers – the phrase has to have demand, I usually say at least 500-1,000 searches per month on average; competition is assessed in a variety of ways, I start with allintitle:”a specific keyword phrase” in Google

STEP 3: Keep track of your numbers in a keyword research spreadsheet via Google Docs

– Assess the “ratios” to see which phrases have the best chance to be at the top of search engine results

STEP 4: Keyword research is never done

  • As he follows these steps and narrows down some of the best keyword phrases, we talk about blogging
  • He begins a blog doing product reviews on products within his niche industry
  • He follows these suggestions about blogging (More info coming soon!)

Assignments:

  • Read the two articles above about keyword research and make a comment
  • Download the Spreadsheet from the first article
  • Write down 1-3 Industries you have connections in
  • Find 10 keyword phrases you’d like to target based on those industries using the Demand and Competition information
  • Share your Google Docs spreadsheet with Nate for review