Google’s Hummingbird update created a lot of anxiety, but ultimately, it could be a good thing for the industry, because it frees us from the tyranny of competing for a limited number of top keywords. Essentially, the role of the Hummingbird algorithm is to better answer those longer-tail queries users are typing in Google. If your pages are optimized for these more conversational queries, you have a better chance of top rankings. Try a new, niche-based approach to keywords, which allows you to double or even triple the list of profitable keywords in your SEO arsenal.
This article explains the four steps for doing keyword research the modern way, using SEO PowerSuite or other tools.
1. Ideas:
Most search marketers simply think of the main keywords related to their businesses, plop them into a tool like Google Keyword Planner, and then run with the keyword list it delivers. However, search habits vary widely: Searchers may use hundreds of different word combinations to describe the same thing, so this tactic omits hundreds of potentially profitable keywords.
Instead, try a more creative, ideas-based approach to your research. For example, if you hear the phrase office furniture, some associations you may have are chairs, tables, equipment, cubicles, oroffice design.
But none of those associations will show up in Google Keyword Planner, because it shows you only the most closely related search terms. To get ideas based on these niche associations, first use your brain: Come up with as many associations that you can. Check competitors’ sites and blogs. You’ll be able to find more keyword ideas and also spot if they target just the key phrases from the Google Keyword Planner or if they have a smart keyword strategy.
