Are you tired of all the buzz about keywords and phrases and would like to know the lowdown on proper keyword optimization?  Here are some basic rules to follow to ensure that your pages will finally get on the first page in the search engine results.

Begin by selecting the keyword phrase that you want the page to rank well for in the search engines.

Usually, the keyword optimization is organized such as this:

• main page is optimized for the most general keyword or phrase
• the categories are optimized for additional specific keywords
• then the pages or posts are optimized for more specific keywords and can include keyword phrases.

The greater specification a group of keywords tends to be, the longer the keyword phrase gets.

Phrases with 3 or more words tend to be also known as Long Tail keyword phrases. These are great to target because they return more specific, targeted traffic.  Additionally, long tail key word phrases can contain shorter keyword phrases that you could also optimize the page for.  An example may be this phrase for a dog grooming site: ‘starting an organic dog grooming business.’‘ While the page is optimized for that entire phrase, you might want to also break out and use the phrase ‘dog grooming business’ within the content and rank well for the shorter phrase too.

Keyword Optimization Basics

Basic page keyword optimization must have the selected keyword phrase in several spots on each and every individual page from the site.

The keyword phrase should be in the:

1. file name
2. the title tag
3. the written text header
4. sub-headings
5. inside the content
6. within the Meta description tag…
7. as well as in anchor text of incoming links.

To make it simple and add your keyword phrase within the content from the page, you will want to include it inside the first and last paragraphs and also at the very least once in the middle. That is all that is needed to achieve the keyword phrase properly inside the page content.  Placement is important, but it’s not important to go overboard.  Be sure that the use of the keyword phrase sounds natural and flows with the rest of the information given.

So far as the title tag, and file name, you have to think about the trail from search engine to your site. When individuals see your link in the search engine results, what’s the very first thing they see? They see your title tag and the URL. Make sure that it is clear what they will be seeing once they click on either link by including the particular keyword phrase in those places.

This same concept relates to the usage of the keyword phrase in the text header, Meta description and inside the content. Google either uses the supplied text or will also pull its own text to be used with the listing that matches better.  A good title may inspire your target audience to click through, or it may be the description that does it so make sure both are properly optimized.

In the end, the main thing to focus on with keyword optimization is to make sure that the content of your page properly matches the keyword phrase that is being targeted. Let your target audience know exactly what to expect when they decide to click on any link to your site. When they find what they have been looking for, they are more likely to come back, and you will have accomplished your goal of increasing traffic.

If you feel that you do not have the time to properly optimize all of your articles and blog posts, then it’s time to outsource that task.  Free up your time for other aspects of your business by using professional writers to create content for you.  After all, the copywriter’s job is to increase your bottom line and help you get more sales and more profits.

Market ’till it hurts!

Glenna Garcia

Tags:keyword optimization,keyword phrases,targeted traffic

Tags: keyword optimization, keyword phrases, targeted traffic