Keyword research

Jamest

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Aug 1, 2007
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Is there any way i can find out how many search hits there are in total for a specific keyword or keywords, I am sure I recall people claiming to know such information.

Basically we come up page 1 for what we view as decent keywords, but they aren't generating that many hits, so I'd just like to be able to see how decent they actually are.

Thanks

J
 

fisicx

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Sep 12, 2006
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What are the keywords?

Use the google webmaster tools or wordtracker to get an idea.

Just being #1 won't generate hits unless the SE listing makes me want to click. An intruguing page title and metadescription at #2 or #3 can generate many more clicks than the corporate message at #1.

And 'hits' mean nothing if nobody converts. How many of your visitors actually convert into custiomers? Would it really matter if you only had 10 visitors a day but they all brought something?
 
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WhizzPeople

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    fisicx

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    Not something I'd every search for but it seems to be a fairly popular set of keywords.

    Here's a little story. I rank well for 'navigation guidelines' and I was most chuffed when I found out. The page is very popular but nobody arrives via a search for 'navigation guideleines'. These are some of the keywords they used:

    • guideline menu navigation
    • website menu guidelines
    • website navigation articles
    • homepage navigation design
    • top navigation bar on websites
    • primary navigation system for a web site
    • programming “layered navigation”
    • javascript breadcrumbs for websites
    • website navigation cloud
    • effective websites menu bar
    • seo, breadcrumbs guidelines
    • position breadcrumbs
    • son of suckerfish inline
    • what is bread crumbs website design
    • navigation bar seo primary secondary pages
    • heiracal (sic)
    • breadcrumb trail for easy site navigation
    • guidelines for breadcrumbs
    • breadcrumb website navigation javascript
    In other words, my keywords were of no use whatsoever. Do a bit of reaserch but don't dwell on your keywords, just make the site as sticky as possible and concentrate on converting everbody who lands on the site.
     
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    Jamest

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    fisicx

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    I was wanting to find out how many searches in total using those phrases take place, if that is possible.

    Use the webmaster tools or wordtracker.
     
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    WhizzPeople

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    Thanks, I know how many people come to us using these keywords via Google analytics, I was wanting to find out how many searches in total using those phrases take place, if that is possible.

    Then you can use Google Adwords Keyword Tools and Google Trends for a raugh idea about the search market.

    Wordtracker is another option - but you need to be a member to use it in full capacity. I've a membership but don't know why, I don't like Wordtracker.

     
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    fisicx

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    Unfortunately, it seems you are not the only one who wouldn't search for it :(

    Hence my post - don't stress over keywords, just build the site for your visitors and concentrate on getting them to convert, And with up to 50% long tail searches that's an awful lot of custom to ignore.
     
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    georgelane

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    Dec 16, 2007
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    This is where most people go wrong. Keyword research is the foundation of a successful online marketing campaign, but overlooked in most cases.

    To answer your question James, one of the best tools to estimate search volume is the Google Keyword tool:

    https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal

    It's not 100% accurate (nothing is) but gives you a good idea of search volume for a keyword on a relative (not absolute) basis.

    When using this tool, please bear in mind that the numbers returned are estimated SEARCHES for that keyword, NOT estimated clicks.

    You may also want to have a look at Market Samurai. Again, it's not perfect, but may be worth a look.

    http://www.marketsamurai.com/thirtydc

    When you're going after keywords you need to take a look into other factors that affect performance such as relevancy, intent, competition etc.

    I've developed a very efficient keyword research system that I'll release one of these days, but until then, check out some of Dan Theis's information products on keyword research. He's a genius (and I'm not affiliated in any way).

    http://www.seoresearchlabs.com/

    One more thing, if you operate an ecommerce store, run your keywords through Microsofts Online Commercial Intent tool -- it gives you a (very) rough idea of what keywords are likely to bring you buyers.

    Hope some of that helps!

    Cheers,


    George
     
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