Finding the right keywords that you want your website to rank for is a relatively simple step. But that requires more effort than analyzing search volume. For example, let’s turn our attention to the “difficulty of keywords” indicator. As you know, some words can rank in the search engine more easily than others. So… what aspects do you have to follow so that the targeted terms reach the top of the ranking?
What is keyword difficulty?
When I refer to this term, I automatically include in the equation elements such as: content, search intent, links from other sources and domain authority. First things first! It’s probably nothing new, but search engines put a lot of emphasis on user experience. When it comes down to it, relevant content is an important aspect.
How can you find out if the targeted pages have relevant content for certain keywords?
The best (and logical) method is the one in which you build an article about the subject that is related to the targeted term. In addition, the keyword must be included in the following places on the page: title, URL content, <H1> and finally, in the content. But be careful, don’t jump to conclusions! The days of using the technique of filling pages with targeted keywords pointlessly or in an unnatural way are over.
Along with us, search engines have also evolved. Artificial intelligence has also learned to recognize synonyms that are related to the targeted keyword. You may even encounter the situation where the page that ranks first, within a certain term, but does not even include the keyword in the content.
In summary, I can say that the value or quality that a certain type of content provides is much more important than placing keywords in the right places.
Search intent
In order to always offer the most suitable results, search engines constantly analyze the reaction of users in relation to the results offered. Although no one knows exactly the formula by which they do this, among the elements analyzed are the bounce rate or the time spent within the sections of the page. Following all these aspects, when they notice that users prefer certain pages over others, they will certainly rank them higher.
Tip: Analyze the first pages that appear for your target keywords. Determine if you can offer better content or anything else that could add value. If you think it’s doable, maybe you should focus on other keywords.
Backlinks
Backlinks are links that belong to another domain and refer to your domain. Coming from well-known websites with authority in the field, Google considers backlinks as votes of confidence from other sources. Of course, don’t expect to be number one overnight if a popular website mentions you on one of its pages. Google is a bit more demanding than that! It will take into account aspects such as: the number of websites that made the reference, the content of both pages, the relevance and the text through which the reference was made. Quantifying all this, we can say that as a considerable number of authoritative pages mention your website, the more your ranking will be influenced, in a positive sense.
Domain authority
Here we come to one of the most controversial factors. For Google, authority is important. In simple terms, the indicator refers to the power that a website has in its field or industry. Almost all people with access to the Internet know websites with authority in the field. Simply put, these websites are well-known brands that users trust to access them. To gain authority, all you have to do is get quality external links. Easy to say hard to do!
Despair or more motivation?
It’s perfectly normal to feel a little discouraged when you find that you’re only qualifying for keywords with high difficulty. Although most experts say to avoid them, sometimes this is not possible! So, don’t give up, you just need realistic thinking! Estimate your costs compared to your resources! What resources will you need for the targeted terms to reach the top of the ranking? How determined are you to keep going? Don’t forget, most businesses didn’t become famous overnight!
