Finding keywords in your industry or niche
The be-all and end-all of any SEO practice is keyword research. Despite this being a well-known fact within the world of SEO, it’s not as simple as it first may appear, especially when researching for an industry or niche.
There can be more efficient techniques and ways of locating keywords, so it’s important to explore these options. Exploring how to do this can not only help you find the most relevant keywords for your SEO practices but can also help you locate some hidden gems that can boost your rankings.
Locating the right keywords that will help your users find you is key. That’s why we’re here to help you learn how to find keywords in your industry or niche.
Why is keyword research so important?
Top Tips for Keyword ResearchKeyword research is the practice of finding search terms and queries that your target audience types into the search engine. If keyword research isn’t done properly, you risk losing visibility and a valuable position in the SERPs.
Finding the right keywords for your site allows you to optimise your content for those specific terms, attracting more traffic and locating your target audience. The research helps you know whether users actually want to learn about the topic your page is about, instead of wasting time writing a page that no one is searching for.
Checking if there’s a demand for whatever you’re writing about helps you be sure that it will definitely be read. You can write all you like, but if there’s no thought behind what you’re targeting, then what’s the point?
Six ways to generate ideas for your industry or niche
Now you know the importance of keyword research, but how do you tailor them specifically to your industry or niche? There are a few things you can do within your research that allow you to find keywords for your industry or niche. Below we’ve suggested some of the ways that make this process easier and much more efficient:
1. Identify seed keywords
Start off with broad seed keywords as these define your niche. To do this, just think about what someone would type in the search engine to find your brand. As long as they’re broad but relate to your industry, then there’s no need to over-complicate or stress over this process.
2. Think of your target audience
Understanding your audience helps you pick keywords that may resonate with them. Starting your journey of brainstorming can sometimes be the hardest part. To get past that mental block, the best practice is to think of your target audience and the general, broad search terms likely to be used by them.
We know that good user experience is the beating heart of any SEO practice, so put yourself in their shoes.
3. Use long-tail and short-tail keywords
When researching your keywords, it’s vital to consider both long-tail keywords and short-tail keywords. That way you’re covering all ground and widening the possibilities of what you can rank for.
4. Look at competitor sites
Analysing competitor sites can also be a useful practice. By doing this, you can learn what they are ranking for and take inspiration from your findings. Looking at sites that are doing something similar to you may shed light on missed keyword opportunities that you should instead be using.
5. Be careful with jargon
Including jargon within your keyword practice is something to be careful with. While you do want to be industry-specific, it’s better to target the long-tail phrases that best describe your products and services as opposed to technical terminology.
However, you should still aim towards being industry-specific, just without getting overly technical and complex. Again, think of how a user would search for your service.
6. Monitor trends
Keeping up to date with the latest trends within your industry is a great way to remain relevant and helps you choose keywords that are based on topics rising in popularity.
Look at the topics that are emerging within the world of your niche. Use this knowledge to guide what your next content pieces should be about- that way, you’re suiting what users are currently demanding.
Take a look at the expert advice our SEO Executive, Alisa Thorley, has to offer:
“My advice would be to use multiple data points, as no one keyword research tool is perfect. Ahrefs and keyword planner are good for getting initial keyword ideas.
I’d also recommend going into the actual Google SERP to look at the ‘What people also ask’ section.
That might give you some long-tail phrases that you didn’t consider previously.”
Continue learning about keyword research
Want to know more about finding the right keywords in your industry or niche? Take a look at our blog about the best keyword research tools you should be using to help you begin your quest for keywords.
If you’re looking to limit your budget or cut costs, you can also read our blog about 10 free keyword research tools (yes, free!) that you can use anytime, anywhere- get started on your search today.
At Embryo, our SEO expertise means we’re fully equipped to answer your questions. We understand the importance of words, and that’s why our strategies use keyword research that fits like a glove for your industry or niche.
Have a question? Get in touch today!
FAQs
Answered by Charlotte Fallon
Should I avoid jargon in a highly technical industry?
If you think there is an audience searching for your specific industry jargon then don’t shy away from using it on your website. Highly technical jargon is likely to have a lower search volume, however, the specificity of that keyword means the search users landing on your page have most likely found exactly what they are looking for. You can do this alongside also trying to target a broader audience who might not be familiar with the jargon.
Do I need a unique selling point if my industry is overcrowded?
Don’t overcomplicate thinking that a unique selling point has to be something innovative and revolutionary. Something as simple as having great customer service or a more accessible website, compared to your competitors, can sometimes be enough for a customer to choose you over another business.
How do I know if my business can rank for a niche topic?
Niche topics in SEO generally refer to things which have a low search volume but high specificity, meaning the users landing on your page are good-quality leads and likely to convert. It is naturally a lot easier to rank for niche topics due to the lack of competition, as long as your website and keywords reflect this.
Is ranking for a niche topic worthwhile?
Definitely! If there is a search out there looking for your product or service, no matter how small that search volume may be, it is always worthwhile to optimise for your niche.
Do some industries use SEO more than others?
This depends on the business and the type of audience they are targeting. For example, some brands have a target audience age between 13-18, which would be much better suited to TIktok ads for example. Investing in an organic strategy needs to consider where your target audience is likely to find you, what your business is providing and if it aligns with your business goals.
