by Barbara Mitchell

Created on: January 30, 2009   Last Updated: March 25, 2009

10 Ways to Identify Keywords That Really Drive Conversions

The object of choosing good keywords is to better position your company in front of its target market. Here are some ways for improving keyword conversions that will translate into more sales:

1. Knowing Your Target Market Will Improve Keyword Rankings

Before pinning down keywords, identify your target market, then focus your efforts on relevant keywords and phrases.

2. Step Into Their Shoes

Use a customer mindset when approaching keyword choices. Think in terms of a customer looking for your product or service and not in terms of sales. What words will they use to find your website?

3. Discover Your Niche

Narrowing your keyword search will net fewer visitors to your website, but niche marketing will lead to more committed customers. You want to be sure the visitors you are attracting to your site are the ones who are prepared to buy what you are selling.

4. The Importance of Being Relevant

Search engines place great importance on keywords being relevant to a website. Make sure the keywords you select relate well with the overall content of your site and the product or service being offered.

5. Look to the Competition

Find out what keywords and phrases the competition is targeting. There may be some good ones you have overlooked.

6. SEO Software

Investing in keyword software, such as WordTracker, makes sense if you are investing time and money to improve keyword rankings.

7. Include These Keyword Categories to Increase Keyword Conversions

Customers searching for products and services often start by comparing features and price. Adding feature keywords and pricing keywords (such as "low price or "best price") can attract those who are ready to buy.

8. Testing Your Best Guesses

It's important to test, test, and re-test when running an online ad campaign. Running dual ad campaigns with even minor changes can help to increase your conversion rate. Test your way to better click-through rates on an ongoing basis.

9. Undergoing Analysis

Be sure to analyze the wealth of information your website statistics can provide, such as which pages are most popular, how much time is spent on each page, and where your visitors leave from. This will give insight into good keyword choices.

10. Include Your Keywords on Your Website's Landing Page

Make sure the keywords you are targeting are also on the landing page your visitors are being directed to. Once they get to your site, your content needs to compel them to buy.

Ultimately, targeting the right keywords will improve keyword conversions and help to increase sales.

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