Step 1 in your SEO journey
Identifying seed keywords is the starting point for any SEO strategy. Seed keywords are the core, foundational words and phrases that broadly define your website's topic and the products or services you offer. They're the initial terms people would use when searching for something related to your business. Think of them as the "seeds" from which all your other, more specific keyword ideas will grow. They are usually short, generic, and have high search volume. Here's how to understand it with examples:
What they are:
Broad Terms: Seed keywords are typically one or two words.
High-Level Concepts: They represent the overall topic of your business.
Examples:
Let's say you own a business that sells running shoes. Your seed keywords might be:
"Running shoes"
"Athletic shoes"
"Shoes"
If you run a blog about healthy recipes, your seed keywords might be:
"Healthy recipes"
"Recipes"
"Cooking"
If you offer web design services, your seed keywords might be:
"Web design"
"Website design"
"Design"
Why they're important:
Foundation for Research: Seed keywords are the starting point for using keyword research tools. You enter them into tools to discover more specific, long-tail keywords.
Defining Your Niche: They help you clarify the core topic of your website.
Understanding Search Intent: They give you a general idea of what people are looking for when searching for your type of business.
How to Identify Them:
Brainstorm: Simply write down the first words that come to mind when you think about your business and what you offer.
Think Like Your Customer: What would a potential customer type into Google to find your products or services?
Keep it Simple: Avoid overly specific phrases at this stage. Focus on the broad, essential terms.
Competition: Check your competitor websites what keywords are they using broadly and what are they about
In summary, identifying seed keywords is crucial because they form the basis for all your SEO efforts. They are the essential, general terms that define your business and help you find more targeted keywords that will attract the right audience to your website.