#SEOTips: How to Ace Keyword Lists with These 5 Free Tools

We’ve got word of another SEO tool named NinjaOutreach which allows you to take your keyword research one step further. Traditionally, you’d want a list of long-tail keywords together with the number of searches those keywords get in a specific span of time, right? Now imagine having that list and using those keywords as search terms in NinjaOutreach allowing you to see the most popular content and who shared them? You can tailor your next post according to the most popular post (basically, skyscraper technique) and get more exposure plus links thus allowing you to rank better organically. 

So, like…. keywords are basically like hashtags, right? This is one of my most recent #showerthoughts to break down the definition of what a keyword’s purpose to the web is. Keywords can be synonymous to hashtags in the sense that they are plugged into posts, web copy, headlines, descriptions, alt-text and the such to create positive SEO. The keywords of a page, post or photo are what act as a simple definition of the post.

When we bring on new clients at Red Branch, the SEO department runs a large (or small, depending on the client) audit on the client’s website to see what kind of keywords they are currently using, what’s working, what their competitors are using and what keywords and phrases we think they should optimize for. For this part of the audit, we have to look at the demographics and what they could potentially be searching to find what they’re looking for (hopefully, us)! Here are five tools you can use to find the best long-tail keywords for your site.

1. HitTail

HitTail is a keyword generator of sorts that will suggest long-tail keywords and phrases that will match your intent. Hold the phone, what are long-tail keywords you ask? Instead of some hashtags that are one word, like #noms or #work, that hit a larger pool of posts, long-tail keywords are the more literal and specific searches. Most Google users go to Google to ask specific questions like, “When will I start growing grey hair?” Or, “How do I increase web traffic?” When searching for keywords, we want these question/phrase-like keyword phrases to pin-point the searches users are asking Google.

2. Good ol’ Faithful, Google Related Searches

Before you jump to Google Related Searches, use HitTail to jog your creativity on what type of keyword phrases you want to use. Generate a list of keyword phrases you think might hit the spot and throw them into Google and start looking at the “related searches” that Google generates for you. This will further populate your original list you started via HitTail.

3. AdWords

Only spend time on Google AdWords if you have intentions of spending some time and money on Google Ads. The difference between organic keyword lists and AdWord lists is the AdWords have the intention of selling something. For example, “marketing branch in Omaha” has more of a selling point than if someone were to only search, “marketing.” To compile AdWords, start your process similar to how you started your organic list, but keeping in mind your conversion goals.

4. SEMRush

SEMRush is the platform we use to run audits on our client sites here Red Branch Media, mostly because it’s AMAZING. Type any word or phrase you wish to add to your keyword list and SEMRush will give you the word’s position, paid position, volume and cost. They will also provide you with related keywords, which is awesome for building that list you already started.

5. Google Search Console

Lastly, the Google Search Console is a great place to look at the keywords and phrases your site is already ranking for and what they’re worth (similar to SEMRush). Looking at your current pages and keywords and what those pages are ranking for will give you an idea of what words can be tweaked, pitched, used more or less and more. Google Search Console can show you a lot of what SEMRush will display, but fo’ free!

A lot of keyword generating platforms are similar in function with slight alterations here and there. The idea is to open yourself to many platforms to get the best possible keyword list. You want to keep a growing keyword list in your back pocket. Cycle through your words to keep your web copy fresh. So I guess your keyword list should act kind of like a snake? Gross….anyway, use these platforms to generate lists and check up on your current keywords frequently to ensure your keywords aren’t going out of style and still generating you the traffic you desire. Keep ‘em fresh, SEOers. I’m #Outtie5000

The Branchers

We build the best damn marketing campaigns on the planet. And we do it for industries and companies you might not identify as easy to market (right away). Working here takes a very special kind of person.