If you’re starting an online business, you’ve probably heard a lot about “keywords.”

Think of keywords as the words or phrases people type into search engines to find websites like yours. Using the right keywords in the right places on your site can help bring in visitors who are already searching for what you offer. Let’s break this down step by step.

The goal is to match the words on your site with the words your ideal customer is searching for. This way, your website becomes easier to find.

You don’t want to scatter keywords randomly on your website. Instead, focus on these key areas:

1. Page Titles and Headers

This is where you make your first impression. Think of your page title as the headline of a newspaper. It should grab attention and clearly show what the page is about. For example:

• Instead of “Welcome to My Website,” try “Shop Handmade Soy Candles Online.”

Headers (like the bold section titles on a page) should also include keywords naturally. They help both readers and search engines understand what’s on the page.

2. The Body of Your Content

Keywords should flow naturally in your main content. Don’t force them; just write as if you’re having a conversation. For example:

• Instead of writing “candles candles candles,” say, “Our handmade soy candles are perfect for relaxing evenings.”

3. Meta Descriptions

The meta description is the little summary that appears under your page title in search results. Include your main keyword here to help people (and search engines) know what your page is about. For example:

• “Discover handmade soy candles perfect for gifts or relaxation. Shop now!”

4. Image Alt Text

This is a hidden description for images on your site. It helps search engines understand your pictures. For example, instead of naming an image “IMG1234.jpg,” use “handmade-soy-candles.jpg.”

5. URLs (Web Addresses)

A clear, keyword-friendly URL makes your site look professional and helps search engines. For example:

• Instead of “mywebsite.com/p12345,” use “mywebsite.com/handmade-candles.”

6. Internal Links

When linking to other pages on your site, use keywords as the clickable text (anchor text). For example:

• Instead of “Click here,” say “Check out our handmade candle collection.”

1. Don’t Overdo It

Using a keyword too many times (called “keyword stuffing”) can hurt your site’s ranking and make your content hard to read. Aim to keep your keywords natural and relevant. Think quality, not quantity.

2. Use Related Words

Search engines are smart. They can understand related terms, so you don’t need to repeat the same keyword over and over. For example, instead of saying “handmade candles” five times, you can also say “artisan candles” or “natural soy candles.”

3. Update and Check Keywords Regularly

Keywords that worked last year might not be as effective now. Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner to see what people are searching for. Update your content to match.

4. Focus on People First

Write for real people, not just search engines. If your content sounds robotic, visitors will leave. Make it helpful, engaging, and easy to read. Happy visitors mean better rankings.

5. Keep Learning

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is always changing. Keep learning to stay ahead, but don’t stress. Starting small and being consistent works wonders.

1. Start by making a list of keywords your ideal customers might search for.
2. Add these keywords naturally to the key areas of your site: titles, headers, content, meta descriptions, image alt text, URLs, and internal links.
3. Review your site regularly to update old content and improve your keyword strategy.

Remember, keywords are just one part of making your website successful. The most important thing is creating a site that’s helpful and enjoyable for your visitors. When you do that, everything else falls into place.

Try finding a keyword by using Jaaxy in the box below.