Step 5: Explore other keyword options Seeing that the competition and monthly searches for “content marketing” are high, we can assume that we are going to have a difficult time ranking for it. Fortunately, the tool suggests a variety of other related keywords that we can consider using instead. Not all of the suggested keywords are relevant, so focus on the ones that align with your content and that have both low competition and moderate monthly search traffic. While it may be tempting to go after keywords with high traffic, you will be better off ranking first for terms that get searched less than ranking 51st for more popular keywords. Take note of your best options and experiment with the other keywords you initially came up with. “Small business content marketing tips” looks like a good option. Step 6: Validate your search terms Once you find a good keyword, enter it into Google to see what results it yields. Pay close attention to both the first and second search results in the sponsored links as well as the first four positions in the organic search results. Make sure that the content that comes up for your search aligns thematically with the content you have created. The results for the search “small business content marketing tips” are highly relevant to our article, which means the intent of the keyword is a match for our article. Step 7: Analyze the keyword competition Take note of the first five search results for your keyword in Google and use a search For more keyword research tool such as Moz to analyze their page/domain authority and incoming links. tips and strategies By comparing those metrics with your company’s, you can further evaluate how download our free eBook, likely you are to rank well for that keyword. If your chances of ranking high for “Better Research, Better that keyword are low, you may want to look for a different option. Customers: A Business Guide For our purposes, “small business content marketing tips” is a great choice. to Keyword Generation.” It Takes a Content Factory! | 79

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