Keyword Research – A Step by Step Guide (Video)

Posted on 27. Oct, 2009 by Nate in Keyword Research, Starting an Online Business

Is keyword research really THAT important for an online business?

Can’t I just skip that step and start making money right away?

Keyword research just seems like a waste of time…

I’ve worked with hundreds of clients over the last 4 years as a mentor at Prosper, Inc. and have heard variations of these EXACT statements over and over again.

The best response I have is this:

The clients who understand keyword research are 9 times out of 10 the SAME clients who make lots of money with their new online businesses.

No matter what type of online business you decide to start, keyword research will be an essential part of your marketing strategy.

To help you understand the step by steps, I’ve put together a short 5 minute video to share with you some of the basics of effective keyword research.

10 Steps to Effective Keyword Research

Step 1: Go to http://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal

Step 2: Type in products that you would like to get access to and sell online (start generic)

Step 3: Look for Buyer Phrases – keywords that most likely mean the person is looking to BUY what you’re offering

Step 4: As you look at different keyword ideas, record the phrase and number of searches done per month (Global Monthly Search Volume) in the Google Docs Spreadsheet we’ve created

Step 5: The target number is above 1,000 – know that if the demand is REALLY HIGH, most likely the competition will be high too

Step 6: Once you’ve found phrases that meet the demand criteria, open up another window, go to Google, and type in allintitle:”the keyword phrase” and hit enter

Step 7: Note in the Google Docs spreadsheet what the number of sites is that shows up (ie. 1 in 10 of 48,000)

Step 8: The target number for competition is 30,000 or less (actually the lower the better)

Step 9: Record the numbers in the spreadsheet

Step 10: You’re well on your way to being an internet entrepreneur!

Keyword Research is the CORE of effective online marketing.

These articles may help too:

11 Responses to “Keyword Research – A Step by Step Guide (Video)”

michael zakarian

28. Oct, 2009

Thank you Nate for the comprehensive video for keyword research, as well the Commission Junction piece was good too.

Reply to this comment
- Nate Moller
  
  04. Nov, 2009
  
  Glad you liked it Michael. Look forward to talking with you soon!
  
  Reply to this comment
albert

05. Nov, 2009

Nate, congrats on the NY win. I am currently enrolled in the Proper Coaching and have watched my of your elective classes. I enjoy them. I need more hours in the day.

My question on this post is; Ratio wise what are you looking for?

Thanks

Reply to this comment
- Nate Moller
  
  05. Nov, 2009
  
  Hello Albert!
  
  As far as a specific number, I don’t really look for one other than the HIGHER the BETTER as long as the other numbers meet the criteria.
  
  Hope this helps! Talk to you soon. Glad you like the Elective Classes. Make sure to say hello next time you’re on one.
  
  Reply to this comment
Sue Silagy

06. Jan, 2010

Nate: Great review of info. Trying to get back on my feet. Been down as we discussed late Dec. Trying to find the spreadsheet and where I saved it. Don’t tell me… I’m sure I’ll find it… hopefully sooner than later. Thanks for this article and the timely review. Talk soon.

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TCollins

31. Jan, 2010

Hi Nate!

I’m a newbie in this whole keyword posting and research. Your step-by-step video was very helpful. I’ve recorded and completed my first spreadsheet listing but I’m not sure what the next step is. Do I continue to list keywords and keep the process going? How is this being tracked and who else is keeping track of what I’m doing?

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Sheila

31. Mar, 2010

I’m very new to keyword search I will go from doing my spreedsheet to following the other instruction wish me well. I looking forward to really doing my very best with your help. Thanks for all your informative information.

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Dan Jentes

24. May, 2010

Hi Nate

I’m trying to figure out the best way to inport my keyword phrase search criteria into the spreadheet. Do I do it manually or copy/paste?

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