6 Game-Changing Keyword Research Tactics You’re Probably Overlooking (But Shouldn’t)
Discover six underrated methods to supercharge your keyword research and stay ahead of the competition. With 15% of Google searches being brand new every day, many of these emerging keywords won’t appear in traditional research tools right away. So how can you tap into this hidden traffic and ensure you’re capturing every opportunity? Let’s explore six simple yet powerful strategies to enrich your keyword lists and maximize your content’s reach.
1. Capitalize on Competitor-Branded Keywords
Ever thought about targeting keywords with your competitor’s brand name? People searching for competitor names combined with terms like “pricing,” “reviews,” or “features” are evaluating their options. By capturing this traffic, you can attract potential customers who are already considering a competitor. It’s a great way to expand your audience and position yourself as an alternative worth considering.
2. Harness the Power of Listening and Intelligence Tools
Leverage social media and intelligence tools to understand what your target audience is searching for and discussing. Platforms like Reddit and tools like Gong provide insights into the language and pain points your audience uses. By tapping into these conversations, you can identify keywords and topics that aren’t immediately obvious through traditional research methods.
3. Implement Structured Feedback Loops
Create regular opportunities for your team to provide feedback on content gaps and keyword opportunities. Whether through Notion boards, Slack channels, or biweekly meetings, your sales and customer success teams have valuable insights into what your audience is searching for and talking about. Incorporate their feedback to ensure your content addresses real customer needs.
4. Apply Modifiers to Your Seed Keywords
Enhance your keyword list by adding specific modifiers. Consider industry-specific terms, personas, business sizes, and affordability. For example, “project management software for nonprofits” or “affordable project management tools” can help you target niche, high-intent audiences. Modifiers can also help you capture keywords with lower competition and higher conversion potential.
5. Map Keywords to Funnel Stages
Align your keywords with different stages of the customer journey. At the top of the funnel, users might search for general tips and advice. As they move down, they’ll look for specific software comparisons or features. At the bottom of the funnel, they might search for implementation guides or case studies. By mapping your content to these stages, you ensure that you address user intent at every point in their decision-making process.
6. Utilize Proprietary Data
Leverage data from customer onboarding forms, CRM records, and other proprietary sources. This data can reveal valuable insights into your audience’s industries, pain points, and specific needs. For instance, if you notice common use cases or tasks among your customers, you can create targeted content that addresses these specific needs, helping you capture traffic that’s highly relevant to your offering.
Bonus Tips for Easier Keyword Research
- Get Close to Your Product: If possible, familiarize yourself with the product or service you’re marketing. Request demos or try the tool yourself to understand its unique features and user language.
- Monitor Data Continuously: Regularly review performance data from your existing content to inform future strategies. Identify which keywords are performing well and which are not.
- Look Beyond Volume: Sometimes, low-volume keywords can be highly valuable because they attract highly targeted, high-intent traffic. Focus on keywords that may have lower search volumes but higher conversion potential.
By integrating these strategies into your keyword research process, you’ll uncover hidden opportunities and create content that resonates more effectively with your target audience. Happy researching!
