If your current keywords are not producing the results that you had hoped, or perhaps you are just starting keyword research, then pay attention to the following suggestions. Finding the best keywords is critical to maximizing your online marketing strategy. It won’t take long to complete these simple steps.

Start with a Brainstorming Session

Take a look at your site, your content, your goals and what you have to offer. After doing so, write down all the keywords that might ultimately lead someone to your site. This is purely a brainstorming session so do not leave anything out, even if it sounds absurd. Write down all the possibilities and this list will be your starting point.

Get Specific

Take your list and eliminate or adjust the terms that are not specific enough. Consider your location and specialty as you make these changes. The keyword ‘truck’ is far too broad. Once you specify your specialty, the phrase becomes a connection to those who will actually interact and purchase something on your site. A keyword such as commercial truck parts is far more effective.

Match it with your Goal

Your keywords should help you reach your goal and the more relevant they are, the more likely this will happen. You want targeted traffic to find your site, visit your site and then fulfill a goal. Do you want them to purchase something? Do you want them to subscribe? Do you want them to contribute to a charity? The answers to these questions should help you determine what keywords are best.

Start Research

Once you have come up with a solid list of several possibilities (hopefully you have already weeded out the non-contenders), start research with sites such as Google’s Keyword Tool or SEO Book Keyword Suggestion Tool. Insert the keywords that are on your short list to see their popularity and usage statistics. There are more sites that offer expanded analysis for a fee. These tools will assure you that the keywords you select will translate into more visitors to your site.

Once you have followed these simple steps you will be ready to implement a new keyword plan.  Using the keywords that have risen to top, or in this case have passed all the requirements, tag them to your site. The time you have taken to ensure that your keywords are best matched for higher traffic will be sure to be worth your while.