Having a solid keyword foundation is essential in order to have a successful SEO campaign. It is therefore important to pay close attention to the keyword selection for your site. This task is difficult and time-consuming since you have to choose relevant keywords from a very long list of potential words and phrases and make sure that you use the right set of words that can drive potential customers to your site. This article covers some pointers when it comes to choosing the right keywords:

• Make a keyword list. Write down keywords that are related to your site. If your site is about web design services, ask family and friends what they would enter into search engines to look for that particular topic. This will give you an insight on the set of keywords that potential consumers actually use.
  
  

• Use online keyword research tools. These provide lists of keywords that people enter into search engines as well as the number of times each keyword is used. Keyword research tools are very useful in determining popular search terms.
  
  

• Use key phrases instead of single-word terms. If your site is new, targeting the most popular keyword is not a very good idea since thousands of sites are already using that same keyword. Find two- and three-word terms that are relevant to your site. These may be less popular but can still bring a decent number of visitors.
  
  

• It is important to note that keyword selection is not limited to finding popular and relevant keywords that can drive a lot of visitors to your site. Make sure that the words you use can generate leads. It is way better to get hundreds of visitors who turn into customers than thousands of visitors who do not convert into sales.
  
  

• Do not use keywords that are too general or too specific. Opt for relevant keywords that are popular enough to drive potential customers to your site.
  
  

Keyword selection is an ongoing process. You need to do some keyword research regularly so your site stays updated. Choose keywords wisely and see significant results in your site traffic.