Running an ecommerce store often feels like juggling more tasks than a circus performer. Between managing inventory, processing orders, and keeping customers happy, finding time to tackle SEO is no small feat. But if you want your store to shine online, understanding how to find affordable keywords is crucial. These are the words and phrases that potential customers type into search engines, hoping to stumble upon what you're selling.
This post will break down how to find budget-friendly keywords for your ecommerce store. We’ll explore various tools and techniques to identify the right keywords without breaking the bank. By the end, you'll have a clearer picture of how to attract more visitors to your store without necessarily spending a fortune on ads.
Why Cheap Keywords Matter
First things first, why should you care about cheap keywords? In the world of SEO, not all keywords are created equal. Some are high in demand and will cost you a pretty penny, while others are more affordable and can still drive traffic to your site. This is the sweet spot we're aiming for.
When you target affordable keywords, you're essentially getting more bang for your buck. Instead of competing with big brands for expensive keywords, you can find under-the-radar keywords that still bring in quality traffic. It's a bit like shopping at a thrift store—you never know what gems you might find at a fraction of the cost.
Moreover, cheap keywords often have less competition. This means there's a higher chance your ecommerce store will rank higher in search engine results, making it easier for potential customers to find you. This is especially beneficial for smaller businesses that might not have the same marketing budget as larger competitors.
Using Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is a fantastic starting point for finding affordable keywords. It’s a free tool that allows you to see how certain keywords perform and what the competition looks like. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:
- Create a Google Ads account if you don’t already have one. Don’t worry; you don’t need to run an ad campaign to use the Keyword Planner.
- Once logged in, navigate to the “Keyword Planner” under the “Tools” menu.
- Select “Discover new keywords” to start your search.
- Enter a few keywords related to your products or services. The tool will generate a list of related keywords, along with data on their search volume and competition.
- Look for keywords with a decent search volume but low competition. These are typically more affordable and easier to rank for.
By using Google Keyword Planner, you can gather a list of potential keywords to target. The trick here is to balance search volume and competition—opt for keywords that have enough search volume to drive traffic but aren’t overly competitive.
Exploring Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are like the hidden gems of the keyword world. They might not have the high search volume of more generic keywords, but they’re often more specific and signal a higher intent to purchase. For example, instead of targeting “running shoes,” you might target “women’s lightweight trail running shoes.”
The beauty of long-tail keywords is twofold:
- They often have less competition, making it easier to achieve higher rankings in search results.
- They attract more qualified leads. Someone searching for a very specific product is often closer to making a purchase compared to someone using a broad search term.
To find long-tail keywords, think about the specific features or benefits of your products. What sets them apart from the competition? Use these unique aspects to create longer, more specific keywords.
Leveraging Competitor Analysis
Peeking into your competitors’ keyword strategies can offer a treasure trove of insights. If they’re ranking for certain keywords, chances are those keywords could be valuable for you too. Here’s how you can conduct a competitor analysis:
- Identify your main competitors. These might be businesses that sell similar products or operate in the same niche.
- Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to analyze the keywords your competitors are ranking for.
- Look for opportunities where your competitors rank well for keywords with lower competition. If they can rank for these keywords, perhaps you can too.
- Consider targeting keywords that your competitors might have overlooked. These can be niche terms related to your specific products or services.
By understanding what’s working for your competitors, you can adjust your strategy to include similar, yet cost-effective keywords. This not only helps in saving costs but also in positioning your store effectively in the market.
Utilizing Social Media Insights
Social media platforms are not just for cat videos and memes—they’re also a goldmine for discovering what your audience is talking about. By tuning into these conversations, you can uncover keywords that are trending or gaining traction within your niche.
Here’s how you can start:
- Follow industry-related hashtags and keywords on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
- Join relevant Facebook groups or Reddit communities and observe the language people use when discussing topics related to your products.
- Use tools like BuzzSumo to find popular content in your niche and see which keywords are being used frequently.
Social media insights give you a real-time pulse on what your audience is interested in. These keywords might not always be the most obvious choices, but they can help you connect with your target audience in a meaningful way.
Implementing LSI Keywords
LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords are like the supporting actors in your keyword strategy. They’re related terms and phrases that help search engines understand the context of your content. By incorporating LSI keywords, you can enhance the relevance of your pages and potentially improve their rankings.
To find LSI keywords:
- Enter your primary keyword into Google and scroll to the bottom of the search results page. Here, you’ll find a section called “Searches related to…” which lists LSI keywords.
- Use tools like LSIGraph to generate a list of related keywords based on your main keyword.
- Incorporate these LSI keywords naturally into your content. They should support your main keywords and provide additional context.
Think of LSI keywords as the seasoning to your keyword strategy—they add flavor and depth, making your content more appealing to search engines and readers alike.
Exploring Free and Paid Tools
While Google Keyword Planner is an excellent starting point, there are plenty of other tools out there—both free and paid—that can help you find affordable keywords. Let’s take a look at a few:
- Ubersuggest: A free tool by Neil Patel that provides keyword suggestions, search volume, and competition data.
- AnswerThePublic: This tool visualizes search questions and suggested autocomplete searches in an easy-to-digest format.
- Keywords Everywhere: A browser extension that shows you search volume, CPC, and competition data while you browse the web.
- SEMrush: A paid tool that offers in-depth keyword research, competitor analysis, and more.
Each tool has its own set of features and benefits. It might take some experimentation to find the one that works best for your needs, but investing time in exploring these tools can lead to valuable keyword insights.
Evaluating Keyword Performance
Once you’ve chosen your keywords, it’s important to keep track of their performance. Are they driving traffic to your site? Are they helping you achieve your business goals? Here’s how you can evaluate keyword performance:
- Use Google Analytics to track which keywords are bringing visitors to your site.
- Monitor your rankings for specific keywords using tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs.
- Pay attention to conversion rates. Are the visitors coming from these keywords converting into customers?
Evaluating keyword performance helps you understand what’s working and what’s not. This way, you can make informed decisions about whether to continue focusing on certain keywords or pivot to new opportunities.
Adapting to Changing Trends
SEO is not a one-and-done deal. Search trends change, user behavior evolves, and what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. This is why it’s crucial to stay adaptable and continuously refine your keyword strategy.
Here are a few ways to stay on top of changing trends:
- Set up Google Alerts for industry keywords to receive notifications on trending topics.
- Regularly review your analytics data to spot shifts in user behavior.
- Keep an eye on industry news and updates to anticipate changes in search trends.
By staying flexible and proactive, you can ensure that your keyword strategy remains effective in driving traffic and conversions, even as the digital landscape evolves.
Final Thoughts
Finding affordable keywords for your ecommerce store might seem like a challenge at first, but with the right tools and strategies, it becomes manageable. By focusing on long-tail keywords, leveraging competitor analysis, and staying in tune with social media trends, you can find those hidden gems that drive quality traffic without draining your budget.
If you’re looking for more tailored guidance, Pattern can help take your ecommerce SEO strategy to the next level. We focus on results, not just rankings, crafting content that converts visitors into paying customers. Our approach is all about making SEO a growth channel that drives sales and lowers your customer acquisition costs. Interested in learning more? Check out how Pattern can help your business thrive.