In the world of digital marketing, a solid keyword strategy can make all the difference. Whether you're an SEO newbie or a seasoned content marketer, understanding how to find and use exact match keywords can significantly impact your search engine rankings. Google Keyword Planner is a powerful tool that can help you identify these exact match keywords, but getting the most out of it requires a bit of know-how.
In this article, we'll explore the ins and outs of using Google Keyword Planner to find exact match keywords. We'll walk through everything from setting up your account to interpreting the data you find. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of how to leverage this tool to enhance your SEO strategy. Ready to get started? Let's dive in!
Setting Up Your Google Keyword Planner Account
Before you can start hunting for keywords, you'll need to set up your Google Keyword Planner account. This tool is part of Google Ads, so if you already have an account, you're halfway there. If not, here's a quick guide to get you started.
- Visit the Google Ads website and click on "Start Now."
- Create a new Google Ads account if you haven't already. You'll need a Google account for this.
- Once logged in, select "Tools & Settings" from the menu at the top of the page.
- Under "Planning," choose "Keyword Planner."
And voila! You're in. Now, you don't need to create an ad campaign to use the Keyword Planner. You can skip any prompts urging you to set up ads. The tool is free to use, though some features might require you to have an active campaign. But for finding keywords, you're good to go.
Understanding Exact Match Keywords
Before we jump into using the tool, let's take a moment to understand what exact match keywords are and why they matter. In simple terms, an exact match keyword is a search term that matches your keyword exactly as you've specified it. This means if your exact match keyword is "blue running shoes," your ad will only show when someone searches for that exact phrase.
Why is this important? Well, targeting exact match keywords allows you to hone in on a very specific audience. It's like fishing with a spear instead of a net. While you might catch fewer fish, they're more likely to be the ones you want. This precision can lead to higher conversion rates, as you're reaching people who are searching specifically for what you offer.
On the flip side, it means you might miss out on variations or related searches. But if you know exactly what your audience is looking for, this trade-off can be well worth it. So, how do you go about finding these golden keywords in Google Keyword Planner? Let's take a look.
Finding Keywords in Google Keyword Planner
With your account set up and a clear understanding of what exact match keywords are, it's time to dive into Google Keyword Planner and start finding them. Here's a straightforward process to get you started.
- Access the Keyword Planner: Once you're in Google Ads, head over to the "Tools & Settings" menu and select "Keyword Planner" under "Planning."
- Choose Your Tool: You'll see two options: "Discover new keywords" and "Get search volume and forecasts." For finding new keywords, choose the first option.
- Enter Your Keywords: Enter a few seed keywords that relate to your business or content. These should be broad terms that will help Google generate related keywords.
- Filter Your Results: After you run a search, you'll get a list of keywords along with data like search volume and competition level. Use filters to narrow down to more specific, exact match candidates.
The tool will present a range of keyword suggestions. These aren't exact match keywords yet, but they're a starting point. The next step is to sift through these suggestions and identify potential exact match candidates.
Interpreting Keyword Data
At this stage, you'll have a list of potential keywords in front of you. But what do all those numbers and columns mean? Let's break down the key metrics you'll encounter in Google Keyword Planner.
- Average Monthly Searches: This tells you how many times a keyword is searched each month. A higher number means more potential traffic, but it also often means more competition.
- Competition: This column indicates how many advertisers are bidding on a keyword. Low competition might mean easier rankings, but it could also indicate lower commercial intent.
- Bid Ranges: The bid range for top-of-page bids gives you an idea of what advertisers are willing to pay for clicks. This can hint at the commercial value of a keyword.
With these metrics, you can assess which keywords are worth targeting. Look for a balance of decent search volume and manageable competition. This sweet spot is where you'll find those valuable exact match keywords that can drive targeted traffic to your site.
Refining Your Keyword List
Now that you've got a list of potential keywords, it's time to refine it. This means eliminating keywords that don't quite fit your needs and honing in on those that do. Here are some tips to help you refine your list.
- Focus on Relevance: Ensure each keyword is closely related to your content or products. Irrelevant keywords might bring traffic, but they won't convert as well.
- Consider Search Intent: Think about what someone searching for a keyword is trying to achieve. Keywords with clear commercial intent can be more valuable.
- Balance Volume and Competition: Aim for keywords with a good search volume but moderate competition. These can offer the best return on investment.
By carefully refining your list, you'll be better positioned to target the most effective keywords for your SEO strategy. Remember, quality trumps quantity here. It's better to focus on a few highly relevant keywords than to spread yourself too thin.
Creating Campaigns with Exact Match Keywords
Once you've narrowed down your list, it's time to put those keywords to work. In the context of Google Ads, this means creating campaigns that leverage your exact match keywords. Here's how to do it.
- Create a New Campaign: In your Google Ads account, click on "Campaigns" and then "New Campaign."
- Select Your Goals: Choose the goals that align with your business objectives, like driving sales or website traffic.
- Set Your Targeting and Budget: Define your target audience and set a budget that you're comfortable with.
- Add Your Keywords: When adding keywords, use brackets to indicate exact match. For example, [blue running shoes].
By using exact match keywords in your campaigns, you ensure that your ads are shown to users who are searching for precisely what you offer. This specificity can lead to higher conversion rates and a better return on your ad spend.
Monitoring and Adjusting Your Campaigns
Launching your campaign isn't the end of the road; it's just the beginning. To get the most out of your exact match keyword strategy, you'll need to keep a close eye on your campaigns and make adjustments as needed. Here's how to stay on top of things.
- Track Performance: Use Google Ads' reporting tools to monitor key metrics like click-through rates, conversions, and cost per conversion.
- Test Variations: Experiment with different ad copy or landing pages to see what resonates best with your audience.
- Refine Keywords: If certain keywords aren't performing as expected, consider adjusting your match types or adding negative keywords to filter out unwanted traffic.
By continuously monitoring and refining your campaigns, you can maximize the effectiveness of your exact match keywords and drive better results for your business.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it's easy to fall into some common traps when using exact match keywords in Google Keyword Planner. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for.
- Ignoring Data: It's tempting to focus solely on search volume, but don't ignore other metrics like competition and bid ranges.
- Overlooking Long-Tail Keywords: While exact match keywords are important, don't neglect long-tail variations that can capture niche audiences.
- Being Too Narrow: Exact match keywords are precise, but being too narrow can limit your reach. Balance precision with flexibility.
Avoiding these pitfalls can help you make the most of your SEO efforts and ensure that your keyword strategy is as effective as possible.
Final Thoughts
Finding and using exact match keywords in Google Keyword Planner can give your SEO strategy a significant boost. By focusing on specific search terms, you can attract highly targeted traffic that's more likely to convert. The key is to balance precision with flexibility and continuously refine your approach based on data.
For those looking to get even more from their SEO efforts, Pattern can help. We specialize in driving traffic that converts, not just traffic for traffic's sake. Our programmatic landing pages target a wide range of search terms, ensuring your brand gets noticed by the right people. Plus, our content is crafted to turn visitors into paying customers. With us, SEO isn't a guessing game—it's a growth channel. Check out how Pattern can help you achieve your business goals.