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Welcome to the weekly blogging tip and comment game! This week I’m talking about keywords.
Keyword usage is confusing to many bloggers. You want to optimize your blog and get some Google juice, but you’re not sure what keywords to use, where to put them, or how often to use them. Today I’ll try to take away some of the mystery for you.
The first thing to remember is that keyword usage is not an exact science. Google regularly changes the “formula” it uses to rank blogs in its search results. They do this as they refine their technology and also so web site owners are less likely to be able to game the system. That said, here are some basic tips.
- Make a list of words that describe your blog content. If you want someone to find your blog, what words do you think they should use in a Google search?
- Go to Google’s keyword analyzer, put in your keywords and click “Get Keyword Ideas.” This will tell you how popular your keywords are and give you similar keyword ideas. Now click on the column that says “Global Monthly Search Volume” to see a list of similar keywords in order of popularity. Click again to see it in reverse order – from least popular. Use this to refine your list and decide on a handful of final keywords to describe your blog. It’s fine (and good!) to use popular keywords, but try to have some not-so-popular ones, too. Try to balance common, yet not too competitive words. Make note of the phrases that the Google tool suggests – this is also important. The more specific and niche you can get, the better. For example, if your blog is about soap, maybe you can use the keywords soap, making, herbal, recipe, and gift. Five to ten words is sufficient.
- Now that you have a few keywords and phrases, you need to get them into your blog. Use the exact words and phrases. They key here is balance. If you flood your posts with keywords, Google will flag you as spam. I’ve heard the rule is to use no more than one keyword out of every 100 words on your blog, but no one really knows the exact formula (except maybe Google insiders!). Try to use your keywords and phrases in your posts and in your titles when you can. But don’t try too hard or your posts will just sound repetitive and ridiculous.
- What about “META” tags? They are part of the code that is placed in the header of your blog. You can access them in your template code. They are invisible to your blog visitors, but search engine spiders and bots do see the info. According to the Google Webmaster Blog, Google’s web search “disregards keyword meta tags completely.” But there is always a chance that could change, so it doesn’t hurt to have those tags and keywords in place if you are comfortable with editing your blog template.
Unless you have a very unique niche or product, you’re probably going to get more traffic out of your social interactions than your “bot” interactions. In other words, don’t stress over getting Google to put you in the top five. Spend your efforts making personal connections in social media: commenting, Twittering, Stumbling, Facebooking, etc. And, of course, spend most of your time writing great content!
Now, let’s play a game! Here are the rules for the SITS Saturday Sharefest:
- Leave a comment here with a link to one of your best blog posts (or just your main URL if you prefer).
- After you leave your comment, visit the link of the person who commented BEFORE you.
- Comment on their post and be sure to say “Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest” in your comment.
Now, go leave some comments! And please visit my blog, Mom, Reinvented.
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happy saturday ladies. I have a bunch going on with giveaways and helping an autism center here that is low on funding
Happy Saturday, SITStas! I totally just posted a Saturday hello on the Friday thread… wooooops lol. Two is usually better than one, right?
I hope you all have a great weekend!
.-= Amber´s last post: Why I’m Totally Rad: An Online Report By Yours Truly =-.
I’m so glad it is Saturday!!! The weekend is MUCH needed!!
.-= Mandi Miller´s last post: In Between Sick =-.
Good Saturday Morning! It’s time for my workout and I’m ready for it! Hope you all have a wonderful day!
.-= Feeling Fit With Dana´s last post: Girls Night In!! =-.
Happy Sat. The sun is out and I am headed out for a run! Make it a great day=)
.-= sarah Brown´s last post: General Mills My Blog Spark! =-.
I have a personal connection story on my blog. Check it out!!
.-= Angelia Sims´s last post: Why I heart Facebook <3 =-.
Happy weekend, SITStas! It is a cold, ICY day here in MN. The dogs and I skated down the sidewalks when we went outside this morning, because it was glare ice. No good!
.-= Elle @ A for Effort´s last post: C for Childfree =-.
Happy SAturday! Beautiful day in FLorida. HEaded out to enjoy it!
Happy Sharefest everyone! Drop by and I will be doing the same…
.-= Morgan ´s last post: Weddings, Homemade gifts, and Tornados – Oh MY! =-.
Happy Saturday Sharefest! I’ve never been this early!
.-= Sarah Nicole´s last post: I Have a Confession =-.
Thanks for the reminder about keywords – I needed that! My average daily readership has increased since I started posting more regularly, but I think this would help too
Thanks!
.-= Jen´s last post: Virtual Vacation – New Zealand =-.
Good Morning.
Happy Saturday!!
.-= Meg Michelle´s last post: Bridal Necklace =-.
This is one part of blogging that remains a mystery to me. Is keyword usuage and SEO the same thing?
Thanks for the tips, though. It’s a great place to start.
Happy Saturday, have a great day!
.-= Miss Behavin´s last post: Feeding a Picky Toddler and Managing Mealtime Chaos =-.
Happy Saturday Sharefest everyone…. No favorites today… just off in blog land reading. Have a wonderful day!
annonandon.blogspot.com
Good morning everyone! We’re off to Disney on Ice today. I’m not sure whether to be excited or horrified!
.-= Karin aka perpstu´s last post: Bath Time…Hip Hooray for Bath Time =-.
No way! Under 50? This must be my lucky day!
Happy Sharefest everyone! Have a great day!
.-= MamaB´s last post: Brotherly Love =-.
Happy Saturday Ladies!!! Hope you’re weekend goes well
.-= Mesina´s last post: How to make her Valentine’s Day unforgettable =-.
Okay, …Ick
I read a news article today that if it had been written on April 1st, I would have giggled my ass off. But it was written January 21st, 2010.
.-= Maxie Gregg´s last post: Okay, …Ick =-.
Hi Ladies!!! I haven’t been here for AGES!!! ohh so good to be back!!! How are you doing???
Have a lovely Saturday!!! Thank God it’s weekend!!!
Hello Ladies!
Love saturday sharefest!!!
This Mama Works It Latest blog post:
http://thismamaworksit.com/2010/01/23/and-this-is-why-i-am-fat/
A whole day of baking ahead of me. Love Saturdays!
.-= Wendy (The Local Cook)´s last post: Fit Jerk Friday: The Importance Of A Workout Buddy =-.
Woohooo maybe I can still get in the top 30 today
Yeah, keywords and stuff is somewhat of a mystery to handle for normal private blogs, so thank you for the info!
Happy SITS sharefest ladies!
Woooohooooo it’s the weekend (and I don’t have to go to work, yipee!)!!!!
Happy Saturday Everyone!!!!
.-= Charlene@Adventures in MommyLand´s last post: Breathing New Life Into Someone Else’s Junk =-.
Here is a fun post: http://www.jdaniel4smom.com/2010/01/can-early-bird-catch-worm-if-worm-is.html
.-= JDaniel4′s Mom´s last post: Talking about Love and Life Insurance with a Contest Thrown In =-.
Twitter: sarahviz
says:
Enjoy the weekend ladies – only 2 more weeks until Blissdom!
.-= Trenches of Mommyhood´s last post: I Don’t Leave My Boyz With Just Anyone, You Know. They Have to AT LEAST Have a Pulse =-.
Hello everyone and happy weekend! I’m so happy it’s the weekend. Now, if it would just stop freezing rain, we’d be good.
I have no idea what my blog is about. It changes daily and gets crazier with the passing day.
I suck at using keywords. Maybe this will help!
.-= parenting BY dummies´s last post: Cent Saving Saturday =-.
I made top 30?! It must be Groundhog’s Day.
Enjoy your Saturday SITSters!
.-= Teresha@ Marlie and Me´s last post: Re-Post: Valentine Giveaways Coming =-.
Happy Saturday ladies! My nonprofit started a really fun and cool project and thats what todays post is about. Its a great excuse to have a party
I am bad at keywords! This post should be helpful!
Happy Saturday!
.-= Miranda´s last post: Joshua is TEN MONTHS OLD!!! =-.
So glad it’s the weekend. Too bad I should be cleaning…going to read some blogs instead.
.-= Shell´s last post: Yes, I Did THAT =-.
Wonderful and informative. I just found this great website and you are featured in my post today! Happy Saturday!
Yvonne
.-= Yvonne@StoneGable´s last post: A Blogger’s Rest Stop- Pink Saturday =-.
Twitter: TinaLaneBlogs
says:
All of my plans disintegrated at 6am this morning when I couldn’t get my tired behind out of bed. *guilt*
Oh! That’s some great info! Thank you!
Happy Saturday everyone, even if it is cold and gray where you are too!
.-= Luschka´s last post: Helping Haiti =-.
Happy SITS Saturday! Looking forward to reading some new blogs today!
.-= Cara & Jenn´s last post: Jenn: Random Thoughts & A Recipe =-.
i’m thinking i am totally out of the loop on this one….keywords? was I supposed to be concentrating on that?
oye vey
.-= Christy´s last post: A is for Asparagus =-.
The boys went out for the day…I have the house to myself! WOO-HOO!!!
Happy Saturday! Hope you’re all having a great weekend.
.-= FairOphelia´s last post: ‘Papers, Donations, and Volunteering =-.
Forgot to leave my URL!
http://www.mommyologist.com
Happy Saturday everyone!
Here is a link to one of my posts.
http://everything-gwenny.blogspot.com/2010/01/resolutions-for-2010.html
.-= Gwenyth Love´s last post: Books Read in 2010 =-.
Great tips today!!
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
.-= Tia´s last post: Not so Happy Friday… =-.
Happy SITS Saturday! I am so excited to get cleaning and now that I know how to use my keywords maybe get a little traffic coming, so I’m not just talking to myself. I love finding new blogs this way too.
10 things I hate about you (portable steam mop and Publix)
Well, Happy Saturday everyone! Hope you are starting out a fantastic weekend this morning!
.-= Ally´s last post: Remember? Past Days of Rockin’ Style. =-.
Happy Saturday and Happy Sharefest everyone! Great tips!
.-= Salt´s last post: The answer is: Chimpanzee on crack. =-.
Happy Saturday everyone! Here is my latest blog post
http://calamitylace.blogspot.com/2010/01/oh-boy.html
.-= Lacey Jo´s last post: Oh Boy =-.
Hi ladies! Happy Saturday! I hope everyone is having a good start to their weekend. Check out my new header created by yours truly and tell me what you think!!~ I am pretty proud of myself for figuring it out!!
.-= beenomom´s last post: A new look around here =-.
Happy Saturday! This is my first SITS Saturday!
http://www.generationxmomblog.com
Happy Saturday and Sharefest, everyone! It finally stopped raining and we’re off to a birthday party today. Of course, I’ll be posting later
Have a great day!
.-= Kristin´s last post: rain, rain, and more rain =-.
Twitter: star4Laughs
says:
It’s my 200th Post!!
Thanks so much for being there with me through it all!
http://star4laughs.blogspot.com/2010/01/200.html