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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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LEAVE A COMMENT.
Why didn’t I see Sat. Sharefest yesterday? Did it post late, or was I on the wrong screen? Argh!
.-= Kim @ Cheap Chic Home´s last post: A Stack of Tin Trays =-.
Love cheap chic, great and inspiring ideas. I look forward to reading more. The tray idea is rather inventive. I can relate to the find of an object of appreciation that keeps your eyes looking for more.
Mira Faraday recently posted..The Eclipse
I didn’t realize this about keywords. I’m forwarding the email I got from you about it to my mom. I think she can really use this info on her blog! Thanks!
A popular post on my blog….
http://pixeltrashamania.blogspot.com/2009/04/free-printable.html
.-= Tami´s last post: Trash to Treasure Thriftstore Find Part Two =-.
What a great post. I never really understood much about keywords.
.-= Kathleen´s last post: Yummy Rummy Hot Chocolate =-.
This is excellent information! Thanks!
.-= Carolyn´s last post: Installing Beadboard Wallpaper =-.
great info. Happy Saturday!!!
.-= Twincerly,Olga´s last post: ALoHa FriDaY!!! =-.
I’ve been blogging for a few years, but there is a lot I don’t know about all these Google analytics. Thanks for the info!
.-= Skooks´s last post: Made: Recycled T-Shirt Halter Dresses =-.
this was such a great help for my in my adventure into blogging.
.-= Housewife Bliss´s last post: Getting my feet wet =-.
Twitter: geezees
says:
These are great tips!!
.-= Stephanie @ Geezees´s last post: What to put on OUR canvas bus roll art?? My kitchen is done! =-.
Just starting out…thanks for the great tips!
One of my latest blog posts…
http://www.handbagsandhandguns.com/2010/01/writers-workshop-my-batman-dream.html
Better late than never!! Happy Monday:)
Did you make it thru your Monday? Have a bit of road rage now that you’re home with a glass of wine in your hand? Then go read my latest post, The Fine Art of Merging!
Well, I am 2 days late. The story of my life these days! But still wanted to participate, even though I don’t anticipate anyone below me checking out my blog!
I loved the hints in this post. I will go try the Google keyword tips in a minute. But do agree that just having fun interacting with other bloggers is the most fun, easiest, and best use of time way to get people to your blog.
Here is a recent post that was filled with things people may not know about me. http://mommytotwoboys.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-seven.html
Very late addition ot Saturday sharefest!
.-= My Baby Sweetness´s last post: Mayberry aka my Grandfather should have lived here =-.
Hey…better late than never…
Great post! Thanks so much for the keyword tips! But, I totally agree with you when you say that the best way to network is to read and be read…. so many wonderful things to learn from each other, inspiration to be gained, and support to be had from sistas everywhere! Keep up the wonderful blogging! We all have something important to share….:)
I would love to hear from you at my blog : http://www.GardenVibe.blogspot.com
Thanks for the great tips! Can’t wait to try them out. Sorry I wasn’t in town on Saturday to do this then. Have a great day!!
.-= Julie´s last post: The Washington Monument =-.
Fantastic tips as always. You know you rock my blog world don’t you. I’ve picked up so much fabulous information from you since you started doing Saturday Sharefest.
.-= * TONYA *´s last post: BUNDLED UP IN TAWNY ROSE TWISTS =-.
Thanks for the PSA! I was very confused as to how key words work!
Have a lovely Saturday!! Its errand day LOL
Alisha
http://www.craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.com
.-= Alisha´s last post: A Tote Bag Is Being Born =-.
great ideas! i love reading this blog to help me figure out my way in this crazy world of blogland.
Thanks for the insight! Please check out my blog:
365 Days Running: A story of DAILY exercise for a whole year in spite of Type 1 diabetes, 2 kids, 3 clients, a pack of coyotes and a million other excuses
http://365daysrunning.wordpress.com/2010/01/22/day-22-coyote-ballet/
.-= Kelly´s last post: Day 33 – Comments on cookies =-.
What an excellent post! Thanks for the tips to find more readers.
Thanks Vodkamom for leading me here.
Sue,
Caregiver to my demented 80 yr old mom. Where every day is an adventure!
.-= Sue´s last post: Thumbs Down Good =-.
Once again tkx for the help.
.-= anat´s last post: #1 Moves for Abs,Butt and Armes =-.
Happy Saturday! Enjoy your time at Blissdom! Janell
http://isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com/
Happy Sits, Have a great time at Blissdom! Janell
.-= Janell Beals´s last post: Mystery Design Project – A Light Fixture =-.
I’ve finally begun blogging regularly and your community here has been fun and informative. Thanks to everyone here.
My last post: http://betterjeans.blogspot.com/2010/02/admit-it-we-all-do-it.html
.-= Marcy´s last post: Admit It, We All Do It =-.
Great advice, loving what I’m seeing here.
Going to be checking out keywords on Google Keywords Analyzer. Thanks for this tip. My latest post:
http://encorehomestagingredesign.blogspot.com/2010/12/happy-new-year.html#links
I absolutely love what I am am reading here… newbie to SITS Girls, and at the risk of sounding redundant… I love what I am reading here… and will love to see how this Saturday Sharefest goes
Blessings to all!
Carla Karam recently posted..Day 104 ~ It’s Gonna Be All Right
Twitter: Kenner82
says:
What a great resource! I didn’t know about the keyword analyzer, thanks for the tip!
Carolyn recently posted..My “No Surgery In 2012!” Slogan Lasted Less Than A Month (Yet Another Glasses Update)