8:02
Module 1: The Foundation of SEO
Module 2: Keyword Research
Module 3: On-Page SEO
Module 4: Technical SEO
Module 5: Off-Page SEO
Final Assessment
4/16 Lessons
Content
Assignment
Before you write a single piece of content or build a single link, you must understand the words and phrases your potential customers are using to find solutions to their problems. This is the art of keyword research.
1. What is a Keyword?
A keyword is the term, phrase, or query that a person types into a search engine. They are the voice of your customer. But a keyword is more than just a search term; it reflects a person's search intent.
Search Intent is the "why" behind a search query. Understanding intent is more important than the keyword itself because it tells you what the user hopes to achieve. There are four main types of search intent:
01
Informational:
The user is looking for information or answers to a question. They are in the research phase and aren't ready to buy yet.
Examples: "how to fix a leaky faucet," "best workout for beginners," "what is SEO."
02
Navigational:
The user wants to find a specific website or brand. They already know what they want and are just using the search engine to get there.
Examples: "Nike," "Amazon login," "LinkedIn jobs."
03
Commercial Investigation:
The user is researching products or services before making a purchase. They are comparing options and looking for reviews.
Examples: "best running shoes for men," "SEO tool comparison," "iPhone 15 vs. Samsung S23."
04
Transactional:
The user is ready to buy or take a specific action. This is a high-intent search.
Examples: "buy leather jacket online," "download free ebook," "cheap flights to Paris."
Your goal is to align your content with the user’s intent. If a user is in the informational stage, you should provide an educational blog post, not a product page. If they are in the transactional stage, you should offer a clear path to purchase.
2. Why Keywords Are the Foundation of SEO
Targeting the right keywords is crucial for two main reasons: