My Step-by-Step Approach to Finding the Right Keywords for Organic Growth
Hello fellow entrepreneurs! Today, I want to talk about a topic that’s absolutely critical for any new Shopify store looking to make its mark online: SEO keyword research.
When you’re just starting out, it can feel like shouting into the void. How do customers find your amazing products amidst the millions of other online stores?
The answer, my friends, lies largely in understanding what your potential customers are searching for on Google and other search engines. This is where keyword research comes in.
Think of keyword research as the compass that guides your entire SEO strategy. It helps you discover the exact words and phrases your target audience uses to find products like yours.
For a brand new Shopify store, this isn’t just important; it’s foundational. You don’t have the domain authority of established brands, so you need to be smart about how you attract organic traffic.
My goal today is to walk you through a practical, step-by-step guide to conducting effective keyword research specifically tailored for new Shopify merchants.
First, let’s define what we mean by “keywords.” These are the terms people type into search engines. They can be single words, but more often, they are phrases.
Understanding search intent is paramount. Are people looking to buy (transactional), learn (informational), or find a specific website (navigational)? Your keywords should align with your product pages’ intent.
For new stores, I always recommend focusing heavily on “long-tail keywords.” These are longer, more specific phrases, typically three or more words.
Why long-tail? Because they usually have lower search volume, but also significantly lower competition. This makes it much easier for a new store to rank for them.
Someone searching for “women’s running shoes” is broad. Someone searching for “lightweight women’s trail running shoes size 7” is highly specific and likely ready to buy.
So, where do we begin our keyword hunt? Let’s start with some free tools that are readily available to you.
Google Keyword Planner is a fantastic starting point. While it’s primarily for advertisers, you can use it to discover new keywords and get search volume estimates.
Another invaluable free resource is Google Search Console. Once your store is indexed, this tool shows you what keywords people are already using to find your site.
Don’t forget Google Trends. This tool helps you see the popularity of search terms over time and identify seasonal trends, which can be great for planning promotions.
Your own Shopify search bar is a goldmine! Pay attention to what customers type into your store’s search function. These are direct insights into their needs.
Competitor analysis is also key. Look at your successful competitors. What keywords do they seem to be ranking for? Tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs can help, but even manual observation is useful.
Now, let’s talk about the process. Start by brainstorming “seed keywords.” These are broad terms related to your products or niche.
If you sell handmade jewelry, your seed keywords might be “handmade jewelry,” “unique necklaces,” “custom earrings,” etc.
Plug these seed keywords into your chosen tools (Google Keyword Planner, etc.) to generate a larger list of related terms.
As you gather keywords, categorize them. Group similar terms together. Think about how they relate to your product categories, specific products, or potential blog topics.
Prioritize keywords based on relevance, search volume (aim for a sweet spot – not too high, not too low for new stores), and competition.
Remember, for new stores, lower competition is often better than high search volume. You want to rank for *something* rather than nothing.
Once you have your prioritized list, it’s time for keyword mapping. This means deciding where each keyword will be used on your Shopify store.
Your product titles, descriptions, collection pages, and blog posts are prime real estate for your target keywords. Don’t forget meta descriptions and image alt text!
Ensure your keywords flow naturally within your content. Keyword stuffing – unnaturally repeating keywords – will hurt your SEO, not help it.
I also highly recommend creating a content calendar around your keywords. Blog posts are excellent for targeting informational long-tail keywords and driving traffic.
For example, if you sell coffee, a blog post titled “How to Brew the Perfect Pour Over Coffee at Home” can attract users searching for that specific information.
Finally, SEO is not a “set it and forget it” strategy. Regularly monitor your keyword performance using Google Search Console and adjust your strategy as needed.
What do you think about this approach to keyword research for new Shopify stores? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
In conclusion, effective keyword research is the bedrock of organic growth for any new Shopify store. It empowers you to connect with the right customers at the right time.
By focusing on long-tail keywords, utilizing free tools, and consistently optimizing your content, you’ll be well on your way to attracting valuable organic traffic.
Don’t get discouraged if results aren’t immediate. SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. But with diligent keyword research, you’re starting on the right foot.
Keep learning, keep optimizing, and watch your Shopify store flourish!
