Start with Keyword Research

Search Engine Optimization
Aug
21

Start with Keyword Research

08/21/2025 12:00 AM by Tushar in

Here’s a practical step-by-step guide you can follow to use SEO tools effectively and dominate Google rankings:

1. Start with Keyword Research

  • Tools: Ahrefs, SEMrush, Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest

  • How to use them:

    • Identify high-traffic, low-competition keywords.

    • Look for long-tail keywords that match search intent (informational, commercial, transactional).

    • Analyze competitors’ top-ranking keywords to find content gaps you can target.

👉 Example: If your competitor ranks for “best SEO tools 2025”, you can create content like “Top 15 SEO Tools in 2025 Every Marketer Needs.”

2. Spy on Competitors

  • Tools: Ahrefs, SEMrush, SpyFu

  • How to use them:

    • Enter your competitor’s domain and check which pages bring the most traffic.

    • Identify backlinks pointing to their top pages.

    • Create better, more in-depth content and build similar (or better) backlinks.

3. Optimize On-Page SEO

  • Tools: Yoast SEO (WordPress), SurferSEO, Clearscope, Rank Math

  • How to use them:

    • Ensure proper keyword placement (title, meta description, H1, subheadings, and naturally in content).

    • Improve content readability (short paragraphs, bullet points, clear headings).

    • Use content optimization tools to check keyword density, semantic keywords, and readability scores.

4. Fix Technical SEO Issues

  • Tools: Screaming Frog, Google Search Console, Sitebulb

  • How to use them:

    • Crawl your site to identify broken links, duplicate content, and redirect issues.

    • Improve site speed (use PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix).

    • Ensure your site is mobile-friendly and indexed properly.

5. Track and Improve Backlinks

  • Tools: Ahrefs, Majestic, Moz Link Explorer

  • How to use them:

    • Monitor your backlinks to ensure they are high quality.

    • Disavow spammy or toxic links.

    • Build authority by guest posting, digital PR, and outreach campaigns.

6. Boost Local SEO (if relevant)

  • Tools: BrightLocal, Moz Local, Google Business Profile

  • How to use them:

    • Optimize your Google Business Profile with accurate NAP (Name, Address, Phone).

    • Collect reviews and respond to them.

    • Build local citations across directories.

7. Track Performance & Analytics

  • Tools: Google Analytics 4 (GA4), Google Search Console, Ahrefs, SEMrush

  • How to use them:

    • Track your keyword ranking progress.

    • Monitor organic traffic growth and bounce rates.

    • Identify underperforming content and optimize it for better rankings.

8. Leverage AI for Content & SEO

  • Tools: SurferSEO, Jasper AI, ChatGPT (for ideation and content drafts)

  • How to use them:

    • Generate optimized content briefs.

    • Use AI to create outlines, FAQs, and schema markup.

    • Improve topical authority by covering all related subtopics.