A few issues back, we suggested a simple way to find keywords relevant to your web site theme, was to ask your friends to help you. In order to understand the
human condition whereby you are apt to get one or possible two answers, we recommended specifically listing five separate lines for their answers.

This round, we can consider a couple of steps you can do on your own.

1.. One of the best ways to get ideas for keywords, is to analyze your direct competitors pages. This doesn't mean you simply copy and paste your
competitors keyword meta tags into your own site!  Also be VERY careful not to use trademarked names.

The major fallacy in such a thought of a strict action like duplicating your competition's keywords is that your pages are highly unlikely to be even
close in on-page optimization.

You can best find your competition websites by searching with what you believe to be your own top two keywords in your favorite search engine and taking a look at the source code of the top ten websites in the top three Search engines.

Pay particular attention to the contents of the title tag (<title>...</title>),

the keyword <meta name="keywords"...
and description <meta name="description" meta tags.

Forget the  arguments about using meta data.  Instead, use your eyes and do your own research as to your gathered findings.

These meta tags should help you get several keyword ideas. There is nothing unethical about researching your competitors' websites. You can be sure
they have done the same for their own site.

Successful companies know their competitors. So analyze your competitors websites in depth.

2. There are online resources that assist in the process of keyword research and selection. Generally through the use of large keyword databases holding the number of searches for any given term over a specific time frame.  Normally a month or two worth of keywords.

These databases can be very useful as they not only provide the number of searches but also help with synonyms and common keyword combinations relating to your specific theme.

Not all keyword search tools are free. However, amongst those most popular are Word Tracker,

Trellian offers an online free keyword search tool called Keyword Discovery.

Then there is Google Keyword search tools that offer you different approaches to finding keywords.

Simply typing in "free keyword search tools" will bring you up a wonderful selection of keyword search tools that you can play with till your heart's content.

There are some general guidelines to keyword selection that you should take note of. For web sites with lots of competition, it can normally be far more beneficial to optimize for two to three word combinations rather than single word terms. [long-tail or low hanging fruit]

When a site is new, it is apt to have very few if any, off-page optimization such as inbound links.

Sticking to relevant keyword phrases that hone in on the theme of your website is far more profitable in the long run, as you have a greater opportunity of building the search engine style ranking necessary to consistent traffic.

Search engine algorithms have a tendency to rank themed sites above scattered resources and unrelated topics in content.

With the terribly large amount of information the world wide web has presented, it is often smarter to consider the demographics of the
targeted traffic you wish to earn.

Specific themes like automobile insurance, real estate and tax preparation or credit reports etc have a much better chance at success if the demographics point to a particular area rather than all encompassing.

If however there is little competition, say less than 80,000 competing sites on a Google search, you can then go for single term keywords regardless of your sites off page criteria (number of incoming links).

Avoiding highly competitive terms it is definitely best when starting out, and when a web site is new, until you get a better feel for search engine optimization.  Unless you are prepared to outsource this work.

Plan for a maximum of only 3 keyword (phrases) per page. Even three can be too many depending on the subject range.

Any more and you end up diluting the effect of any optimization for each of your keywords.

Fran Klasinski-warriorlady
Mentoring you with common sense
Are you focused on today's growth?