Updated: 02/2025
The Power of Keywords in Your Online Business Success
When I launched my first business in my early 20s, I quickly realised the crucial role that keywords played. Initially, I thought it was simple – create an idea, build a website, and watch the profits roll in. But, as many would confirm, websites are much more cost-effective than traditional brick-and-mortar shops. The real challenge, however, is attracting organic traffic, which depends heavily on your choice of keywords.
Why Keywords Are Vital for Your Business
Let’s explore a scenario. Imagine Wendy, a skilled baker known for her award-winning cakes, decides to open a cake shop on Oxford Street. She’s drawn to the heavy foot traffic, despite the high rents. On the surface, it seems like the perfect location, her delicious cakes are displayed for all to see.
However, Wendy soon realises the cost of running a shop on Oxford Street is overwhelming, and the competition is fierce. She decides to open an online store, hoping to attract customers from beyond just the local area. Wendy hires a web developer for £1500, and her online store goes live. But after a few days, she’s frustrated to find that her website isn’t showing up on Google’s first 50 pages of results.
In her search for answers, Wendy discovers her website is nowhere to be found when searching “Wendy’s Bakes” on Google. She turns to social media advertising and sets up a Facebook campaign. Soon, her website traffic increases, and she starts getting more cake orders. After a month, Wendy reviews the campaign and realises she has spent £400 to secure 50 sales. This means her CPA (Cost per Acquisition) is £8.
Evaluating her business costs, Wendy realises her advertising strategy may not be sustainable. This scenario is a common one for many online businesses. High CPAs can lead to skyrocketing marketing costs, which may result in operating at a loss. So, the big question is: how can Wendy – or anyone – ensure they show up in search results when people are looking for their product or service? For example, when someone searches for “cake baker,” how can Wendy’s Bakes make sure she appears on the first few pages of Google?
How Keywords Help Boost SEO
Search engine optimisation (SEO) is one of the most effective long-term strategies for any business. Think of SEO as a smart investment for the future. By consistently applying SEO techniques, your website will steadily rise in search engine rankings. In Wendy’s case, for example, she could optimise her website for keywords like “Made to Order Occasion Cakes.” To refine her targeting, she could add long-tail keywords, such as “Made to Order Occasion Cakes Delivered in East London,” which would further boost her visibility in relevant search results.
It’s essential to conduct proper keyword research when planning your SEO strategy. Here’s why: imagine you’re launching a new business that sells jeans. After researching keywords, you find that Bootcut Jeans are the most popular style at the moment. It’s crucial to understand who currently ranks for this keyword.
When you search “Bootcut Jeans” on Google, you’ll see big brands occupying the top spots. Competing organically against major retailers like Next may seem like an impossible task. But don’t get discouraged. Just like Wendy’s Bakes could gain traction by using long-tail keywords like “cakes premade East London,” you can apply a similar strategy in the jeans market. Searching for “Jeans in Prestwick” will give you results that highlight local businesses, putting you above the more competitive national brands. This strategy is known as Local SEO, and it’s a powerful tool for smaller businesses looking to rank in local search results.
How Local SEO Can Give You a Competitive Edge
Local SEO involves optimising your website and online presence to show up in local searches. This can be especially effective if you’re targeting a specific geographic area. For instance, using Google My Business and local keywords can improve your chances of ranking on the first page of search results. Ranking locally is often easier than ranking nationally, as the competition may be less intense.
For example, if you search “Bootcut Jeans London,” you’ll see results from larger retailers. But search for “Bootcut Jeans Prestwick,” and you’ll find local businesses like Emporium Prestwick, which is a much more targeted approach. Google Maps is a powerful tool in local SEO and can be crucial for securing those top local spots.
However, it’s important to note that to rank well in Google’s local search results, your business needs to meet specific criteria. You can find more details and requirements on Google’s support page.
Keywords and SEO Are Key to Your Success
As shown above, Keyword SEO is a vital part of your business’s success. It ensures that your product or service is visible to people actively searching for what you offer – without having to pay every time someone clicks on your website. SEO is a broad and intricate field, with many interconnected elements that could fill an entire textbook.
However, the key takeaway is that when launching your online business, it’s important to be strategic about your keyword choices. Overloading your website with too many keywords can confuse Google and harm your rankings. A thoughtful, well-planned approach is essential.
Help with Keywords and SEO
At Octavis, we offer expert SEO assistance. Our team of experienced professionals can optimise your website, ensuring it performs well in search engines and loads quickly. Visit our website optimisation page to explore how we can assist you.