Ever wonder how Google knows exactly what you’re looking for?
It’s all thanks to keywords. They’re the secret language of search engines, and understanding them is the first step to getting your business found online. But here’s the thing, people often confuse “keywords” with “search terms.” They might sound similar, but they are very different.
Think of it like this:
Search terms are what people type into Google.
This is the real, raw language your potential customers use. They could be specific, like “coffee shop in Taupo with free wifi,” or more broad, like “best coffee near me.” They’re what your customers are actually asking.
Keywords are what your website is optimised for.
These are the words or phrases you strategically choose to target. They are the answers to the questions your customers are asking. For example, if someone searches for “coffee shop in Taupo with free wifi,” your keyword might be “Taupo cafe with wifi” or “Best coffee Taupo.”
So, you can have lots of different search terms that all link back to one core keyword.
Why does this matter?
If you want to be visible online, you have to speak the same language as your potential customers. You have to understand what they are typing into the search bar and create content that provides the answer.
It’s not about trying to guess every single possible search term out there. It’s about understanding the intent behind those searches and building your website content around the most effective keywords.
For example, a person searching for “I want to buy a green dress” is likely in the very early stages of their decision-making process. They are exploring. They are just trying to get a feel for what’s out there.
A person who searches “green dress online NZ” is much closer to pulling out their credit card. They know what they want, and they’re ready to buy.
The first person is a dream for a blog post titled “5 ways to style a green dress this spring.” The second person is the perfect fit for an e-commerce product page.
Understanding the difference between these two things is the key to creating content that actually converts. You want to be there at every step of your customer’s journey, from the moment they have a thought to the second they are ready to buy.
Feeling like you’re lost in a sea of search terms? We can help you identify the right keywords for your business and build an SEO strategy that gets you noticed.
Ready to get found by your ideal customers? Let’s talk.
