Understanding query-based keyword research
Today I'm talking about query-based keyword research.
What's that you might ask? Well, it means performing keyword research for questions a user types into a search engine. When a user types in a question into Google they're most likely looking for information.
Query-based keyword research enables you to find out what questions are being asked the most about a certain topic and how many searches they receive per month. It can also give you some great ideas for blog posts.
Related post: How to perform keyword research for your blog
I have a spreadsheet in my Google Drive that lists all the popular search queries I've come across while doing keyword research.
Everything from "what is cryptocurrency" all the way to "how does crowdfunding work". Yes, it's slightly mad but you never know when you might need a good query keyword.
I think bloggers and other content professionals could really benefit from doing more query-based keyword research. It's kind of the same thing as using Quora for blog post ideas, and it's even good to use them together.
Why query-based?
Query-based keywords are among the least ambiguous keywords and also offer the best opportunities for ranking, because they're long-tail and not many people are competing for them.
For example, when someone types in "what to pack on a cruise" it's pretty clear what they're asking for, and there are fewer websites ranking for that term than just the keyword "cruises".
It's also a very white hat SEO strategy, which means you are far less likely to be penalised when Google updates their algorithm.
Query-based keyword research is great for blogs and other publications, because it allows you to explore a topic in greater depth and if you’re selling a product or offering a service, you can link your blog articles back to your product pages.
Remember, a blog article that ranks organically can provide you with free traffic. You can funnel the traffic from your blog posts to any page of your website without paying for expensive ads and draining your budget.
Need blog content ideas or want help with keyword research? Feel free to reach out! I’d love to help you.