Tim Soulo, CMO of Ahrefs and an SEO expert, shares his insights on keyword research and its vital role in SEO. He discusses the drawbacks of free keyword tools and introduces the concept of 'seed keywords' for niche targeting. Tim emphasizes why understanding user intent is crucial, even as Google's algorithms evolve. He also covers ethical backlink strategies that focus on genuine relationships, offering practical advice to boost your online presence. Dive in for actionable tips to enhance your SEO game!
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insights INSIGHT
Keyword Research Foundation
Keyword research is the foundation of SEO because it helps you understand what people search for.
Knowing search intent allows you to create content that meets customers' needs and converts them.
insights INSIGHT
Look Beyond Keyword Volume
Focus on the total search traffic to top-ranking pages, not just individual keyword volume.
Google ranks similar pages for many relevant queries, reflecting user intent better.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Understand Keyword Difficulty
Use keyword difficulty as a backlink proxy; it indicates how many unique linking domains top pages have.
Aim to build backlinks naturally from unique websites to improve ranking chances.
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In this highly acclaimed book, Dr. Robert B. Cialdini explains the psychology behind why people say yes and how to apply these insights ethically. The book outlines six universal principles of influence: Reciprocation, Commitment and Consistency, Social Proof, Liking, Authority, and Scarcity. The new and expanded edition includes a seventh principle, Unity, along with new research, insights, and examples. Cialdini uses memorable stories and relatable examples to make the subject accessible and easy to understand, helping readers become more skilled persuaders and defend themselves against unethical influence attempts.
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Is keyword research still relevant to SEO? Do backlinks matter anymore?
Find out the answer in today's episode.
My guest is Tim Soulo, the CMO and the Head of Product Strategy at Ahrefs. Listen in as we deep dive into the technical side of ranking higher on Google -- and exactly how to approach keyword research right now.
Topics covered:
Why keyword research is still important for SEO campaigns
The major disadvantage of using free tools for keyword research
What “seed keywords” are and how to find them for your niche
Why Google ranks nearly identical pages for multiple relevant queries
The absolute best thing you can do during the keyword research phase
When the keyword difficulty metric won’t help you rank #1 in Google
Why unique linking websites add more value than the volume linking pages
The truth about building backlinks in an ethical and nonaggressive manner
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