Master SEO Competitive Analysis with Free Tools - SPPC SEO Tutorial
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Goals of SEO Competitive Analysis
- Finding Competitors
- Comparing SEM Rush Stats
- Pulling Top Organic Keywords
- Finding Keyword Gaps
- Using Google Keyword Planner
- Listing Keyword Gaps
- Search Volume Analysis
- Monitoring and Updating the Analysis
Introduction
Welcome to the Surfside PPC YouTube Channel! In this video, we will be discussing SEO competitive analysis and competitor keyword research using free tools. If you're not ready to invest in paid tools just yet, don't worry! We will show you how to utilize some free resources to conduct your analysis. This is part 12 of our SEO tutorial for beginners, and the entire playlist can be found in the video description. Let's dive in!
Goals of SEO Competitive Analysis
Before we get started, let's establish the goals and key points to keep in mind during your competitive analysis. The main objectives of this analysis are to identify keyword and backlink gaps between your website and your competitors. By examining these gaps, you can uncover areas of improvement for your own website. You also want to understand why your website may not be ranking as high as other websites for certain keywords. Finally, keeping up-to-date with your competitors will allow you to stay competitive in your industry.
Finding Competitors
To begin your analysis, you need to identify your competitors within your niche. Look for websites that are similar in size and focus to yours. For example, if your website specializes in farmhouse decor, you would search for other farmhouse-related websites. You can use tools such as SEMrush and SpyFu to find potential competitors. Additionally, performing Google and Bing searches using relevant keywords will also help you discover competitors within your industry. Make a list of these competitors for reference.
Comparing SEM Rush Stats
Once you have identified your competitors, it's time to compare their stats using SEMrush. Even with the free version of SEMrush, you can access valuable data that will aid in your analysis. Use the Domain Overview report for each competitor to gather information such as organic search traffic, SEMrush rank, backlinks, referring domains, and top ten keywords. Record this data in a spreadsheet for easy reference and analysis. By comparing these statistics, you can gain valuable insights into how your website stacks up against your competitors.
Pulling Top Organic Keywords
After comparing SEMrush stats, it's crucial to pull the top organic keywords for each competitor. This data will provide you with an understanding of the keywords that drive traffic to their websites. Use the Organic Research feature in SEMrush to uncover the top ten organic keywords for each competitor. Record these keywords in your spreadsheet to analyze keyword gaps later on. Remember, these may not be your competitors' exact top keywords, but they will give you an idea of their keyword strategy.
Finding Keyword Gaps
Once you have gathered the top organic keywords for your competitors, it's time to find keyword gaps. Using the Google Keyword Planner, enter each competitor's website to discover more relevant keywords. Apply filters such as keyword text and average monthly searches to refine your search results. Download the keyword ideas and compare them to your existing keyword list. Any keywords that appear in your competitors' list but not in yours indicate keyword gaps. Record these gaps in your spreadsheet to identify new keyword opportunities.
Using Google Keyword Planner
The Google Keyword Planner is an essential tool for conducting keyword research. By utilizing this free resource, you can gather valuable data about search volumes, competition, and keyword ideas. Start by selecting the "Discover new keywords" option and enter your website or specific competitor's website. Set filters to refine your results based on relevance and average monthly searches. Download the keyword ideas, and copy and paste them into your spreadsheet. This will give you a comprehensive list of keywords to analyze.
Listing Keyword Gaps
Now that you have identified keyword gaps, record them in your spreadsheet. By listing these gaps, you can prioritize your keyword optimization efforts. Focus on targeting these keywords in your content to improve your website's rankings. The goal is to close the gap between your website and your competitors by optimizing your content and improving your website's search visibility. With this data at hand, you can create a more effective keyword strategy.
Search Volume Analysis
To further refine your keyword strategy, it's important to analyze the search volume of each keyword. By understanding the average monthly searches, you can prioritize keywords based on their potential traffic. Use tools like Search Volume.io to rank each keyword by monthly search volume. Copy and paste the keywords from your spreadsheet into the tool and obtain the search volume data. This will help you identify high-volume keywords to target in your content creation and optimization efforts.
Monitoring and Updating the Analysis
Competitive analysis is an ongoing process. It's important to regularly monitor and update your analysis every six months or quarterly to stay up-to-date with your competitors' strategies. This will allow you to adapt and optimize your own SEO efforts accordingly. Keep track of your progress, compare your website's stats to your competitors', and identify new opportunities to further improve your keyword rankings. By staying proactive and informed, you can maintain a competitive edge in your industry.
Highlights:
- Conducting an SEO competitive analysis allows you to identify keyword and backlink gaps between your website and your competitors.
- Tools like SEMrush, SpyFu, Google Keyword Planner, and Search Volume.io are invaluable for gathering data and uncovering new keyword opportunities.
- Regularly monitoring and updating your analysis will help you stay competitive and adapt your SEO strategy accordingly.
FAQ:
Q: How often should I conduct a competitive analysis?
A: It is recommended to conduct a competitive analysis every six months or quarterly to stay up-to-date with your competitors' strategies.
Q: How can I identify keyword gaps?
A: Use tools like the Google Keyword Planner to compare your keyword list with your competitors' lists. Any keywords that appear in your competitors' list but not in yours indicate keyword gaps.
Q: What is the purpose of analyzing search volume?
A: Analyzing search volume helps prioritize keywords based on their potential traffic. By targeting high-volume keywords in your content, you can increase your website's visibility and attract more organic traffic.
