Using Google Analytics To Find Hidden Gems In Keywords
Tue, Sep 23, 2008
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m addicted to stats, but until recently, I haven’t really paid too much attention to them at SuiteJ.com because marketing this site hasn’t been a priority. In fact, from a marketing perspective, I break about 37 rules here.
I’ve been starting to pay more attention to what’s going on here though and one thing I have been focusing on is sorting through the organic keyword search results that have recently led many strangers here to witness my big head.
Sorting through the keywords is a regular routine for me on niche content sites and I’m going to show you how to find hidden gems within your Google Analytics keywords list and capitalize on them.
Start Exploring For Gems
[ View Your Entire List Of Keywords ]
Log into your Google Analytics account (choose a date range if you don’t want the default).
- Go to Traffic Sources on the left menu. Now, go to Search Engines and the main area will show you a list of all the search engines that are sending you traffic.
- Click on Google and you will see a keyword list of all the keywords used to find your site via Google.
- Scroll down to the bottom right of the page and choose 500 from the dropdown so it shows you the maximum amount of keywords per page. This way, there’s a good chance you won’t have to scroll through pages to find the gems because they are probably within the top 500. If not, then just do the following for each of the consecutive pages.
[ Find Potential Gems And Rank 'Em ]
Ultimately, what you’re looking for here is keywords with low competition that are already sending visitors - ones that you can boost to a higher ranking in Google with ease.
- The first thing to do is to click the header of the Visits column. This will toggle your keywords list and put them in order by number of visits. From my experience, there’s usually gems hidden in the range of 5-25 monthly visits (although this isn’t written in stone).
- You want to make a list of potential keywords that are closely related to your site’s niche and have a good chance of converting to sales. This might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning since you will often see multiple results that have nothing to do with your site at all.
- Judge how hard you think it will be to outrank the sites above you in the results by using SEO For Firefox, SEO Quake, or whatever your favorite tool is to get a quick rundown of the sites’ statistics.
Take each keyword and see where your site ranks in Google when you search for the term. What you’re looking for is medium results with the potential to boost into a higher rank with a little effort.
Once You’ve Found Them, Exploit Them!
[ On Page Optimization ]
This applies to both the page that you’re already ranking for, as well as any new pages you create to target the keyword(s) you found.
- Use the full keyword in your title.
- Use the full keyword naturally in your article about 3-5% (3 times in a 300 word article).
- Bold your keyword as least once in the article. The effect of this has been debated in several places, but I will usually do it.
- Add an image to the article using exact keyword as the image name as well as the alt, title tags.
[ Off Page Optimization ]
- If it’s a new article, be sure to include a link to this new page from the page of your site that is already (originally) ranking for the keyword. Use the exact keyword as the anchor text.
- Write an article based on the keyword all the principles of “on page optimization”. Submit to an article directory such as EzineArticles.com. Now submit unique revisions of that articleto several more article directories.
- Build a Squidoo page, a Hub, A MySpace account, and whatever other platforms you can whip something up on to generate more backlinks, using the exact keyword as the titles and anchor text on these pages.
- Use Social Marker to give your site’s page and all these other creations a traffic boost within minutes of your time.
How’s This Different From Regular Keyword Research?
- You’re already ranked for the ones you find in Google Analytics and therefore getting ranked higher is easier and faster.
- You will often rank for great long tail keywords that you didn’t target on purpose.
- You will often come across misspellings and other abnormalities that you hadn’t thought of.
- You might gain a unique perspective into the minds of the visitors by the way they phrase their keywords to find you.
- You might see keywords that led someone there that’s not actually related to your niche. Research that keyword! You might have just found a gem in a “different niche”!
Give it a shot and see how many you find that you can capitalize on!
Also, let me know if you have any other tips using Google Analytics keywords for research.
Cheers!
Jay
September 23rd, 2008 at 8:50 pm
I’m pretty new to Google analytics, but as my stats grow I’ll definitely be referencing this post.
Thanks for putting this together,
Matt
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Hey Jay
This Google analytics info is great! I have been to lazy to ever use Google analytics until now. Your post has got me thinking and I just went over and created an account. Thanks for the motivation!
WAHM Taras last blog post..Squidoo Lens Makes Money Already
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:56 pm
@WAHMTara:
What have you been using to track your site stats? I’m just curious.
@Jay:
I read a post the other day, cant remember where. But essentially the tip was to use the URL field in the Google Keyword Tool. Most people always use the keyword section, but not the website section.
This will bring up keywords that Google has determined are RELEVANT to the site URL entered. I found it quite fascinating. have you heard of this? Or tried it?
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:57 pm
P.S. What’s with the brackets in the sub headings. Did you copy this from me? If so, i’m flattered.
Missys last blog post..Recycle Your Iphone and Get Over $300 For It
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Tara said it best, this is some really great info bro! I honestly can say that I log into my analytics for TAHC.com once a month if that.. I’m all over my AWstats within my cpanel though, and it does provide a nice keywords portion to it at the bottom, but probably not as in depth as GA.
Elijahs last blog post..5 Easy Ways To Increase The Value Of Your Site Flip
September 23rd, 2008 at 11:27 pm
@Matt: Thanks for dropping by man…hope to see you around more. Yeah, you need Analytics!
@Tara: Hey! Where’ve you been? Working on video? Yeah, Analytics is excellent for so many reasons. It’s literally helped me tweak sites from $0 - to making money from seeing what was happening when visitors arrived (too detailed for a comment box, but I’ll tell you sometime if you want lol). Get it installed!
@Missy: If I understand you right, then yes, I know what you mean and yes, I’ve used it plenty. In the tool, you select “website content” instead of “descriptive words and phrases”, and enter a URL. It spits out lots of goodies. This can help in a couple ways. You could change/add keywords to make a page/site more releveant (in G’s eyes), or you can build a campaign around what G see the site’s relevant keywords are, which will boost your campaign’s/keywords quality score.
As for the brackets, I did it on Sunday instead of using numbers for a bulleted list and liked it. lol.
It’s partly because I use the star for the headings, and I don’t like how it doesn’t align then with sub-headings. I could go on and on about this, and I’m still not happy. I’m very particular and never satisfied.
Do you know that I only drink coffee out of take-out cups…and I also go out of my way to get ones with black lids? See what I’m saying? This comment box doesn’t have nearly enough room to explain in detail, Missy.
LOL, no I didn’t copy you. What site do you do that on? If you’re angry, I’ll stop. It’s temporary anyway, until I get around to coding some fancy css for the lists.
@Elijah: Yeah, you gotta use Analytics man. It’s so in depth.
Cheers guys!
Jay
September 24th, 2008 at 4:27 am
Ahhh yeah! Great rundown J! I love GA man, they give you some goodies. I admit, I’ve looked at them, but never thought about trying to attack the hidden gems man. I love how you gave the plan of attack, and I will be looking to implement this in the near future.
Normal Joes last blog post..IMwithJoe.com Weekly Update
September 24th, 2008 at 5:17 am
Great Tips J. I use GA all the time to track what keywords are regularly bringing traffic to my site, but I never really put it to use like this. I think I might just have to. What I have been thinking is actually going back and updating the landing pages for the keywords so that they are better suited for selling. Instead of just making them good articles make them good sellers too.
Adam
Adam - Creadivs last blog post..Creadiv Comments Contest Inspire Me!
September 24th, 2008 at 6:31 am
First time on this blog - great post.
I also love the Google KW Tool to hunt other markets. This is good for marketers that are able to penetrate different country/language markets, as google provides the keyword research in other languages.
TheMoneyacs last blog post..Sad experience - Facebook ads
September 24th, 2008 at 10:20 am
I was doing it on my new iPhone recycling blog, but not for design sake, but because the theme i am using doesn’t display underlined URL’s.
It annoys me to no end, so until i get someone to fix it. I have been bracketing around the URL’.s. LoL.
Have a look:
http://www.iphonerecycling.com
September 24th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Hey Jay, another great article! I signed up for Google analytics awhile ago but never used it to its full potential. I am logging in now to see all I can do with Google analytics!
September 24th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
@Joe: Yeah, I love GA, and to be honest, I’m still picking up tips here and there. It’s extremely in-depth. I’ll probably post more about GA in the future as well.
@Adam: Thanks for coming by and glad you liked the article. Yeah, good idea on adding/editing for keywords. As I mentioned above, I haven’t really done that kind of stuff here yet, but I have religiously on niche sites that I’m trying to make money on.
Also, it’s possible to use keywords naturally and have the best of both worlds - a solid article for your readers, AND a good “seller”.
Hope to see you around more!
@TheMoneyac: I agree. I’ve spent time just sifting through results and “happened upon” another idea in GA, although I haven’t personally used it to target other languages, etc. Good point.
Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you back….lovin’ the name too - if it’s a play on “maniac”.
@Missy: Hit me up on Skype, I’ll show you how to add the underlines to your theme or do it for you).
@Scotty: Hey Scotty! Glad you like it! There’s a ton of killer info in GA, espeically once you’ve racked up a couple months worth of stats to analyze. Hope to see you back dude!
Cheers guys!
Jay
September 24th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Pre-GA, I used Webalizer or AWStats to see which keywords were used to find my site then tried to create a page targeting those terms. Makes good sense to try to bolster your rankings and the stats point you in the direction of terms for which you can achieve top rankings.
September 24th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
I’ve done this before and I continue to do it. My only problem is the fact that I’m lazy AND forgetful so whenever I say “hey, I’ll come back to this keyword to try t rank up on it cause I’m getting good traffic” I forget!
Anyways, I’ve been slacking with promoting my sites so I’m going to try to rededicate myself into it.
Oh, and I’ve been meaning to contact you via e-mail, Girish told me you’re interested in joining our site flipping group in the near future? Let me know man!
Jay
Jays last blog post..10 Niche Websites in 10 Days!
September 24th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Hey Suite J,
I just found this post. Nice ideas! (I’ll be linking to it this weekend)
Chris Guthries last blog post..$100 Per Month Case Study: GamingFonts.com Part 1
September 24th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Google suggestions rocks because I’m lazy!
I love Google suggestions. And I also do keyword research with it as well. Glad I’m not the only one!
I’ve seen some other people talking about it a couple months back and that’s when it got me.
Along with Google suggestions and Google Keyword tool, I’m a monster at finding untapped niches!
September 25th, 2008 at 11:55 am
@Jay:
Thankxs for the offer. Will definitely take you up on it. Nice of you to offer.
Also on Wordptracker, do they not have a free version anymore? I know they have a free trial, but i’m talking about a free version. (not a trial) Maybe they did away with this. Argghh.
Let me know. Will hit you up on Skype. (if not tonite, then tomm)
Missys last blog post..Image Host Website For Sale
September 25th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
@Blogtacular: Totally! There’s so many more benefits to using GA (or any stats) than simply “viewing pleasure”. lol
@Jay: Yeah, I spoke to him. I actually had a similar idea which was weird when he brought it up. Hit me up, or I’ll contact you.
@Luis: You should register “UntappedNicheMonster.com”
@Missy: No problem. You can email me, the only reason I said Skype is we could probably do it “on the fly” then.
Wordtracker is still free
Cheers guys!
Jay
September 25th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Missy & Jay,
I am an AWStats junkie!
Everything I find important I can find in there. However I did go and open a Google Analytics account Jay. Actually I am impressed with the amount of info I was able to pull that is not in AwStats. So, I really appreciate the heads up Jay!
PS: I knew I liked you for a reason…you can teach me new stuff!
September 25th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
LOL! This is the worst thing about coming to this blog… everyone calls you Jay and I freakin’ think they’re talking to me! LOL!
But yo Jay, are you in that site flipping contest that’s going on right now? But yeah, you got my e-mail from this comment so just hit me up whenever man.
Jay
Jays last blog post..10 Niche Websites in 10 Days!
September 25th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
@Tara: Cool. I’m glad you found a reason to like me. I’d prefer if it was for more than just “pointing out GA”, but I’ll take that for now. lol
@Jay: Ok man, for now on, you’re officially “Jay Money” when you’re here.
Ok, I’ll hit you up.
Jays last blog post..Using Google Analytics To Find Hidden Gems In Keywords
September 25th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Jay,
Ok I admit it. It is more than that.
WAHM Taras last blog post..3 Motivational Tips
September 25th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
To a fellow stat junkie, Jay, I love this article! Simply awesome!
I follow my stats, but haven’t really looked into them for additional keywords this way. Thanks, I am definitely going to add this to my Internet Marketing Plan I am building/developing.
You say the gems in the 5-25 range. Mostly areas that you are not focused and letting additional traffic fall through the cracks. Thanks for the extra level of insight.
Good stuff with the 3-5% use of the keyword phrase, naturally within the post. I like that ratio and think I will try to adhere to it.
As for bolding, there is debate. However, I have been hearing that bold is out and strong is in! Not sure, but I have been using strong for that matter.
I would add that throwing your keyword phrase into Headings would be good as well.
Thanks J and keep the info coming!
September 25th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
@Chris: Thaks man, glad you liked it. Hope to see you back more often.
@Freddie: To be honest, I’m a bit surprised by everyone not taking advantage of the GA stats. I’m going to add a few other ways it’s helped me in the past.
As for the gems being in 5-25 range. That’s my experience and I’ve used them succesfully in that range several times.
The 3-5% density idea is more of a well-documented rule that most use who are writing “keyword rich” articles.
Using the strong tag and bolding are one and the same when I’m talking about them. My point is that some people say it doesn’t do much to bold the phrase several times. I’d do it at least once.
Cool beans Freddie! See you in the ‘hood.
Cheers!
Jay
September 26th, 2008 at 1:35 am
I’m not sure about gems in google analytics but I find all my gems right here at suiteJ. I have got to second Freddie from the hood on his comment, ’simply awesome!’
I’m not a stats junkie per say and actually all but gave up using google analytics as I found I was wasting so much time. It is however a great tool for pulling out some little nuggets of useful info.
The way you explain you articles makes so much sense and I guess it is back to analytics for me.
Keep up the good work mate!
Oh, and if you have a petition going for Tara to do a video then sign me up! Come on Tara!!
Neal @ Nota Benes last blog post..Entrecard For Sale
September 26th, 2008 at 2:19 am
@Nota Bene: Thank you sir, your words are too kind. It definitely doesn’t have to be a time-waster. It’s like anything else. When you’re in there, do your “work” and “get out”. lol
As for Tara and her video. I’m giving her until Monday, then the little blurb at the end of my video that called her out will be nothing compared to the battle that will ensue.
There will be a post and a petition. I will start a WAHD site if I have to and target her readers. She owes us a video, and her time is running out.
You with me?
Cheers!
Jay
September 26th, 2008 at 4:10 am
Google analytics is awesome. I have been using it for sometime now and it’s just great
Salwas last blog post..The Biggest Mistake Bloggers Make
October 3rd, 2008 at 2:34 am
You’d be just crazy not to do this. What you’re looking at when you see these numbers and searches is exactly what people are searching for. Its the crowd, the herd mentality in action. I do this obsessively each morning. Its giving people exactly what they want.
Copy and past these phrase into note pad save them, then do further research.
Ive launched keyword specific domain just from doing this. Some do well, very well. Some just suck, but thats just me
I have many page one results from these “little gems” Just from about 10 mins of looking and posting. Ok it takes me more than 10 mins to post but I think you get the idea.
I think many people just use Analytics as a vanity tool, oh look how good I am today, or look how much suck today.
Spend some time in GA click and hunt around, you’ll amaze yourself.
Stats are the key to success!!
shane at making money bloggings last blog post..I Scored some freebies for you From Derek Gehl
October 29th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Thanks for the tips J. The first time I visited suitej.com was because of your “big head”. So I guess you should do more marketing of your head.
October 29th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
@Salwa: Yeah, it’s a huge part of your business. You NEED to track!
@Shane: Dude, I somehow missed this comment. My bad. You’re on point with the comment on too many people using it as a vanity tool. It’s soooo much more powerful than just “total visits/pageviews”. It can literally tell you “how to be more successful”.
@MMO Gold: haha. yeah man, you’re not the first to say they’ve arrived just from seeing my big head around. I do market it. Every day I go outside, I’m a walking billboard bobblehead for SuiteJ.com
Cheers guys!
Jay