Keyword mapping is vital in SEO because it plays a crucial role in optimizing your site’s structure and content. Search engines like Google rely on keywords to determine the relevance of your web pages to user queries. If Google can’t find the relevant keywords on your page, it can make it harder for your site to rank effectively. On the other hand, if Google identifies the same keyword on multiple pages with similar purposes (duplicate or near-duplicate pages), it can lead to keyword cannibalization, harming your ranking potential.
Keyword mapping addresses these issues by helping you:
Optimise pages for the most relevant keywords: By strategically mapping keywords to the right pages, you improve the chances of ranking well for those keywords.
Prevent keyword cannibalization: Proper keyword mapping ensures that each keyword is assigned to the page that best aligns with user search intent, reducing the risk of cannibalization.
Identify and fill content gaps: Keyword mapping helps you identify areas where your website lacks content for important keywords, allowing you to create new, relevant content.
Gain higher visibility in relevant SERPs: Ultimately, effective keyword mapping leads to better search engine rankings and increased visibility.
How to Do Keyword Mapping
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to conduct keyword mapping using Semrush tool.
Step 1: Download the Keyword Mapping Template
Open keyword mapping template and click “Make a copy.” This action will automatically create a copy of the template in your Google Drive.
Rename your keyword map in the upper left to keep it organized and easy to identify.
Step 2: Create Keyword Clusters
Groups of related terms that fulfil the same search purpose are known as keyword clusters. It’s crucial to allocate pages to keyword clusters rather than individual keywords when performing SEO keyword mapping.
Its Benefits are as follows:
Reducing the risk of optimizing near-duplicate pages: Grouping similar keywords helps you avoid creating multiple pages that target almost identical search terms.
Helping you optimize for a wider variety of keywords: By clustering related keywords, you can optimize a single page to rank for multiple similar keywords.
Providing a fuller understanding of each topic’s search potential: Clustering allows you to explore related keywords and their collective search potential.
Using a variety of keyword research techniques, you can identify target keywords (keywords you want to rank for). Next, manually construct keyword clusters. On the other hand, by recommending keyword clusters based on your seed keywords and domain, programmes like Semrush’s Keyword Manager can streamline this procedure.
To create keyword clusters using Semrush’s Keyword Manager:
Click the green “Create list” button in Keyword Manager.
Enter up to five seed keywords to base your search around (e.g., “bedroom curtains,” “linen curtains,” and “blackout curtains”).
Enter your domain and click “Create list.”
In the “Clusters” tab, you’ll find a list of recommended clusters with valuable data like intent, keyword count, keyword difficulty score, and search volume.
Review each cluster to determine its relevance to your website and target audience.
Transfer the cluster name, primary keyword, secondary keywords, total volume, and the highest keyword difficulty score to your keyword map.
Repeat this process to create a comprehensive list of target keyword clusters. Keyword mapping is an essential practice that ensures your website’s content aligns with user search intent and improves your ranking potential.
What Are SEO Keyword Mapping Tools?
A keyword mapping tool is a software solution designed to assist with SEO keyword research. These tools are essential for conducting in-depth keyword research when auditing your site’s SEO or creating a keyword map. A well-structured keyword map is a critical asset for improving your site’s rankings in search engine results pages (SERPs), and thorough keyword research is a cornerstone of success in this endeavor.
SEO keyword mapping tools offer a wide range of functionalities, including the ability to:
Check a keyword’s search volume: Determine how frequently a specific keyword is searched by users.
Find variations on a particular keyword or phrase: Discover synonyms, related terms, and long-tail keywords to expand your content’s reach.
Analyze your competition: Gain insights into the keywords and strategies your competitors are using to stay ahead in the rankings.
Research users’ search intent: Understand what users are seeking when they enter specific keywords, enabling you to align your content with their needs.
While the capabilities of these tools extend beyond this list, these functions provide a basic overview of what you can achieve with a keyword mapping tool.
Who Should Be Using Keyword Mapping Tools?
Keyword mapping tools are valuable for anyone who owns or operates a website that can benefit from SEO optimization. Whether you’re an individual website owner, an SEO expert, a large corporation, or an agency, these tools will help you identify and analyze the SEO keywords that can boost your site’s ranking in the SERPs.
How to Use Keyword Mapping Tools
There are various ways to use keyword mapping tools to your website’s advantage. You can employ these tools to:
Identify important SEO keywords and phrases: Use keyword mapping tools to identify essential keywords and phrases that should be incorporated into your website’s content and metadata.
Analyze your competition: Investigate the keywords your competitors are targeting, allowing you to identify opportunities and gaps in your SEO strategy.
Visualize the keyword mapping process: Some keyword mapping tools offer visualization features that help you understand the strategic allocation of keywords to different pages on your website.
If you’re interested in learning how to use a keyword mapping tool in more detail, you can explore tutorials and guides to get started effectively.
Top SEO Keyword Mapping Tools
Now that you understand the significance of keyword mapping and how to use these tools, let’s explore some of the top SEO keyword mapping tools available in the market:
1. Ahrefs
Ahrefs is an all-in-one SEO keyword research tool designed for users with varying levels of expertise, from beginners to experts. This tool provides user-friendly dashboards that simplify keyword and competitor research. Ahrefs offers features such as SEO auditing tools, competitor analysis, Keywords Explorer, Content Explorer, Rank Tracker, and a wealth of training materials, including articles, videos, and SEO courses. Additionally, it boasts a strong community for support.
Ahrefs is suitable for individuals and businesses of all sizes, with pricing starting at $99.00 per month. It also offers a free option, Ahrefs Webmaster Tools, available to website owners.
2. Moz
Moz offers a suite of SEO products that cater to users at various stages of their SEO journey, making it suitable for both beginners and large organizations. With Moz, you can access:
Keyword Research: Moz provides tools to research keywords and assign them to your sitemap.
SEO Audits: You can conduct thorough SEO audits of your website to identify areas for improvement.
Keyword Analysis: Moz’s keyword analysis tools include competitor analysis, keyword difficulty assessment, and more.
Rank Tracking: Monitor the performance of your website’s rankings in search engine results.
Keyword Metrics: Access valuable keyword metrics and lists to make informed decisions for your keyword mapping strategy.
On-Page Optimization Tools: Moz offers tools to optimize your web pages, making necessary adjustments that can boost your rankings in the SERPs.
Moz is a versatile SEO solution suitable for businesses of all sizes, from sole proprietorships to large corporations, with pricing starting at $99.00 per month. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for keyword mapping and overall SEO improvement.
3. SEMRush
SEMRush is a powerful SEO keyword research tool that is well-equipped to handle keyword mapping and various aspects of website SEO optimization. It offers a range of features, making it a full-service, multi-dashboard platform. With SEMRush, you’ll have access to:
Keyword Research and Site Audit Tools: Conduct in-depth keyword research and comprehensive site audits.
On-Page SEO Tools: Fine-tune your website’s keyword optimization for improved rankings.
Local and Global SEO Results: Monitor key phrases at both local and global levels to stay informed about various search trends.
Rank Tracking: Keep an eye on your website’s performance in search engine rankings.
Keyword Gap Tool: Compare your site’s keyword strategy with that of competitors to identify gaps and opportunities.
SEMRush is an excellent choice for website owners, solopreneurs, agencies, and large companies seeking a robust SEO tool for keyword mapping and other SEO-related tasks. It offers a free option to get started, and its pricing is competitive, starting at $119.95 per month (or $99.95 per month when billed annually).
4. SE Ranking
SE Ranking is an all-in-one tool designed for both SEO and social media management. It offers a range of features, including competitive research for SEO and PPC, site audits, on-page SEO tools, marketing goal tracking, and more. Additionally, SE Ranking provides post scheduling and analytics for users who need social media management tools. With SE Ranking, you’ll have access to:
Keyword Research Tools: Including a keyword grouping tool to keep your keyword mapping organized.
SEO Reporting and Site Auditing Tools: Perform site audits and generate SEO reports.
Search Volume and Competitive Keyword Analysis: Gain insights into search volume and competitor keyword strategies.
Real-time Page Monitoring: Keep track of page performance in real-time.
White Label Option: SEO experts can use SE Ranking as a platform for their own branded SEO services.
SE Ranking caters to SEO experts, business owners, and digital agencies, offering support for keyword mapping strategies. It’s budget-friendly, with pricing starting at $39.17 per month.
5. SpyFu
SpyFu offers a unique approach to SEO keyword mapping tools, with a strong focus on competitor analysis. Users can access 15 years’ worth of competitor keyword ranking data, allowing you to delve deep into competitor analysis. SpyFu also provides information about where competitor sites appear on Google and offers insights into lead generation methods. In addition to SEO tools, SpyFu offers in-depth PPC analysis for competitor websites. With SpyFu, you’ll have access to:
Competitors’ Keyword Lists: Download lists of your competitors’ keywords.
Keyword Tool for Multiple Competitors: Search keywords across several competitors.
Competitor Website SEO Tracking: Monitor competitor sites to stay updated on their SEO strategies.
Keyword Ranking History Data: Access data that reveals changes in site traffic and rankings over time.
Branded SEO Reports: Generate branded SEO reports for your clients, making it suitable for B2B marketers.
Backlink Analysis: Analyze backlinks for competitor sites.
Keyword Ranking Tracker for Your Site: Keep track of your own site’s keyword rankings.
Influencer Marketing Tools: Access tools for influencer marketing strategies.
SpyFu is an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes, as well as B2B marketers providing SEO services. Pricing starts at $39.00 per month (or $33.00 per month when billed annually).
In conclusion, the choice of the right SEO keyword mapping tool depends on your specific needs and the type of dashboard that best suits your workflow. Each tool offers unique features and capabilities to help you effectively manage your keyword mapping and SEO optimization efforts. Want to simplify the process, contact us today!
