With each successive Google algorithm update, the demands for quality and relevance of content on a website become increasingly stringent. Consequently, the creation and optimization of content require more effort and time.
If you think that Google is only making your job more challenging with each update, that's not entirely true. The key is knowing how to leverage new tools and we will explore ways to do this.
HOW GOOGLE CAN HELP YOU GATHER THE MOST RELEVANT SEARCH QUERIES
Google has a handy, (though not very intuitive for beginners) tool for working with the semantic core – the "Keyword Planner." With its help, you can:
- Discover new keywords
- Evaluate the effectiveness of selected keywords
- Create and customize advertising campaigns with relevant "keywords" lists
- Obtain useful data for further SEO optimization
For free!
We won't delve into the details of the "Keyword Planner” in this article. Instead, we'll focus on the tips you can get directly in Google's search results. Let’s use the basic search query "SEO promotion" as an example, and examine the results obtained. Concentrate not on the websites in the results but on the "Similar Questions" and "Related Search Queries" sections– these are what we're interested in!
SIMILAR QUESTIONS
When a user enters a specific search query, the system analyzes it and helps find content related to that query while providing quick answers to related questions. In our case, for the query "SEO promotion," we get the following list of "similar questions":
- You can click on each question to expand it and get a short answer plus a link to the page where the user can find more information.
- For users, "similar questions" are convenient as they help get answers to related questions without leaving the search results page. For optimizers, this provides an opportunity to better understand what potential clients are looking for and what additional search queries they use.
Here's a tip! Add a FAQ block with relevant search queries to your website pages. This will help your site appear in "similar questions" and attract additional traffic.
RELATED SEARCH QUERIES
This section works similarly, accumulating not question-answer pairs but related queries frequently used by users. In our case, we get the following related queries:
- Clicking on a query opens a new search results page with the corresponding query.
- Some of them may not be a perfect match with our initial phrase, however, they provide a clear understanding of the additional queries our potential clients use.
How can you use related search queries to optimize your SEO content strategy?
If approached correctly, they allow you to address several important tasks:
- Help explore keywords in-depth
You can gain a deeper understanding of what your potential clients are searching for and what keywords and phrases they use. This information can be used for creating new content, search optimization, improving visibility, and increasing website traffic. Simply incorporate the obtained search queries into your content to expand your reach.
- Enable a better understanding of users
Using the gathered data, you can better understand the needs and interests of your target audience and create content that resonates with them. This way, you attract more interested users to your site.
Important! When using related search queries, Google will recommend your site to users who may not apply the query directly. For example, you explain what SEO optimization is in general while attracting an audience interested in this service. Conversely, you promote SEO services while explaining what search optimization is.
- Allow objective assessment of promotion effectiveness compared to competitors
You can more closely monitor new trends and opportunities in your market by finding new and relevant keywords, not only for creating new content, but also for contextual targeted advertising, and more.
Using related search queries, you can also check if your site needs optimization for a specific query/term and if a competitor is outperforming you.
In conclusion, leveraging "Similar Questions" and "Related Search Queries" in Google search results can significantly enhance your SEO strategy. By understanding what your audience is looking for and adapting your content accordingly, you can improve visibility, attract more users, and stay competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of online search. For more insights, explore these 10 valuable sources for SEO knowledge.