Step-by-Step Guide to Keyword Research Using Semrush for an E-commerce Website

(Example: Pet Food Website in the USA)

Introduction

Keyword research is the foundation of any successful e-commerce SEO strategy. For a pet food website in the USA, finding the right keywords ensures that your products reach pet owners searching for specific items. In this guide, we will explore a detailed, step-by-step approach to conducting keyword research using Semrush.

1. Setting Up Semrush for Keyword Research

Before you dive into keyword research, ensure you have access to Semrush and are familiar with its dashboard.

Steps:

1. Sign Up for Semrush:
   • Visit Semrush and create an account.
   • Choose a plan based on your business needs. The Pro plan is ideal for small e-commerce sites.
2. Select the Right Tool:
   • Navigate to the Keyword Magic Tool under the SEO toolkit. This is the primary tool for generating keyword ideas.

2. Defining a Seed Keyword

Start by entering a broad seed keyword relevant to your niche.

Example:

• For a pet food website, your seed keyword could be “pet food” or “dog food.”

Steps:

1. Enter the Seed Keyword:
   • Go to the Keyword Magic Tool.
   • Type in “pet food” and select the USA as the target location.
2. Refine Your Search:
   • Filter results by language (English).
   • Set a word count range to focus on long-tail keywords (e.g., 3–5 words).

3. Analyzing Keyword Metrics

Semrush provides various metrics to help you evaluate keyword potential.

Key Metrics to Focus On:

1. Search Volume:
   • Look for keywords with a decent monthly search volume (e.g., 1,000–10,000 searches).
   • Example: “organic pet food” might have a search volume of 5,000 in the USA.
2. Keyword Difficulty (KD):
   • Prioritize keywords with moderate KD (30–60).
   • Example: “best pet food for small dogs” could have a KD of 45, making it easier to rank for.
3. CPC (Cost Per Click):
   • Analyze CPC if you plan to run PPC campaigns.
   • Example: Keywords like “buy dog food online” might have a CPC of $2.50.

4. Filtering Results for Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are specific phrases with lower competition and higher intent.

Steps:

1. Apply Filters in Semrush:
   • Use the “Word Count” filter to find longer keywords (3+ words).
   • Example: Keywords like “grain-free dog food for puppies” are more targeted.
2. Focus on Question-Based Keywords:
   • Toggle the “Questions” filter to identify user queries.
   • Example: “What is the best dog food for allergies?”

5. Exploring Keyword Variations

Semrush groups keywords into clusters, helping you discover related terms.

Steps:

1. View Related Keywords:
   • Example: If you search for “cat food,” related terms might include “high protein cat food” or “best cat food brands USA.”
2. Analyze Keyword Intent:
   • Look for transactional keywords like “buy,” “order,” or “best.”
   • Example: “Buy organic dog food online” indicates a high purchase intent.

6. Using the Keyword Gap Tool to Analyze Competitors

Understanding what works for competitors can help you identify gaps in your strategy.

Steps:

1. Input Competitor URLs:
   • Example: Enter competitor domains like chewy.com or petsmart.com in the Keyword Gap Tool.
2. Compare Keywords:
   • Identify keywords your competitors rank for but you don’t.
   • Example: Competitor keyword: “grain-free cat food USA.”
3. Find Opportunities:
   • Target keywords with moderate KD and decent volume that your competitors are ranking for.

7. Organizing and Exporting Keywords

Once you’ve gathered your keywords, it’s time to organize and export them.

Steps:

1. Group Keywords:
   • Create categories such as “Dog Food,” “Cat Food,” and “Pet Supplies.”
2. Export Data:
   • Use the “Export” button in Semrush to download keyword data as a CSV file.
   • Example: Create separate sheets for transactional and informational keywords.

8. Prioritizing Keywords for Implementation

Focus on keywords that align with your business goals and offer the best ROI.

Steps:

1. Categorize Keywords:
   • Example: Assign “Buy organic pet food online” to product pages and “What is the best dog food for small breeds?” to blog content.
2. Focus on High-Intent Keywords:
   • Prioritize keywords with transactional intent to optimize product pages.

Conclusion

Keyword research is an essential step in e-commerce SEO. By leveraging Semrush and following this step-by-step guide, you can uncover high-value keywords for your pet food website in the USA. Focus on long-tail keywords, analyze competitor data, and continuously refine your strategy for long-term success.

For more insights and expert advice on improving your SEO strategies, check out Forbes Crunch’s SEO Resources.