If you’re looking for a beginner SEO keywords guide, you’re in the right place. This beginner SEO keywords guide will help you understand how keywords work and how to use them effectively to improve your search engine rankings. Keywords are the words or phrases people type into Google when looking for products, services, or information. For example, if you run a coffee shop, keywords might include "best coffee in Cape Town" or "coffee shop near me".
Getting this right can make the difference between showing up on page one of Google—or being buried where no one sees you.
Keywords can be single words like "bakery" or longer phrases like "best vegan bakery in Cape Town". These are called short-tail and long-tail keywords respectively. Long-tail keywords are often less competitive and more specific, making them ideal for small business owners trying to attract targeted traffic.
You don’t need fancy tools to discover useful keywords. Start by typing a term related to your business into Google and see what autocomplete suggests. This gives insight into what people commonly search for.
Free tools like Ubersuggest and AnswerThePublic can also help uncover related search phrases that real people are using.
Examples:
Keywords help you understand what content to create. If people search for "quick breakfast ideas" and you run a bakery, write something like "5 Quick Breakfast Ideas with Freshly Baked Bread". By aligning your content with search intent, you increase the chance of being found—and converting visitors into customers.
Try to answer real questions your customers are asking. For example, someone searching "how to check SPF record" is likely troubleshooting email issues—so a blog answering that builds trust and brings the right traffic.
Don’t overdo it. Keyword stuffing hurts both readability and rankings. Use keywords where they naturally fit, including:
For example, instead of forcing the term "best hosting company" repeatedly, you might write: "Looking for the best hosting company? Here’s what you need to know."
If your business serves a specific region, use keywords that reflect your location. Rather than targeting a broad term like "bakery," use "Cape Town bakery" or "artisan bread in Johannesburg". These are easier to rank for and more relevant to your audience.
Also consider including nearby suburbs or towns to catch wider searches. For example, "accommodation near Willowmore" or "hosting services in the Karoo".
Once your keywords are in place, monitor how your content performs. Free tools like Google Search Console can show you what search terms are driving traffic to your site. Over time, this helps you refine and improve your SEO strategy.
If you’re not sure where to start, IDS Hosting can help. We support South African businesses with SEO-friendly hosting, content tips, and tools that help your site get found.
Check our SEO blog section for more simple, non-technical tips.
