Branded Keyword
Definition
A Branded Keyword or Branded Search is a type of search query that includes the name of a company, business, or brand. The keyword could include the exact name of the brand, or a variation of it. This type of keyword represents users who have a clear understanding or an awareness of the brand they are searching for. For example, “Nike running shoes” or “Apple iPhone 12”.
Branded Keyword Relevance For SEO
Branded keywords are of great significance to SEO for several reasons. First, they help to gauge awareness and reputation of your brand: the more people search for your brand, the more recognized you are in your field. Furthermore, branded keywords usually have a higher click-through-rate because users already have a certain trust level and intention in mind when conducting the search. Also, ranking highly for your own branded keywords is crucial as this prevents competitors from piggybacking on your brand’s visibility. Lastly, Google also values branded searches, as it builds trust, one of the key factors in Google’s search algorithm.
Branded Keyword Optimization Tips
Optimizing your website for branded keywords involves several best practices.
- Brand Inclusion: Include your brand name in title tags, meta descriptions, and website content to increase your visibility for branded searches.
- Reputation Management: Actively manage your online reputation. Consistent positive reviews and words-of-mouth can increase branded searches.
- Quality Content: Provide high-quality, useful content that gives users more reasons to search specifically for your brand.
- Social Media: Leverage your social media profiles. Not only do they rank in search results for branded keywords, but they also provide additional avenues for engaging and reaching your audience.
- Local SEO: Optimize for local SEO terms including your brand. This helps to attract regional traffic.