Most Businesses Are Targeting the Wrong Keywords

Are You Targeting the Right Keywords? Most Businesses Get It Wrong

After auditing hundreds of SEO campaigns, I’ve noticed a pattern—most business owners target the wrong search terms without realizing it.

They assume high search volume keywords will drive qualified traffic, but in reality, they often bring in potential customers who have no intention of converting. Worse, their Google Business Profile rankings struggle because their keyword optimization doesn’t match search intent.

If your website isn’t ranking or converting, your target keywords your target keywords may be the culprit if your website isn’t ranking or converting.

1. The Biggest Keyword Research Mistakes Businesses Make

Most businesses fail at keyword optimization because they focus on search volume instead of search visibility. Here are the most common keyword research mistakes I see:

Ignoring Search Intent – Just because a keyword has a high Google Search volume doesn’t mean it will convert. You need to align with what potential customers want.
Overlooking Long-Tail Keywords – Long-tail keywords are crucial for ranking in organic search because they match user queries more precisely.
Forgetting Local SEO – If you have a physical location, optimizing for Google Maps, business directories, and business categories is essential.
Neglecting User Experience (UX) – Poor user experience can lead to high bounce rates and lower search rankings even with the right keywords.

If your Google My Business listing isn’t optimized with relevant keywords, you lose online visibility to competitors.

2. Why Search Intent Matters More Than Search Volume

I’ve worked with businesses that ranked for high-volume keywords but failed to generate leads. Why? Because they didn’t match the search intent.

There are four types of search intent:

Informational – The user wants to learn something (e.g., “how to do keyword research”).
Navigational – They are searching for a business listing (e.g., “Anthony Hu SEO website”).
Transactional – They are ready to buy (e.g., “hire SEO services in Chilliwack”).
Commercial Investigation – They compare options (e.g., “best SEO tools for small businesses”).

If your content creation doesn’t align with these intent types, your SEO strategy won’t drive qualified leads.

3. The Power of Long-Tail Keywords in SEO

Most business owners focus on short, high-competition search terms, but long-tail keywords are where the real opportunity lies.

Here’s why they’re essential for improving Google Business and Google My Business Optimization:

Lower Competition – Less crowded search rankings mean faster results.
Higher Conversion Rates – Users searching long-tail keywords have stronger buying intent.
Better Search Visibility – These keywords align with organic search behavior, helping you rank in business profiles and local search results.

For example, instead of targeting “SEO services,” a better keyword would be “affordable SEO services for small businesses.”

4. How to Fix Your Keyword Research Strategy

If your SEO strategy isn’t delivering organic traffic, it’s time to fix your keyword research approach.

Step 1: Identify Your Target Audience

Before diving into SEO tools, define your target audience. What are their pain points? How do they search for solutions?

Step 2: Use the Right Keyword Tools

I use tools like:

Google Keyword Planner
Ahrefs
SEMrush
AnswerThePublic

These help identify relevant keywords, keyword rankings, and gaps in business profiles.

Step 3: Optimize for Search Intent

Matching target keywords to search intent ensures your content ranks for the right reasons.

Step 4: Monitor Keyword Performance

Use search engine optimization tracking tools to adjust your SEO strategy as search behavior evolves.

5. How Google’s Algorithm Weighs Business Authority and Keywords

Google doesn’t just rank pages based on search traffic—it evaluates business authority, Google Business Profile accuracy, and SEO rankings.

Key Factors That Influence Rankings:

Accurate Business Listings – Your business directories, location, and categories must be consistent.
User Engagement Signals – Online reviews, positive reviews, and Google My Business Optimization improve rankings.
Backlinks & Inbound Links – A strong link-building strategy reinforces credibility.

Search engines recognize your business as a trusted source by focusing on Google My Business.

Final Thoughts: Fix Your Keyword Strategy Today

The difference between SEO campaigns that succeed and those that fail often comes down to choosing the right keywords.

You can improve search rankings, attract potential customers, and drive qualified traffic by focusing on search visibility, long-tail keywords, and business profiles.

If your Google Business Profile isn’t ranking, it’s time to rethink your keyword strategy.

Need expert help? Let’s talk.

Next Steps: How to Improve Your SEO Today

Audit your current keyword list – Are you optimizing for search intent?
Use long-tail keywords – These improve Google Search rankings and online presence.
Refine your Google Business Profile – Ensure your business listing is accurate.
Monitor your search rankings – Adjust your SEO strategy as needed.

If you’re struggling with Google My Business Optimization, let’s get your business back on track.

Most Businesses Are Targeting the Wrong Keywords—Here’s How to Fix It