Keyword analysis

Does anyone have a spreadsheet template please

[bpresent]

Today I came across this thread [webmasterworld.com] from Feb 2002 in which fellow Australian (Omni) asked about how to use this site. There followed a discussion about how to use this site... but also about SEO etc etc.

If you're new, like me, then I highly recommend the thread - particularly the side topic at msg#23 by lazerzubb. I'm assuming that the tips in there are still generally true.

Anyway, does anyone have a template spreadsheet with some instructions if possible that I can use to help me with the tasks of gathering, analysing and tracking keywords?

Also, just how different are the major search engines in this respect and is there one inexpensive paying engine that you must be in (but perhaps these are other topics)?

(Perhaps I should post this question elsewhere - I put it here because newbie's like me would arguably get the most value from such assistance.)

Thanks, Sam.

[2_much]

Hi BPresent, I really think that Lazer's post is still valid and sums it up. What do you need a spreadsheet for? You want to have a list of keywords, and create your site around them. No need for a spreadsheet.

Anyways, the only thing I would add to Lazer's post is for you to emphasize on optimizing your link structure and anchor text.

[kwasher]

Thanks for pointing out this thread! I'd probably never have seen it otherwise.

I have half a mind to just shut down my crummy message board and point the link here!

[bpresent]

Glad to help kwasher :)

2_much - thanks for the update - Oilman stated in the aforementioned thread

re spreadsheets: yeah - killer way to keep track of stuff. Just build what ever tables you need to keep track of words, rankings, click numbers, etc.

I agree that, given the instructions detailed in the thread, it doesn't really matter how you store the bits and pieces - I thought that perhaps a pre-defined structure would help newbies like me in the task - to focus on the important bits.

I shall ask Oilman soon....

[JamesR]

Oh, its just oilman trying to fool all of us into thinking he is organized ;)

He is right, spreadsheets can be a good way of keeping track of information but pad and paper works well too. It is kinda whatever works for ya type of thing.

[jimbeetle]

Hey bpresent,

One thing not to forget is to check your traffic logs to see how visitors actually get to your site. This is one of the areas where I think we are sometimes a bit shortsighted, I know I was when I first started. Sort of a 'this is the way I try to find things, so that's how everybody does it' type of thing.

You do have to start with some assumptions. Then, as traffic increases you'll be quite surprised as to how many different ways your initial keyword phrases are going to show up. Use this info to assess the overall effectiveness of your targeting efforts and as a springboard for new content.

Your traffic logs are the one tool you have that nobody else does.

[bpresent]

you'll be quite surprised as to how many different ways your initial keyword phrases are going to show up

Indeed - I discovered a spelling mistake in one of my pages when someone came in on a search for "mosue pointer" :)