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What is SEO? and how do I research Keywords

  • Writer: makayla13n
    makayla13n
  • Jan 13
  • 2 min read

Updated: Feb 3


Infographic explaining SEO basics for Clear Path Marketing, showing how search engine optimization boosts visibility for website design, email campaigns, and Google Ads services in New Zealand

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the practice of improving a website's visibility in organic (unpaid) search results on engines like Google. It involves optimizing content, technical structure, and authority signals to match what users search for and what search engines prioritize.


How SEO Works

Search engines crawl websites, index pages, and rank them based on relevance, quality, and user signals like click-through rates. For your Clear Path Marketing services—website design, maintenance, email campaigns, and Google Ads—SEO targets local searches like "Auckland website design agency" to attract ready-to-buy clients.


Why SEO Matters for Your Agency

Effective SEO drives free, targeted traffic over time, unlike paid ads, building trust through high rankings. Agencies like yours rank for service keywords to showcase expertise and convert visitors into leads without constant ad spend.


Keyword Research Basics

Keyword research identifies the search terms people use when looking for services like yours—website design, email campaigns, and Google Ads. Focus on phrases with decent search volume, low competition, and clear buyer intent (e.g., "Auckland website design agency" over generic "web design")



Step-by-Step Keyword Research Process

  • Brainstorm seed keywords:

List 5-10 broad terms from your services, like "website design NZ," "email marketing campaigns," "Google Ads management Auckland."


  • Expand with tools:

Use free options like Google Keyword Planner, Google autocomplete (type your seed + "near me" or "Auckland"), or paid tools like Ahrefs/SEMrush for volume, difficulty, and related ideas.


  • Prioritise targets:

Pick long-tail keywords (3+ words) with 100-1,000 monthly searches, low difficulty (<30), and transactional intent (e.g., "hire Google Ads expert Auckland").


  • Check search intent:

Ensure top results match what you'd deliver—guides for "how-to" queries, service pages for "best agency" searches.



Posted by Founder / Digital Marketing Strategist

Makayla Clarke


 
 
 

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