I guess I'm getting ahead of myself by assuming you know what keywords, or phrases, actually are. In a nutshell, they're the words or phrases people are using in their searches to find you, or businesses like you. So, for me, that's phrases like "website design", "web site design", "web development".
Often, there's a tendency to want to rank for EVERY keyphrase you can think of or keyphrases that are too vague. Examples of vague keyphrases/words are (again, using myself as an example) design, internet, marketing. Design could be architectural, graphic, boat, aeroplane, automobile!
So here's 5 questions to ask yourself about your keywords & phrases BEFORE you talk to your website designer.
- How would you describe what you do?
- In your opinion, what makes your product or service special? What makes you different from your competitors? In other words, what's your USP (Unique Selling Point)?
- What services or products do you consider similar, but aren't your competitors?
- Which of your services or products are most profitable for you? Are there any reasons why you would want to push one over another (seasonal, inventory, location, etc)?
- Pick you top 10 keywords (in your opinion).
Once you've answered these questions you should have a good list of keywords or phrases that fairly represent your business and what you think people are using to find you. Don't forget to check with your wife, husband, GF, BF, aunt, neighbor, dog, cat, or anyone you think may have a clue! They're all potential clients and will search differently. Once you have that list sorted out, you're ready to talk SEO with your designer, and it will make his/her job easier and their job smoother.
So, do yourself a favor, do your keyword due diligence first!
