If SEO is the game, keywords are your secret weapon—except they’re not actually secret, and most people are using them wrong.

A lot of business owners think keywords are something mystical... or something you stuff awkwardly into a sentence like “We are the best pressure washing Port St Lucie Florida company.” 🙃

No. Please no.

Let’s break down what keywords actually are, why they matter, and how to pick the right ones without turning your website into some robotic word salad.

What Is a Keyword?

A keyword is simply the word or phrase someone types (or says) into Google when they’re looking for something.

Examples:

  • “Paver sealing in port st lucie”
  • “How to seal a paver driveway”
  • “Best tacos near me” (respect)

If your website uses those same words in the right places, Google is more likely to show your site when someone searches for them. That’s keyword alignment, baby.

Where Do You Use Keywords?

You don’t need to understand algorithms or wear glasses taped in the middle to get this. Here’s the basic 3-step process:

How to Pick the Right Keywords

1. Think Like Your Customer

What would you search if you were looking for your product or service?

2. Use Free Tools

Below are a few beginner-friendly tools to try:

3. Mix Short and Long-Tail Keywords

  • Short = “fishing rods”
  • Long-tail = “custom affordable fishing rods”

Long-tail keywords = less competition + more intent = AWESOME for local biz. We help small businesses find the perfect keywords for their market, get a free analysis.

Keep It Real

  • Use your keywords naturally—write for humans (your target audience)
  • Don’t overdo it—Google knows what you’re trying to do
  • Be specific—broad keywords bring broad (often unhelpful) traffic

💡 TL;DR

  • Keywords are just search terms your ideal customers are using
  • Use them in key spots like titles, headlines, and body copy
  • Choose keywords based on relevance, search intent, and how specific they are

Final Thoughts

Keywords aren’t scary—they’re actually your best friends in the SEO game.

The right ones connect your business to the people who need what you offer right now. You just have to meet them where they’re searching.