Keyword research is a crucial step in any SEO strategy, and it all starts with a seed list—a foundational set of keywords that define your business and its offerings. Without an accurate seed list, you risk missing out on valuable search traffic, just like a landscaping company that marketed a “stump cutter” when potential customers were actually searching for a “stump grinder.”
Building a seed list ensures that your website appears in relevant search results and attracts the right audience. Let’s explore how to create an effective seed list for SEO success.
What is a Seed List?
A seed list is a collection of 10 to 15 non-branded keywords that represent your business, products, or the problems your customers are trying to solve. These keywords serve as the foundation for broader keyword research, helping you identify high-traffic and high-converting terms.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Seed List
1. Understand Your Customer’s Search Behavior
Start by thinking about how your audience describes their needs. Ask yourself:
- What words would they use to search for my products or services?
- Are there multiple terms for the same product? (e.g., stump grinder vs. stump cutter)
- What problems are they trying to solve?
Your goal is to think like your customer and use the language they use.
2. Use AI and Other Research Tools
Leverage AI tools like ChatGPT to generate a list of seed keywords. Simply describe your business and industry, and ask it to suggest relevant keywords. While AI-generated lists aren’t always perfect, they provide a solid starting point.
Other keyword research tools, such as Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and SEMrush, can also help refine your list.
3. Focus on Non-Branded Keywords
Your seed list should contain generic, high-intent keywords that describe what your business offers, rather than brand-specific terms. For example:
- For a bakery: organic bakery, gluten-free bread, vegan pastries
- For a B2B software company: workflow automation, cloud-based software, customizable CRM
4. Prioritize High-Demand, High-Value Keywords
If you have a large product catalog, focus on keywords related to high-demand and high-profit margin products first. This prevents keyword research from becoming overwhelming and allows you to generate ROI faster.
5. Expand Your List Over Time
Your seed list isn’t static—it should grow into hundreds or thousands of keywords as you refine your research. Start small, test which keywords drive traffic, and expand your list with variations and long-tail keywords.
FAQs
1. Why is a seed list important in keyword research?
A seed list lays the foundation for finding the right keywords, ensuring that your business appears in searches relevant to your audience. Without it, you risk targeting the wrong terms and missing potential customers.
2. How many keywords should be in my seed list?
Start with 10 to 15 core keywords that define your business and customer needs. You can expand this list as you refine your keyword research.
3. Can I use ChatGPT to create a seed list?
Yes! ChatGPT and other AI tools can help generate keyword ideas based on your industry and target audience. However, always validate AI-generated keywords with actual search data.
4. Should I include branded keywords in my seed list?
No. Your seed list should consist of non-branded keywords that describe your products, services, or customer pain points. Branded keywords come later in your SEO strategy.
5. How do I refine my seed list for better SEO performance?
Use keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and SEMrush to analyze search volume, competition, and relevance. Then, adjust your list based on performance data.
By following this guide, you’ll create a strong seed list that sets the foundation for a successful keyword research strategy. Start small, focus on customer search intent, and refine your list over time to maximize your SEO success. 🚀