Although the parameters of SEO optimization have changed a bit, at least in Google’s arena, strong keywords are still among the best ways to show up at the top of any search engine’s results. Knowing which pages are working well and which need to be better optimized can be critical to the success of those pages–and your business.

A Helpful Tool

One user-friendly tool for analyzing your webpage optimization is the On-Page Keyword Optimization Tool located on the SEOMoz site. This analysis assigns a letter grade from A to F for each site it checks.

The area where you load your information is called the “On-Page Report Card” and using it couldn’t be easier. You simply type in the keyword you’re checking for and the URL of the website you want analyzed for that word or phrase. Then click the button “Grade My On-Page Optimization.”

Along with a letter grade showing how well the site is optimized for that keyword, you’ll also see a list of important factors for the site, how well you’re meeting those factors, and tips for correcting the things that are preventing full optimization.

When you have a number of pages to analyze, it’s very helpful to create a spreadsheet so you can track what needs to be fixed now and what can wait for a bit. Columns might include the page name, the page URL, keywords you’re optimizing for, the site’s initial letter grade and then a final letter grade after you’ve made any recommended changes.

Things To Remember About Keyword Analysis

• Begin At Home – If you’re not sure where to start your analysis or if you only have time to work on one page, begin with your home page. This is generally the page that leads to all of your other sites and pages, which means that searchers who find your home page will be able to click through to learn more. Get your home page ranking high in the search results and you’ll be off and running.

• Don’t Get Over-Ambitious – As you begin, plan to optimize each page for just one to three keywords. However, you may find that these keywords will change as your products and services grow or your competitors showcase new operations that you should also be doing. You don’t have to write your initial keywords in stone.

• Export Results – The On-Page Optimization Tool allows you to easily create reports from your analysis data with the “Export to PDF” button. Once you have the information in a report, it’s easier to understand, pull apart, and organize so you can not only optimize your sites but check future optimization against this baseline.

While performing keyword analysis, remember that the basic rules of keyword usage still apply: don’t overuse them, and make them flow naturally into the text. Google now has ways to spot “unnatural” phrasing and links, and this will negate any strides you make through your keyword analysis.

Stay on top of your keyword optimization and you’ll stay at the top of the search results.

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