Developing a solid SEO keyword strategy is the difference between a blog that gets read and a business that makes money.
If you have ever looked at your analytics and wondered why you are getting thousands of visitors but zero sales, your SEO keyword strategy is likely out of balance. You might be targeting terms that bring people in, but not the terms that make them buy.
To fix this, you need to understand the two main gears of any successful SEO keyword strategy: Traffic Keywords and Money Keywords.
In the world of search optimization, not all keywords are created equal. A comprehensive SEO keyword strategy recognizes that users go through different stages of a journey—from realizing they have a problem to pulling out their credit card.
If you only focus on one type, your strategy fails. Focus only on traffic, and you have no revenue. Focus only on money, and you have no visitors. Here is how to use both effectively.
Also Read: How Advertising Intelligence is Evolving
1. The Role of Traffic Keywords in Your SEO Keyword Strategy
Traffic keywords (often called informational or research keywords) are the wide net of your SEO keyword strategy. These are terms people use when they are looking for answers, guides, or general information.
The Goal: To educate the user and build brand awareness.
The Funnel Stage: Top of the Funnel (Awareness).
Examples: “How to fix a leaky faucet,” “History of running shoes,” “What is SEO?”
The Goal: To educate the user and build brand awareness.
The Funnel Stage: Top of the Funnel (Awareness).
Examples: “How to fix a leaky faucet,” “History of running shoes,” “What is SEO?”
These keywords are excellent for getting eyeballs on your site. As noted in this guide on what keywords are, these terms are vital for your online presence because they establish you as an authority. However, a smart SEO keyword strategy accounts for the fact that these users are usually in “learning mode,” not “buying mode.”
2. The Role of Money Keywords in Your SEO Keyword Strategy
Money keywords (often called transactional keywords) are the engine of a profitable SEO keyword strategy. These are the terms people use when they are ready to buy or are comparing specific solutions.
The Goal: To generate leads, sales, or subscriptions.
The Funnel Stage: Bottom of the Funnel (Decision).
Examples: “Best plumber in Chicago,” “Buy Nike Air Max online,” “SEO agency pricing.”
- The Goal: To generate leads, sales, or subscriptions.
- The Funnel Stage: Bottom of the Funnel (Decision).
- Examples: “Best plumber in Chicago,” “Buy Nike Air Max online,” “SEO agency pricing.”
According to Cyrek Digital’s analysis, these phrases are directly related to a user’s readiness to pay. Ranking for these is more competitive, but they are essential. If your SEO keyword strategy ignores these, you will have plenty of traffic but very little revenue to show for it.
3. How to Combine Both into a Winning SEO Keyword Strategy
A common mistake is focusing 100% on one type. A balanced SEO keyword strategy uses traffic keywords to capture users early—answering their questions and building trust. Then, it uses internal linking to guide them toward your money pages when they are ready to purchase.
You need traffic keywords to fill the funnel, and money keywords to monetize it.
FAQs
1. How do I start my SEO keyword strategy?
Start by identifying your “Money Keywords” first—these are the services or products you sell. Once you have those pages optimized, broaden your SEO keyword strategy by creating blog content around “Traffic Keywords” that link back to your products.
2. Should my SEO keyword strategy prioritize traffic or money keywords?
If you are a new business, prioritize money keywords (specifically specific, long-tail ones) to get immediate sales. However, to scale, your SEO keyword strategy must eventually include informational content to capture a wider audience.
3. Can a keyword be both in a single SEO keyword strategy?
Yes. Some keywords like “Best running shoes” are hybrids. They are informational (reading reviews) but have high commercial intent. These are often called “Commercial Investigation” keywords and are highly valuable.
4. Why is my current SEO keyword strategy bringing traffic but no sales?
You are likely ranking well for informational terms but failing to convert those visitors. Check if your blog posts have clear Calls to Action (CTAs) leading to your money pages.
5. Is it harder to execute an SEO keyword strategy for money keywords?
Generally, yes. Because they generate revenue, established competitors will fight harder for the top positions on Google for money keywords compared to general informational topics.
