Google Digital Garage Certification Practice Exam

What is the first step in planning a search engine optimization strategy?

1. Content creation

2. Keyword research

3. Competitor analysis

4. Link building

The correct answer is: Keyword research

The first step in planning a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy is keyword research. This process involves identifying the specific terms and phrases that potential customers use when searching for products or services relevant to your business. Keyword research allows you to understand the language and intent of your target audience, enabling you to tailor your content and SEO efforts to meet their needs effectively. By focusing on the right keywords, you can drive targeted traffic to your website, improve your rankings in search engine results, and ultimately enhance your visibility online. This foundational step informs subsequent actions in your SEO strategy, such as content creation, where you can integrate the identified keywords naturally into topics of interest. Other processes like competitor analysis or link building are important components of a comprehensive SEO strategy, but they come after establishing a clear understanding of which keywords to target. Without thorough keyword research, efforts in content creation or other areas may not align with what users are actually searching for, potentially leading to missed opportunities for traffic and engagement.