The key to getting found is understanding what a keyword truly is – they’re more than just words or phrases people type in on a search engine. Keywords are what connects your audience to your SaaS product.

Now, this article goes beyond generic SEO advice to give you an actionable keyword strategy for identifying and leveraging the right keywords for your SaaS.

With that said, are you ready to transform your keyword strategy and watch your SaaS take off?

If you are, then let’s not waste any more time and get started.

There’s No Such Thing As One-Keyword-Fits-All

The thing about keywords is, they’re not all built equally. Sounds cliche, but it’s true. Some keywords are just better than others. For example, some keywords have a higher search volume. Meanwhile, there are keywords that have low “keyword difficulty” which makes them easier to rank high for compared to others.

So you really have to think about what your keyword strategy will be. Randomly selecting potential keywords from places like Google Keyword planner or other SEO tools won’t work. You have to learn how to prioritize keywords that will move the needle for your business.

So, let’s start with the basics.

First, you’ve got different types of keywords.

Product-focused keywords are all about your features (think “CRM for freelancers“).

Problem-solving keywords address pain points (“streamline email marketing“).

Comparison keywords help users decide between options (“Hubspot vs. ActiveCampaign“), while industry-specific keywords zero in on a niche (“SaaS for real estate agents“).

There are also informational keywords. These keywords target users in the research phase, seeking information about a topic or problem your SaaS solves (“best practices for project management”).

Then there’s the length of the keyword.

Short tail keywords are broad (“project management“), while long tail keywords are more specific (“project management software for agile teams“). 

See the difference?

You need both to succeed. Short-tail keywords bring in volume, while long tail keywords attract higher-intent users who are closer to making a purchase.

9 Effective Keyword Analysis Techniques

Now that you understand the lay of the land, let’s talk about actually finding those golden, low-hanging keywords. 

1. Start Brainstorming

Jot down a list of seed keywords related to your SaaS product.

Don’t overthink it – just get those initial ideas flowing. Then, put your detective hat on and analyze your competitors.

What keywords are they using?

Next, tap into user-generated content – forums, social media, review sites – to see how your target audience talks about their needs.

And don’t forget about your own customer support queries! Those are goldmines for relevant keywords.

2. Analyze the Metrics

Once you have a solid list, it’s time to crunch some numbers.

Use your trusty keyword research tool to check the search volume (how many people are searching for that term), keyword difficulty (how hard it is to rank for it), and click-through rate (CTR).

Most importantly, consider the user intent behind the keyword – is this a keyword someone uses when they’re ready to buy? Or do they want more information about this particular thing?

Analyzing user intent is easily overlooked since it’s often overshadowed by the BIG numbers on the search volume. But don’t be distracted. Landing your website in the right place for the right keywords is more important than attracting unqualified traffic or leads.

3. Map the Customer Journey

Remember, your customers go through different stages, and each stage requires different keywords to match their mindset.

Awareness Stage Keywords: These are broad terms used by users who are just starting to research their problem or need. They might not even know a solution like yours exists!

• Example: “how to improve team communication,” “ways to reduce data entry errors,” “how do I streamline social media management”

Consideration Stage Keywords: Now users are actively evaluating solutions. They’re comparing features, pricing, and looking for the best fit.

• Example: “best project management software for small teams,” “top marketing automation tools,” “free CRM trial,” “Asana vs. Monday.com“

Decision Stage Keywords (Also known as BOFU keywords): These are highly specific keywords used by users who are ready to make a purchase. They know what they want and are looking for the best deal or provider.

• Example: “buy Asana Premium plan,” “Hubspot CRM pricing,” “discount code for [your SaaS],” “download [your SaaS] free trial”

You need keywords for every stage of this journey to capture potential customers at each touchpoint.

4. Prioritize Like a Pro

You can’t target everything at once. Focus on keywords with high business impact (will they actually drive leads and sales?), align with your available resources, and resonate with your target audience.

5. Competitor Keyword Analysis

The good news is, you don’t need to start from scratch. 

One of the best ways to find keywords for your SaaS website is to analyze competitor keywords, websites, and marketing materials to identify the keywords they’re ranking for. 

SEO Tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs can provide valuable insights into your competitors’ keyword strategies. 

6. Leverage Google’s Suggestions

Google’s autocomplete feature is a goldmine for keyword ideas. To start, type in a relevant keyword related to your SaaS product, and see what Google suggests. These suggestions are based on real user searches, giving you valuable insights into what your target audience is looking for. 

7. Explore Related Searches

Scroll down to the bottom of Google’s search results page, and you’ll find a “Related searches” section. This is another treasure trove of keyword ideas that can help you uncover new angles and variations of your target keywords. 

8. Utilize Keyword Research Tools

Tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Google Keyword Planner can provide in-depth data on keyword search volume, competition, and related keywords. Use these tools to refine your keyword list and identify high-value opportunities. 

9. Focus on Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that target a niche audience. While they may have lower search volume individually, they often convert better because they attract highly qualified leads.

Understanding Search Intent and Keyword Relevance

A big part of analyzing keywords is understanding the “why” behind a search. This is called search intent.

Let’s say someone searches for “project management software.” Are they looking for:

• Informational content: A blog post explaining different project management methodologies?

• Comparison guides: A detailed comparison of leading project management tools?

• Free trials/demos: Ready to try out software and potentially become a paying customer?

By understanding search intent and keyword relevance, you can choose keywords that align with the stage of the buyer’s journey your target audience is in and tailor your content accordingly.

Unlock SaaS-Specific Keyword Opportunities

Let’s talk about some pro-level keyword strategies that are especially powerful for SaaS businesses. These are the tactics that can really give you an edge.

Feature-Specific Keywords

Generic keywords might get you some traffic, but to stand out, you need to highlight what makes your SaaS product special.

What are those unique features and benefits that your competitors can’t touch? 

Don’t be afraid to get specific with your keywords.

For example, if your project management software has built-in time tracking with automated reporting, don’t just target “project management software”.

Instead, go for keywords like “project management software with time tracking” or even “automated project reporting software”. 

It’s a long tail keyword that probably has a low search volume, but such keywords play around your SaaS product’s strength and therefore, people looking for exactly that kind of tool will find you.

Plus, the more specific you are, the more qualified the traffic you’ll attract.

Integration Keywords

Users love tools that seamlessly connect and work together. This presents a prime keyword opportunity for you.

Identify popular tools that integrate with your SaaS and create content around those integrations.

For example, if your CRM integrates with Slack, target keywords like “CRM with Slack integration” or “manage sales communication in Slack”.

This allows you to tap into an existing user base and positions your SaaS as part of a powerful tech stack.

Alternative & Competitor Keywords

We get it – no one likes to think about the competition.

But the reality is, potential customers are comparing you to other SaaS solutions. Instead of shying away from this, embrace it!

Target keywords like “[Competitor Name] alternative” or “best [Your SaaS Category] software” to capture users who are actively researching different options.

This allows you to position your SaaS directly in front of a highly relevant audience.

Pain Point & Solution Keywords

Put yourself in your customer’s shoes.

What are their biggest pain points? What are they struggling with?

Once you understand their challenges, use those pain points as keywords.

Create content that directly addresses these problems and positions your SaaS as the solution.

For example, if your target audience struggles with customer churn, target keywords like “how to reduce customer churn” or “ways to improve customer retention”.

By providing valuable content that solves their problems, you’ll establish trust and authority, making them more likely to choose your SaaS.

Final Words: From Keywords to Customers

We’ve covered a lot of ground here, but the key takeaway is this: effective keyword analysis is the foundation of a successful SaaS marketing strategy.

When you understand the different types of keywords, leverage powerful research techniques, and capitalize on SaaS-specific opportunities, you can connect with your target audience in a meaningful way.

But remember, SaaS keyword research isn’t a one-time task. 

Competition within our industry is constantly evolving, and your keywords need to evolve with it.

Regularly review your keyword performance, analyze the data, and don’t be afraid to adjust your overall SEO strategy based on what you learn.

A successful SaaS company is one that embraces a data-driven approach and constantly refines their strategies to stay ahead of the curve.

Ready to take your SaaS to the stars?

Then start putting these keyword strategies into action today. And if you need an expert hand to guide your growth, Spatium Reach is here to help.

Talk with us so we can help you develop a tailored marketing strategy that drives real results.