What Are Keywords and Why Do They Matter for Your Website?


When people search for products or services online, they type words and phrases into Google. Those words are called keywords, and they play a huge role in whether your business shows up in search results or gets buried under competitors.

At Armstrong Web Dynamics, we help small businesses use keywords strategically so their websites can attract the right customers at the right time.


What Exactly Are Keywords?

Keywords are the words or phrases people type into search engines when they’re looking for something.

Examples include:

  • “Website designer near me”

  • “Small business marketing services”

  • “Citrus County web design”

  • “Local SEO expert”

Search engines scan websites to find these keywords and determine which pages best match a user’s search.


Why Keywords Are So Important

If your website doesn’t include the words your customers are searching for, Google has no reason to show your site in search results.

Keywords help:

  • Connect your website to real customer searches

  • Tell Google what your business offers

  • Attract visitors who are actively looking for your services

The right keywords bring high-quality traffic, not just random visitors.


Short-Tail vs. Long-Tail Keywords

Not all keywords are the same.

Short-Tail Keywords

These are broad and competitive:

  • “Web design”

  • “Marketing services”

They get a lot of searches but are harder to rank for.

Long-Tail Keywords

These are more specific:

  • “Small business web design in Citrus County”

  • “Affordable website designer for local businesses”

Long-tail keywords usually bring fewer visitors - but those visitors are far more likely to become customers.


Where Keywords Should Appear on Your Website

Keywords work best when placed naturally throughout your site, including:

  • Page titles

  • Headings and subheadings

  • Website content

  • Blog posts

  • Image descriptions (alt text)

  • Meta descriptions

Keyword stuffing doesn’t work - clarity and relevance do.


Keywords Help You Compete Locally

For local businesses, keywords that include your city or service area are extremely powerful.

Examples:

  • “Citrus County website design”

  • “Inverness Florida digital marketing”

  • “Local web designer near me”

These keywords help your business appear in local searches and Google Maps results.


Keywords Are a Long-Term Strategy

Using the right keywords isn’t about quick wins - it’s about building consistent visibility over time. When your site is properly optimized, keywords continue working for you long after the content is published.


Final Thoughts

Keywords are the foundation of SEO. Without them, your website is invisible to search engines and potential customers.

At Armstrong Web Dynamics, we research, implement, and optimize keywords that help small businesses get found, get clicks, and get customers.

If you’re unsure which keywords your website should be targeting, we’re here to help.

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