Do you know the difference between a category and a tag as it relates to your blog? It can get confusing but basically a category is the
table of contents for your blog and the tags are what is inside. So, if your blog is about teaching crochet, you’d want one of your categories to be “learning crochet” “crochet video tutorials” or “crochet lessons”.
How did I choose those specific categories?
I went to Google AdWords Keyword Tool which is a free tool. Enter your search terms or more specifically the search terms that your readers and customers will be searching and find the ones that have low competition but enough searches per month that it is worth your time. (1,000+)
Once you find words that will match your blog topics add them to your categories. You don’t have to do keyword research when doing your categories but it does help Google direct the right kind of traffic your way.
Choosing Tags for Your Crochet Blog:
Tags, unlike categories don’t have to be keyword specific although they can be. Using the table of contents as an example again, your category or chapter “learning crochet” has different subjects within it. You might choose to do a tutorial for each crochet stitch you know. In this case you would tag your post with the name of the stitch i.e. crocodile stitch.
Doing this directs Google and your blog reader or shop consumer to exactly what they are looking for which is “to learn the crocodile stitch”.
In case that just went completely over your head I did some research for you. These are decent keywords to optimize for a crochet blog or website. Choose one or five to feature on your blog, be sure that it matches what your are blogging about.
30 Keyword Specific Categories for Your Crochet Blog
- Crochet techniques
- Crochet video tutorials
- Crochet news
- Learning crochet
- Crochet business
- Crochet on Etsy
- Easy crochet patterns for beginners
- Crocheting for beginners
- Free baby bootie crochet patterns
- Free crochet flower patterns
- Free flower crochet patterns
- Crochet stitch patterns
- Crochet stitches Videos
- Easy crochet stitches
- Crochet stitches for Beginners
- Free crochet pattern scarf
- Crochet blog
- Crochet lessons
- Crochet Pattern Central
- How to read crochet patterns
- Crochet abbreviations
- Crochet projects
- Crochet blogs
- Mens crochet hat pattern
- Crochet ideas
- Crochet terms
- Crochet design
- Cool crochet patterns
- Beanies with earflaps
- Summer crochet patterns
Hey Sara,
I am so glad you posted this again!!
I needed to know the difference between the tag and category, so that I could set my blog up properly!!
I am still working on using the Google AdWords, but it’s coming along!!
Great Job as usual!
Z.
ZaMarah recently wrote…It’s Maybe Monday….
ZaMarah, glad it was helpful. Will stop by for your Maybe Monday series to see what everyone is thinking of crocheting.
Sara,
This is a great article, especially for those who are new to blogging or just don’t have a good grasp on keywords or search engine optimization.
You have compiled an excellent list of keywords! Being that I have spent a considerable amount of time studying keywords, tags and categories, I know the importance of knowing the difference and how to properly use them on your blog.
Used correctly, they will definitely give your blog a boost in the search engines. Even though Google has been changing its algorithms over the past several years, keyword optimization is still important if you want to generate organic traffic to your blog or website.
In addition, as you mentioned, making it easy for your reader or visitor to find what they want is essential if you want repeat visitors or readers. Having a blog or website where it is easy to navigate around also decreases your bounce rate and keeps the visitor on your blog a lot longer if they are able to find what they want. If they find your blog through a search for the “crocodile stitch” but they can’t find anything on the “crocodile stitch” when they get there, they will “bounce” … see ya … off to the next URL!!!
Iris, thank you. I’m fairly new to keywords and seo as I’ve only started studying it within the last 2 years. I definitely have a lot to learn.
You are right about categories and tags directing your readers to your content. If they are set up right your bounce rate (the amount of time someone stays on your site) will definitely decrease because they are engaged with what you have to offer.