Question about putting high traffic keywords in my Primary navigation menu.
-
Hello,
I seem to be having a bit of a dilemma with making a crucial site architecture decision about which high traffic keyword I should put in my primary navigation menu.
I am the owner of a computer repair business that I am currently re branding out of necessity for a few reasons.
My existing business website has been established for the past 5 years now and I do all of the SEO and have been on the 1st Page of GOOGLE for anything computer repair related since day 1 however, like I said am re branding my company and migrating from Joomla to WordPress so it is a great time to make some positive and effective changes to my site architecture.
I am going to be using the Silo Site Architecture on the new Site and I have a very firm working knowledge on the process but I seem to have hit a snag or dilemma with one of my Primary Navigation Categories for the Silo Theme.
My specif question is this please..
Doing keyword research the Keyword Phrase "Computer Repair" is the most highly searched for keyword phrase for people that have computer related problems (naturally) and Ideally "Computer Repair" should be one of my Main Menu Navigation Silo Category Themes.
But... here lies the problem....
If I go with "Computer Repair" in the (Main Nav Menu) then although it gets - 823,000 Local Monthly Searches I would be opening myself up to a potential problem because normally, most people associate the Phrase Computer Repair with Desktop Computer Repair. So in essence I would be forced to use an alternate other than "Computer Repair" for the Desktop Computer Repair structure in the Silo Theme (Sidebar Nav Menu). The Keyword Phrase "Desktop Repair" gets only - 12,100 Local Monthly Searches so basically no one uses the Search Phrase "Desktop Repair. when they are looking to get their computer repaired.
I hope that I did not just confuse you? Still confused? Continue reading and I will dissect my psycho babble for you.....
"The Semantic Historical Logic"
Historically, a Desktop has always been referred to as a computer. Hence the reason why even still today, when our "Desktop" has problems and we need to get it fixed, we Search for "Computer Repair". Why is that? That's a very good question and here is "exactly" why.
Long before we had Laptops, Netbooks, Tablets and Smart Phones we had the all encompassing and mighty "Computer" that allowed us to connect to the rest of the world. It was not until Laptops actually came about where there was a need to assign an actual _"Classification System"_and all mighty and powerful "Computer" became a "Desktop Computer**"!!! **
So, there you have it. This is the reason why "Computer Repair" is synonymous with "Desktop Repair" and why "NO ONE" searches for desktop repair when their Desktop Computer is broken!
=============================================================
ACTUAL EXAMPLES WITH SCREEN SHOTS BELOW!
If I go with Example A: I have the the Highest Traffic Keyword Phrase in my Mast Head (Main Nav Menu) but would be forced to use Desktop Repair to classify (Desktop Repair) in (Sidebar Nav Menu) instead using the keyword phrase "Computer Repair" to classify Desktop Repair.
Example A:
Main Nav Theme Category = "Computer Repair" = 823,000 Monthly Loc
Child Pages/ Categories = -Desktop Repair = **12,100 ** Monthly Loc
-Laptop Repair = 165,000 Monthly Loc
-Tablet Repair = 165,000 Monthly Loc
-Remote Desktop = 1,000,000 Monthly Loc
I am using WordPress - (Pages / Child Pages) not Categories & Posts!
So, as you can see from (Example A:) above, not being able to use the keyword phrase "Computer Repair" to classify the "Desktop Repair" section kind of opens me up for failure to a good extent as most of my business is done on regular desktop computers which people generally think "Computer Repair" when they are searching to have their Desktop Repaired.
=============================================================
Example B:
Main Nav Theme Category = **"Computer Service" = **246,000 Monthly Loc
Child Pages/ Categories = -Computer Repair = 823,000 Monthly Loc
-Laptop Repair = 165,000 Monthly Loc
-Tablet Repair = 165,000 Monthly Loc
-Remote Desktop = 1,000,000 Monthly Loc
I am using WordPress - (Pages / Child Pages) not Categories & Posts!
Now, with (Example B:) even though the keyword Phrase "Computer Service" is not the more favorable item to have as the Silo Theme Category in the Main Navigation Menu, we can see that it is much more favorable in terms of Local Monthly Searches over the just about non searched for phrase "Desktop Repair"
So as you see, I have a bit of a dilemma that a more experienced SEO could counsel me on. The question is, through your experience, which scenario would you see as more favorable for the site Architecture example A: or example B:
This brings me to my next question that also creates some confusion for me. If you say I think (Example B:) would be my better bet what would you recommend that I do with the URL Structure if "Computer Service" is the Parent Page for the Silo Theme?
Example:
I am using the /%category%/%postname%/ permalink structure for the Silo Site Architecture for the (Blog Section) only - and am using WP Pages and Child Pages for my Silo Content for my Services (Not Posts).
Would this URL be a problem in Googles eyes or a customers eyes and be perceived as SPAMMY ...
http://www.pcmedicsoncall.com/computer-services/computer-repair/
More than likely, I would say yes because it looks that way to me!
My question to you in regards to the link structure above is, If I take the "Computer Service" page and change the "SLUG" to (services) yes it will look better but... will that effectively work against me???
EDIT: ^^ Answered my own question on the Services deal directly above. ^^
Thank you for reading my very long winded questions but I am pretty detailed and I think that the better that I explained it the less writing and guessing what I meant would be better for all concerned (typing wise)
Thank you very much and I look forward to your insightful expertise and wisdom.
Marshall
COMPUTER-SERVICE-MAST-HEAD.png COMPUTER-SERVICE-MAST-HEAD.png
-
Good afternoon Jeremy and it's nice to meet you!
Thank you for your response to my question but I feel that I have mislead you with my screen shot as I had not added the sidebar yet so I guess that I might have sent the wrong signal due to the partially illustrated intent. Sorry about that...
Jeremy, I agree with you that looking at the existing Navigation Menu "Categories" are very to the point and they are all very high searched for key words in my business and there would be no confusion with my potential customers finding exactly what they need. - Currently as is, my site is very to the point of what I do to both the END USER as well as the Search Engines.
But, back to my Specif question on the (existing) "Computer Repair" category in the Main Nav Menu vs using "Computer Service" in its place.
I have a couple of concerns with this situation which are legitimate ones.
If I use "Computer Repair" as one of the main Themes in the Silo "Main Nav Menu" I will be forced to use "Desktop Repair" to classify Computer Repair in my Sidebar Navigation and that is a problem for a couple of Reasons!
1st Problem - The Majority of People that need Computer Repair do indeed have a desktop computer. However, when people think of getting their Desktop Computer repaired they view it as just Computer Repair and DO NOT search for (repair desktop computer) because they DO NOT classify their DESKTOP as one would classify ( Laptop Repair , Tablet Repair or Phone Repair) because HISTORICALLY a DESKTOP is just a computer and it was not until laptops, netbooks, tablets, etc came about where there was a need for an actual CLASSIFICATION system.
However, case in Point - (even still) today, 95% of the WORLD thinks and Searches for Computer Repair when their Desktop is broken or has a virus or whatever the case may be.
This is backed up by the Numbers taken directly from GOOGLE Keyword Tool as shown below.
"Computer Repair" = 823,000 Monthly Local Searches
-Desktop Repair = 12,100 Monthly Local Searches
2nd Problem - Desktop Repair only Gets 12,100 Monthly Local Searches and derivatives of Desktop Repair related searches get about the same or in most cases, they get significantly less queries than the very LAME 12,100 Monthly Searches!
3rd Problem - Potential semantic URL Structure problem ( may look SPAMMY) considering that I GEO Target my Business Location in my URL Structures
So I am taking multiple things into account here because as we all know, one decision will directly affect 1 or multiple elements which has the potential for disaster in instances such as this.
As far as the Migration Process Site design content creation, 301 Redirects on Page level and all of that other jazz, I have that under wraps because I have done extensive research for weeks now on migrating. Plus I am also a coder and am trained and educated on the Server side of things and have been doing web mastering, site development and SEO for 5 1/2 years now and have been working with computers for 32 years on top of that.
I would like a strategical view point for this complex dilemma from some other eyes and view points on this matter so I can exchange some ideas and have an intellectual and strategic discussion on this matter in terms of advanced seo and site structure.
Here is one Updated Screen shot with the Sidebar Nav in place. Please keep in mind this site is online but blocked to the outside world with the exception of my IP Address. So in short we are looking at place holders and nothing is set in stone yet as I am currently trying to figure out the best way to go with the Silo Site Structure, Proper Semantic URL Mapping, etc etc.
Please do interpret this as an advanced SEO Strategy Planning question from someone who has very advanced skill sets and has been developing with WordPress for 2 1/2 years now exclusively.
As technical and challenging as you can get with your responses, I can interpret just fine and handle that. : D
P.S .. I know how to build out the Silo Site Architecture and am also coding a SPECIFIC Sidebar Nav Menu for Each Silo Theme (Category) that will reflect and stay EXACTLY on Point with the Information Architecture of that Specific Silo Theme.
I have only one Problem that I need counsel on and that is.... would it be more advantageous to use "Computer Repair" or "Computer Service" in the Silo Mast Head (Main Nav) ? Please re-read my first post in addition to this post and help me go in the direction that would be most strategically correct taking all other factors into consideration.
Cam
-
Sorry Marshall zoned out on that last bit, with the slug, I would say you don't want to overload the keyword in the url, you could set up your categories to reflect different areas of expertise eg computer, software, network
so the slug is computer/computer-repair or network/network monitoring....
I think the key is your on page content.
-
Hi Marshall,
Great level of detail there, which will really help people to help you.
Personally i don't think it has to be a massive complex problem, we know that google loves genuine community enhancing information and while you are providing that you will rank highly. I would personally not mess much with your current page layout or information, purely because what you are doing is working. I would however add a second or third level, sidebar menu to list all your services.
This will allow you to target the other keywords for services you offer.
I would create a page specifically for each service where you target that keyword as you have done for your main page.
when migrating to wordpress make sure you use friendly permalinks and a good seo plugin and cleanly written theme, for the local market, make sure your site is mobile friendly. Not telling you how to suck eggs, just making sure you have all the info.
Jeremy
Got a burning SEO question?
Subscribe to Moz Pro to gain full access to Q&A, answer questions, and ask your own.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
Main menu duplication
I am working on a site that has just gone through a migration to Shopify at the very same time as Google did an update in October. So problems from day 1. All main menu categories have subsequently over the past 6 weeks fallen off a cliff. All aspects of the site have been reviewed in terms of technical, link profile and on-page, with the site in better shape than several ranking competitors. One issue that i'd like some feedback on is the main menu which has 4 iterations in the source. desktop desktop (sticky) mobile mobile (sticky - appears as a second desktop sticky but I assume for mobile) These items that are "duplicated" menus are the top level menu items only. The rest of the nested menu items are included within the last mobile menu option. So desktop menu in source doesn't include any of the sub-menu items, the mobile version carries all these there are 4 versions of the top level main menu items in source Should I be concerned? Considering we have significant issues should this be cleaned up?
Intermediate & Advanced SEO | | MickEdwards0 -
Technical 301 question
Howdy all, this has been bugging me for a while and I wanted to know the communities ideas on this. We have a .com website which has a little domain authority and is growing steadily. We are a UK business (but have a US office which we will be adapting too soon) We are ranking better within google.com than we do on google.co.uk probably down to our TLD. Is it a wise idea to 301 our .com to .co.uk for en-gb enquiries only? Is there any evidence that this will help improve our position? will all the link juice passed from 301s go to our .co.uk only if we are still applying the use of .com in the US? Many thanks and hope this isn't too complicated! Best wishes,
Intermediate & Advanced SEO | | TVFurniture
Chris0 -
Parked Domain question
Hi, If a domain has been parked for more than 12 years, and has never been used for a project so far, does this has an impact on SEO or its like having a fresh new domain? Sebi
Intermediate & Advanced SEO | | TheHecksler0 -
Blog Traffic
Hi all, As of today, we put up approximately 900 high-quality, 100% original articles on our blog. However, we have not been able to generate any good traffic since July when it was first launched (blog.ostanding.com). Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated! Thanks again.
Intermediate & Advanced SEO | | businessowner0 -
Permalink question
For 5 years I have used the permalink custom structure: /%postname% without the end backslash. I didn't think the difference was that big of a deal, yet last month I was curious of what benefits would happen if I made the change. To my surprise my rankings took a slight dive, but recovered stronger than before. As the URL itself doesn't require a redirect the posts and pages loaded the same with or wothout the "/" But now in Open Site Explorer, all my URL's have no page Authority. All the links i built were pointing to links without the backslash: example.com/post-name Questions: Did Google figure out the change, hence the dip in rankings and strong return? Will keeping /%postname%/ even though many links are pointing to a non backslash URL comeback to haunt me? Is there anything I can do to help lead Google to better see the changes I've made? thx
Intermediate & Advanced SEO | | MikePatch0 -
Strange referral traffic
Hello, We've 301 redirected our .com domain to .co.uk. A few dayes ago, I've started to get traffic from the .com domain to the hompage. Any idea how this can happen? 100% New visits Low bounce rate 80% of the referral traffic Our website is www.theloanengine.co.uk Any suggestions are welcomed. Cornel
Intermediate & Advanced SEO | | Cornel_Ilea0 -
SEO for Global Navigations
I did my first SEO audit from the book SEO Secrets by Danny Dover on my new website at http://melo4.melotec.com:4010/ In the book he says to disable Javascript and see if the global navigation still works. So when I did that the dropdown menus in my navigation don't show. I'm assuming this is a problem but when I check the cache text only version of the site, the dropdowns are in the text only version. Are their any experienced SEO's out their who can weigh in on this issue? Should I have my developer redo the navigation without any javascript? Thanks, Shawn
Intermediate & Advanced SEO | | Romancing0 -
Am I keyword stuffing my titles?
I run a site where I answer questions. As I answer each question I choose a title for the page. I have been trying to get good keywords in my titles, but now I am wondering if I have been keyword stuffing them and perhaps I should be more succinct. So, let's say I had a question about a sore back. Here would be the title tag I would use: Why is my back sore? I have spinal pain and need relief and help. | My Main Keyword That's a fictitious example, but the idea is that I would be trying to get the keywords "back", "sore", "spinal", "pain", "relief" "help" and my main website keyword into the title. As I'm writing this I'm seeing the folly in this. I think it would likely be much better to simply have a title of Why is my back sore? So, I have three questions: 1. Is it better to have a succinct title targeting one keyword/keyword phrase than to get lots of keywords in my title? 2. Should I be putting my main keyword after each of my title? Shortly after doing this on 1700+ pages I was #1 for my main keyword. But, I was also doing other things as well to boost my presence for this keyword. 3. If I decide to do more succinct titles, how would you suggest I go about running a test to see which is better? Looking forward to your responses! Thanks!
Intermediate & Advanced SEO | | MarieHaynes0