Search engine optimization (SEO) is a vital component of any digital marketing strategy, especially for businesses in competitive markets like Mumbai, India. One of the key elements of an effective SEO campaign is the use of keywords. But how many keywords should you target for your campaign?

The answer varies depending on several factors, such as the size and complexity of your website, the competitiveness of your industry, and your overall marketing goals. By following some general guidelines embraced by top SEO agencies worldwide, you can decide how many keywords to target for your Mumbai-based business.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Keywords

1. Size and Complexity of Your Website

The size and complexity of your website play a significant role in determining the number of keywords to target.

• Small Websites: For smaller websites targeting a local Mumbai audience, focusing on a handful of highly relevant, location-specific keywords (e.g., “digital marketing services in Mumbai,” “real estate projects in Mumbai,” or “restaurants in South Mumbai”) can be sufficient.
• Larger Websites: If your business offers multiple products or services, you’ll need a more extensive keyword list, such as “luxury real estate in Mumbai” or “best cafes in Bandra, Mumbai.”

2. Competitiveness of Your Industry

Mumbai’s dynamic industries, such as real estate, e-commerce, and finance, can be highly competitive.

• In such cases, targeting a broader range of keywords, including long-tail and location-based variations (e.g., “affordable housing projects in Thane” or “financial consultants in Andheri, Mumbai”), can help you stay ahead.
• For niche markets in Mumbai, focusing on a smaller, well-curated list of keywords like “boutique hotels near Colaba, Mumbai” or “artisanal bakeries in Mumbai” may yield better results.

3. Marketing Goals

Your objectives also influence your keyword strategy:

• Brand Awareness: If you aim to increase visibility, target a diverse set of keywords, such as “top marketing agencies in Mumbai” or “SEO services for Mumbai startups.”
• Traffic and Sales: Focus on highly relevant, conversion-friendly keywords like “buy apartments in Mumbai” or “order custom cakes in South Mumbai.”

General Guidelines for Keyword Targeting in Mumbai

While the ideal number of keywords isn’t fixed, here are some recommendations:

• For small to medium-sized websites, aim to target 10 to 50 keywords, including Mumbai-specific terms like “best coworking spaces in Mumbai” or “interior designers in Mumbai suburbs.”
• For larger websites, target up to 100 keywords, focusing on both competitive and long-tail variations such as “top schools in Mumbai for kids” or “luxury car rentals in Mumbai.”

Quality Over Quantity

It’s better to have a few well-researched, high-quality keywords relevant to your Mumbai audience than a large number of generic ones. For example:

• Instead of “real estate projects,” use “under-construction real estate projects in Mumbai.”
• Instead of “restaurants,” try “best rooftop restaurants in Mumbai for couples.”

Evolving Your Keyword Strategy

Mumbai’s business landscape evolves rapidly, so it’s crucial to revisit and refine your keyword strategy regularly. Analyze your website traffic and rankings to adjust for trends, seasonality, and audience behavior.

Conclusion

The number of keywords to target for your SEO campaign depends on your website’s size, industry competitiveness, and marketing goals. For Mumbai-based businesses, focusing on location-specific, high-quality keywords can help you attract the right audience and improve your ROI. Remember to keep refining your strategy to stay aligned with your business growth and changes in the market.

Start by choosing the right keywords for your business in Mumbai and watch your website’s visibility and traffic soar!