Ever clicked on a link and ended up somewhere unexpected—but, surprisingly, relevant? That’s the magic of redirects. In fact, studies show that 74% of web users judge a website’s credibility based on usability, making redirects essential. Whether you're migrating a website, fixing broken links, or improving user experience, redirects play a critical role in maintaining site usability and boosting search engine optimization (SEO).

But improperly managed redirects can make or break your SEO efforts. With Google ranking user experience and relevancy at the top of its priorities, understanding how to leverage redirects can help maintain traffic, streamline navigation, and secure rankings.

This blog will walk you through when to implement redirects, 11 key types of redirects, the SEO impact of each, best practices to follow, and troubleshooting tips for common redirect issues. By the end, you’ll become a redirecting pro.

What Are Redirects, and When Should You Use Them?

Redirects are essential instructions that guide users or search engines from one URL to another, ensuring a seamless browsing experience. They play a critical role in maintaining visitor traffic and keeping search engines satisfied when a page is moved, updated, or removed, since 95.2% of sites have 3XX redirect issues.

Without redirects, users might encounter error pages, resulting in frustration, and search engines may penalize your website's SEO. So, when should redirects be used? Let’s explore the most common scenarios in more detail:

• Changing URLs: If you're rebranding your website or restructuring for improved navigation, redirects ensure visitors and search engines can easily find your new content. This preserves the authority and equity of your original URL, ensuring you don’t lose the traffic and rankings you’ve worked hard to build.
• Fixing Outdated or Broken Links: Links to deleted or outdated pages can lead to error messages, frustrating users, and damaging your SEO. Redirects provide a smooth path to relevant content, keeping visitors engaged and search engines happy with your site’s health.
• Merging Websites or Pages: Consolidating content from multiple pages or domains? Redirects allow you to combine link equity, ensuring the value from all sources is retained while providing users with a single, streamlined destination.
• Launching Seasonal Content: When you release temporary or seasonal pages, such as a holiday catalog, redirects can guide users to the most relevant content while retaining existing pages for other times of the year. This ensures consistency for both users and search engines.

An effective redirect strategy is key to reducing user drop-offs, minimizing error messages, and protecting your search engine rankings. By implementing redirects thoughtfully, you can create a user-friendly experience while safeguarding your site’s SEO performance.

11 Key Types of Redirects and Their SEO Impact

When it comes to redirects, understanding their nuances is crucial. All redirects are not created equal. Here’s a breakdown of 11 types of redirects, how they work, and their impact on SEO.

1. 301 Redirect (Permanent Redirect)

• What it does: Permanently moves a URL to another location, ensuring that all traffic, link equity, or “SEO juice” is passed to the new URL. This tells search engines that the original URL is no longer valid and should be replaced by the new one in their index.
• Use case: You’re retiring an old blog post or product page, but you don’t want to lose the traffic and SEO value it earned. Instead, you redirect users to a newer, updated version of the page that contains more relevant or accurate information.
• Impact: Highly beneficial for SEO, as it retains the original page’s ranking signals and helps preserve your site’s authority. It also ensures a smooth user experience by preventing broken links.

Here is an example -

www.example.com/old-page --> [301 Redirect] --> www.example.com/new-page

Implementing a 301 redirect guarantees that both users and search engines correctly recognize the new page as the definitive and permanent replacement.

2. 302 Redirect (Temporary Redirect)

• What It Does: Similar to a 301, but it only temporarily moves users to a new URL without transferring link equity to the destination. Search engines understand that the original URL is intended to remain and should not be de-indexed.
• Use Case: You’re running a promotional campaign on a landing page and plan to return to the original URL after the promotion ends. For instance, redirecting visitors from your homepage to a seasonal holiday sale page.
• Impact: Minimal effect on SEO if used for a short duration. However, long-term use may confuse search engines and affect rankings, as they may not know which page to prioritize.

Here is an example -

www.example.com/page-under-maintenance --> [302 Redirect] --> www.example.com/temporary-info

‍

Image Source: OutreachMonks

3. 307 Redirect

• What It Does: A more modern version of the temporary redirect (302), specifically designed for HTTP/1.1. It indicates a temporary move and ensures that search engines and browsers do not change the HTTP request method (e.g., POST vs. GET).
• Use Case: Ideal for temporary situations like switching a product page during maintenance or testing a new page layout.
• Impact: Like a 302 redirect, it keeps the link equity with the original URL. It’s beneficial for short-term use but can cause issues if prolonged.

Here is an example -

Let's say a user tries to access /old-page.html, but it has been temporarily moved to /new-page.html. The server would respond with -

HTTP/1.1 307 Temporary Redirect

Location: /new-page.html

4. Meta Refresh

• What It Does: A client-side redirect that occurs at the page level, often with a timer. Users see a message like, “Click here if you’re not redirected in 5 seconds”.
• Use Case: Commonly used on outdated websites or for transitional pages where users are redirected after a delay.
• Impact: Bad for both SEO and user experience. Google discourages the use of meta refreshes, especially those with a delay, as they can lead to a frustrating user experience and lower rankings.

Here is an example -

Adding the following code to a webpage:

<meta http-equiv="refresh" content="5;URL='www.example.com/new-page'">

While functional, these redirects should be avoided for important pages or when SEO is a priority.

5. JavaScript Redirects

• What It does: Redirects users using JavaScript code, often triggered by specific conditions or actions, such as detecting the user’s device or location.
• Use Case: Redirecting mobile users to a mobile-optimized version of your site or showing device-specific content based on screen size.
• Impact: Not SEO-friendly, as search engine bots may struggle to follow JavaScript redirects efficiently. They should generally be avoided in favor of server-side redirects.

Here is an example -

A basic JavaScript redirect might look like this:

<script>window.location.replace("www.example.com/new-page");</script>

While quick to implement, these redirects should only be used in niche circumstances where no better option is available.

6. HTTP to HTTPS Redirect

• What It Does: According to Ahrefs, 88% of sites have HTTP to HTTPS redirect issues. Redirects users from the insecure HTTP version of a site to the secure HTTPS version, ensuring encrypted communication and a safer browsing experience.
• Use Case: When upgrading your website to the HTTPS protocol (which includes SSL certificates) to improve security and build user trust. This is critical for sites that handle sensitive information like payments or personal data.‍
• Impact: Essential for SEO, as Google prioritizes HTTPS sites in rankings. It also boosts user confidence, as visitors are more likely to trust secure sites.

7. 303 Redirect

• What It Does: Redirects users after a POST request to a URL that uses the GET method, which is more cacheable and user-friendly. This ensures that sensitive actions, like web form submissions, don’t get repeated accidentally.
• Use Case: Often used for web forms, checkout confirmations, or other secure actions to prevent users from accidentally resubmitting data when refreshing the page.
• Impact: Minimal impact on SEO but improves usability by creating a seamless and secure user flow.

8. Canonical Tags

• What It Does: While not a true redirect, a canonical tag tells search engines which version of a page should be treated as the primary or “master” version. This helps consolidate duplicate content.
• Use Case: Useful for duplicate or near-duplicate pages, such as similar products with minor variations (e.g., different colors or sizes).
• Impact: Enhances SEO by consolidating link equity and preventing duplicate content penalties. It’s a critical tool for maintaining a well-optimized website structure.

9. Redirect Chains

• What It Does: A series of redirects that happen in sequence, where one URL redirects to another, which then redirects to another, and so on until the user or search engine reaches the final destination.

Image Source: Ahrefs

• Use Case: Often an unintentional result of multiple site updates, such as redirecting from an older page to a new one, then updating again without fixing previous redirects.
• Impact: Bad for SEO and user experience. Redirect chains slow down page load times, waste crawl budget, and dilute link equity since every redirect “hop” reduces ranking power.

10. Geo-Redirects

• What It Does: Automatically redirects users to location-specific versions of a site based on their geographic region or IP address.
• Use Case: A user from the U.S. lands on your global homepage and is redirected to the U.S.-specific version of your site (e.g., usa.example.com).
• Impact: Tricky for SEO if not implemented properly. Users and search engines often prefer being given the option to choose their location rather than being automatically redirected, which can create usability and indexing issues.

11. Wildcard Redirects

• What It Does: Dynamically redirects a group of URLs using predefined rules. This is often used during large-scale site migrations or rebrands.
• Use Case: Redirecting all URLs under /oldpath/* to /newpath/* when restructuring your site or changing domain names.
• Impact: Highly efficient for managing large numbers of redirects, preserving SEO value, and ensuring users aren’t met with broken links during major site updates. However, careful configuration is required to avoid misdirecting traffic.

Best Practices for Successful Redirect Implementation

Follow these redirect best practices for optimal results:

• ‍Use 301 Redirects for Permanent URL Changes: This maintains your page authority and improves long-term SEO.‍
• Minimize Redirect Chains: These degrade the user experience and increase server load times.‍
• Monitor for Broken Redirects: Use tools like Google Search Console to detect and fix redirect problems.‍
• Test Before Launching: Use UTM parameters or DashClicks’ white label analytics software to ensure the redirects send users to the right location.‍
• Update All Internal Links: Ensure no outdated links point to redirect URLs.

Troubleshooting Common Redirect Issues

Redirects can go wrong for several reasons, leading to decreased rankings, a poor user experience, or even a drop in traffic. Understanding and solving common redirect issues is essential for maintaining SEO health and ensuring users can navigate your site smoothly. Here’s how to address some of the most frequent redirect problems:

A. Problem: Redirect Loops Causing Pages to Reload Endlessly

Solution: Redirect loops happen when two or more URLs continuously point to each other. Audit your URLs and carefully review any redirect rules in your .htaccess file, CMS, or server configuration. Fix any conflicting or circular rules to break the loop and restore proper functionality.

B. Problem: Lost Traffic After a Website Migration

Solution: After migrating your website to a new domain, subdomain, or structure, improper redirects can leave users (and search engines) hitting dead ends. Use tools like Google Search Console to ensure every old URL is correctly redirected to its new destination. Conduct a full crawl of your site to catch any missed or broken redirects.

C. Problem: Redirect Chains Creating Multiple Navigation Steps

Solution: Redirect chains occur when a URL redirects to another, which then redirects to yet another. These multiple steps slow down page loading and confuse both users and search engines. Simplify the redirect path by consolidating intermediate steps and pointing the original URL directly to the final destination.

By staying proactive and regularly auditing your redirects, you can avoid these common pitfalls, maintain your search rankings, and provide users with a seamless browsing experience. Proper redirect management is a simple but crucial part of maintaining an effective and SEO-friendly website.

Boost Your Online Presence With DashClicks' SEO Services

For businesses looking to amplify their online presence, DashClicks offers a full range of expert SEO services designed to boost your visibility and drive consistent organic traffic. Their services are tailored to meet the unique needs of your business, ensuring that your website performs at its best and reaches your target audience effectively. Utilizing cutting-edge advanced marketing analytics software, DashClicks delivers detailed insights into your website's performance, helping you uncover areas of opportunity for growth and optimization.

From keyword research and content suggestions to technical SEO improvements, white label SEO services provide end-to-end solutions for building a strong online foundation. Their robust SEO analytics features enable you to track keyword rankings, monitor traffic trends, and measure the ROI of your campaigns with precision, giving you a clear understanding of your progress in real-time. Additionally, their user-friendly dashboards and expert support make managing SEO campaigns simple and accessible, even for those new to digital marketing.

By partnering with DashClicks, you gain access to powerful tools and expertise that simplify the complexities of SEO. Whether you're looking to compete in a crowded market or expand into new niches, DashClicks helps you stay ahead in the ever-competitive digital landscape. Focus on achieving your business goals efficiently while DashClicks works to position your brand for long-term success.

Maximize Your Website’s SEO with Smarter Redirects

Understanding the nuances of different redirect types, their SEO impact, and how to use them strategically can yield significant benefits for any website. Redirects—whether 301, 302, or others—play a crucial role in ensuring that users and search engines are directed to the right content without confusion.

Proper implementation helps preserve search engine rankings, maintain link equity, and provide a smooth, frustration-free experience for users. By guiding both search engines and visitors to the most relevant content, you not only build trust but also protect your site’s usability and long-term performance.

Search engines are more conversational than ever. People turn to Google, not to type in keywords but to ask questions. From "What is the best way to lose weight?" to "How do I start a blog?", these question keywords offer tremendous opportunities to boost traffic, connect with relevant audiences, and dominate search engine results.

If you’re wondering how to find these question keywords and use them effectively in your SEO strategy, you’ve come to the right place.

This post will walk you through what question keywords are, how to find them, and practical strategies to successfully target them.

What Are Question Keywords?

Question keywords are search queries framed as questions, making them an important part of understanding user intent. They typically include words like "what", "how", "why", "when", and "where", which signal that the searcher is looking for specific answers or solutions.

Image Source: Backlinko

For example, instead of searching for a generic phrase like "best coffee in New York", someone might ask, "Where can I find the best coffee in New York?" This shift in phrasing provides clear intent, showing that the user expects helpful, direct information. Question keywords give valuable insights into what users genuinely want to know and how they phrase their needs.

Why Should They Matter to You?

• Higher User Engagement: Content that directly answers specific questions resonates more with readers and is more likely to drive clicks. People are drawn to content that quickly and effectively addresses their concerns or curiosity.
• Voice Search Optimization: With the rise of voice-activated smart assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, question keywords have become even more relevant. When people use voice search, they often phrase queries as complete questions, so optimizing for these keywords helps your content align with modern search behavior.
• Authority Building: By answering specific, niche questions, you not only attract targeted traffic but also position yourself as a trusted expert in your field. Over time, this builds credibility and fosters trust with your audience, which can lead to better engagement and higher conversions.

Embracing question keywords is a highly effective strategy for improving your content's visibility, aligning with new search habits, and solidifying your authority in your industry.

How to Find High-Value Question Keywords?

1. Use Keyword Research Tools

Keyword research tools like Answer the Public, SEMrush, and Ahrefs are incredibly powerful for discovering question-based keywords tailored to your niche. These platforms analyze search trends and provide a list of queries people commonly search for online.

For example, if you type "digital marketing" into Answer the Public, it will generate a visual map of questions, such as "What is digital marketing?" or "Why is digital marketing important?" These insights can help you understand what your target audience is curious about, enabling you to craft content that directly addresses these questions.

• Answer the Public focuses on questions, prepositions, and comparisons related to your keyword.
• SEMrush provides keyword difficulty scores, search volume, and competitive analysis, helping you prioritize.
• Ahrefs shows keyword data, including the number of clicks questions receive, so you can focus on high-value topics.

By leveraging these tools, you can ensure your content aligns with what people are actively searching for.

2. Check Out Google's "People Also Ask" Box

Google’s "People Also Ask" (PAA) feature is a built-in tool that provides a wealth of question-based keyword ideas. According to Ahrefs’ Keywords Explorer, a PAA box now appears in 43% of search queries. Found on the search results page, this expandable box lists related questions people commonly ask about your main keyword. As you click on a question, even more related queries appear, offering endless opportunities for content creation.

For instance, if you search for "SEO basics", the PAA box may include questions like:

• "How do I start with SEO?"
• "What are the SEO basics beginners should know?"

These questions are not only highly relevant but are also prioritized by Google, meaning they reflect what users are actively seeking. By addressing these queries in your content, you can closely align with user intent and potentially rank higher in search results.

3. Analyze Forums and Communities

Online forums and communities like Quora, Reddit, and niche-specific platforms are excellent sources for real-world questions. These platforms allow users to ask and answer questions, giving you direct insight into the problems, curiosities, and pain points of your audience.

For example, if you’re in the fitness industry, visiting a fitness-related subreddit or forum might reveal questions like, "Which workouts burn belly fat fastest?" or "How do I build muscle without a gym?" These questions represent real concerns from your target audience, making them ideal topics for blog posts, videos, or social media content.

By engaging with these platforms, you can also identify emerging trends and gain an edge by addressing topics before they become widely covered.

4. Use Google Autocomplete

Google Autocomplete is an easy yet effective way to discover popular query-based keywords. When you start typing your primary keyword in Google’s search bar, a dropdown menu of predictive suggestions will appear. These suggestions are based on actual search behavior, reflecting what people commonly type into Google.

For instance, if you type "how to grow", Google might suggest:

• "how to grow a small business"
• "how to grow tomatoes at home"
• "how to grow your Instagram followers"

These predictive results help you understand specific areas of interest within a broader topic. Incorporating these suggestions into your content can help you create highly relevant posts that resonate with your audience.

Prioritize keywords with a decent monthly search volume. Tools like Ahrefs provide search volume data so you can pick queries likely to attract traffic.

5. Examine FAQs on Competitor Websites

Competitor websites often have "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) sections that are treasure troves of question-based keywords. These FAQs are designed to address common customer concerns, making them great inspiration for your own content.

For example, if a competitor in the e-commerce industry has an FAQ section addressing, "How long does shipping take?" or "What is your return policy?" you could create a blog post or detailed guide that answers similar questions more comprehensively.

Analyzing competitor FAQs not only helps you identify trending questions but also allows you to spot gaps in their content. By covering these gaps, you can position yourself as a more helpful resource for your audience.

How to Choose the Right Question Keywords?

With so many options, how do you determine which question keywords are worth targeting? Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

1. Search Volume

Search volume refers to how many people are searching for a particular keyword or phrase within a given period, usually measured monthly. High search volume indicates that the keyword is popular and has the potential to drive significant traffic to your website.

However, it’s important to balance volume with other factors like relevance and competition. Focusing only on high-volume keywords might not yield results if the competition is too stiff, especially for newer websites. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush can help you track the search volume of specific keywords and choose the ones that fit your strategy.

Further Reading: What Defines a Good Keyword Search Volume? (Insights + Practical Tips)

2. User Intent

User intent is all about understanding why someone is searching for a particular keyword. Are they looking for information (informational intent), considering options (navigational intent), or ready to make a purchase (transactional intent)? Matching your content to user intent ensures you meet the searcher’s needs effectively.

For example, if you're targeting buyers, keywords like "best marketing software to buy" or "affordable marketing software" show transactional intent and can lead to conversions. On the other hand, keywords with informational intent, like "how marketing software works", are best suited for building awareness and trust.

3. Competition Level

Competition level tells you how difficult it is to rank for a specific keyword. High-competition keywords are often dominated by established websites with strong authority, making it challenging for smaller or newer websites to rank. Low-competition keywords, on the other hand, are easier to rank for and can help you gain traction faster.

Using tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Moz, you can identify the competitive landscape of a keyword and make informed decisions. Targeting low-competition keywords with decent search volume is a smart strategy for new or growing websites to build authority.

4. Relevance

Relevance is about choosing keywords that resonate with your target audience and align with your website’s content and expertise. Irrelevant keywords might attract visitors, but they’ll quickly leave if they don’t find what they’re looking for, which increases your bounce rate and hurts your SEO rankings.

For example, if your website focuses on digital marketing, optimizing for keywords related to "fitness tips" would confuse your readers and damage your credibility. Always prioritize keywords that are closely connected to your audience’s needs and your business goals to ensure long-term success.

How to Effectively Target Question Keywords?

1. Create a Dedicated Q&A Blog Section

Develop a blog section specifically designed to answer high-value questions that your audience is actively searching for. This approach helps you target specific queries while providing valuable, actionable information. Instead of creating generic blog posts, focus on addressing individual questions in-depth, such as:

• "How does AI power digital marketing?"
• "Why is link building important in SEO?"

By dedicating full blog posts to these targeted questions, you not only help your audience find clear answers but also increase your chances of ranking higher for those specific search terms.

2. Optimize for Featured Snippets

Featured snippets are those highlighted answer boxes at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs) that provide quick answers to user queries. Optimizing for these snippets can significantly boost your visibility and click-through rate. To increase your chances of being featured:

• Use concise, well-structured answers that directly address the question.
• Include bulleted or numbered lists to present information in an easy-to-digest format.
• Match the content structure to how snippets typically display answers, such as short paragraphs, tables, or step-by-step instructions.

For example, if you’re writing about "Why is link building important in SEO?" offer a concise summary followed by a numbered explanation of the key benefits.

3. Incorporate Keywords Naturally

Integrating your target question keywords naturally is crucial for both SEO and readability. Avoid keyword stuffing, which can harm your rankings and make your content feel forced. Instead, weave keywords organically into:

• Section headings to clearly communicate the topic of your content.
• Meta titles and descriptions to capture search engine attention and improve your click-through rate.
• Body paragraphs provide seamless, relevant content that engages readers.

For example, in a beauty blog post titled "How do Vitamin C Serums Work?" you could include keywords like:

• Heading: "How Do Vitamin C Serums Work to Improve Skin?"
• Text: "Vitamin C serums brighten dull skin by boosting collagen production and protecting against free radical damage. They’re also effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, leaving skin more radiant and even-toned."

This technique ensures your content is optimized without compromising its natural flow.

Further Reading: How to Avoid (and Spot) Search Over-Optimization

4. Use Schema Markup

Adding FAQ schema markup to your webpages helps search engines understand your content better and increases the likelihood of your answers appearing in rich results. Rich results are visually enhanced search results, often with collapsible Q&A sections, that stand out to users.

Tools like Google’s structured data testing tool can help you ensure your schema is correctly implemented. For example, if your blog post answers "How does AI power digital marketing?", the schema markup will make it easier for search engines to pull your content into relevant search features.

5. Repurpose Content for Multiple Channels

Maximize the reach of your blog content by repurposing it for different platforms and formats. By transforming blog posts into other forms of media, you can expand your audience and engage users in creative ways. For example:

• Turn detailed answers into short, engaging social media posts for platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
• Create slideshows or infographics summarizing the key points for platforms like Pinterest or LinkedIn.
• Produce short videos for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts to answer questions in a visually appealing, digestible format.

For instance, a blog post titled "Why are succulents dying?" can be reshaped into multiple formats:

• A TikTok tutorial titled "Top 3 Mistakes Killing Your Succulents" with quick tips.
• An Instagram carousel breaking down each mistake with visuals.
• A Pinterest infographic showing a step-by-step guide to reviving succulents.

This multi-channel approach ensures your content reaches a broader audience while keeping it fresh and engaging.

Use DashClicks' SEO Solutions and Advanced Analytics Tool

DashClicks offers comprehensive white label SEO services designed to boost your website's visibility and drive organic traffic. Their team focuses on optimizing your site to rank higher on search engines through strategies like keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building.

Additionally, the white label SEO company provides powerful SEO analytics software that helps you track your site's performance, monitor important metrics, and gain actionable insights to improve your SEO strategy. Together, these tools and services make managing and growing your online presence easier and more effective.

Start Your Question Keyword Research Journey

Targeting question keywords is one of the most effective ways to grow organic traffic and engage your audience. They help you connect with your readers' needs, whether they're searching for advice, solutions, or a better understanding of complex topics.

The best time to begin is today! Start by jotting down keywords your audience might be asking and run them through tools like Answer the Public or Ahrefs. Save yourself some legwork by focusing on high-impact keywords that align with your audience's needs.

When it comes to growing a YouTube channel, many creators focus on eye-catching thumbnails, snappy titles, and engaging content—but often overlook one critical piece of the puzzle: YouTube tags. These underrated labels can act as a beacon, helping the right audience discover your videos at the right time.

With over 500 hours of video uploaded to YouTube every minute, standing out is more important than ever. Whether you're a seasoned creator or just starting out, you'll learn actionable tips to enhance your channel’s SEO and visibility. This blog dives deep into YouTube tags, their importance, and the best ways to use them to optimize your content.

What Are YouTube Tags?

YouTube tags are descriptive keywords or phrases you can assign to your videos. They help YouTube’s algorithm understand the context and content of your video. Think of them like signposts that guide YouTube's search engine on where to categorize your content, what it’s about, and who it would appeal to.

For example, if your video is about “beginner yoga poses”, relevant tags might include “yoga for beginners”, “beginner yoga tutorial”, and “easy yoga exercises”. These tags give YouTube additional context, especially when your title and description don’t capture every keyword variation your audience might search for.

While tags have diminished in importance compared to titles, descriptions, and thumbnails, they still play a supporting role in video discoverability.

Why Are YouTube Tags Important?

A study of 1.3 million YouTube videos revealed a slight correlation between video rankings and the inclusion of the keyword in their tags.

Image Source: Ahrefs

Understanding the importance of YouTube tags and how they work can give you a competitive edge. Here's why they're worth your time:

• ‍Improving Search Visibility: Tags play a role in helping your video appear in search results by providing clearer context to YouTube’s algorithm. Say your video title is “5 Best DSLR Cameras for Beginners”. Without tags, YouTube might not realize your video should also rank for searches like “best cameras for vlogging” or “top entry-level DSLRs”. Proper tags fill this gap by encompassing related search terms.
• ‍Reinforcing Video Context: Sometimes, the title and description might not fully capture the nuances of your content. Tags act as a backup signal, telling YouTube more about what your video entails. For multilingual audiences, tags in multiple languages can expand your reach.
• ‍Enhancing Related Videos: YouTube recommends videos using an algorithm that factors in tags. If your tags align with those of high-performing related videos, chances are your content will appear in the “Suggested Videos” sidebar, increasing exposure and watch time.
• ‍Tackling Misspellings: Ever noticed how people often misspell brand names or popular terms? For example, viewers might search for “TikTok” but accidentally type “TickTock”. Adding common misspellings as tags ensures your video still appears in search results.
• ‍Supporting Long-Tail SEO Strategies: Tags help creators capture long-tail keywords. These are longer and more specific phrases that tend to have less competition but higher relevance for niche searches. By tagging videos with long-tail phrases like “how to edit YouTube videos for free,” you increase the odds of reaching engaged viewers.

Pro Tip: Don’t only focus on broad tags; sprinkle in niche ones to expand your reach!

What Are the Types of YouTube Tags?

1. Channel Tags

Channel tags, on the other hand, define what your entire YouTube channel is focused on. They provide YouTube with a broader understanding of your niche and help position your channel in relevant search results for viewers interested in your area of expertise.

For instance, a channel dedicated to fitness might use tags like “workouts”, “healthy eating”, and “fitness tips”. These tags act as an overarching blueprint for your content, complementing individual video tags to strengthen your channel’s identity.

2. Video Tags

Video tags are specific to the content of an individual video. They help YouTube understand what your video is about so it can rank and recommend it appropriately. These tags should include keywords relevant to the topic of the video, covering both broad terms and long-tail keywords.

For example, if your video is a tutorial on “basic yoga poses”, tags like “yoga”, “yoga for beginners”, and “yoga at home” could boost discoverability. Remember, including accurate and descriptive video tags ensures your content reaches the right audience.

Importance of Video Tags for YouTube SEO

Video tags play a crucial role in enhancing your video's performance on YouTube by improving its search visibility. They serve as metadata that helps YouTube's algorithm understand the specific content of your video, ensuring it appears in relevant search results and recommendations.

Accurate and well-researched tags can complement your title and description, allowing your video to rank higher for targeted keywords. This not only increases the likelihood of your content being discovered but also improves its chances of reaching the intended audience.

By strategically using relevant tags, you maximize the potential for organic traffic and strengthen your YouTube SEO efforts, ultimately contributing to the growth of your channel.

How to Add Tags to Your YouTube Videos?

Adding tags to your YouTube videos is simple, but doing it effectively requires strategy and a little know-how. Tags help YouTube’s algorithm understand your video content, making it easier for viewers to discover. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to ensure your tags work effectively for you:

Step 1. Access the YouTube Studio Dashboard

Log in to your YouTube account and head over to YouTube Studio, which is the control center for managing your channel. On the left-hand menu, click on Content to view all your uploaded videos. This is where you’ll be able to edit and optimize individual videos.

Step 2. Open the Edit Page

Select the video you want to optimize and click the Details option (represented by a small pencil icon). This will take you to the editing page where you can update your video title, description, thumbnail, and other details.

Step 3. Add Relevant Tags

Scroll down on the editing page until you reach the "Tags" section, located under the video details. Here, you can start adding individual words or phrases that describe your video’s content. Separate each tag with a comma, and keep in mind that tags are not visible to viewers but play a key role in helping YouTube understand your video topic.

Use tags that reflect the video’s main theme, specific topics covered, and related search terms that your audience might use. For example, if your video is about cooking, think of terms viewers might type into the search bar, such as "easy recipes" or "quick meals".

Be specific, stay relevant, and avoid stuffing your tags with unrelated keywords, as this can hurt your video’s credibility with YouTube’s algorithm. Focus on quality over quantity.

Step 4. Hit Save

Once you've carefully selected and added your tags, don’t forget to click Save to apply the changes. Your tags are now active and will help your video reach a more targeted audience.

Bonus Tips for Effective Tagging

• Use a mix of broad and specific tags. For example, include tags like “Vegan recipes” (broad) and “How to make vegan burgers” (specific).
• Research popular videos in your niche and check the tags they use. Tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ can help you identify trending tags.
• Include long-tail keywords as tags. These are multi-word phrases that are more specific, such as “Plant-based meals for beginners”.

Example Tagging:

For a video titled "How to Cook Vegan Burgers", here are some effective tag suggestions:

• Vegan recipes
• Plant-based meals
• Easy vegan burgers
• Cooking tutorials for vegans
• Vegan burger hacks
• Beginner-friendly vegan recipes
• Grilling plant-based burgers

Remember, relevance is key. Irrelevant tags not only confuse the algorithm but can also reduce your video’s search visibility. A well-tagged video has a much better chance of reaching the right audience, boosting engagement, and driving views.

Best Practices for Using YouTube Tags

To make the most out of YouTube tags, follow these best practices.

1. Start With Research

Before you even upload your video, spend time researching the right tags to use. Tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ can help you uncover trending tags and popular keywords related to your content. These platforms not only suggest relevant tags but also provide insights into search volume and competition levels, helping you choose tags that strike the perfect balance between reach and relevance. This step lays the foundation for your video to be discovered by the right audience.

2. First Tag = Target Keyword

When selecting your first tag, always use your primary target keyword. This keyword should be the central theme of your video and closely align with the title, description, and overall content.

Including it as your first tag reinforces its importance to the algorithm and increases the chances of your video appearing in search results for that term. Consistency across metadata elements ensures that your video is optimized for discoverability and ranks higher for your intended audience.

3. Prioritize Relevance

The YouTube algorithm is designed to reward content that aligns closely with viewer expectations. This means relevance is key when choosing tags. Studies show 70% of watch time on YouTube is driven by recommendations, meaning the algorithm heavily favors videos with high engagement metrics. Always use accurate tags to improve viewer satisfaction and boost your video’s chances of being recommended.

Avoid the temptation to stuff your tags with unrelated keywords just to attract more clicks—it can lead to viewers leaving quickly, damaging engagement metrics like watch time and click-through rate (CTR). For instance, tagging “weight loss tips” on a video about baking chocolate cake might drive clicks initially, but the mismatch will hurt your video’s performance.

4. Use a Mix of Short and Long-Tail Keywords

When it comes to tags, variety is essential. Short keywords like “travel” can be useful but are often too broad and highly competitive. Pair these with long-tail keywords, which are more specific and less competitive, such as “budget travel tips for Europe.” This combination allows you to target a wide range of search queries, from broad topics to niche interests.

Long-tail keywords also tend to attract a more targeted audience, increasing the likelihood of engagement and retention. Using this hybrid approach improves your chances of ranking in YouTube search results and reaching the right viewers.

Image Source: Backlinko

5. Include Branded Tags

If you're building a personal brand or looking to strengthen your channel's identity, branded tags are a must. These tags help viewers discover more of your content and associate specific topics with your name or brand.

For example, a fitness influencer named Sarah Fit might use tags like “Sarah Fit workouts” or “Sarah Fit yoga tips” alongside general tags like “home workouts” or “yoga for beginners”. Branded tags not only enhance discoverability but also help create a cohesive and recognizable identity for your channel over time.

6. Focus on High-Value Keywords

Not all keywords are created equal. High-value keywords are those that your target audience is actively searching for, making them more likely to drive traffic to your video. For instance, if your video is about marketing, use tags like “social media marketing tips” or “digital marketing strategy” instead of overly unique or niche phrases like “next-level marketing hacks”, which may have little to no search volume.

By focusing on popular yet relevant terms, you ensure your video has a higher chance of appearing in search results and reaching the viewers who are most likely to engage with your content.

7. Limit the Tag Count

While YouTube allows up to 500 characters for tags, quantity doesn’t equal quality. Adding too many tags can dilute their impact and make your video appear unfocused. Instead, aim for 10-15 well-researched, high-impact tags that are directly relevant to your video.

This focused approach ensures your tags work effectively to boost discoverability without confusing the algorithm or your audience. Think of your tags as a way to summarize your video in a few concise, targeted search terms.

Here is an example - 

Image Source: Backlinko

Tags are intended to help YouTube accurately interpret the content of your video. However, overloading your video with 20 or more tags can confuse both YouTube and your target audience, making it harder to determine the exact focus of your video.

8. Use Competitors to Your Advantage

Analyzing your competitors can be a powerful strategy to improve your own content and enhance discoverability. Start by identifying creators in your niche who consistently perform well, and examine their use of tags, titles, and descriptions.

Pay close attention to the keywords they use, as these likely align with what your shared target audience is searching for. Tools like keyword research platforms or YouTube’s search bar suggestions can help you uncover similar trending terms.

By incorporating these insights into your strategy, you can align along the same audience interests while still maintaining your unique voice and perspective. Remember, the goal isn’t to copy but to learn and adapt successful strategies to your own content.

9. Monitor Performance

After your video goes live, your work isn’t done. Use YouTube Studio analytics to monitor how your tags are performing. Check which tags are driving traffic and contributing to your video’s success.

If you notice certain tags aren’t working as expected, take note and adjust your strategy for future uploads. This ongoing analysis helps you refine your approach over time, ensuring your tags continue to support your growth and visibility on the platform.

Further Reading: YouTube Analytics: How to Use Data to Grow Your Channel Faster

10. Update Tags Over Time

Trends change, and so do viewer interests. A video that performed well when it was first published might need a little refresh to stay relevant. Periodically revisit your older videos and update their tags to reflect current search trends and audience behavior.

For example, a video on “remote work tips” might benefit from adding newer tags like “hybrid work strategies” if that term has gained popularity. Keeping your tags up-to-date ensures your content remains discoverable and relevant, even as the landscape evolves.

By following these strategies, you can optimize your tags to not only boost your video’s visibility but also attract the right audience, ultimately driving better engagement and long-term success for your channel.

11. Don’t Mislead People

When creating tags for your video, avoid the temptation to use misleading or irrelevant keywords to attract views. While this might initially boost clicks, it can harm your channel in the long run. Misleading tags frustrate viewers, lead to lower retention rates, and can result in penalties from YouTube’s algorithm. Stay true to your content and use tags that accurately represent your video to build trust and foster a loyal audience.

12. Don’t Add Tags to Video Descriptions

Including tags in your video’s description might seem like a clever way to boost discoverability, but it’s counterproductive. YouTube’s guidelines explicitly advise against this practice, and doing so can make your content appear spammy or unprofessional.

Instead, focus on crafting a compelling, natural description that reflects the video’s content while incorporating relevant keywords seamlessly. A well-written description helps viewers better understand your video and increases its chances of being recommended—without risking issues with the algorithm.

Image Source: Ahrefs

To further enhance your YouTube SEO strategy, DashClicks offers comprehensive white label SEO services tailored to your needs. With expertise in optimizing content for search engines, DashClicks can help you identify the best keywords, craft effective video descriptions, and implement data-driven strategies to improve your channel’s visibility.

Their solutions are designed to drive organic traffic to your videos, boost engagement, and help your content rank higher in search results. Leveraging SEO services offered by DashClicks, can help maximize your channel's growth and ensure your videos reach the right audience.

Take Your Video SEO to the Next Level

YouTube tags may not hold the same weight they once did, but they remain a smart tool for boosting your channel’s visibility. Combined with optimized titles, descriptions, thumbnails, and engaging content, they help YouTube connect your videos to the right audience.

Want to rise even higher in search rankings? Take the next step by relying on powerful tools like VidIQ or TubeBuddy, and start building a well-tagged library of excellent video content today.

By keeping your tags relevant, strategic, and user-focused, you can steadily grow your channel and reach new heights.

Pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns are the lifeblood of many SaaS companies. They’re direct, measurable, and can deliver exceptional results when done right. But as the PPC landscape evolves, staying ahead of the competition requires refined tactics and innovative strategies.

If you're looking to supercharge your business growth through PPC in 2025, you’re in the right place. This blog covers 10 powerful PPC strategies tailored to SaaS brands. Get the edge you need, turn clicks into clients, and take your campaigns from average to exceptional.

Why PPC Is Critical for SaaS Growth in 2025?

SaaS marketers face unique challenges in an increasingly crowded and competitive market. The sales funnel is often complex, user acquisition costs tend to be high, and buyers are highly selective about the tools they adopt. But when done right, PPC campaigns offer SaaS companies powerful and immediate advantages that can drive measurable growth and revenue.

Here’s why PPC is such a game-changer for SaaS companies:

• High Intent Traffic: PPC allows you to target users who are actively searching for solutions to their problems, ensuring your ads are seen by an audience ready to act. Whether it’s a demo sign-up or a free trial, these users are primed for conversion.
• Measurable ROI: Unlike traditional advertising, PPC campaigns provide crystal-clear performance metrics. You can track every click, conversion, and dollar spent, giving you the ability to scale campaigns that work and refine those that don’t.
• Speed to Market: SaaS thrives on agility, and PPC matches that pace. Campaigns can go live within days, enabling you to test new offers, target audiences, or geographies quickly.

With global SaaS revenue forecasted to hit $250 billion by 2025 (Statista), now is the time to double down on strategies that deliver results efficiently. PPC is one of the fastest ways to build visibility, drive leads, and scale growth in today’s digital-first world.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top PPC strategies you need to implement this year to stay ahead of the competition and maximize your marketing ROI. Let’s get started!

1. Prioritize High-Value Prospects Using Lead Scoring

Not all PPC leads will convert, and wasting your advertising budget on unqualified prospects can be disastrous for your bottom line. That’s where lead scoring comes in—it’s the key to separating the signal from the noise and ensuring your efforts are focused on the prospects most likely to convert into customers.

How It Works?

• Assign scores to leads based on their actions, such as form submissions, email interactions, content downloads, or webinar registrations. These actions signal varying levels of interest and intent.
• Focus your PPC efforts on attracting leads who exhibit behaviors closely tied to conversions, such as repeated website visits, engaging with high-value resources, or actively seeking more information.

Image Source: Smith.AI

By prioritizing high-quality leads, this approach ensures smarter ad spend and significantly improves your cost per acquisition (CPA), making your campaigns far more efficient and effective.

For SaaS companies and other businesses, integrating your PPC platform, such as Google Ads, with CRMs like DashClicks’ white label CRM software allows for seamless lead tracking and tailored targeting. This integration ensures that your ads are reaching the right audience at the right time, aligning marketing efforts with sales goals for maximum impact.

2. Avoid Overreliance on a Single Platform

Yes, Google Ads dominates the search ad space, but relying on a single platform is a risky strategy for inefficiency in 2025. SaaS buyers aren’t confined to one channel—they explore multiple platforms, making a diversified approach essential for reaching your audience effectively.

Diversify Your Platform Mix

• Use LinkedIn Ads for B2B SaaS targeting. With robust targeting capabilities based on professional demographics, LinkedIn reports that 80% of B2B leads come from their platform, making it a must-have for businesses focused on other businesses.
• For younger demographics or startups, consider TikTok Ads, which saw a massive growth in ad revenue by 33% in 2023 alone. TikTok's short-form, engaging content resonates with Gen Z and millennial audiences, making it perfect for building brand visibility and awareness.
• Leverage YouTube advertising for product demos or tutorials. Video content is one of the most impactful ways to communicate your value, with research showing that videos increase recall rates by up to 95% compared to static text. YouTube’s vast user base and high engagement levels make it an ideal platform for showcasing your product in action.

By diversifying your advertising across multiple platforms, you ensure a broader reach, engage customers where they spend their time, and reduce the risks of overdependence on a single channel. Your audience is everywhere—your ads should be too.

3. Deploy Remarketing Campaigns & RLSAs (Remarketing Lists for Search Ads)

Ever noticed an ad following you around after visiting a website? That’s remarketing in action. For SaaS companies, this strategy isn’t just helpful—it’s a game-changer. The stakes are higher because SaaS buyers typically require more time, research, and touchpoints before making a decision. But with higher stakes come greater rewards: remarketing targets high-intent users, giving you a stronger shot at converting them into paying customers.

Why Remarketing is Critical for SaaS?

• SaaS buyers don’t make purchasing decisions overnight. It could take weeks or even months for them to commit. Remarketing ensures your product stays top-of-mind throughout their decision-making process.
• When combined with RLSAs (Remarketing Lists for Search Ads), you can take it a step further by delivering tailored ads to prospects actively searching for your product or even your competitors. This targeted approach can make all the difference in a competitive market.

Example Strategy for SaaS Remarketing

One effective tactic is creating a remarketing list of website visitors who abandoned free trials or demo sign-ups. Show these users ads that highlight the value they’re missing, such as:

• “Don’t go it alone—Get Results Fast with Our Free Setup Support!”
• “Still deciding? See how companies like yours grew 3x faster with us!”

Image Source: Buzinga

Remarketing Ads help build trust and keep your solution front and center, ensuring potential customers don’t forget about you as they weigh their options. With the right strategy, it can significantly amplify your conversions while nurturing long-term relationships.

Further Reading: How to Optimize a Remarketing Campaign That Delivers

4. Conduct Regular PPC Campaign Audits

Running campaigns without regular audits is like flying blind—you’re spending money without knowing what’s working and what’s not. Regular check-ins are essential for identifying areas where your budget might be wasted or where your campaigns have room for improvement, ensuring every dollar you spend delivers value.

Key Areas to Audit

• Ad Performance: Review your ads carefully and check performance metrics like click-through rate (CTR) and conversion rate. Pause underperforming ads that are draining your budget without delivering results, and focus on optimizing your top-performing ads by testing new headlines, visuals, or call-to-action.
• Keywords: Dive into your keyword list to spot irrelevant or broad-match terms that may be generating clicks but not conversions. Remove or adjust these keywords to avoid wasteful spending, and consider adding negative keywords to refine your targeting.
• Landing Pages: Your landing pages play a critical role in converting clicks into customers. Monitor their performance by tracking conversion rates, bounce rates, and time spent on the page. Make adjustments to the design, copy, or user experience to ensure they’re aligned with your ad messaging and driving the desired actions.

By conducting monthly or quarterly audits, you’ll ensure your PPC efforts remain agile, optimized, and cost-efficient. In a constantly evolving digital landscape, regular audits help you stay ahead of the competition and make data-driven decisions that maximize your ROI.

5. Leverage Offline Conversion Tracking

Tracking conversions solely within a digital ad platform can limit the true potential of your campaign. It often provides only a partial view of performance, focusing just on online interactions. Offline conversion tracking fills this gap by linking online ad clicks to real-world outcomes, such as product demos, signups, consultations, and purchases. This broader view allows marketers to measure the full impact of their campaigns, beyond what happens online.

Image Source: Nimbata

Platforms like Google Ads and Meta Ads now offer tools to help SaaS companies track and analyze how their campaigns drive offline activities. By integrating offline data, brands can make more informed decisions about budget allocation, focusing on strategies that deliver real, tangible results.

In fact, brands using offline conversion tracking have reported up to 30% higher ROAS (return on ad spend) compared to those that don’t, according to a study by WordStream. This approach not only helps optimize campaigns but also ensures marketing efforts are directly tied to meaningful business outcomes, giving companies a competitive edge in their advertising strategies.

6. Optimize Landing Pages for Higher Conversions

Your PPC campaigns might boast impressive click-through rate (CTR), but without fully optimized landing pages, conversions will inevitably fall short. A well-designed landing page is the key to turning clicks into paying customers.

Best Practices for SaaS Landing Pages

• Craft Concise, Persuasive Headlines: Your headline is the first thing visitors see, so make it count. Address your audience's specific pain points directly. For example, "Get AI-Powered Reporting in Minutes" speaks to efficiency and cutting-edge technology—two major priorities for SaaS users.
• Eliminate Distractions: Keep your visitors focused on the goal. Remove unnecessary navigation menus, third-party links, or any content that might lead users away from the page. Simplicity and clarity drive results.
• Use Strong Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons: The language on your CTA buttons matters. Action-oriented phrases like "Start Free Trial" or "Get Started Today" outperform generic terms like "Submit" by 37%, according to industry research.
• Highlight Social Proof: Build trust by showcasing reviews, testimonials, case studies, or even logos of well-known companies already using your software. Social proof reassures visitors that your solution is credible and effective.

Optimizing your landing pages isn't just about aesthetics—it has a tangible impact on your bottom line. For example, a 5% increase in your conversion rate can generate $50,000 in additional revenue for every $1 million in PPC-ad-driven traffic, according to data from Unbounce. Taking the time to refine your landing pages could be the single most valuable change you make to your marketing strategy.

Further Reading: 4 Woefully Underused, Crazy-Effective PPC Landing Page Tips

7. Craft Custom Ad Copy That Addresses Pain Points

The days of generic ad copy are long gone. Today’s SaaS buyers expect ads that directly address their unique pain points and challenges. Personalization is key to standing out in a crowded marketplace.

For example:

• Instead of a vague headline like “The Best Task Management Tool,” focus on the customer’s problem with something like, “Struggling with missed deadlines? Organize your team with [Product Name] and stay on track every time.”
• Test call-to-actions (CTAs) such as "Run Your First Campaign Risk-Free" to reduce decision anxiety and remove barriers for prospective buyers. Clear, benefit-driven CTAs resonate more with users and can make the difference between a click and a pass.

Image Source: Fraud Blocker

By tailoring your copy to address customer needs and emotions, you not only improve click-through rates (CTR) but also significantly boost your conversion rates, making your PPC campaigns much more efficient and effective.

8. Experiment With Lookalike Audiences

Finding new, qualified audiences is often one of the trickiest parts of SaaS marketing, especially with increasing competition. Fortunately, lookalike audiences make this process easier and more precise.

Platforms like Meta Ads and Google Ads enable you to create profiles of your ideal customers by analyzing data from your past buyers or site visitors. These platforms use their sophisticated algorithms to identify similar users who share traits and behaviors with your top-performing clients. This method goes beyond guesswork, helping you target users who are already highly likely to engage with your product.

According to Google Ads benchmarks, leveraging lookalike audiences can result in a potential 2x ROI boost by connecting you with new, high-quality leads who are more likely to convert. For SaaS marketers, it’s an invaluable tool to scale campaigns and grow efficiently.

9. Use AI to Optimize Campaigns in Real Time

AI is revolutionizing PPC campaigns by taking optimization to the next level. Tools like Smart Bidding, Conversion AI, and advanced script automations empower SaaS PPC managers to monitor performance metrics in real-time and adjust strategies on the fly.

For example, automated bidding strategies can dynamically modify CPA (cost-per-acquisition) targets mid-campaign based on performance trends. If a campaign underperforms during certain periods, AI ensures your budget is redirected to higher-performing areas, preventing wasted spend.

Additionally, AI-driven insights can quickly identify patterns, such as which ad creatives are resonating most with your target audience or which time of day drives the highest engagement. This allows marketers to pivot in the moment, keeping campaigns agile and maximizing ROI. It’s not just about saving time—it’s about spending every dollar as wisely as possible while extending your reach to the right audience.

10. Promote Exclusive Offers for Retargeting

Exclusive offers are a tried-and-true method for driving conversions, especially in the retargeting phase of SaaS PPC campaigns. These offers target users who have already shown interest in your product but haven’t yet taken action.

Examples of effective exclusive offers include:

• Discounts, such as “Get 20% Off Your First Month!”
• Free trials with added perks, like onboarding support or training resources to ensure users get the most out of your product quickly.
• Limited-time deals, creating urgency with phrases like “Sign Up Today—Offer Ends Soon!”

These strategies leverage FOMO (fear of missing out), which is a powerful motivator for users sitting on the fence. By adding exclusivity and urgency, you can nudge hesitant prospects toward making a decision, turning retargeted visitors into loyal customers.

Together, these strategies—personalized ad copy, lookalike audiences, AI optimization, and exclusive offers—form a robust approach to SaaS PPC campaigns, enabling you to drive better results and maximize your advertising budget.

If you’re looking to take your SaaS PPC campaigns to the next level, DashClicks offers a comprehensive white label PPC management service designed to deliver measurable results. With a team of seasoned experts and advanced tools, DashClicks crafts customized strategies tailored to your business needs.

From optimizing ad copy to targeting the right audience segments, their services ensure your campaigns are both efficient and impactful. Whether you're focusing on lead generation, customer acquisition, or brand awareness, white label PPC company provides the expertise and support necessary to maximize your ROI and achieve your marketing goals.

Drive Conversions with Smarter PPC Strategies

By 2025, PPC for SaaS isn’t just about driving clicks; it’s about delivering highly targeted, laser-focused results that directly impact growth. Success lies in prioritizing leads with high buying intent, ensuring that ad spend is allocated to prospects most likely to convert.

Additionally, leveraging AI-driven optimizations is becoming a game-changer, enabling companies to analyze real-time data, refine targeting, and create smarter bidding strategies. These advanced approaches allow SaaS companies to fine-tune their campaigns, maximize ROI, and stay competitive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Crafting content that truly performs isn’t just about getting words on a page. It’s about creating value, resonating with your audience, and standing out in a sea of competitors. If your current content efforts feel like a splash in the ocean rather than a tidal wave, don't worry. This blog will equip you with 11 actionable tips to improve content performance and achieve high-performance results that matter.

Whether you're aiming to meet user intent, boost engagement, or drive meaningful traffic, these strategies will help you master content performance metrics and deliver measurable success.

1. Build a Bulletproof Content Strategy

A successful content strategy is like a roadmap guiding you to your destination. Without one, you’re wandering aimlessly. Here's how to put one together that works.

• ‍Know Your Goals: What do you want your content to achieve? Is it increasing traffic, growing subscribers, or boosting sales? Set SMART Goals - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound to stay focused.
• ‍Identify Your Audience: Dive deep into your target audience’s preferences, pain points, and behavior. Tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and surveys can help create detailed buyer personas.
• ‍Plan and Prioritize Your Content: Map out topics and formats aligned with your goals and your audience’s interests. Build a content calendar to stay organized and consistent.
• ‍Measure Success: Use content performance metrics like click-through rate (CTR), engagement, and conversions to track your efforts and tweak your strategy as needed.

Pro Tip: Leverage AI tools to streamline content planning, keyword research, and audience insights for precise targeting.

2. Quality Always Beats Quantity

You don’t need to churn out dozens of mediocre blog posts to drive traffic. In fact, both search engines and readers prefer in-depth, valuable content that’s crafted with care and provides real insights. High-quality content builds trust, establishes authority, and keeps readers coming back for more.

How to Maintain Quality:

• Thoroughly Research Topics: Take the time to dive deep into your subject matter. This ensures your content is accurate, relevant, and packed with information that stands out.
• Edit Tirelessly: Don’t underestimate the importance of editing. Remove duplicate words, fix unclear language, and ensure your content is polished to perfection—these small details can make or break a reader’s trust.
• Provide Unique Value: Offer perspectives, data, or tips that aren’t easily found elsewhere. Readers should walk away with something they didn’t know before, making your content worth their time.

Remember, one piece of high-performance, well-crafted content can do much more for your brand than 10 lackluster articles ever could. Quality over quantity is the key to long-term success.

Stat to Know: Here’s proof it pays off: According to HubSpot, companies that focus on producing high-quality blog posts receive 2.5x more traffic than those that prioritize frequency over quality. It’s not about how much you write—it’s about how well you write it.

3. Match Every Piece of Content With User Intent

Ever land on a page and leave seconds later because the content didn’t answer your question? That’s exactly what happens when user intent isn’t taken into account. Understanding and tailoring your content to match what users are truly searching for at different stages of their journey is key to keeping them engaged and driving results.

The Four Main Types of Search Intent:

• Informational: Users are looking for answers or knowledge (e.g., "How does SEO work?" or "What is user intent?"). They’re in the research phase, so create blog posts, detailed guides, tutorials, or FAQs that provide clear and valuable information to address their queries. The goal here is to establish trust and demonstrate expertise.
• Navigational: Users are searching for a specific website, brand, or service (e.g., “Mailchimp login” or “Nike official website”). These searches are highly targeted, so your goal is to optimize key landing pages to make it easy for users to find exactly what they’re looking for. A smooth user experience and strong branding are critical at this stage.
• Transactional: Users are ready to take action, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up, or contacting your business (e.g., “Buy Nike Air Max” or “Book a yoga class near me”). These users are further down the funnel, so focus on product or service pages with compelling CTAs, clear pricing, and easy checkout processes to convert them into customers.
• Commercial: Users are doing research and comparing different options before making a decision. They may be searching for specific features, reviews, or pricing information (e.g., “Best running shoes” or “Top-rated laptops”). This stage is where your content can shine – provide informative and helpful articles, comparisons, and guides to showcase your expertise and convince users to choose your brand over competitors.

By aligning your content with these three types of search intent, you can enhance the user experience, keep visitors on your site longer, and improve your overall website performance. Remember, understanding what users want is the foundation of effective SEO and content strategy.

4. Stand Out by ZIGGING When Others ZAG

When everyone else is following trends, dare to do something different. In a world saturated with overdone formats and repetitive advice, originality is your secret weapon to truly stand out. Breaking through the noise requires creativity and a willingness to take risks, but the payoff is worth it when you capture attention and make a lasting impression.

How to Zig Effectively?

• Refute common myths in your industry: Take a stand against widely held beliefs or outdated assumptions and back it up with data, insights, or fresh perspectives.
• Explore unique angles on popular topics: Look at trending topics with a fresh lens or approach them in a way that hasn’t been done before. This shows you’re thoughtful and innovative.
• Use quirky formats like hypothetical scenarios or challenges: Engage your target audience by asking “what if” questions or presenting a fun challenge that sparks curiosity and participation.
• Think visually (use infographics, memes, or even animated videos): Creative visuals can break up text-heavy content and grab attention instantly, making your message more memorable and shareable.

Bold originality not only attracts attention but also builds trust, drives shares, and positions your brand as a leader in your space. In a crowded digital landscape, don’t just blend in—stand out!

5. Craft Irresistible Headlines and Introductions17

Your headline is your first impression, and it plays a crucial role in determining whether someone clicks on your content. A strong, well-crafted headline not only grabs attention but sets the tone for the rest of your piece. Once you’ve drawn them in, your introduction works to convince them to stay and engage further with your content.

• Headline Tips: Use numbers, power words, or questions to spark curiosity and create intrigue. For example, a headline like “5 Sneaky SEO Tips You Can’t Ignore” immediately tells the reader what to expect while creating a sense of urgency. Avoid vague or overly complex headlines, as they can confuse or lose the reader's interest.
• Introduction Tips: Start with an engaging question, a shocking statistic, or a relatable story that connects with the reader’s experience. For instance, “Did you know that 75% of web users never scroll past the first page of search results?” hooks the reader by presenting a surprising fact while setting up the relevance of your content.

Remember: Around 80% of readers don’t make it past the title, which means nailing your headline is essential for improving content performance metrics. A compelling headline and a strong introduction can make all the difference in capturing and holding your audience’s attention.

6. Make Your Content Scannable and Visually Striking

A wall of text can intimidate even the most dedicated readers, making it harder for them to engage with your content. To keep your audience’s attention, it’s crucial to format your content for skimmability and visual appeal. By breaking up dense paragraphs and incorporating visual elements, you can make your writing more inviting and easier to absorb.

How to Make It Scannable:

• Use subheadings (H2, H3) to structure your content and guide readers to specific sections of interest. Clear headings make it simple for readers to find exactly what they’re looking for.
• Break up blocks of text with bullets or numbered lists to present key points clearly and concisely. Lists are much easier to digest than long paragraphs.
• Highlight the most important parts using bold text, italicized quotes, or callout boxes. This helps key information stand out and ensures readers don’t miss the main takeaways.

Add Visual Appeal:

• Include graphs and data visualizations to illustrate trends or complex data in a way that’s easy to understand at a glance. Visual aids can immediately add value to your content.
• Use images, videos, and white space to create breathing room for the eyes. Avoid cramming too much text into one section, as this can overwhelm readers.
• Embed GIFs or easily digestible infographics to make your content more engaging. These can also help break up monotony and add personality to your writing, keeping readers interested.

By combining scannable formatting with visually engaging elements, you can turn otherwise daunting content into something your audience will enjoy reading—and keep coming back for more.

7. Leverage Data and Expert Insights for Authority

Well-researched data and expert opinions are essential for building credibility in your content. They show your audience that your work is trustworthy and authoritative while also encouraging backlinks, which are invaluable for improving SEO rankings and driving organic traffic. By presenting verified information, you position yourself as a reliable source in your niche, which helps to build long-term trust with your readers and even industry peers.

Sources to Use:

• Studies, surveys, or reports (always cite them properly to maintain transparency and avoid plagiarism). For example, government databases, academic research, or industry whitepapers are excellent options.
• Industry experts (reach out for quotes, interviews, or recommendations to provide unique and insightful perspectives). Befriending influencers or well-known professionals can also boost your content’s reach and credibility.
• Real-life examples or case studies in your niche (these bring practical, relatable value to your content). Highlight success stories or lessons learned, as they resonate well with readers.

Adding reliable data not only gives your content more depth and substance but also demonstrates to your readers (and Google) that you’ve done thorough research. It’s the perfect way to increase content engagement, establish authority, and boost your SEO all at once.

8. Tell a Story That Resonates

Storytelling isn’t just for novelists—it’s an essential marketing tool that helps you engage emotions, build trust, and connect humans to your brand. A well-told story has the power to capture attention and make your content memorable, turning casual readers into loyal customers.

How to Tell Stories Through Content:

• Start articles with personal anecdotes: Share a relatable experience or challenge that captures the reader’s interest and sets the stage for your message.
• Use customer success stories or testimonials: Highlight real-life examples of how your product or service has made a positive impact, creating an authentic connection with your audience.
• Frame data with narratives that highlight their impact: Instead of just listing statistics, put them into context with a story that shows their relevance and meaning.

Remember, every story you tell should align with your brand’s theme and support the purpose of your content. With the right approach, storytelling can transform your marketing strategy into something truly impactful.

9. Experiment With Content Formats

Not all audiences want the same thing, and understanding their preferences is key to keeping them engaged and invested in your content. By diversifying the formats you use, you can appeal to different interests and needs, ensuring your message resonates with a wider range of people.

Formats to Explore:

• Blog Posts: Perfect for sharing in-depth insights, detailed guides, or thought leadership pieces. Blogs are ideal for audiences who want to dive into a topic and learn more.
• Videos: A highly engaging format for tutorials, product demonstrations, or behind-the-scenes glimpses. Videos are great for visual learners and those who prefer quick, digestible content.
• Infographics: These are excellent for visually summarizing complex data or processes in a clear and eye-catching way. They’re easy to share and grab attention quickly.
• Podcasts: A fantastic way to engage with on-the-go listeners who enjoy long-form discussions, interviews, or storytelling. Podcasts are perfect for adding a personal, conversational touch to your message.
• Newsletters: A reliable way to build consistent relationships with your audience, offering updates, exclusive content, or curated insights directly to their inbox. This helps keep your brand top of mind.

10. Deliver Value Generously

Want loyalty? Offer genuine value upfront without expecting anything in return. High-performance content builds trust by being truly helpful, not salesy or self-serving. When you focus on providing real value, you show your audience that you care about their success, not just their wallets, and this can lead to stronger, long-term relationships.

Ways to Be Generous:

• Provide free templates, resources, or how-to guides that solve common problems or save time. For example, create a downloadable checklist, a step-by-step guide, or a toolkit your audience can use right away.
• Go the extra mile when explaining tough concepts. Break them down into digestible pieces, use visuals or examples, and ensure your audience feels confident about tackling the topic.
• Encourage two-way interactions through forums, live Q&A sessions, or social media engagement. This not only helps build a community but also shows you’re actively listening to their needs and feedback.

By offering value first, you create trust and goodwill, which will naturally result in stronger conversions and a loyal audience over time. Generosity is the foundation of lasting loyalty.

11. Promote Your Content With Purpose

Even the best content won’t perform if nobody sees it! A strong promotion strategy is just as important as the content creation process. Without it, you risk your hard work going unnoticed. Here are some key ways to ensure your content reaches its audience:

Where and How to Promote:

• ‍Social Media: Share your content across platforms like Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Craft tailored captions for each platform to connect with the audience effectively, and don’t forget to use relevant hashtags for discoverability.
• ‍Email: Include links to your content in your newsletters or regular email updates. Highlight why the content is valuable to encourage readers to click through. Personalize your emails to increase engagement.
• ‍Collaborate: Partner with influencers, industry experts, or other creators in your niche. They can help amplify your reach by sharing your content with their audience and add credibility to your message.
• ‍Repurpose: Maximize your content’s lifespan by content repurposing. Turn a blog post into LinkedIn slides, Instagram carousels, Twitter threads, or even short videos for TikTok. This allows you to reach different audiences in various formats.

Don’t be shy! Promoting your content is essential to maximize its reach and ensure your hard work pays off. The more you share, the more chances you give your audience to discover and engage with your content.

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Content With DashClicks' Content Services

DashClicks’ white label content services offer high-quality, professional content creation designed to help businesses grow their online presence. From engaging blog articles and website copy to social media posts and SEO-optimized content, DashClicks ensures that all content is tailored to your brand, audience, and goals.

Their team of skilled writers and strategists focuses on creating content that drives traffic, improves search engine rankings, and enhances customer engagement. Whether you need fresh content for your website or regular updates for your social channels, the best content marketing agency provides reliable, efficient, and impactful solutions to elevate your digital marketing efforts.

Your Next Steps for High-Performance Content

Improving content performance isn’t a one-and-done effort. It’s about continually refining, testing, learning, and applying insights to deliver exceptional value to your audience.

If you’re ready to take your content to the next level, try implementing these 11 strategies today. And remember, great content starts with great writing tools.

If you're optimizing for search engines or launching pay-per-click campaigns, you've likely asked this question at some point—what defines a "good" keyword search volume? Understanding keyword search volume is critical to crafting a strong SEO or paid search strategy that drives traffic, grows your audience, and increases conversions.

But does higher always mean better? Are low-volume keywords even worth your time? And how do you find the search volume for keywords anyway?

This guide answers it all. We'll explore what keyword search volume is, how to analyze it, and how to determine whether targeting specific keywords is worth the effort.

What Is Keyword Search Volume?

Keyword search volume refers to the average monthly number of searches for a specific term or phrase on search engines like Google. It's typically measured in Monthly Search Volume (MSV), expressed as a number. For example, if “best running shoes” has a search volume of 10,000 MSV, it means that roughly 10,000 people search for this term every month.

Search volume is a big deal in the world of SEO and digital marketing because it quantifies demand. High MSVs indicate popular searches, while low volumes suggest niche or less commonly searched queries.

Why Does Search Volume Matter?

Keyword search volume is a crucial metric that helps you understand how often a term is being searched on search engines. Here’s how it can benefit your digital marketing strategy:

• Gauge Demand: Search volume allows you to assess interest in a topic or niche within your industry. High search volumes indicate popular topics, while low volumes might suggest a more niche or less competitive area. This insight is invaluable for identifying trends and aligning your content with what your audience is actively looking for.
• Prioritize Keywords: By analyzing search volume, you can determine which keywords are worth targeting for blog articles, landing pages, and PPC campaigns. This ensures you’re spending time and resources on terms that will drive the most impact.
• Estimate Traffic Potential: Search volume gives you an idea of how many users you could attract if you rank well for a keyword. For example, if a keyword like "organic skincare tips" gets 5,000 searches per month and your site ranks #1 for it, you could potentially gain about 30-40% of those clicks, which translates to approximately 1,500-2,000 visitors.

However, search volume alone doesn’t tell the whole story. A high-volume keyword can seem appealing, but it doesn’t always mean it’s the best fit for your strategy. Factors such as competition, keyword search intent, and relevance to your audience all play a critical role in determining whether a keyword will truly benefit your business.

Let’s dig deeper into how you can use keyword search volume effectively and avoid common pitfalls. Understanding these details can help you craft a smarter, data-driven SEO strategy that delivers real results.

High Search Volume vs. Low Search Volume Keywords

When it comes to keyword strategy, the debate between high search volume and low search volume keywords is essential to understand. High search volume keywords might seem like the gold standard—they attract significant traffic and represent terms users frequently search for.

However, the competition for these keywords can be fierce, often making it harder for smaller or newer websites to rank effectively. Without a strong domain authority or substantial resources, pursuing these keywords could feel like shouting into a crowded room.

On the other hand, low search volume keywords may not bring the same immediate traffic, but they often offer less competition and higher relevance to niche audiences. These "long-tail" keywords tend to align closely with specific search intent, making them powerful tools for reaching the exact users who are most likely to convert.

Image Source: SE Ranking

By combining both high and low search volume keywords, you can create a balanced strategy that drives visibility while also targeting actionable, ready-to-engage audiences. Play smart—it's not just about traffic; it's about attracting the right traffic.

How To Find the Search Volume of a Keyword?

Wondering how to uncover search volume? Luckily, there are tons of tools available to help you. Here are a few trusted methods:

1. Google Keyword Planner

Google’s free Keyword Planner is a go-to tool for finding search volume data and uncovering keyword opportunities. Simply input your keyword, and you’ll receive metrics such as monthly search volume (MSV), competition levels, and cost-per-click (CPC). It’s particularly useful for identifying high-performing keywords as well as trending topics or seasonal trends that might boost your content strategy.

Example:

• "Yoga mats" - 50,000 average MSV, Medium competition
• "Eco-friendly yoga mats" - 10,000 average MSV, Low competition

This tool is great for businesses of all sizes, from startups to larger enterprises, helping you focus on the keywords that matter most to your audience.

2. SEO Tools (e.g., Ahrefs, SEMrush)

Premium SEO tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush take keyword research to the next level. They provide not only search volume but also a wide range of additional data, such as click-through rates (CTR), keyword difficulty (KD), backlink opportunities, and search intent. These insights make it easier to prioritize keywords and create more effective content strategies.

For example, SEMrush allows you to compare multiple keywords and even track competitor performance. Here’s an example:

• “Weight loss” - 450,000 MSV, High keyword difficulty
• “Weight loss for weddings” - 2,000 MSV, Low keyword difficulty

With tools like these, you can identify hidden opportunities—long-tail keywords or niche terms—that your competitors might overlook.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what qualifies as "good" keyword search volume—it depends entirely on your goals, industry, competition, and niche. Here’s a breakdown by focus areas.

3. Answer People’s Questions

Understanding what your audience really wants to know is critical for strong keyword targeting. Platforms like Answer the Public or Google’s "People Also Ask" section are goldmines for uncovering real questions users type into search engines. These tools often surface low-competition, high-value queries that haven’t yet been overused by competitors.

For instance, typing “yoga” into Answer the Public might reveal questions like:

• “What are the best yoga poses for beginners?”
• “How does yoga help with back pain?”

By tailoring your content to answer these specific questions, you can improve engagement, rank for featured snippets, and establish yourself as an authority in your niche.

4. Paid Ads Insights

If you’re willing to invest a bit, running a small PPC campaign with Google Ads can reveal live, actionable data on search keyword volume, competition, and user behavior. This method allows you to see which keywords are driving clicks and how users interact with your ads in real-time. It's particularly helpful for testing keywords before committing to a long-term content or SEO strategy.

For example, a quick ad test might show you that “eco-friendly yoga mats” has a high click-through rate (CTR) but “best yoga mats under $50” drives more conversions. This kind of data allows you to fine-tune your approach and ensure your SEO efforts align with your audience's preferences.

By combining these tools and strategies, you can gain a well-rounded understanding of keyword opportunities and use that knowledge to boost your content, ads, and overall digital presence.

What Is Considered a Good Monthly Keyword Search Volume?

1. High Search Volume Keywords

These are terms with 10,000+ MSV and often represent highly competitive, broad topics. Think of phrases like "laptops" or "how to lose weight". Such keywords are fantastic for brand awareness but difficult to rank for organically due to their high competition.

Example: "Best laptops 2024" (35,000 MSV)

Pros: Huge potential audience.

Cons: Overwhelming competition and generic traffic.

2. Mid-Tier Search Volume Keywords

Mid-range keywords with a 1,000–10,000 MSV are often golden opportunities. They attract significant traffic while balancing competition levels. These keywords can drive conversions and resonate more with searchers who know what they’re looking for.

Example: "Laptop for remote work" (5,000 MSV)

Pros: Reasonable traffic and conversion-friendly.

Cons: Slightly competitive.

3. Low Search Volume (Long-Tail Keywords)

Keywords with less than 1,000 MSV are considered “low volume,” but that doesn’t mean they’re useless! Long-tail keywords (e.g., specific and detailed phrases) often convert better, because users are closer to decision-making or purchase.

Example: "Lightweight laptops under $500" (800 MSV)

Pros: High intent, quality traffic, minimal competition.

Cons: Lower overall audience.

4. Niche Keywords

For niche industries (e.g., rare art materials, industrial equipment), low-volume keywords can still provide excellent results if aligned with intent.

Other Factors to Consider When Selecting Keywords

When choosing keywords, it's not just about search volume and competition—you need to think strategically! Here are some additional factors to keep in mind:

• Search Intent: Align your keywords with what users actually want. Are they looking for information, comparing options, or ready to make a purchase? Matching intent ensures your content resonates and drives meaningful engagement.
• Keyword Trends: Keep an eye on trends! A keyword gaining popularity now could bring in significant traffic later. Use tools like Google Trends to identify seasonal or emerging opportunities.
• Relevance to Your Audience: A high-performing keyword is useless if it doesn’t align with your target audience. Focus on terms that directly relate to their needs, preferences, and problems.
• Content Fit: Can you naturally integrate the keyword into your content? If it feels forced, the user experience (and your rankings) may suffer. Choose terms that align with your brand voice and message.

By considering these factors, you're not just targeting the right keywords—you’re building a foolproof strategy for reaching the right audience at the right time!

Is It Worth Targeting Low Volume (or No Volume) Keywords?

Absolutely! Here's why targeting low or even "no volume" keywords can still be worth it:

1. Highly Specific User Intent

Low-volume keywords often indicate highly specific user intent, meaning the searcher knows exactly what they’re looking for. For example, someone typing "best eco cleaning products for hardwood floors" isn’t just browsing—they’re likely looking to buy and may already know the criteria they need.

By targeting these keywords, you're catering to a more motivated audience, increasing the likelihood of clicks, conversions, or engagement.

2. Low Competition

Low competition levels mean fewer websites are optimizing for these niche, highly specific keywords. This gives you a significant opportunity to rank high on Google with minimal effort or resources. Instead of competing with large brands for generic terms, you can carve out a space in a smaller, but highly engaged, market. Plus, ranking for low-competition keywords can help build your site’s authority over time, making it easier to compete for higher-volume terms down the line.

3. Evergreen Content

Long-tail keywords are often tied to evergreen content, which means they remain relevant and useful over an extended period. Articles or resources optimized for these terms can continue generating traffic months or even years after they’re published. This creates a steady flow of organic visitors, giving your SEO strategy long-term value and making the initial effort worthwhile.

4. Hidden Volume

Some long-tail or niche keywords may not even appear in traditional keyword research tools, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t being searched. Tools often underestimate or miss these terms, but people are still looking for answers. By publishing content that addresses these rare or highly specific queries, you not only position yourself as an expert in your field but also capture traffic that others overlook. Over time, Google will recognize the intent behind your content and may reward you with higher rankings for other related searches.

5. Build Brand Trust

By focusing on low-volume keywords, you’re addressing the very specific needs and pain points of your audience. This personalized approach can help build trust and loyalty with users who see your site as a reliable, go-to resource. Even if traffic starts small, those visitors are more likely to return and recommend your brand, creating a ripple effect for your visibility and reputation.

Targeting low or no-volume keywords is more than just an SEO strategy—it’s about understanding the nuanced needs of your audience and creating thoughtful, intentional content that serves them effectively.

DashClicks' SEO Services: Comprehensive Keyword Research and Advanced Analytics

At DashClicks, we take the guesswork out of SEO with comprehensive white label SEO services designed to elevate your online presence. Our keyword research process dives deep into your niche, identifying the terms and phrases your target audience is actively searching for—even those low-competition, high-opportunity keywords that others may overlook. By focusing on strategic, data-backed keywords, we help position your content to rank higher on search engines and reach the right audience at the right time.

But our work doesn’t stop there. With our robust white label analytics software, we provide ongoing monitoring and insights to track the performance of your keywords. This enables us to measure success, uncover new opportunities, and optimize strategies as trends evolve.

Imagine having actionable insights at your fingertips to refine your campaigns and stay ahead of the competition. DashClicks simplifies SEO by blending advanced technology with a human touch to deliver real, measurable results for your business.

Learn More About Keywords and SEO

Understanding keyword search volume is just the start of a successful SEO strategy. Whether you’re crafting blog content, building PPC campaigns, or optimizing product pages, learning the art of keyword research is pivotal.

Feeling unsure about where to begin? Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs make it easier than ever to find keywords that fit your unique goals.

And remember, not all traffic is created equal. Use a balance of high, medium, and low-volume keywords to maximize ROI, improve conversions, and boost search rankings.

Start refining your keyword strategy today and watch your website traffic grow!