The Right Choice of Keywords
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In the first part of our article series on proper keyword selection, titled “Keywords and Sales: The Importance of Proper Selection,” we discussed issues of keyword spamming, careful selection of keywords, and the correct choice of keywords from the buyer’s perspective.
Today, in the second part, we will cover:
- how to create key phrases using quotation marks
- specifics of choosing keywords for concepts
- the use of visualization in selecting your keywords.
Formatting Key Phrases
Use quotation marks when entering key phrases made up of two words. Returning to the first part of this article, let’s use the example of a German Shepherd photo. 
Include keywords such as dog, canine, Eastern European Shepherd, and German Shepherd.
While choosing keywords, be sure to use quotation marks to set off phrases like “German Shepherd” in addition to individual keywords like “German” and “Shepherd”. This ensures that your image will appear when a buyer on the stock site searches for this specific phrase.
For example, there’s a significant difference between the country “Mexico” and the state “New Mexico”.
A buyer searching for one rather than the other may quickly feel disappointed if they receive results related to the state instead of the country. Therefore, we insist on the mandatory use of quotation marks when specifying key phrases.
How to Choose Keywords for Concepts
Think about the concrete first, then the abstract. A brick wall can symbolize both strength and an obstacle. But, what is it primarily? First, remember that it’s just a brick wall. Start with nouns and verbs, then consider adjectives.
Choosing keywords for concepts can be frustrating and challenging due to subjective interpretation. A popular conceptual image of a fork with a measuring tape wrapped around its prongs, like spaghetti, typically suggests dieting.
Fork and “measuring tape” (note the quotation marks) are obvious words. Diet, obesity, and health are abstract keywords that best describe this image. Logical?
Visualization
Keywords are extremely important. When you submit an image for review, just before making that decisive mouse click, take a moment to consider your keyword choices. Try to visualize the keywords you selected as mental images. 
Does your visualization match the image you are uploading and for which these keywords were chosen? If so, go ahead!
If not, try re-evaluating the keywords to find something more fitting. This will help increase your overall potential earnings on microstocks and prevent disappointment if a particular image in your portfolio earns less than you expected.
If an image in your portfolio on stock sites still doesn’t generate the income you believe it can, then please, re-evaluate the original keyword list and make the necessary adjustments.
New keywords may be exactly what your image needs to become the next big seller on the stock site.
Author: Shutterbuzz
Original article link: http://buzz.shutterstock.com/keywording/good-keywords-sell-the-importance-of-keywording-properly-part-2
