Imagine opening a shop without knowing what people want to buy. That’s what running a website without keyword research looks like. Keyword research tells you what your audience is searching for so you can create content they’ll actually find.
What Is Keyword Research?
Keyword research is the process of finding the words and phrases your target audience searches on Google.
It helps you:
- Understand demand (what people want).
- Spot opportunities (where competition is low).
- Attract the right visitors to your site.
Why Keyword Research Matters?
- Without it → You create random content nobody searches for.
- With it → You create content that ranks, drives traffic, and gets customers.
Example:
Instead of writing “Tips for Great Running,” keyword research might reveal that people search for “Best running shoes for beginners.” That’s what you should target.
Step-by-Step: How to Do Keyword Research?
1: Brainstorm Topics
List topics related to your business.
Example (for a bakery):
- Birthday cakes
- Gluten-free bread
- Wedding cakes
2: Use Free Tools
Here are some beginner-friendly tools:
- Google Autocomplete → Type your topic in Google and note the suggestions.
- Google Keyword Planner (free with a Google Ads account).
- Ubersuggest (free for a few searches daily).
-
AnswerThePublic → Shows what questions people ask.
3: Check Search Volume & Competition
Look for keywords that have:
- Good search volume (people are searching).
- Low-to-medium competition (easier to rank).
4: Focus on Long-Tail Keywords
They’re easier to rank for and bring targeted visitors.
Example:
“Cakes” (too broad)
“Custom chocolate birthday cakes in New York”
5: Organize Keywords
Group them into content clusters.
Example:
- Main Topic: Birthday Cakes
- Long-tail keyword 1: “Best birthday cakes near me”
- Long-tail keyword 2: “Custom birthday cake prices”
Keywords Research Tools Comparison:
| Tool | Free? | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Google Autocomplete | ✅ | Finding quick ideas |
| Google Keyword Planner | ✅ | Search volume data |
| Ubersuggest | ✅ (limited) | Competition & ideas |
| AnswerThePublic | ✅ (limited) | Questions & variations |
FAQs:
How many keywords should I target?
Start with 1 main keyword + 2–3 variations per page.
Should I use only high-volume keywords?
No, balance between volume and competition. Sometimes lower volume long-tail keywords bring better results.
How often should I do keyword research?
At least every 6 months, or when launching new content.
So,
Keyword research is the compass of SEO. It tells you what your audience wants and shows you where to compete. Start small, focus on long-tail keywords, and use free tools to get insights.
Activity: Try This Today
- Go to Google.
- Type in a keyword related to your business.
- Note 3 autocomplete suggestions and 2 “related searches.”
- Use them to draft 1 blog post idea.