Understand the basics of SEO keyword research so people can easily find your website, blog or online store.
Google looks at over 200 different things to decide how websites should rank in search results. To help your site stand out, it’s important to do solid keyword research. Choosing the right keywords that your audience is actually searching for can help boost your content’s ranking and bring in steady traffic from search engines.
In this guide, we’ll explain why keyword research matters and show you step by step how to find the best keywords for your content. We’ll also help you make sure those keywords match what people are really looking for.
Tips for Effective Keyword Research
Doing keyword research is a key part of SEO and marketing. Here are some simple tips to help you get started:
- Start with ideas: Think of general topics related to your business. Ask yourself what your ideal customers might type into Google.
- Use keyword tools: Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Semrush or Ahrefs can help you find useful keywords. They show how often people search for a word, how competitive it is and suggest related terms.
- Check out your competitors: Look at websites that rank well in your niche and see what keywords they’re using. This can give you ideas for your own content.
- Try long-tail keywords: These are longer, more specific phrases that may get less traffic but usually bring in people who are more likely to take action. For example, instead of just “toaster,” try “best 4 slice chrome toaster.”
- Know the search intent: Make sure your keywords match what people are actually looking for—whether they want information, want to compare options or are ready to buy.
Follow these tips to build a strong keyword plan that helps your content rank better and reach the right audience.
What Are Keywords?
Keywords (also called SEO keywords) are the words or phrases people type into search engines when they’re looking for something—like a product, service or answer to a question.
For customers, keywords describe what they’re searching for. For marketers, using the right keywords in your content helps search engines understand what your website is about and when to show it in search results.
Keywords also give you insight into what your audience wants and why. They’re an important part of SEO and online marketing. When you use the right keywords in your content, it becomes easier for potential customers to find you online. The main goal is to match what people are searching for with the words you use on your website.
Why is Keyword Research Important?
The keywords you use on your website show what your business is about and what you offer. But it’s not just about using any words—it’s about using the right ones. The quality and number of keywords in your content help search engines like Google decide where your website should show up in search results. The higher you appear, the more people will see and visit your site.
For example, the first result on Google gets around 32% of all clicks. Even if you don’t hit that top spot, being on the first page can still bring a lot of traffic. As more people turn to Google to find products and services, ranking well becomes even more important. Between 2019 and 2020, the top 1,000 pages online saw a 22% jump in traffic.
Keyword research helps you find the best keywords—ones that people are searching for but aren’t too competitive. It’s like understanding what people want and giving it to them before they even ask. Adding smart keywords to your blog posts, articles or product pages can move your site higher in the rankings and help you reach more people. Plus, the traffic you get from search results can be more valuable than paid ads and can keep bringing in leads long after your content is published.
Getting Started with Keyword Research
Before you dive into keyword research to improve your content, it’s important to understand a few basics—especially the difference between regular keywords, focus keywords and long-tail keywords.
A focus keyword is the main word or phrase you want your content to rank for. It’s the keyword you highlight in key places like your page title, URL, meta description and throughout your content—so search engines know what your page is about.
Long-tail keywords are longer phrases (usually 3 words or more) that are more specific. People often use them when they know exactly what they’re looking for and are closer to making a purchase. These keywords usually bring in better quality traffic. If your market has a lot of competition, long-tail keywords can help you stand out. For example, “toaster” is broad but “4 slice chrome toaster” is more specific and likely to lead to more targeted search results.
Other ideas that can help you do complete and effective keyword research include:
Keyword Intent
Understanding keyword intent is a key part of building a strong keyword strategy. Just because you know your business well doesn’t mean you think the same way your audience does. You need to see things from their point of view and figure out why they’re searching.
While doing your SEO keyword research, ask yourself if your content matches what the user wants. Are they trying to learn something? Are they looking for a brand or website? Are they comparing options before buying? Or are they ready to buy now? When your content matches their intent, they’re more likely to stay on your page and help boost your search rankings.
Getting to know your audience and understanding why they’re searching for something can help you use trigger words in your long-tail keywords. These trigger phrases should match the type of intent the customer has.
For example, if you’re selling a product, use words like “best,” “buy,” “join” or “compare.” These are called transactional or commercial trigger phrases and work well when people are ready to make a purchase. Using them can help your content show up in the right kind of searches.
Monthly Search Volume (MSV)
MSV shows how many times a keyword is searched on average each month. With keyword research tools, you can check the MSV for a keyword globally or in a specific area, like a city. A high MSV means more chances to get traffic to your site—but it also usually means more competition.
Topical Authority
As search engines get smarter, they focus more on related topics, natural language and high-quality content. To build trust, your website should show deep knowledge by offering well-connected, detailed content. When people see you as a reliable source on a subject, they’re more likely to visit your site. Strong, trustworthy content can also help you rank higher in search results.
