Simple steps to research keywords for SEO like a pro

In a virtual universe teeming with content, SEO is the conduit that can lead people directly to your digital doorstep. At the heart of any successful SEO strategy is keyword research, the compass that guides you toward creating content that resonates with searchers. Whether you're a prolific blogger, a small business owner building an online presence, or a digital marketing enthusiast, mastering keyword research is pivotal. But where do you start?

Harness the power of keyword research with this straightforward 6-step guide that demystifies the process and empowers you to find the keywords that can propel your online visibility to new heights.

Step 1: define your goals

Before you set sail through the vast keyword ocean, it’s crucial to chart your map. 

Understand your objectives

Do you want to boost traffic to your website, increase sales, or simply inform your audience? Your goals shape the keywords you’ll hunt for.

Know your target audience

Keyword research isn't just about search engines; it's about people. Paint a picture of your ideal visitor. What are they looking for? What are they interested in? What problems do they need solutions to? Tailoring keywords to your audience's language is a golden key to engagement.

Step 2: Brainstorm seed keywords

Your keyword research expedition begins with the seeding of your keyword garden.

Start with the basics

Think of simple words or phrases directly associated with your niche. These are your seed keywords — plant them, and watch them bloom into a garden of content ideas. Brainstorm broad topics related to your niche that your audience might be searching for.

Expand Your Horizons

Utilize your expertise to think like your audience. What broad topics or questions are they likely to search for that relate to your business? These expansive keyword ideas are the fertilizer for a bountiful keyword harvest. Write down these phrases as potential keywords.

Look at competitor websites

Discovering the keywords your competitors are ranking for can provide valuable insights into their SEO strategy. You can leverage SEO tools or conduct a thorough analysis of their website content to pinpoint the specific keywords they are targeting. This information can help you refine your own keyword strategy and stay competitive in the online landscape.

Step 3: Use keyword research tools

In the same way a magnifying glass can reveal detail unseen by the naked eye, keyword tools amplify your keyword universe.

Leverage the power of technology

Numerous free keyword research tools are accessible online. They assist in brainstorming keyword ideas and provide insights into the search volume for specific keywords each month. Examples of such tools are Google Search Suggestions and Answer the Public.

Tools like SEMrush, Google Keyword Planner, and Ahrefs are your allies in keyword discovery. They’ll multiply your keyword lists, offering insights you might never have unearthed on your own.

Explore Synonyms and Variations

Keyword tools don't just give you keywords; they offer you a thesaurus of related terms, long-tail keywords, and variations. Each can be a potential ticket to your site.

When you look up a keyword on some browsers, you'll come across a valuable section at the bottom of the page labeled "Searches related to [your keyword]." This area is a treasure trove for keyword research! These terms represent actual searches by people and are connected to your initial keyword.

Step 4: Analyze search volume and competition

Not all treasure shines equally; the value of keywords lies in their metrics.

Understand search volume

High search volume indicates keywords that are searched for often — but with high volume comes high competition. Balance high volume keywords with ones less traveled to find your sweet spot.

Gauge keyword difficulty

Certain keywords pose a greater challenge for ranking due to intense competition. For beginners, a strategic approach involves targeting a blend of high-volume, low-difficulty keywords alongside long-tail keywords for specificity.

Long-tail keywords are specific phrases, or sequences, longer than three words, that are searched fewer times but are very specific, making them less competitive and potentially more profitable for search engine rankings.

Tools provide estimates of how hard it might be to rank for a given keyword. Assessing this difficulty ensures you don't invest time and effort battling for a keyword that’s out of reach.

Step 5: Consider user intent

The context behind a keyword search can transform words on a screen into meaningful engagement.

Not all keywords hold the same weight. Before targeting a keyword, it's crucial to understand the search intent behind it. Are users seeking information, looking to make a purchase, or something else entirely? Ensure the keyword matches the content you're developing.

Navigate search intent

User intent falls into three primary categories — informational, navigational, and transactional. Adapt your content to match the intent behind your chosen keywords to improve the quality of your site's visitors.

Evaluate SERPs

Examine the search engine results pages for your keywords. Are they dominated by blog posts, product pages, or more complex content? Understanding these patterns can guide your content strategy.

Step 6: Refine and optimize your keyword list

Now that you’ve panned for gold, it’s time to polish your findings.

Prioritize your discoveries

Group your keywords by topic or on-page need. Prioritize those that are most in line with your goals and audience.

Integrate natural language

Avoid ‘keyword stuffing’ — the practice of loading a webpage with keywords to manipulate a site's ranking in search results. Instead, ensure your keywords flow naturally within your content, focusing on readability and relevance.

Stay Agile

Keywords that shine today might dim tomorrow, so stay nimble. Regularly review and update your keyword strategy to reflect changes in your market, audience, and search engine algorithms.

By following these six steps, you'll not only refine your SEO focus but also elevate the quality of your content. Remember, every search query is a conversation waiting to happen, and your keywords open the door to meaningful connections with your audience.

Quick and robust keyword research is not a luxury; it’s a necessity in the digital age. Use this guide to transform it from a daunting task to a strategic asset, and watch as your SEO efforts flourish.