You have great content, but nobody finds it. You put hours into writing blog posts, but they don’t rank on Google. Your competitors show up in search results, and you don’t. The problem? You are not targeting the right keywords.
Without proper keyword research, your content may never reach the right audience. Many people pick keywords based on guesswork, but that approach rarely works. To rank higher, drive traffic, and attract the right visitors, you must find good, strategic keywords that people are actually searching for.
What is the challenge?
Think about this: You write an amazing article, but after months, it still gets little to no traffic. You check Google Analytics, and the numbers are disappointing. No leads, no engagement, nothing.
Meanwhile, your competitors are ranking for relevant search terms. Their content is getting clicks, sales, and shares. What are they doing differently?
They are using smart keyword research techniques to find and target the right keywords before creating content. They are not writing blindly; they know what their audience is searching for.
If you don’t use keyword research, you are leaving traffic and opportunities on the table.
But don’t worry. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll know exactly how to find good keywords and use them to grow your traffic.
Step 1: Understand What Makes a Good Keyword
A good keyword has three main qualities:
- Search Volume – People are searching for it.
- Low to Medium Competition – It’s not impossible to rank for.
- Search Intent Match – It aligns with what users want.
Let’s break these down:
- Search Volume: If nobody is searching for a keyword, ranking for it is useless. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest to check search volume.
- Competition: Highly competitive keywords are hard to rank for. Look for keywords with medium or low competition, especially if your website is new.
- Search Intent: If someone searches “best running shoes,” they are looking for recommendations, not buying immediately. If they search “buy Nike running shoes,” they are ready to purchase. Choosing the right intent matters.
Step 2: Brainstorm Seed Keywords
Start with basic keywords related to your topic or niche. These are called seed keywords. Think about what your audience might search for. If you run a fitness blog, seed keywords might be:
- Weight loss
- Home workouts
- Running shoes
- Meal planning
You can expand these into more detailed keywords later.
Step 3: Use Keyword Research Tools
Now, let’s find real keyword data using research tools. Here are some great options:
- Google Keyword Planner (Free) – Gives keyword ideas and search volume.
- Ubersuggest (Freemium) – Shows keyword difficulty and volume.
- Ahrefs & SEMrush (Paid) – Advanced tools with deep insights.
- AnswerThePublic (Freemium) – Shows what people ask about a topic.
Enter your seed keyword and see what the tools suggest. Look for keywords that have a decent search volume but are not too competitive.
Step 4: Find Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer and more specific phrases. They usually have lower competition and higher conversion rates. Examples:
- “How to lose weight without exercise” (Instead of just “weight loss”)
- “Best running shoes for flat feet” (Instead of just “running shoes”)
- “Easy meal planning for beginners” (Instead of just “meal planning”)
These keywords attract visitors who know what they want.
Step 5: Analyze Competitor Keywords
Find out which keywords your competitors are ranking for. Here’s how:
- Use Ahrefs or SEMrush to enter a competitor’s website and see their top keywords.
- Check their blog posts and see what words appear frequently.
- Use Google search: Type a keyword and check the top-ranking pages.
If a competitor is ranking for a keyword, you can too – with better content.
Step 6: Check Search Intent
Before choosing a keyword, search for it on Google. Look at the top 10 results and ask:
- Are they blog posts, product pages, videos?
- What type of content ranks? (Guides, lists, reviews?)
- Can I create something better than what’s ranking?
Google ranks content based on what people want to see. If all top results are product pages, don’t try ranking a blog post for that keyword.
Step 7: Prioritize & Finalize Your Keywords
Now, you have a list of potential keywords. Prioritize them based on:
- Search volume – Higher is better (but not always)
- Competition – Lower is easier to rank
- Relevance to your audience – Will it attract the right visitors?
- Intent – Does it match your content?
Pick 5-10 strong keywords to start with.
Step 8: Use Keywords in Your Content
Once you have your keywords, use them naturally in your content. Here’s how:
- Title: Include the main keyword.
- Headings (H1, H2, H3): Add related keywords.
- Introduction & Conclusion: Mention the keyword.
- URL: Keep it short and keyword-rich.
- Meta Description: Use keywords to attract clicks.
- Image Alt Text: Helps with SEO.
Avoid keyword stuffing. Google prefers natural, helpful content.
Step 9: Track Performance
After publishing, track your keyword rankings using:
- Google Search Console (Free)
- Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Ubersuggest (Paid)
If a keyword isn’t ranking, update your content, get backlinks, or try different keywords.
Step 10: Repeat & Improve
SEO is ongoing. Keep researching new keywords, updating content, and monitoring results. The more you refine your strategy, the better your rankings will be.
Final Thoughts
Keyword research is not magic; it’s a process. If you follow these steps, you’ll find high-quality keywords that drive traffic. Don’t rely on luck—use data to make smart decisions.
Now it’s your turn. Start your keyword research today and watch your rankings grow!
FAQs About SEO Keyword Research
1. How do I know if a keyword is good?
A good keyword has decent search volume, low to medium competition, and matches search intent.
2. Should I use free or paid keyword tools?
Free tools like Google Keyword Planner work well for beginners. Paid tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush offer deeper insights.
3. How many keywords should I target per post?
Focus on 1 main keyword and 3-5 related keywords to keep content focused and relevant.
4. Can I change keywords after publishing?
Yes! Updating content with better keywords can improve rankings over time.
5. How often should I do keyword research?
Regularly! Trends change, so checking every few months keeps your content competitive.
