How to do Keyword Research: Pretend You Know What You’re Doing
Keyword research can be a real challenge. I understand the difficulties. I’ve put in the effort to find some great solutions. In this post, I’ll share some simple tricks to help you do keyword research effectively. Hint: it’s not really about the words.
You’ll learn how to choose the perfect words for your blog posts. These tips will make your content shine and help you reach more readers. Let’s explore ways to improve your keyword strategy!
Key Takeaways
- Long-tail keywords with 50-100 searches per month can be great targets for new bloggers.
- 16% to 20% of daily searches are brand new, making old keyword tools less effective.
- AI and machine learning help predict user questions and analyze search patterns.
- Zero-click searches, which started in June 2019, show answers right on the results page.
- Post-purchase keywords like “loyalty programs” can boost sales and customer happiness.
The Limitations of Traditional Keyword Research
Traditional keyword research has limits. Old methods don’t work well for today’s search habits. Back in the days, you could go on a free keyword research tool, export the list of keywords that were low difficulty and high volume and create articles on it. Some people still do it, but they are way off at least if it’s their only strategy.
Why High-Volume Keywords Are a Mirage
I’ve learned the hard way that high-volume keywords aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Take “best mascara” with its 644,000 monthly searches. Sounds great, right? Wrong. Most of that traffic isn’t looking to buy.
They’re just window shopping or doing research. It’s like fishing in a big pond with no fish – lots of water, but no bites.
Here’s the kicker: those big numbers are often wrong. Keyword tools can’t always tell if someone’s ready to buy or just browsing. I once spent weeks chasing a high-volume keyword, only to get tons of views but no sales. Now this is nice to have a high traffic, but when your goal is revenues, tell that to your boss.
It was a wake-up call. Now, I focus on what people really want, not just what they search for a lot.
Don’t be fooled by the glitter of high-volume keywords. The real gold is in understanding what your readers truly need.
Low-volume keywords are often ignored, but they can be hidden gems. They might not look flashy in reports, but they bring in people who know what they want. I’ve had more success with specific, low-volume terms that match what my readers are looking for.
It takes more work to find these keywords, but it pays off in the end with readers who stick around and buy stuff.
The Ineffectiveness of Linear Search Models
I used to think keyword research was simple. Find popular words, use them a lot, and watch my blog soar. Boy, was I wrong! Linear search models don’t work like they used to. I learned this the hard way when my blog traffic stayed flat despite using “high-volume” keywords.
Here’s the truth: 16% to 20% of daily searches are brand new. That means old keyword tools can’t keep up. Plus, different tools give wildly different search volumes for the same word.
It’s like trying to hit a moving target blindfolded! I once spent weeks targeting a “hot” keyword, only to find out later that the search volume was way off.
Google’s keyword tool for Google Ads isn’t as sharp as it once was. Recent changes have made it less exact. And many keywords don’t show clear user intent. This makes it hard to know what people really want when they search.
I’ve had to rethink my whole approach to SEO. Now, I focus on understanding my readers and what they’re truly looking for, not just chasing high numbers.
The Rise of User-Centric Keyword Strategies
User-centric keyword strategies focus on what people really want to know. I’ve found that looking at long-tail keywords and guessing what users mean helps me create better content.
Conversational Queries and Long-Tail Keywords
I’ve seen a big shift in how people search online. They’re not just typing short words anymore. Now, they’re asking full questions like “best New York style pizza near me that delivers right now because I’m dying.” This change means we need to focus on long-tail keywords.
These are longer, more specific phrases that show what users really want.
Long-tail keywords are gold for new bloggers and SEO writers. They often have less competition and more intent. I’ve found that phrases with 50 to 100 searches a month can be great targets.
They’re easier to rank for and can bring in people who are ready to act. Plus, they help me write content that really answers what my readers are looking for.
Long-tail keywords are the secret sauce of SEO. They’re like finding a hidden path to your audience’s heart.
More often than ever, you can build you keyword lists with related keywords and PAA (people also ask) queries.
Predicting User Intent and Context
I predict user intent and context all the time in my keyword research. It’s like being a mind reader for search engines! I look at the words people type and try to figure out what they really want. Now, when I say I predict, it’s because I know my audience, my ICP and their buying journey. Keyword search, start by customer research.
Are they just looking for info? Do they want to buy something? Or are they trying to find a local store?
Google uses fancy tools like Hummingbird and RankBrain to guess user intent too. These help show the right results for each search. For example, if someone types “nike shoes,” they probably want to buy some sneakers.
A page about Nike’s history likely won’t rank well for that search. I keep this in mind when I pick keywords and write content.
Understanding intent helps me create better content that matches what users want. This leads to lower bounce rates and higher rankings. It’s not always easy, but I’ve gotten pretty good at putting myself in the searcher’s shoes.
With practice, you can learn to predict intent like a pro too!
The Influence of AI and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning shake up keyword research. These tools predict user questions and analyze search patterns in ways we never could before.
Using LLMs for Dynamic Keyword Analysis
I’ve found a cool new way to do keyword research. It’s called using LLMs for dynamic keyword analysis. These smart AI tools can look at tons of search data and find new trends. They help me spot long-tail keywords I might have missed before.
For example, when I asked about marathon recovery tools, the LLM showed me a bunch of fitness trends I didn’t know about. This helps me create better content that really fits what people are searching for.
LLMs make keyword research much faster and more thorough. Instead of just looking at how often a word is used, they can figure out what the searcher actually wants. This means I can make my content match user intent, not just stuff in keywords.
It’s like having a super-smart assistant who knows all about what people are searching for online. With this tech, I feel more confident about picking the right keywords for my blog posts.
However, AI is not always a 100% right. You need to tweak your prompt, offer more keyword suggestions and optimize from there. And you know what can help you pin point exactly the right queries? Knowing the intent behind the keyword and associate it to your buyer’s journey.
How AI Predicts Follow-Up Questions
I’ve seen AI do some cool stuff with keywords. It’s like having a smart friend who knows what people will ask next. Between you and me, this kind of person annoys me dearly. But for the sake of organic search domination and finding relevant keywords, I’ll take it.
Using AI for search help me guess what questions my readers might have after reading my blog. It finds the right keyword or topic to write the next article aligned to your journey. If you wrote a blog post in the awareness stage where you explain your topic broadly, the AI can find your target keyword for the more middle of the funnel for conversions.
AI doesn’t just stop at guessing. It helps me put the right words in my content too. It looks at what’s working well for others and gives me tips. I use these ideas to make my writing better and easier to find online.
It’s pretty neat how AI keeps getting smarter and changing how we do SEO.
The Role of Search Environment Changes
Search habits change fast. People now use phones, tablets, and smart speakers to find stuff online.
Multi-Device Searches and Zero-Click Results
I’ve noticed a big change in how people search online. They use phones, tablets, and computers to look things up. This means we need to think about all these devices when we do SEO.
It’s not just about desktop searches anymore. We have to make our content work well on small screens too.
Zero-click searches are also changing the game. These are searches where people get answers right on the results page. They don’t need to click on a website. This started happening a lot in June 2019.
It’s made it harder to track how well our SEO is working. I’ve seen that these zero-click results often show up for info questions. They don’t usually lead to sales.
I’ve learned that we need to adapt our SEO plans. We can’t just aim for the top spot on Google anymore. We need to try to get our content in those quick answer boxes. This means writing clear, direct answers to common questions.
It’s a new way of thinking about keywords and content. But it’s key to staying visible in today’s search world.
Platform-Hopping Behavior
I’ve noticed a cool trend in how people search online. We jump from one platform to another like pros! This hopping around isn’t random. It shows how our likes and needs change as we use different sites.
As a new blogger, you need to know this stuff for your SEO work.
Understanding platform-hopping is key to good keyword research. Users often switch between apps and websites when they look for info. This means the words they use can change too. I always keep this in mind when I plan my content.
It helps me reach more people, no matter where they’re searching.
Redefining the Search Funnel
I’ve seen search funnels change a lot over the years. Users now jump between devices and platforms, making their journey less straight and more like a maze.
Beyond Linear Thinking: Non-Linear Funnels
I used to think customer journeys were simple. People would find my blog, read a post, and buy something. But that’s not how it works anymore. Now, customers jump around. They might read a post, leave, come back later, or even buy without reading anything!
This new way is called a non-linear funnel. It’s messy and hard to track. But it’s also more real. People don’t always follow a straight path. They might see an ad on Instagram, check out my blog, then buy from Amazon.
It’s wild!
I’ve learned to embrace this chaos. Instead of trying to force people down one path, I focus on being helpful wherever they are. I make sure my content works on phones, computers, and tablets.
I also pay attention to what people do after they buy. Sometimes, that’s when they really start engaging with my brand.
Post-Purchase Keywords and Their Significance
I’ve found that post-purchase keywords are gold for keeping customers coming back. These are words like “loyalty programs” and “product add-ons” that people search after they buy. They help me boost sales and make folks happy with their purchase.
I use Google Search Console to see how buyers find my stuff after they’ve bought it. This gives me ideas for new content that keeps them interested.
My own blog got way more traffic when I started using post-purchase keywords. I wrote about how to use the products better and shared tips for getting more value. People loved it! They came back to read more and often bought again.
It’s not just about getting new customers – it’s about keeping the ones you have. That’s where the real money is.
Post-purchase keywords also help me create better products. When I see what people are looking for after they buy, I can make new things they want. This makes my customers feel heard and valued.
They’re more likely to tell their friends about my brand too. It’s a win-win that keeps my business growing and my customers happy.
Practical Steps for Keyword Research in 2025
I’ll show you practical steps for keyword research in 2025. You’ll learn how to find and use long-tail keywords, check keyword difficulty, and understand search intent.
Identifying and Utilizing Long-Tail Keywords
I’ve found a secret weapon in keyword research: long-tail keywords. These are longer, more specific phrases that often have lower search volumes. But don’t let that fool you! Keywords with just 50 to 100 searches per month can be gold mines.
They often show high intent and face less competition. I target these gems and watch my traffic grow.
To find these hidden treasures, I use content gap analysis. This smart trick helps me spot topics my rivals miss. I then create articles around these niche keywords. The best part? One article can rank for hundreds of related terms.
This means more eyes on my content, even if the main keyword seems small at first. It’s a game-changer for new bloggers like us!
Evaluating Keyword Difficulty and Search Intent
I love digging into keyword difficulty and search intent. It’s like being a detective for words! I look at how hard it is to rank for a keyword and what people want when they search for it.
This helps me pick the best keywords for my blog posts.
Keyword difficulty tells me how tough it is to beat other websites for a spot on the first page of search results. I use tools to check this. They give me a score from 0 to 100. The lower the score, the easier it is to rank.
I aim for keywords with lower scores when I’m just starting out.
Search intent is all about why someone is searching. There are four main types: informational, navigational, transactional, and commercial. I try to match my content to what people want.
For example, if someone is looking to buy, I make sure my post helps them make a choice. This way, I give readers exactly what they’re after.
Targeting Local and High-Value Keywords
I focus on local and high-value keywords to boost my blog’s SEO. This means I pick words that people in my area use when they search online. I start by thinking of phrases about my products or services.
Then, I add location words like city names or neighborhoods.
Google Keyword Planner helps me find more local keywords and see how tough the competition is. I also check out what keywords my rivals use. This gives me ideas for my own strategy.
It’s fun to play detective and find the best words to use!
Local keyword research is key for bloggers who want to reach nearby customers. By using area-specific terms, I can show up in search results when people look for what I offer. It’s a great way to get more visitors to my blog and grow my business in my community.
Common Pitfalls in Keyword Research
Keyword research can trip up even seasoned pros. I’ve seen folks make some big blunders that hurt their SEO efforts badly.
Keyword Stuffing and Its Consequences
I’ve seen many new bloggers make a big mistake. They stuff their posts with too many keywords. This trick might seem smart, but it’s not. Search engines don’t like it. They can spot when you use a word too much.
If you do this, your site might get a lower rank. Or worse, it could be banned.
Keyword stuffing also makes your content hard to read. People won’t want to share it. They might leave your site fast. This tells search engines that your content isn’t good. I learned this the hard way when I first started.
Now I know it’s better to use keywords in a natural way. It’s all about balance. Use them enough to help search engines, but not so much that it hurts your writing.
Ignoring the Importance of Search Intent
I used to make a big mistake in my SEO work. I focused on high-volume keywords without thinking about search intent. This led to lots of traffic, but few sales. I learned the hard way that understanding why people search is key.
Search intent matters more than just getting clicks. It’s about giving users what they want. For example, I once targeted “corporate program” for a client. We got tons of traffic, but it was all wrong.
People were looking for TV shows, not business services. We wasted time and money on the wrong audience.
Now, I always ask myself what users really want when they search. Are they looking to buy? Learn? Compare? This helps me create content that matches their needs. When I do this, I see better results.
My pages rank higher, and more visitors turn into customers. It’s not just about getting traffic; it’s about getting the right traffic.
Over-Reliance on High-Volume Keywords
I’ve seen many new bloggers make a big mistake. They focus too much on high-volume keywords. It’s tempting to chase after words that get lots of searches. But this can lead you down the wrong path.
Here’s the truth: lower-volume keywords often work better. They help you show your know-how in your field. Plus, they match what users really want. I’ve found that looking at user intent and click-through rates matters more than just search volume.
My advice? Don’t ignore the whole buyer journey. Create content that covers all parts of it. This means writing about topics that may not get tons of searches. But they’ll help your readers at every step.
It’s about quality, not just quantity. Trust me, this approach will set you apart from others who only chase big numbers.
Leveraging Technology for Keyword Optimization
I use AI to find hidden keyword gems. Want to know more? Keep reading!
AI Data Training and SEO Evolution
I’ve seen AI tools change the game for SEO. They cut down the time I spend on keyword research by a ton. Now, I can focus more on making great content. These smart tools help me figure out what people really want when they search.
They look at the words and the meaning behind them. This helps me write stuff that fits what users are looking for.
AI also helps me stay ahead of the curve. It can predict new search trends before they blow up. This means I can find new keywords that others might miss. It’s like having a crystal ball for SEO! With AI, I feel more confident in my SEO work.
It’s not just about guessing anymore. I have data to back up my choices.
Integration of AI in Content Strategy and SEO
I’ve seen firsthand how AI is changing the game for content and SEO. It’s pretty cool stuff! These smart tools can now look at tons of keywords and make content outlines that are spot-on for what search engines want.
They’re really good at figuring out what people are trying to find when they search for something. This helps create content that’s super relevant and focused on what users need.
One thing I love about AI is how it can do programmatic SEO. This means it can make lots of pages that target specific long-tail keywords. It’s like having a whole team of writers working around the clock! AI can also spot gaps in your content strategy.
It finds keywords you might have missed and shows you new chances to rank higher in search results.
I’ve found that using AI tools makes my work so much easier. They help me create content that both people and search engines love. It’s not about tricking the system – it’s about making really useful stuff that answers people’s questions.
And the best part? As AI keeps getting smarter, our content strategies will only get better and better.
Conclusion: The Future of Keyword Research
Keyword research will change a lot in the future. AI and new search habits will shape how we find and use keywords. Keep learning and trying new ways to stay ahead in SEO.
Embracing Changes and Adapting Strategies
I’ve seen keyword research change a lot over the years. Gone are the days when we could just pick high-volume words and hope for the best. Now, it’s all about getting into our readers’ heads.
We need to think about what they’re really asking and why. I’ve found that using long-tail keywords and focusing on user intent works much better than old methods. It’s not just about search volume anymore; it’s about finding the right words that lead to real results.
Keeping up with new tech is key to staying ahead in keyword research. I use AI tools to help me spot trends and predict what users might ask next. This has been a game-changer for me.
Voice search and image search are also changing how people look for stuff online. I make sure to include these in my keyword plans. It’s not always easy, but adapting to these changes has helped me create content that really connects with my readers.
Continuous Learning and Application of New Techniques
I keep learning new stuff about keyword research all the time. The search world changes fast, so I have to stay on my toes. I watch how people search and how Google’s rules change.
This helps me pick better keywords for my blog posts. I also check how well my keywords work by looking at my blog’s stats. It’s like a game – I try new things, see what works, and then do more of that.
This way, my blog keeps getting better at showing up in searches.
My keyword skills grow every day. I read blogs, watch videos, and try new tools to find good keywords. Sometimes I mess up, but that’s okay. I learn from my mistakes and get better.
The key is to keep trying and not give up. As I learn more, I see my blog posts rank higher in search results. It’s exciting to see my hard work pay off!
Subjects and topics that can helps
What’s the best keyword research tool out there?
Honestly, it depends on what you need! Semrush is super popular and has a ton of features, but if you’re looking for something free, you might want to check out Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs’ free keyword generator. Both are solid options!
How can I use a free keyword research tool effectively?
Start by entering a few seed keywords related to your niche. The tool will give you keyword ideas along with their search volume and competition level. This way, you can choose the right keywords for your SEO strategy without spending a dime!
What’s the difference between Google Keyword Planner and Semrush?
Google Keyword Planner is great for finding keywords and their search volume, especially if you’re running Google Ads. Semrush, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive keyword research process with features like keyword gap analysis and competitive insights. Both have their perks!
How do I find the right keywords for SEO?
Start by brainstorming some keyword ideas related to your content. Then, use a keyword research tool to check the search volume and competition. Look for keywords that have a decent search volume but lower competition to optimize your chances of ranking on the first page!
Can I do keyword research without spending money?
Absolutely! There are plenty of best free keyword research tools out there, like Google Trends and the free version of Semrush. These tools can help you find valuable keywords without breaking the bank!
What’s the keyword research process like?
It usually starts with brainstorming keyword ideas, followed by using a keyword tool to analyze those ideas for search volume and competition. After that, you can refine your list and prioritize keywords that align with your SEO strategy!
What are some ways to use keywords effectively?
Use keywords in your titles, headings, and throughout your content. Make sure to include them in meta descriptions and alt text for images too. Just remember, don’t overdo it—keep it natural for the best SEO results!
How can Google Trends help with keyword research?
Google Trends is awesome for spotting trending topics and seasonal keywords. You can see how search interest changes over time, which helps you plan your content strategy around what people are currently searching for!
What’s a keyword gap analysis?
A keyword gap analysis helps you identify keywords that your competitors are ranking for but you’re not. Tools like Semrush can help you find these gaps, allowing you to optimize your content and target new keywords for SEO!
