How to Do Keyword Research

Keyword research is an important part of any SEO or content plan. It helps you find out what words and phrases your audience is using to search for information. Here’s a simple guide on how to do keyword research, along with tips, useful tools like SEMrush and Ubersuggest, and some examples.

How to Do Keyword Research

Set Your Goals:
- Decide what you want to achieve, like getting more visitors or finding new customers.
Know Your Audience:
- Figure out who your customers are and what questions they have.
Think of Seed Keywords:
- Start with general topics related to your business to make a list of basic keywords.
Use Keyword Tools:
- Tools like SEMrush and Ubersuggest can help you find more keywords.
Check Keyword Metrics:
- Look at how often people search for a keyword, how hard it is to rank for, and how competitive it is.
Consider Search Intent:
- Understand what users want when they search: Are they looking for information or ready to buy something?
Focus on Long-Tail Keywords:
- Use longer phrases (3+ words) because they usually have less competition and attract more interested visitors.
Analyze Competitors:
- See what keywords your competitors are using and look for gaps you can fill.
Organize Your Keywords:
- Group similar keywords to help plan your content.

Tips for Effective Keyword Research

Stay Current: Trends change, so update your keyword strategy regularly.
Use Local Keywords: If your business serves a local area, include local terms.
Consider Variations: Think about synonyms or related words to reach a broader audience.
Track Performance: Keep an eye on how well your chosen keywords are doing and make changes if needed.

Tools for Keyword Research

SEMrush

Keyword Overview: Enter a keyword to see its search volume and competition.
Keyword Magic Tool: This tool helps you find many related keywords.
Competitor Analysis: Look at what keywords your competitors are using.
SEO Content Template: Get keyword suggestions based on top-ranking pages.

Ubersuggest

Keyword Suggestions: Enter a basic keyword to get related suggestions.
Search Volume & CPC: Check how often people search for a keyword and its cost-per-click.
Content Ideas: See what content performs well for your keywords to inspire your own.
Backlink Data: Learn how competitors get their backlinks.

Examples of Keyword Research

Seed Keyword: “Healthy recipes”
- SEMrush: Find related keywords like “easy healthy recipes” and check their search volume.
- Ubersuggest: Discover variations like “healthy dinner recipes” and see what content ranks high.
Competitor Analysis:
- Use SEMrush to see if a competitor ranks for “low-calorie recipes.” You can then explore similar keywords and create better content.

Conclusion

Keyword research is an ongoing task that needs regular updates. Tools like SEMrush and Ubersuggest make it easier to find important keywords that match what your audience is looking for. Focus on both short and long phrases, check out your competitors, and always think about what users want to get the most out of your content.