Finding the right keywords is the most important step for any content creator. If you pick the wrong topics, even the best writing might never be seen. For websites that rely on display advertisements, the goal is to find a balance between high traffic and topics that advertisers are eager to bid on.
In this guide, we will break down the exact steps for effective keyword research to help your website grow.
Start with Seed Keywords
Before you open any fancy tools, you need to brainstorm. Seed keywords are short, broad terms related to your niche. For example, if you have a gardening blog, your seed keywords might be:
- Indoor plants
- Vegetable gardening
- Organic fertilizers
Write down at least ten of these broad topics. They will serve as the starting point for your research.
Use Free Tools to Expand Your List
You do not need to spend a lot of money on expensive software when you are starting out. Several free tools can provide incredible data:
- Google Autocomplete: Go to the search bar and type your seed keyword. Do not press enter yet. Look at the suggestions that drop down. These are real terms people are searching for right now.
- People Also Ask: After you perform a search, look for the box labeled “People also ask.” This section is a goldmine for finding specific questions your audience wants answered.
- Google Keyword Planner: This tool is designed for advertisers, but it is excellent for finding search volume and seeing which topics are more valuable than others.
Focus on Long-Tail Keywords
One of the biggest mistakes new bloggers make is trying to rank for broad terms like “coffee.” You will likely never outrank giant news sites for a single word.
Instead, focus on long-tail keywords. These are phrases that are three to five words long. For example, instead of “coffee,” try “best coffee makers for small apartments.”
These terms have lower competition, making it much easier for a smaller website to reach the first page of search results. While they may have less total traffic, the visitors you do get will be looking for exactly what you wrote about.
Analyze Search Intent
Search intent is the “why” behind a search. When someone types a query into a search engine, what are they actually looking for? Generally, intent falls into three categories:
- Informational: The user wants to learn something (e.g., “how to fix a leaky faucet”).
- Navigational: The user wants to find a specific website.
- Commercial: The user is looking to buy something or compare products.
For a website focused on information and articles, you want to target Informational intent. These readers stay on the page longer and engage more with your content.
Check the Competition
Once you find a great keyword, look at who else is ranking for it. Search for the term yourself and look at the first page. If the top results are all massive websites or big brands, it might be too hard to rank.
However, if you see small blogs, forums like Reddit, or outdated articles on the first page, that is a sign that you can take that spot by writing something better and more up-to-date.
Organize Your Keywords
After your research, you should have a list of potential topics. Organize them in a simple spreadsheet. Rank them by:
- Relevance: How well does this fit my site?
- Volume: How many people search for this?
- Difficulty: How hard will it be to rank?
Start by writing articles for the keywords that have low difficulty and medium-to-high relevance. This strategy helps you build momentum and starts bringing visitors to your site quickly.
By following these steps, you can ensure that every article you write has a purpose and a real chance to be found by your audience.
