A Quick & Easy Guide to Keyword Research

Introduction

If you want your content to show up in search results, keyword research is the first step. But it doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. In this guide, I’ll walk through a quick and easy process to find the right keywords for your website, blog, or business. You’ll learn how to identify what your audience is searching for, choose terms with the right balance of traffic and competition, and use them to create content that gets noticed.

What are keywords?

Keywords are the phrases people type into search engines, such as Google, when looking for products, services, or answers to questions. They help search engines understand what your webpage is all about. Keyword research can help you discover the exact terms people use when they go to Google. This allows you to include those words in your blog posts, web pages, or online shop listings.

Why Do Keywords Matter?

They can help your content rank higher.

Using relevant keywords increases your chances of appearing on the first page of search results.

They can help attract visitors.

By using keywords that your target audience actually uses, you attract people who are genuinely interested in what you offer.

They can boost traffic and visibility.

The better your keyword targeting, the more organic (free) traffic your site can get.

They can give you ideas for future content.

Keywords can spark ideas for blog topics, FAQs, or even entire guides based on what people are already searching for.

Keyword Research in Five Easy Steps.

Step 1: Think Like Your Customer

Ask yourself what someone would type into Google to find your product or service. What questions do they ask? What problems are they trying to solve? Jot down a few of these ideas and start making a list of possible keywords. It is important to remember not to be overly formal. Stick to using the language that you think your target audience would use.

Step 2: Use Google Autocomplete

Go to Google and start typing in some of your keywords. See what suggestions come up. Those are real searches people are making. Add the ones that fit your niche to your keyword list.

Step 3: Use a Free Tool Like WordStream

Go to WordStream and type in some of your keywords. Look at the Search volume (how many people search it) and the competition of all the suggestions. Select a few keywords with high search volume and low competition to add to your list.

🛠️ Other tools you can use:

Google Keyword Planner

Ubersuggest

Step 4: Check Google Trends

Visit Google Trends and type in each of your keywords to identify how they are performing. This will help you decide which ones will be most effective.

Step 5: Choose your Keywords

Go through your list of keywords and select the ones you feel are most appropriate. This typically involves one primary keyword and a few secondary keywords to incorporate into your body text. Then, you can use your chosen keywords in things like:

• Titles (use your primary keyword)

  
  

• Meta descriptions - Use your primary keyword and possibly your secondary keywords if you can incorporate them without making your meta descriptions sound clunky.

• Headings - Use your primary keyword in at least one H2.

  
  

• Product descriptions - Use your primary keyword and possibly secondary keywords if you can incorporate them without making your product description sound clunky.

  
  

• Body text - Use the primary keyword in an early paragraph, and try to sprinkle secondary keywords throughout the content.

💡 Quick Tip: Try using longer, more specific phrases (called long-tail keywords) like best insulated water bottle for hiking. These are easier to rank for in search results and help you reach people who are looking for exactly what you offer.

And that’s it! An easy and stress-free way to research keywords.

🛠️ Bonus Tool: Keyword Research Template for ChatGPT

Can you help me with keyword research? Please give references.

1. What I’m writing/selling: (Briefly describe the blog post, product, or service)

2. My ideal audience: (Who is it for? E.g., new mums, dog lovers, small business owners, eco-conscious shoppers)

3. My goal: (Do you want to rank in Google, attract more clicks, improve SEO, write product descriptions, etc.?)

4. Words I’m already thinking of: (Optional — list any keywords or phrases that come to mind)

5. Anything else you should know: (Any special focus? Competitors? Tone? Location?)