Keyword research is essential for any successful SEO or Google Ads strategy. By identifying the terms your audience is searching for, you can align your content and campaigns with their needs.
This process helps boost your website’s visibility, attract relevant traffic, and improve ad performance. Whether you’re aiming to increase organic rankings or optimise paid campaigns, learning how to find the right keywords is an important skill.
In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to do keyword research for SEO and Google Ads, from brainstorming ideas to using effective tools. Let’s explore how to target the keywords that will make the biggest impact for your business.
How to Do Keyword Research for SEO and Google Ads?
So, let’s explore how to do keyword research for SEO and Google Ads.
How to Start Keyword Research For SEO?
Understanding the importance of keyword research is essential, but knowing where to begin is just as critical. Follow these two simple steps to kickstart your process effectively.
Step 1: Brainstorm Broad Topics for Your Business
Start by thinking about the main categories or areas related to your business. Keep your focus broad initially, and don’t worry about getting too detailed.
For instance, if you own a bakery, consider broad topics such as the types of baked goods you offer. Examples might include cakes, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, or croissants.
Create a Google document or spreadsheet to list these topics and organise them into tabs for better clarity. Including subtopics, such as seasonal specials or gluten-free options, can further refine your focus.
Step 2: Use Tools to Find Specific Keywords
Next, put yourself in your customer’s shoes. Think about how they might search for your business online. If you’re not directly interacting with customers, collaborate with your sales team to understand the language potential clients use.
Returning to our bakery example, focus on the “cakes” category. Keywords like “wedding cakes,” “affordable wedding cakes,” and “birthday cakes near me” are great starting points. Don’t forget to include specific flavours like “red velvet” or “chocolate marble.”
Add location-based keywords like “near me” to attract local customers. Highlighting seasonal keywords such as “Christmas fruit cakes” or “Easter special cakes” can also bring in targeted traffic during specific times of the year.
Using only instinct isn’t enough, though. Keyword tools are essential to uncover all relevant terms and ensure your chosen keywords are worth targeting. Enter your broad topics into a keyword tool to generate lists of related terms, search volumes, and competitiveness.
Refine your list to include terms that are both specific and manageable for your goals. Consider audience behaviour trends, like mobile searches, when selecting keywords to ensure relevance.
2 Top Keyword Research Tools
There are numerous keyword research tools on the market; we will explore the top two.
1. Google Keyword Planner
If you have a Google Ads account, you can access Google’s free Keyword Planner. Here’s what you can do with it:
- Enter a broad topic to discover specific keyword ideas.
- Upload an existing list to check search volumes, trends, and competitiveness.
- Analyse website URLs (yours or competitors) to identify relevant keywords.
2. SEMrush
SEMrush is another powerful tool for keyword research. The free version offers insights into organic search volume, CPC, and competition. For more detailed analysis, the premium version allows for 10,000 results per report.
Depending on your needs, the free version may suffice. Additional features, like keyword gap analysis, help you identify opportunities to outrank competitors.
How to Do Keyword Research for PPC Campaigns?
Lets explore the eight keyword research for ppc campaigns
4 Tips for Effective Keyword Research in Paid Search
Keyword research for PPC campaigns can feel more complex since budgets are involved. Keep these tips in mind to maximise your ROI:
- Research Keyword Costs Use tools to find cost-per-click (CPC) metrics for your keywords. This data helps you decide which keywords fit your budget and are worth bidding on. Remember to factor in seasonal cost fluctuations to optimise spending.
- Include Negative Keywords Negative keywords prevent your ads from appearing in irrelevant searches, saving you from wasting money. For example, if you sell cakes, you can exclude terms like “recipes” to avoid unqualified clicks. Regularly reviewing search terms to update your negative keywords can enhance campaign efficiency.
- Prioritise Commercial Intent Keywords Focus your budget on high-intent keywords that signal a readiness to purchase, such as “buy now,” “discount,” or “free shipping.” These terms are more likely to convert into sales. Targeting brand-related terms, like “best bakery deals,” can also enhance visibility among ready-to-buy customers.
- Group Keywords Strategically Once you’ve identified relevant keywords, organise them into tightly related groups for better campaign performance. Proper grouping simplifies ad creation and improves targeting accuracy. Using dynamic keyword insertion in your ad copy can further personalise ads for different search intents.
By following these steps, you’ll set a strong foundation for successful keyword research, whether for SEO or PPC campaigns. Use the right tools and strategies to make the most of your efforts and drive meaningful results.
Conclusion!
Keyword research is a critical component of any digital marketing strategy. By reviewing and analysing your performance indicators and using specialised tools, you can pinpoint keywords that perfectly align with your business goals. This approach not only boosts your SEO rankings but also enhances the effectiveness of your Google Ads campaigns, delivering maximum ROI.
Looking for expert help? Our SEO Pro Services provide customised guidance to refine your keyword strategy, improve your marketing results, and stay ahead of the competition.
Contact us today to unlock your website’s potential and drive measurable success!
FAQ’ s
1. What is keyword research and why is it important?
Keyword research involves finding the terms and phrases people use to search online. It helps optimise your content for better visibility and ensures you attract the right audience.
2. How do I start with keyword research for SEO?
Begin by brainstorming broad topics related to your business. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush to find specific keywords with search volume and competitiveness data.
3. What are the best tools for keyword research?
Some popular tools include Google Keyword Planner and SEMrush. These tools provide valuable insights into keyword trends, volume, and competition.
4. How does keyword intent affect SEO and Google Ads?
Keyword intent reflects the purpose behind a search query. Understanding intent (informational, navigational, or transactional) ensures your content or ads align with what users are looking for.
5. How do I choose the right keywords for my business?
Selecting the right keywords involves balancing relevance, search volume, and competition. Focus on terms that align with your audience’s needs and fit your goals.
6. How do I use long-tail keywords effectively?
Long-tail keywords are specific phrases with lower search volume but higher intent. Use them into your content or ads to attract more qualified leads and improve conversions.
