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Want your website to get organic traffic and a relevant audience that will find your content? Then you need to understand keyword research. It’s the process of finding words or search queries your audience types into search engines like Google to find products, services, and information, so that you can create content they’re looking for.
In this blog, you’ll read how to do keyword research and which tools to use to search for keywords with practical examples at every step.
What Is Keyword Research?
Keyword research means you find the words and phrases people use on Google so you can target them in your content
Example: Let’s suppose you run a skincare brand. Instead of just using “face cream,” keyword research might reveal that people are searching for “best face cream for oily skin in summer.” That’s more specific and easier to rank for
How Do Keywords Improve SEO?
Keywords help search engines understand your content and match it to search queries.
They:
- Improve search visibility
- Drive targeted traffic
- Help your content rank for what people actually search
Example: If your blog is about “how to lose weight at home,” and your keyword appears in the title, headings, URL, and meta description, Google knows it’s relevant to someone searching for that topic.
How to Do Keyword Research: Step-by-Step Guide (With Easy Examples)
Let’s break it down step by step (with examples to make it fun and easy to understand):
Step 1: Think about what your audience might be looking for
Start with a general topic. Ask yourself If someone was looking for my content or product or services what would they type into Google?
Example: You have a fitness blog. People might search things like:
- “home workouts”
- “how to lose weight without a gym”
- “workout plan for beginners”
Write down a few of these ideas. These are called seed keywords.
Step 2: Use a Free Keyword Tool
Now it’s time to find out how popular those ideas are. Go to a free tool like Ubersuggest.
Example: Search for: `workout at home`you’ll see keyword suggestions like:
- “Home workout for beginners”
- “No equipment workout.”
- “30-day home workout challenge”
Look at two things:
✔️ Search volume – how many people are searching this per month
✔️ SEO difficulty– how hard it is to rank for that keyword (lower is better for beginners)
Step 3: Choose Long-Tail Keyword
Now pick a keyword that’s not too broad. The more specific, the better. These are called long-tail keywords—they may get less traffic, but they’re easier to rank for.
Example: Instead of choosing “workout,” choose:👉 “30-day home workout for beginners without equipment”
choose long tail keywords with good search volume and less competition.
Step 4: Check What’s Already Ranking on Google
Before you start writing, type your keyword into Google and see who’s already ranking.
Look at the top 3–5 results:
- Are they blog posts? Videos? Product pages?
- What kind of headlines do they use?
- Can you create something better or more helpful?
Suggestion:
- You see that the top posts are all “Day 1 to Day 30” style workout plans.
- You can create a printable workout calendar to make yours stand out!
Step 5: Use the Keyword naturally in Your Content
Once you’ve picked your keyword, don’t just throw it around randomly. Place it in the right spots:
- In your title
- In the URL
- In your meta description
- In the first paragraph
- In one or two subheadings
- And naturally throughout the content
Example:
If your keyword is “30-day home workout for beginners”
Your title could be:
➡️ “30-Day Home Workout for Beginners (No Equipment Needed!)”
And your first line could be:
➡️ “If you’re a beginner looking to get fit at home, this 30-day home workout is just what you need.”
Keep it natural and helpful—don’t force it!
Bonus Tip: Create Content Around Questions Too
People love asking questions on Google.
Use “people also ask” section of the Google search to find questions like:
- “Can I build muscle without a gym?”
- “What is the best time to work out at home?”
Include answers to these in your blog—it makes your content even more helpful and SEO-friendly.
Free Tools to Search Keywords.
There are plenty of free and beginner-friendly tools that help you find the best keywords for your content. Let’s look at some of the best ones and how you can use them:
1. Google Keyword Planner
This tool is designed by Google, and it’s super reliable because the data comes straight from the source.
- It shows you how many people are searching for a keyword each month
- You’ll also see whether it’s low, medium, or high competition
- Great for planning blog topics, ad campaigns, or website content
Example:
Type in “face wash for oily skin,” and Google Keyword Planner will suggest variations like:
- “Best face wash for acne”
- “Natural face wash for oily skin”
- “face cleanser for men”
👉 To use it, you need a free Google Ads account—but you don’t have to run any ads
2. Ubersuggest by Neil Patel
If you’re just starting out, Ubersuggest is one of the easiest tools to use.
- Shows keyword ideas, search volume, SEO difficulty, and even content ideas
- Offers long-tail keywords and related terms
- Also shows you what your competitors are ranking for
Example:
Search for “blogging tips” and it might give you:
- “Blogging tips for beginners”
- “How to start a blog”
- “Make money blogging.”
👉 Ubersuggest gives a few free searches daily—perfect for beginners.
3. Google Trends
Want to know if a keyword is getting more or less popular over time? Google Trends is your go-to tool.
- Shows you how a keyword is trending over the past months or years
- You can compare two or more keywords
- Helpful for picking seasonal or trending content ideas
Example:
Compare “online shopping” vs. “local store” and see how interest shifts during festive seasons or lockdowns.
👉 Great for planning blog posts around events, holidays, or viral topics.
4. Google Auto Suggest (The Magic of the Search Bar)
This is one of the simplest tricks—and totally free!
- Just go to Google and start typing your keyword
- Google will auto-complete your phrase with what real people are searching for
- These suggestions are based on popular and recent searches
Example:
Type “how to start a” and you’ll see suggestions like:
- “How to start a blog”
- “How to start a YouTube channel”
- “How to start a small business”
👉 You can use these suggestions as blog titles or subtopics in your content.
Keyword research doesn’t have to be confusing or complicated. With the right tools and a little practice, you can easily find the keywords your audience is already searching for—and create content that ranks, connects, and converts.