what is keywords research

What is Keyword Research in 2023 | Learn the SEO Hunting Art as a Beginner

ByFaisal Kiani

The first thing online I combated in my digital journey was “What is Keyword Research?” If you’re new to the captivating world of SEO keyword research, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll leave nothing to clear your concepts, questions, and understanding. 

In this expertly crafted guide, I’ll unravel the mystery of keyword research in SEO, using simple language and practical examples. So, embark on this journey to unveil the secrets of optimizing your content for search engines and connecting with your audience.

Contents

What Is Keyword Research in Digital Marketing?

Keyword research in digital marketing is the process of identifying and selecting the most relevant and effective words and phrases that users are likely to type into search engines when looking for information, products, or services related to a particular topic, business, or industry. 

It’s a fundamental step in creating a successful online presence, as it helps businesses understand their target audience’s language and search behavior.

For newcomers to digital marketing, keyword research might seem overwhelming, but it’s a vital skill to master. Think of keywords as the bridge between what your potential customers are searching for and the content or offerings your business provides. 

By conducting keyword research, you gain insights into the specific terms people use to find what you offer. This knowledge enables you to optimize your website content, blog posts, product descriptions, and even advertising campaigns to align with user intent.

Beginners should focus on finding a balance between relevance and attainability. While high-competition keywords might seem attractive due to their search volume, they can be challenging to rank for. 

Starting with long-tail keywords (more specific phrases) often provides a better chance of ranking higher and attracting motivated users who are closer to making a purchasing decision.

 Keyword research is an ongoing process, involving continuous analysis and adaptation to changes in search trends, user behavior, and industry dynamics.

Keyword Research in SEO | Demystifying Keyword Research

At its core, keyword research is like a treasure hunt for words and phrases that your potential audience uses to seek information, products, or services on search engines like Google. By understanding what keywords are relevant to your content, you can create valuable pieces that match what users are actively searching for. Modern tools have made this process much easier, allowing you to pinpoint the most effective keywords that can boost your content’s visibility.

Types of Keywords Research

Keyword research can be categorized into several types, each serving a specific purpose in search engine optimization (SEO), content creation, and digital marketing strategies. Here are the primary types of keyword research. Similarly, I’ve explained it after that from a different perspective.

  • Broad Keyword Research: This involves identifying broad, general keywords relevant to your industry or niche. These keywords often have high search volumes but can be extremely competitive. They provide a general overview of what users are searching for.
  • Long-Tail Keyword Research: Long-tail keywords are longer and more specific phrases. They may have lower search volumes, but they often attract more qualified and targeted traffic. Long-tail keywords are valuable for niche topics and addressing specific user intent.
  • Competitor Keyword Research: Analyzing your competitors’ websites can reveal the keywords they’re targeting successfully. This type of research helps you identify gaps in your own strategy and discover new keyword opportunities.
  • Local Keyword Research: If you have a physical location or target a specific geographic area, local keyword research is crucial. These keywords include location-specific terms to help you attract nearby customers.
  • Semantic Keyword Research: This involves finding synonyms, related terms, and variations of your main keywords. It helps you understand the broader context of your topic and cater to different ways users might phrase their queries.
  • Seasonal Keyword Research: Some keywords experience fluctuations in search volume based on the time of year. Seasonal keyword research helps you identify trends and capitalize on peak periods of interest.
  • Product or Service-Based Keyword Research: For e-commerce websites or businesses offering specific products or services, researching keywords related to those offerings is essential to attract potential customers.
  • Question-Based Keyword Research: People often use search engines to ask questions. Identifying common questions related to your niche and creating content that answers them can help drive traffic and establish your expertise.
  • Intent-Based Keyword Research: Understanding the intent behind a keyword search (informational, navigational, transactional) is critical for delivering the right content to users at the right stage of their journey.
  • Negative Keyword Research: In pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, negative keyword research involves identifying keywords you want to exclude to prevent your ads from showing up in irrelevant searches.
  • Conversion-Oriented Keyword Research: These keywords focus on driving actions, such as signing up, subscribing, or making a purchase. They are crucial for websites that want to convert visitors into customers.
  • Content Gap Keyword Research: Analyzing your existing content and identifying gaps can help you uncover new keyword opportunities that align with your expertise and can be addressed through new content creation.

A well-rounded keyword research strategy often combines multiple types of research to capture a wide range of keyword opportunities and effectively target different user needs and search intents.

Now, let me explain SEO keyword research from a different perspective.

Short-Tail Keywords | Cracking the Code

Short-tail keywords are like the headlines of the digital world – short, snappy, and often competitive. They capture the essence of broad topics and can be highly sought after. 

For instance, if you’re writing a blog about “healthy recipes,” this keyword is a short-tail gem. It’s popular, but it’s also swimming in a sea of competition.

Long-Tail Keywords | Niche Discoveries

Dive deeper with long-tail keywords. These phrases are more specific and cater to particular needs. Think about “easy healthy recipes for kids.” While the search volume might be lower, the audience you attract is more likely to be interested in your content. 

Long-tail keywords are your ticket to finding a smaller but more engaged audience.

LSI Keywords | Building Context

Imagine LSI keywords or related keywords as your content’s sidekicks, helping search engines understand your topic better. Garnish your “king keyword” with its related keywords. 

They stand for “Latent Semantic Indexing” and include related terms to your main keyword. For instance, if your main keyword is “smartphone,” LSI keywords could be “mobile device,” “cell phone,” and “handheld gadget.”

Commercial and Transactional Keywords | The Buying Game

Commercial keywords are a goldmine for businesses. These words indicate user intent to buy or consider buying. For an e-commerce store selling running shoes, “best running shoes” is a prime example. Transactional keywords take it a step further, showing clear intent to complete a transaction, like “buy Nike Air Zoom Pegasus.”

Navigational Keywords | Finding the Way

When users are on the hunt for a specific website, navigational keywords come into play. They’re used to locating a particular brand or site, such as “Facebook login” or “YouTube homepage.”

Informational Keywords | Seeking Knowledge

Informational keywords cater to those hungry for knowledge. For example, if someone’s curious about how photosynthesis works, they might search for “photosynthesis process explained.”

Brand Keywords | Owning Your Space

Brand keywords involve your business name or specific products/services you offer. If you’re “The Fitness Guru,” your brand keyword would be your business name.

Local Keywords | Neighborhood Connect

For local businesses, local keywords are vital. Think “best pizza in Brooklyn” or “plumber in Seattle.” They help you reach people in your vicinity.

Seasonal Keywords | Riding Trends

Seasonal keywords are like riding a wave – they surge in popularity during specific times of the year. “Summer fashion trends” is a perfect example.

Targeted Keyword Research for Different Niches

When it comes to specific niches, the approach varies:

  • Informational Blogs: Research topics relevant to your blog’s theme. If it’s about travel, focus on keywords like “best travel destinations” or “packing tips for vacations.”
  • Affiliate Blogging: Seek keywords that relate to the products you’re promoting. For a tech review website, “top laptops for gaming” could be a winner.
  • E-commerce: Look for product-related keywords. If you sell skincare products, target keywords like “organic face moisturizer.”
  • SaaS: Focus on problem-solving keywords. If you offer project management software, target “time-saving project management tools.”
  • Services Websites: Aim for keywords related to your services. If you’re a graphic designer, target “professional logo design.”
  • Local Businesses: Use location-specific keywords. A bakery in Chicago might target “best cupcakes in Chicago.”
  • Real Estate: Think location and property specifics. “Luxury condos in Manhattan” is a prime example.

Ascending the SEO Ladder |Best Practices

To soar high in the search rankings, remember these golden rules:

  • Relevance: Your chosen keywords should match your content. If you’re writing about cats, don’t stuff in keywords about dogs.
  • Search Volume: Balance between high and low search volume keywords. Aim for keywords with a decent number of searches.
  • Competition: Be realistic. Targeting extremely competitive keywords might be tough, especially for newbies.
  • User Intent: Understand what users want when they search for a particular keyword. Provide relevant answers.
  • High CTR: Always prefer high CTR Value Keywords. More Click-through Rate (CTR) more chances of clicking on ranked websites.
  • Less High Authority Domains: On the search engine result Page (SERP), there should be less authority domains. After all, you need to rank by outranking them. It means their Domain Authority (DA) must be less than 30. If your site is old and has DA more than 30, then find the SERP ranking domain must be less than DA 40. These keywords are a treasure.
  • Quality Content: Keywords are essential, but quality content reigns supreme. Create content that adds value. You can jump over my content standards and scales for online business.

How To Do Keyword Research in 2023? Factors Behind the Hunt

Keyword research is a crucial step in search engine optimization (SEO) and content strategy. It involves identifying the words and phrases that people use to search for information, products, or services online. 

For you, here are the key factors you should consider while conducting keyword research:

  • Understand Your Niche and Audience

Define your niche or industry and understand your target audience’s interests, needs, and preferences.

Consider the language and terminology your audience uses when searching for information related to your niche.

  • Brainstorm Seed Keywords

Begin with a list of general keywords or phrases that are directly related to your niche. These are your seed keywords.

Use your knowledge of the niche and potential audience queries to create this list.

  • Use Keyword Research Tools

Utilize keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz Keyword Explorer, Ubersuggest, and others.

Enter your seed keywords into these tools to generate a list of related keywords, along with data on search volume, competition, and potential.

  • Analyze Search Intent

Consider the search intent behind each keyword. Is the searcher looking for information, products, services, or something else?

Keywords can be categorized into informational, commercial, and transactional intent. Tailor your content to match the intent behind the chosen keywords.

  • Assess Keyword Metrics

Pay attention to metrics like search volume (how often the keyword is searched), keyword difficulty (how hard it is to rank for a keyword), and competition level.

Aim for a mix of high-volume and low-competition keywords, but remember that highly competitive keywords might require more effort to rank for.

  • Long-Tail Keywords

Consider using long-tail keywords, which are longer and more specific phrases. They might have lower search volume but often indicate higher intent and conversion rates.

  • Competitor Analysis

Analyze your competitors’ websites and content to see what keywords they are targeting.

Identify keywords that your competitors are ranking for and consider incorporating them into your strategy.

  • Keyword Grouping and Organization

Organize your selected keywords into groups or categories based on relevancy and intent.

This organization will help you create targeted content for specific keyword clusters.

  • Content Creation

Develop high-quality content around the selected keywords. Ensure that the content is valuable, informative, and well-structured.

  • Avoid keyword stuffing

 use keywords naturally in your content.

  • Regular Review and Update

Keyword trends and user behavior change over time. Regularly review your keywords and update your content strategy accordingly.

Keyword research involves identifying and selecting relevant keywords that people use in online searches. Start by understanding your niche and audience, then brainstorm seed keywords. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner and SEMrush to find related keywords and assess metrics like search volume and competition. 

Consider search intent and competitor analysis to refine your list. Organize keywords, create valuable content around them, and regularly update your strategy to stay effective in SEO efforts.

  • Relevance | No Compromise on Relevance

Choose keywords that are directly related to the topic of your content. Relevance ensures that your content meets the needs of searchers and provides valuable information.

  • Search Volume | Hunt well 

Analyze the search volume for each keyword. This indicates how many times a particular keyword is searched for within a specific timeframe. Higher search volume keywords can bring more traffic, but they can also be more competitive.

Keyword Difficulty | Camp Around Low Competition

Evaluate the keyword difficulty or competitiveness. This indicates how challenging it would be to rank for a particular keyword. High competition might make it harder to rank on the first page of search results.

Long-Tail Keywords | Easy to Rank with Exact Audience

These are longer and more specific phrases that often have lower search volume but can be easier to rank for and attract more qualified traffic. Long-tail keywords target users with a specific intent.

Searcher Intent | Finding the Reason for the Content

Understand the intent behind the keyword. Are users looking for information, products to buy, or solutions to problems? Matching your content’s intent to the searcher’s intent is crucial for user satisfaction.

Competition Analysis | Keep An Eagle Eye on Other Paintings

Examine the websites that currently rank for your target keywords. Analyze their content quality, domain authority, and backlinks. This can help you gauge how difficult it might be to outrank them.

SERP Features | Finding the Loopholes, Gaps and Trending

Look at the search engine results page (SERP) for your chosen keyword. Are there featured snippets, images, videos, or other special elements? Tailoring your content to these features can improve your visibility. 

Geographic Targeting | Businesses Remain Global

If your business is location-specific, consider adding location-based keywords to attract local traffic.

Trends | See What People Are Chasing

Use tools to identify keyword trends over time. Seasonal keywords might experience spikes in search volume during specific periods.

User Language | Think Out of the Box Ideas

Opt for language-matching keywords as your target audience uses. This might involve using synonyms or variations of keywords.

Content Alignment | Content for Users, Keywords for Search Engine

Ensure that your chosen keywords align well with your content. Keyword stuffing, or using keywords excessively, can harm your SEO and user experience.

Conversion Potential | A Matter of Preference

Some keywords have higher conversion rates than others. Focus on keywords that align with your business goals and are more likely to convert users into customers or subscribers.

User Questions | Cover Their Queries

Consider incorporating keywords in the form of questions. Many people use search engines to find answers to their questions.

Best Keyword Research Tools | Cross-Check to Find Authentic One

Utilize keyword research tools such as Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, Ahrefs, MOZ, and Ubersuggest. These tools provide insights into search volume, competition, and related keywords.

P.S.  I’ve explained it below as well.

Semantic and Related Keywords | Covering Friends and Relatives of Your Primary Keywords

Include synonyms, related terms, and variations of your main keywords. This helps capture a broader range of search queries.

One interesting thing you should keep in mind is the balance. Yes, successful keyword research involves a balance between search volume, competition, and relevance. Regularly monitor your chosen keywords’ performance and be prepared to adjust your strategy based on changes in the search landscape.

what is google keyword planner? I need two or three optimized paragraphs for my blog for newbies. 

What is Google Keyword Research?

Google Keyword Research refers to the process of using Google’s tools and data to identify relevant keywords that people are searching for on the Google search engine. The primary tool used for Google Keyword Research is the Google Keyword Planner, which is part of Google Ads. This tool provides insights into search volume, competition, and bid estimates for keywords that advertisers might consider targeting in their ad campaigns.

Here’s how Google Keyword Research using the Google Keyword Planner typically works:

  • Keyword Ideas: Users enter a few seed keywords or phrases related to their topic, product, or service. The tool then generates a list of related keyword ideas based on those seed keywords.
  • Search Volume: Google Keyword Planner provides information about how often people search for a specific keyword or phrase on Google. This search volume data helps users understand the popularity of certain keywords.
  • Competition Level: The tool also offers an indication of the competition level for each keyword. This competition level is often represented as “low,” “medium,” or “high” and reflects the number of advertisers bidding on that keyword for their Google Ads campaigns.
  • Bid Estimates: For users interested in running Google Ads campaigns, the Keyword Planner provides estimated bid ranges for each keyword. This information gives advertisers an idea of how much they might need to pay for their ads to appear in the search results for those keywords.
  • Keyword Trends: Google Keyword Planner may show trends in search volume over time, helping users identify seasonal patterns or changes in keyword popularity.
  • Location and Language Targeting: Users can filter keyword data based on specific geographic locations and languages to focus on keywords that are relevant to their target audience.
  • Negative Keywords: The tool also allows users to exclude certain keywords that are not relevant to their goals. This is particularly useful for refining keyword lists for ad campaigns.

While the Google Keyword Planner is a valuable tool for advertisers running Google Ads campaigns, it can also be helpful for another reason. Yes, for content creators and SEO professionals looking to understand search trends and identify potential keywords for their organic content strategies. 

By researching keywords that align with their audience’s search behavior, content creators can optimize their content. It will help for better visibility in search engine results.

What’s its Role in Keyword Research?

Google Keyword Research refers to the process of using Google’s tools and data to identify relevant keywords that people are searching for on the Google search engine. The primary tool used for Google Keyword Research is the Google Keyword Planner, which is part of Google Ads. This tool provides insights into search volume, competition, and bid estimates for keywords that advertisers might consider targeting in their ad campaigns.

Here’s how Google Keyword Research using the Google Keyword Planner typically works:

  • Keyword Ideas: Users enter a few seed keywords or phrases related to their topic, product, or service. The tool then generates a list of related keyword ideas based on those seed keywords.
  • Search Volume: Google Keyword Planner provides information about how often people search for a specific keyword or phrase on Google. This search volume data helps users understand the popularity of certain keywords.
  • Competition Level: The tool also offers an indication of the competition level for each keyword. This competition level is often represented as “low,” “medium,” or “high” and reflects the number of advertisers bidding on that keyword for their Google Ads campaigns.
  • Bid Estimates: For users interested in running Google Ads campaigns, the Keyword Planner provides estimated bid ranges for each keyword. This information gives advertisers an idea of how much they might need to pay for their ads to appear in the search results for those keywords.
  • Keyword Trends: Google Keyword Planner may show trends in search volume over time, helping users identify seasonal patterns or changes in keyword popularity.
  • Location and Language Targeting: Users can filter keyword data based on specific geographic locations and languages to focus on keywords that are relevant to their target audience.
  • Negative Keywords: The tool also allows users to exclude certain keywords that are not relevant to their goals. This is particularly useful for refining keyword lists for ad campaigns.

While the Google Keyword Planner is a valuable tool for advertisers running Google Ads campaigns, it can also be helpful for another reason. Yes, for content creators and SEO professionals looking to understand search trends and identify potential keywords for their organic content strategies. 

By researching keywords that align with their audience’s search behavior, content creators can optimize their content. It will help for better visibility in search engine results.

Best Free and Paid Keyword Tool in 2023 | The Treasure Hunt Tools

Now it’s time to discuss the best free and paid keyword research tools for you. There are several excellent keyword research tools available that can help you uncover valuable insights about keywords, search volume, competition, and more. Here are some of the best keyword research tools, along with tips on how to effectively utilize them:

  • Google Keyword Planner

      • Features: Provides search volume data, keyword ideas, competition levels, and bid estimates for Google Ads.
      • Effective Use: Use it to generate keyword ideas, assess search volume trends, and identify related keywords. Refine your keyword list based on search volume and competition.

  • SEMrush

      • Features: Offers in-depth keyword analysis, competitor research, backlink analysis, and more.
      • Effective Use: Use it to analyze your competitors’ keywords, find long-tail keyword opportunities, assess keyword difficulty, and track your rankings over time.

  • Ahrefs

    • Features: Provides comprehensive SEO insights, including keyword analysis, backlink profiles, and competitor research.
    • Effective Use: Use it to identify keywords your competitors are ranking for, find keyword difficulty scores, and discover related keywords.

If you own a website, the Ahrefs tool allows you to have limited monitoring tools including keyword ranking. 

  • Moz Keyword Explorer

    • Features: Offers keyword suggestions, search volume data, keyword difficulty scores, and SERP analysis.
    • Effective Use: Utilize it to find keywords with high potential, assess keyword difficulty, and analyze the SERPs to understand the competition. I love its Moz Bar. You can see the keyword’s CTR and Priority. You can consider it the best free keyword research tool for one month.

  • Ubersuggest

      • Features: Provides keyword suggestions, search volume data, keyword difficulty scores, and content ideas.
      • Effective Use: Generate keyword ideas, assess competition, and explore content topics based on related keywords.

  • AnswerThePublic

      • Features: Offers visual representations of questions and phrases people use when searching online.
      • Effective Use: Use it to discover common questions related to your topic and create content that addresses these questions.

  • KeywordTool.io

      • Features: Provides keyword suggestions for various platforms, including Google, YouTube, Bing, Amazon, and more.
      • Effective Use: Explore keyword ideas specific to different platforms and tailor your content accordingly.

  • Google Trends

    • Features: Shows the popularity of a keyword over time and in different regions.
    • Effective Use: Use it to identify trending topics, seasonal fluctuations, and regional interest in keywords.

Tips for Effective Keyword Research in 2023

  • Diversify Your Sources: Utilize multiple keyword research tools to gather a comprehensive list of keyword ideas.
  • Understand Intent: Prioritize keywords that match the intent of your target audience.
  • Focus on Relevance: Choose keywords closely related to your content or business.
  • Consider Long-Tail Keywords: Incorporate both broad and long-tail keywords to capture different search intents.
  • Analyze Competition: Assess the competition level for keywords to determine if you can realistically rank for them.
  • Monitor and Update: Regularly review and update your keyword list based on changes in search trends and your industry.

Keyword research is an ongoing process. So stay up-to-date with industry trends, user behavior, and search engine algorithm updates to continually refine your keyword strategy.

FAQs

What are keywords in research? 

    • Keywords in research are specific words or phrases that capture the main themes or concepts of a topic and are used to retrieve relevant information.

What are keyword research types?

    • Keyword research types involve identifying informational, commercial, and transactional keywords based on user intent.

What is a keyword with an example?

A keyword is a term used in online searches. For instance, “best smartphone reviews” is a keyword.

How to do keyword research?

Keyword research involves using tools to find relevant keywords, analyzing their metrics, considering search intent, and organizing them for content creation.

What are called keywords?

Keywords are specific terms or phrases that people use to search for information on search engines.

What is the purpose of a keyword?

The purpose of a keyword is to help users find relevant content and assist search engines in understanding the main topics of online content.

Why is keyword research important?

Keyword research is crucial for improving online visibility, optimizing content for search engines, and understanding user interests.

What is the advantage of using keywords?

Using keywords effectively in content helps improve search engine rankings, attract targeted traffic, and enhance the overall user experience.

Summing Up | Setting Sail on Your SEO Adventure

As you embark on your SEO journey, armed with the knowledge of different keyword types and research strategies, remember that it’s a gradual process. Consistency is key. 

With time, your content will find its rightful place in search results, attracting eager readers, customers, and enthusiasts. Keep learning, experimenting, and refining your approach – the digital world is vast, and your potential is limitless.

You can take advantage of Kaydot SEO keyword research for your business.

So go forth, savvy SEO explorer, and conquer the realm of keywords with confidence! 

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