Keywords are the foundation of SEO, as every search engine query begins with a keyword. Without keywords, SEO wouldn’t exist. Therefore, the first step to being found in search engines is thorough keyword research.
Google Keyword Planner for SEO
Understanding the relevant keywords for your niche is crucial for an effective keyword strategy. This article will guide you through using the Google Keyword Planner for SEO in just five easy steps.
What is Keyword Research for SEO?
Keywords are the terms users enter into Google to find content. Targeting the right keywords in your SEO strategy is essential for ensuring your content is discovered and drives traffic to your website. Keyword research for SEO involves identifying potential keywords that will help your landing page be found on Google.
Without keyword research, creating content is like flying blind. Imagine spending days or months developing a website with great content that is never found or read in search engines. This is definitely something you want to avoid.
5 Easy Steps Using Google Keyword Planner for SEO
The best way to conduct keyword research for SEO is by using Google’s tool itself: the Google Keyword Planner.
Although the Google Keyword Planner was originally developed for advertisers to bid on keywords for Google Ads, it is also effective for both organic and paid search results on Google.
People search in search engines like Google by entering keywords into the search box. Then, the search results are listed in the Google search results.
Google collects these keywords and their search data, such as search volume, in its keyword planning tool, which can be used for free within a Google Ads account.
Step 1: Login to Google Ads and Access the Google Keyword Planner
The first step is to log in to your Google Ads account. If you don’t have one yet, you can quickly register for free.
After logging in, you will find the Google Keyword Planner under the menu item “Tools and Settings.” Select “Keyword Planner” to start the tool.
Step 2: Brainstorm to Find the Main Keywords
Start with a brainstorming session to identify the main keyword topics. These are the main topics your website content will cover.
Let us assume you are in the interior design field and want to find the main keywords in this area. Now write down all the terms that come to mind on this topic. These can include not only single words but also word combinations, such as “modern interior design” or “interior designer in Zurich”.
There are many different types of content and approaches we could take on the topic of “interior design”. But how do we decide which one is best? We can determine this by using the information found in the Google Keyword Planner.
Step 3: Change the Location Setting to a Specific Country
The location setting depends on where your business is located and whom you want to target.
We do not recommend targeting “all” as it is too broad, and you will likely receive much more search volume than your actual target audience.
Step 4: Adjust the Date Range
Set the date range to the last 12 months to get the latest data on keyword search volumes.
Search volume indicates how many people are searching for this keyword on Google. The higher the search volume, the greater your traffic potential.
Step 5: Analyze the Search Demand for Keywords
Now the best part: finding the keywords you want to target.
Here we can see, for example, that the keyword “scandinavian interior design” has a higher search volume than “minimalist interior design”.
Between “interior design trends” and “sustainable interior design”, the former is a clear winner.
Therefore, if we were to write an article about interior design, we would consider possible articles like “Top 10 Interior Design Trends You Can’t Miss in 2024” or “Modern Aesthetics: The Latest Interior Design Trends for a Stylish Home.”
Repeat Steps 2 – 5 to Find Secondary Keywords
After finding the main keywords, repeat steps 2 to 5 to identify related secondary keywords. These secondary keywords increase the relevance of your blog post and cover a broader range of search queries.
Secondary keywords are more specific and less competitive than main keywords. They allow you to create targeted content that addresses specific aspects of your main topic. For example, if your main keyword is “interior design,” you could research and integrate secondary keywords like “sustainable interior design” or “interior design for small spaces.”
By incorporating these secondary keywords, you improve your chances of being found in search engines and provide your readers with more valuable information. This keeps your blog post comprehensive and relevant.
Improve Your SEO Strategy Through Keyword Research
Now that you know how to use the Google Keyword Planner, you are well-equipped to optimize your SEO strategy. By carefully selecting keywords, you can ensure that your content is found by the right audience. Remember to regularly update and adjust your keyword research to stay up to date and respond to changes in search behavior.
Keyword research is not a one-time process but should be a continuous part of your SEO efforts. Use the insights gained not only for blog posts but also for your entire website content, meta descriptions, and even your social media posts.This ensures that you achieve more traffic and better visibility in search engines over the long term.
With these five simple steps and continuous optimization of your keywords, you are on the best path to successfully implementing your SEO strategy. Much success with your implementation!
