96.55% of content gets no traffic from Google (source: Ahref).
Shocking Stats!! Right? So you are probably putting effort into content creation for that zero traffic. Never be disappointed! There is a way that your content will reach its relevant audience.
Pehle guess krlo phir batate hai!
Yh! You think this correctly. It’s Keyword Research!
What is Keyword Research?
Keyword research is the process of identifying and analyzing the valuable search queries that your target audience types into search engines like Google and Bing.
Also, the Keyword is the foundation stone for SEO. If you publish a webpage on a topic that no one will search for, then you will not receive any traffic for that – how much you labor.
This may be why you may not receive major organic traffic from search engines.
Identifying keywords with search demand helps you create content that people are actively looking for. This increases your chances of ranking higher in Google and attracting a consistent stream of highly engaged website visitors.
This is not rocket science. You will learn a lot more in about 15-20 minutes.
Importance of Keyword Research for SEO
- Increased Organic Traffic: Attract more visitors naturally through search engines.
- Improved Website Visibility: Enhance search engine rankings for relevant queries.
- Enhanced User Experience: Tailor content to user search intent, improving relevance and satisfaction.
- Competitive Advantage: Gain an edge over competitors by ranking higher for valuable keywords.
Mastering the Basics of Keyword Research
Keyword research is all about thinking like your target audience. Imagine their struggles and ask yourself: what words or phrases would they use to search for help or answers?
Take a pause and brainstorm that. Done?
Now open any keyword research tool to uncover thousands of additional keyword ideas beyond your brainstorm.
Keyword Research Tool
There are lots of keyword research tools that help enhance keyword ideas you just brainstormed. You can start with
- Google Keyword Planner (Free)
- Ahref (Paid)
- Semrush (Paid)
- Ubbersuggest (Free)
To get started, every keyword tool needs a seed keyword. When you enter based on that seed keyword you receive a huge list of keyword ideas.
According to your business objective and intent, you should try to capture the right set of keywords from the list. While choosing a keyword, just keep in mind some basic parameters like monthly search volume, Keyword difficulties, etc.
Google Trends
This tool can help you find the trending topic in real-time or in a specific period.
Why do I use it?
- Stay updated on what people are searching for locally or globally, helping you create timely and relevant content.
- Brainstorm new ideas by exploring trends and incorporating those into your strategy.
By leveraging Google Trends, you can create content that resonates with your audience and improves your reach. Whether for content creation, marketing, or staying informed, this tool is essential for staying ahead in the digital world.
Answer The Public
Answer the Public is a unique tool that visualizes people’s search queries on Google and other search engines. It’s an essential resource for content creators, marketers, and SEO professionals.
How you get benefitted
- Find hundreds of questions, comparisons, and prepositions related to your topic to inspire blog posts, videos, or FAQs.
- Target long-tail keywords and address specific queries to rank higher in search results.
- By addressing the exact questions users are asking, you can create content that’s more likely to attract clicks, shares, and comments.
- Discover what your target audience is genuinely curious about by analyzing real search data.
Using Answer the Public helps you create valuable, audience-focused content that not only drives traffic but also establishes authority in your niche.
Using AI Tools
Alongside the above tools, you can use ChatGPT as well. Just add a prompt to suggest 10 keyword ideas with your niche. Press Enter and boom!
You find a list of keywords. Right?
But don’t blindly believe in AI Tools. Take ideas from it and do your due diligence before choosing the keyword.
Mastering Keyword Intent for Right Traffic
Hope you understand the keyword research and also perform the same. But if I tell regardless of searching for the right keyword your SEO effort can be a waste.
Shocking!! It’s true.
That’s why understanding keyword intent is necessary. Without understanding why users are searching, even the most optimized content can fail to connect. Ignoring intent can lead to high bounce rates, low rankings, and missed opportunities.
What is Keyword intent?
Keyword intent refers to the purpose or goal behind a user’s search query. For example, someone searched “digital marketing services near me”. From this, we can guess a lot more about the searcher.
- The searcher needs digital marketing services.
- They may be in the search phase and they need service within a specific radius of their location.
So, we can write and optimize content to scatter those intent. Hope this is clear to you now.
Keywords are driven by different types of intent, each reflecting a user’s purpose behind their search. Here’s how they break down:
Commercial or Transactional Intent
These keywords are used by people ready to make a purchase or take action. Examples include:
Informational Intent
These searches are made by users seeking knowledge or answers. Examples include:
Navigational Intent
Here, users are looking for a specific website, business, or location. Examples include:
- Digital Marketing Institute Near Me
- Digital Marketing Company Near Me
Also, Keywords can be categorized by branded and non-branded like “KDMI SEO course” vs. “SEO Course”.
Why Keyword Intent Matters
Understanding keyword intent helps you determine the type of content to create and assess whether targeting a keyword is worth the effort.
- Informational keywords are best suited for educational content, such as blog posts or guides.
- Commercial keywords often require optimized product or service landing pages to facilitate purchases or inquiries.
By aligning your content strategy with the intent behind each keyword, you can drive the right traffic and improve user engagement on your site.
Choose The Best Keyword
So, what do you think now about finalizing the keyword? Which keywords should you start working on first? I have no universal answer for this. It depends on your unique situation like
- Are you working on an established website?
- Are you responsible for the conversion or generating leads for the sales team?
- How fast do you need the results?
Keyword research is a balancing act. You’re matching your circumstances with critical metrics: traffic potential, keyword difficulty, and search intent.
For example:
- If the goal is quick wins, focus on high-volume, low-difficulty keywords to bring in traffic fast.
- If conversions or leads are your priority, business potential becomes your guiding light.
But let’s be clear: keyword research isn’t just about finding “easy-to-rank” opportunities. It’s about identifying keywords that align with your business goals and deliver real value.
Short, Medium, and Long-Term Goals
To build a successful strategy, plan for short-, medium-, and long-term keyword goals:
Short-term goals: Focus on less competitive keywords to drive immediate traffic.
Medium-term goals: Target moderately competitive keywords that build authority.
Long-term goals: Work on ranking for high-value, competitive keywords that drive significant revenue.
By balancing these goals, you can achieve quick wins while laying the groundwork for sustained growth. The key is to align your keyword strategy with your business needs and adapt as you grow.
The Bottom Line
Keyword research isn’t just a process; it’s a strategy. It’s about more than data and tools—it’s about understanding your audience, your goals, and the journey you want to take them on. When you approach it with purpose and balance, you’re not just chasing traffic; you’re building a foundation for sustainable growth and real impact.