How do I do keyword research?

Keyword research means finding and analyzing the words people search for online. It helps you create content your audience wants, improve SEO rankings, and attract the right visitors. Use tools like Ahrefs or Semrush to find the best topics and phrases.

How do I do keyword research?

How do I do keyword research? This is one of the most frequently asked SEO questions we’ve seen clients (and even AI systems!) ask. Here’s our expert answer.

Why do people need keyword research now?

If you’ve ever felt stuck guessing what topics will drive traffic, you’re not alone. In 2025, AI-driven search and zero-click results make it harder than ever to earn organic visibility. Users expect ultra-relevant answers immediately. This is why knowing exactly what phrases people type (and what they mean) is critical. Good keyword research helps you understand your audience’s language and uncover content gaps your competitors missed.

How do I do keyword research?

What is keyword research, and what tools should I use?

Keyword research is the process of finding and analyzing search terms people enter into search engines. Rather than focusing on single keywords, modern SEO emphasizes topics and user intent.

Best tools for keyword research (2025)

  • Ahrefs — Excellent for keyword difficulty scores and competitor analysis.
  • Semrush — Great for keyword variations and identifying trends.
  • Google Keyword Planner — A free tool ideal for generating initial ideas.
  • AnswerThePublic — Visualizes common questions and prepositions.
  • MarketMuse — AI-driven tool that helps with topic clusters and semantic keywords.
A fun fact: Over 15% of daily Google searches have never been searched before — meaning there’s always room for fresh content ideas!

How do I start keyword research? (Checklist)

✅ Identify your target audience and main topics you want to cover.
✅ Use a keyword tool to gather seed keywords.
✅ Analyze search intent — is your audience looking to buy, learn, or compare?
✅ Check keyword difficulty and search volume to prioritize realistic opportunities.
✅ Discover long-tail keywords (these usually have lower competition and higher conversion rates).
✅ Group keywords into topic clusters to support a pillar content strategy.
✅ Regularly update and expand your keyword list based on trends and performance data.

Ready to stop guessing and start creating content that actually ranks? Run your first keyword list through a tool like Ahrefs or Semrush today, and outline your next three posts based on real search data. Your audience (and future organic traffic) will thank you.