Have you ever wondered how many times people search for a particular keyword? Whether you're a content creator, an SEO enthusiast, or an ecommerce entrepreneur, knowing the search volume of keywords can make a world of difference in your strategy. After all, targeting the right keywords can lead to better visibility, more traffic, and ultimately, increased sales.
In this article, we'll explore various methods and tools that can help you determine how often a keyword is searched. From free online tools to more advanced software solutions, you'll learn everything you need to effectively analyze and choose the right keywords for your needs.
What is Keyword Search Volume?
Before we jump into the tools and methods, let's first understand what keyword search volume actually means. In simple terms, it's a metric that indicates how often a particular keyword is searched within a specific timeframe, usually a month. This number can give you an idea of how popular or competitive a keyword might be.
Understanding search volume is crucial for anyone looking to optimize their content or product listings. High search volume often indicates higher competition, while low search volume might suggest a niche opportunity. However, don’t just chase after high-volume keywords. The key is finding a balance between high search volume and low competition.
For example, if you're selling handmade soaps online, the keyword "handmade soap" might have a high search volume but also be very competitive. In contrast, a more specific keyword like "organic lavender handmade soap" might have lower search volume but also less competition, making it easier for you to rank higher in search results.
Using Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is one of the most popular tools for checking keyword search volumes, and the best part is that it's free. While initially intended for Google Ads users, it's a handy tool for anyone interested in SEO. Here's how you can use it:
- Sign in to Google Ads: First, you'll need a Google Ads account. If you don't have one, it's easy to set up. Simply go to the Google Ads website and follow the instructions to create your account.
- Access Keyword Planner: Once you're in, navigate to the Tools & Settings menu and select "Keyword Planner."
- Discover New Keywords: Choose the option to "Discover new keywords." Enter your keyword or a phrase related to your niche. The tool will generate a list of related keywords along with their search volumes.
- Analyze the Data: Look at the monthly search volume data to get an idea of which keywords are frequently searched. You can also filter the results by location, language, and more to suit your needs.
While Google Keyword Planner is a fantastic starting point, it is designed primarily for advertisers, so some data granularity may be limited for organic search purposes. Still, it provides a solid foundation for building a keyword strategy.
Exploring Google Trends
Google Trends is another free tool that offers valuable insights into keyword popularity over time. Unlike Google Keyword Planner, which gives you static monthly search volumes, Google Trends shows how interest in a keyword has changed over time. Here's how you can take advantage of it:
- Visit Google Trends: Head over to the Google Trends website and enter your keyword in the search bar.
- Analyze Trends Over Time: The tool will display a graph showing interest in your keyword over a specified period. You can adjust the timeframe to see trends over the past year, five years, or even longer.
- Compare Keywords: Google Trends allows you to compare multiple keywords side by side. This feature is handy if you're torn between two or more keywords and want to see which one has more consistent interest.
- Explore Related Topics: Scroll down to see related topics and queries that can provide additional keyword ideas.
While Google Trends doesn't provide exact search volumes, it does offer a sense of keyword seasonality and interest, which can be valuable for planning content or marketing campaigns.
Utilizing SEMrush for In-Depth Analysis
If you're ready to dive deeper into keyword research, SEMrush is a powerful tool that offers a wealth of data, including search volume, keyword difficulty, and more. Here's how to get started:
- Sign Up for SEMrush: SEMrush is a paid tool, but it offers limited free trials that you can use to test its features. Head to the SEMrush website to create an account.
- Use the Keyword Overview Tool: Enter your keyword into the SEMrush search bar and select the "Keyword Overview" option. This will give you a comprehensive report on your keyword, including search volume, CPC, and competition level.
- Explore Keyword Magic Tool: For more in-depth research, use the Keyword Magic Tool to generate a list of related keywords. You can filter these results by search volume, difficulty, and more to find the best keywords for your strategy.
- Analyze Competitors: SEMrush also allows you to see which keywords your competitors are ranking for. This can give you insights into potential keywords to target in your content.
SEMrush is a fantastic tool for those serious about SEO, offering detailed data that can help you craft a more effective keyword strategy. However, its depth and breadth might be overwhelming for beginners, so take your time to explore its features.
Ahrefs: A Comprehensive Keyword Tool
Ahrefs is another excellent paid tool that offers robust keyword research capabilities. Known for its extensive backlink analysis, Ahrefs also provides detailed keyword insights. Here's how to get the most out of it:
- Create an Account: Like SEMrush, Ahrefs requires a paid subscription, but it offers a trial period for you to test its features. Visit the Ahrefs website to sign up.
- Use the Keywords Explorer: Enter a keyword into the Keywords Explorer tool to get a detailed report on search volume, keyword difficulty, and more.
- Analyze Parent Topics: Ahrefs offers a unique feature called "Parent Topics," which helps you identify broader topics that your keyword falls under. This can guide your content strategy and help you target multiple keywords with a single piece of content.
- Check Click Data: Ahrefs provides click data, showing you not just the search volume but also how many clicks a keyword generates. This can be crucial for understanding the true traffic potential of a keyword.
Ahrefs is a favorite among SEO professionals for its comprehensive data and user-friendly interface. If you're looking for a tool that provides both depth and ease of use, Ahrefs might be the right choice for you.
Free Tools: Ubersuggest and Keyword Surfer
Not everyone has the budget for paid tools, and that's okay! There are several free options that can get you started with keyword research. Two popular free tools are Ubersuggest and Keyword Surfer.
Ubersuggest
- Visit Ubersuggest: Head over to the Ubersuggest website and enter your keyword.
- Get Keyword Suggestions: Ubersuggest provides a list of related keywords along with their search volumes, CPC, and competition. You can use this data to find alternative keywords to target.
- Analyze Content Ideas: Ubersuggest also offers content ideas based on your keyword, helping you brainstorm topics for your blog or website.
Keyword Surfer
- Install the Extension: Keyword Surfer is a Chrome extension that displays search volume data directly in your Google search results. Simply install the extension from the Chrome Web Store.
- Search on Google: Enter your keyword in Google, and Keyword Surfer will show you the search volume and CPC right alongside the search results.
- Get Instant Data: This tool is perfect for quick, on-the-go keyword research without the need to visit a separate website.
While these free tools may not provide the depth of data that paid options do, they are excellent starting points for anyone new to keyword research.
Understanding Keyword Difficulty
While search volume is essential, it's not the only factor to consider when choosing keywords. Keyword difficulty is another critical metric that indicates how hard it will be to rank for a particular keyword. Most keyword research tools provide a difficulty score, which can help you gauge the competitiveness of a keyword.
Generally, a higher difficulty score means stiffer competition, often from well-established websites. Conversely, a lower score might suggest an easier path to ranking higher in search results. Striking a balance between search volume and difficulty can be the key to a successful keyword strategy.
For instance, targeting a keyword with a search volume of 5,000 and a difficulty score of 80 might not be the best choice if your website is relatively new. Instead, opting for a keyword with a search volume of 1,000 and a difficulty score of 20 might yield better results.
Considering Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are phrases that are more specific and usually longer than common keywords. They often have lower search volumes but can be highly effective due to their specificity. These keywords tend to be less competitive and can attract highly targeted traffic.
For example, instead of targeting the keyword "running shoes," you might focus on "best running shoes for flat feet." While the search volume for the long-tail keyword might be lower, the users searching for it are likely closer to making a purchase decision.
Long-tail keywords can be especially useful for ecommerce businesses looking to target niche markets or specific customer needs. They allow you to create tailored content that resonates with your audience and addresses their unique queries.
Keeping an Eye on the Competition
Understanding what your competitors are doing can provide valuable insights into potential keyword opportunities. By analyzing their keyword strategies, you can identify gaps in the market or areas where you can differentiate your content.
Most advanced SEO tools, like SEMrush and Ahrefs, offer competitive analysis features. These tools allow you to see which keywords your competitors are ranking for and how you compare. You can use this information to refine your own strategy and target keywords that your competitors might have overlooked.
Remember, though, that it's not just about copying what your competitors are doing. The goal is to find keywords where you can add value and offer something unique to your audience.
Final Thoughts
Keyword research is an integral part of any SEO or content marketing strategy. By understanding how many times a keyword is searched, you can make informed decisions that drive traffic and conversions. Whether you use free tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest or invest in advanced solutions like SEMrush and Ahrefs, the key is to find what works best for you and your goals.
As someone who works at Pattern, I've seen firsthand how effective SEO strategies can transform businesses. At Pattern, we focus on growth, not just rankings. We create tailored content that attracts and converts, ensuring every dollar you invest delivers real ROI. If you're ready to turn SEO into a growth channel, Pattern is here to help.