Have you ever wondered how people find your favorite websites or blogs? It all starts with keywords. These are the words or phrases people type into search engines like Google when they're looking for information. If you're running a blog, website, or online store, understanding how often these keywords are searched can be incredibly useful. This is where checking keyword search volume comes into play.
In this article, we’ll explore how to check keyword search volume using Google and why it's an important part of SEO and content strategy. We'll look at some tools and techniques you can use to uncover this data, providing step-by-step instructions to help you along the way. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let's dive into the world of keywords!
What is Keyword Search Volume?
Let's start with a simple question: what exactly is keyword search volume? In essence, it's a metric that shows the number of times a specific keyword is searched within a given timeframe. Typically, this is expressed as monthly search volume. For example, if a keyword has a search volume of 1,000, it means people searched for that term 1,000 times in a month.
Understanding search volume can help you prioritize which keywords to target in your content. If a keyword is searched frequently, it might be worth writing about or optimizing for, as it could drive more traffic to your site. On the flip side, if a keyword has very low volume, it might not be worth your time.
But remember, high search volume isn't the only factor to consider. You'll also want to think about relevance and competition, which we'll discuss later. For now, let's move on to the tools that can help you find this valuable data.
Google Keyword Planner
One of the most popular tools for checking keyword search volume is Google Keyword Planner. It’s free to use, but you'll need a Google Ads account to access it. Don't worry if you’re not running ads; you can still use the tool for keyword research without spending a dime.
Getting Started with Google Keyword Planner
First, sign in to your Google Ads account and navigate to the Keyword Planner. You can find it under "Tools & Settings" in the top menu. Once you're there, you have two main options: "Discover new keywords" and "Get search volume and forecasts."
To check search volume, choose the "Get search volume and forecasts" option. Here, you can enter a list of keywords you're interested in. Google will then provide data including average monthly searches, competition level, and more.
While the tool is powerful, it does have its limitations. For instance, it groups similar keywords together and provides broader ranges for search volumes rather than exact numbers. Nonetheless, it’s a great starting point for understanding keyword trends.
Using Google Trends
If you're curious about how search volume for a keyword changes over time, Google Trends is a fantastic resource. While it doesn’t provide exact numbers, it does show the relative popularity of a search term over a period, making it easy to spot trends.
Interpreting Data from Google Trends
Head to the Google Trends website and enter your keyword. You can adjust the timeframe to see how interest has changed over the past year, five years, or even longer. You can also refine the data by location, category, and type of search (web, image, news, etc.).
Google Trends is particularly useful for seasonal keywords. For example, terms like "Christmas gift ideas" will naturally peak around November and December. By understanding these patterns, you can time your content to match when people are most likely to be searching.
Another nifty feature is the ability to compare multiple keywords at once. This can provide insights into which terms are gaining traction and might be worth targeting in your content.
Exploring Third-Party Tools
While Google’s tools are invaluable, they’re not the only options available. Several third-party tools can provide more detailed keyword data, often with a clearer picture of search volume and competition.
SEMrush and Ahrefs
Two of the most popular third-party tools are SEMrush and Ahrefs. These platforms offer comprehensive data on keyword search volume, trends, related keywords, and much more. They’re paid tools, but they offer free trials and some limited free features.
With SEMrush, you can enter a keyword and receive detailed metrics including search volume, keyword difficulty, CPC (Cost Per Click), and more. Ahrefs offers similar functionalities with its Keywords Explorer tool, providing a robust analysis of keyword data.
Both tools are excellent for in-depth keyword research but might be overkill if you're just getting started. However, if you're serious about SEO, they can be worth the investment.
Understanding Keyword Difficulty
We've talked a lot about search volume, but what about keyword difficulty? This is another crucial metric to consider. Keyword difficulty estimates how hard it will be to rank for a particular keyword. Generally, the higher the search volume, the higher the competition and difficulty.
When evaluating keywords, try to find a balance between volume and difficulty. A keyword with moderate volume and low difficulty might be easier to rank for than a highly competitive one, even if it has a higher volume.
Tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs include keyword difficulty scores alongside search volume data, making it easier to assess the potential of a keyword.
Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases. They usually have lower search volume but can be easier to rank for due to reduced competition. For example, "best hiking boots" is a short-tail keyword, while "best hiking boots for winter hikes" is a long-tail keyword.
While long-tail keywords might not bring in as much traffic individually, they often have higher conversion rates because they target users with specific intent. If you're in ecommerce, these are the folks ready to buy, which makes long-tail keywords a valuable part of your strategy.
Tools like Ubersuggest and AnswerThePublic can help you generate ideas for long-tail keywords, showing you what people are searching for in a more conversational manner.
Analyzing Competitor Keywords
Another great way to find keyword opportunities is by looking at what your competitors are doing. If they’re ranking well for certain keywords, it might be worth considering those for your own strategy.
Tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush allow you to input a competitor’s URL and see which keywords they rank for. This can provide inspiration and help you identify gaps in your own content strategy.
That said, don’t just copy your competitors. Use this data as a starting point to create unique, valuable content that serves your audience’s needs better than anyone else.
Tracking and Adjusting Your Strategy
Once you’ve chosen your keywords and started creating content, it’s important to track your progress. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor your site’s performance and see how your keywords are doing.
If certain keywords aren’t performing as expected, don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy. SEO is an ongoing process, and it often takes time to see results. Be patient and continue refining your approach based on the data you gather.
Remember, it’s not just about getting traffic but attracting the right traffic. Focus on providing value to your audience, and the results will follow.
Integrating Keywords into Content
Now that you’ve got your list of keywords, how do you integrate them into your content? Here are some tips:
- Title and Headings: Include your primary keyword in the title and at least one heading.
- Body Content: Use your keywords naturally throughout the content, but avoid keyword stuffing.
- Meta Descriptions: Incorporate keywords into meta descriptions to improve click-through rates.
- Alt Text for Images: Don’t forget to include keywords in the alt text of images where appropriate.
The goal is to create content that’s both user-friendly and optimized for search engines. By focusing on quality and relevance, you’ll improve your chances of ranking well and attracting the right audience.
Final Thoughts
We’ve covered a lot about checking keyword search volume and how it fits into your SEO strategy. Remember, it's not just about chasing high-volume keywords but finding the right balance with relevance and competition.
If you're looking to take your SEO efforts to the next level, I highly recommend considering Pattern. At Pattern, we specialize in helping ecommerce brands and SaaS startups grow by turning traffic into paying customers. Our programmatic landing pages and conversion-focused content mean that every effort you make delivers real ROI. We see SEO as a dynamic part of your overall growth strategy, ensuring each dollar invested delivers meaningful results. Let's make SEO a growth channel that truly drives sales!