When you're just starting out with SEO, the idea of checking keywords on Google might sound a bit intimidating. You're probably thinking, "Where do I even begin?" Well, you're in the right place. We'll break down the process of finding and analyzing keywords on Google, making it simple and approachable for beginners.
We'll walk through everything from understanding what keywords are, to using free tools that Google provides, and even some nifty third-party tools you might not have heard of. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to start optimizing your content for better visibility on Google.
Understanding Keywords: The Basics
Before we jump into how to check keywords, it's important to understand what they are. Simply put, keywords are the terms and phrases that people type into search engines when they're looking for information. Think of them as the bridge between what people are searching for and the content you provide.
For example, if you run a baking blog, your audience might be searching for terms like "easy chocolate cake recipe" or "gluten-free cookies." These phrases are your potential keywords. They're what you want to be found for on Google because they represent what your audience is interested in.
It's crucial to choose the right keywords for your content. Selecting the wrong ones could mean missing out on attracting your target audience. So, how do you know which are the right ones? That's where keyword research tools come into play. They help you find out what people are actually searching for, how popular those searches are, and how much competition there is for those terms.
Google's Keyword Planner: Your Starting Point
One of the best places to start your keyword research is with Google's own tool, the Keyword Planner. It's free and provides a wealth of information. While it's primarily designed for advertisers, it's an excellent resource for SEO purposes too.
To access Keyword Planner, you'll need a Google Ads account. Don't worry, you don't have to run an ad to use it. Once you're in, you'll find two main options: "Discover new keywords" and "Get search volume and forecasts."
- Discover new keywords: This option helps you find keywords related to your business or industry. You enter a few words or phrases, and Google suggests related keywords along with their average monthly searches and competition level.
- Get search volume and forecasts: If you already have a list of keywords, you can use this option to get data on their search volumes and trends.
Using Keyword Planner, you can identify a list of potential keywords that are relevant to your content. Remember, the goal is to find keywords that have a good balance of search volume and competition.
Google Search Console: A Treasure Trove of Data
While Keyword Planner is great for discovering new keywords, Google Search Console is your go-to for seeing how your current content is performing. This tool provides insights into the keywords that are already driving traffic to your site.
To get started, you'll need to verify your website in Google Search Console. Once set up, you can navigate to the "Performance" report. Here, you'll see a list of queries, or keywords, that people are using to find your site.
Pay attention to the following metrics:
- Clicks: How many times your site was clicked on in search results.
- Impressions: How often your site appeared in search results.
- CTR (Click-Through Rate): The ratio of clicks to impressions. A higher CTR indicates that your listing is appealing to searchers.
- Position: The average position of your site in search results for that keyword.
By analyzing this data, you can identify which keywords are performing well and which ones might need a bit of a boost. This information is invaluable for refining your SEO strategy.
Google Trends: Spotting Keyword Trends
Next up is Google Trends. This tool is all about understanding how search interest in a keyword changes over time. It's especially useful for identifying seasonal trends or emerging topics in your niche.
With Google Trends, you can:
- Compare the popularity of multiple keywords to see which one is more searched.
- Explore interest by region to tailor your content to specific geographic areas.
- Dive into related topics and queries to find new content ideas.
For instance, if you're running a blog about outdoor activities, you might notice increased interest in "hiking gear" during the spring and summer months. Knowing this, you can plan your content calendar accordingly, creating content that's aligned with these seasonal spikes.
Using Google Autocomplete for Quick Insights
Have you ever noticed how Google suggests search terms as you type? This feature, known as Google Autocomplete, can provide quick insights into popular searches related to your topic.
To use it, simply start typing a keyword into the Google search bar and see what suggestions appear. These suggestions are based on real searches, so they're a goldmine for finding out what people are interested in.
For example, if you're writing about "gardening tips," you might start typing "gardening" into Google and see suggestions like "gardening tips for beginners" or "gardening tips for small spaces." These suggestions can help you refine your keyword list and ensure your content is aligned with what people are searching for.
Exploring Third-Party Tools for Deeper Insights
While Google's tools are excellent, sometimes you need a bit more depth. That's where third-party tools come in. These tools offer additional features that can help you uncover even more keyword opportunities.
Here are a few popular ones:
- Ahrefs: Known for its comprehensive keyword research capabilities, Ahrefs provides data on keyword difficulty, search volume, and clicks. It also offers insights into your competitors' keywords.
- SEMrush: This tool is great for finding related keywords, analyzing competitor strategies, and tracking your keyword rankings over time.
- Ubersuggest: A user-friendly tool that provides keyword suggestions, search volume, and SEO difficulty. It's a fantastic option for beginners due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
These tools usually come with a price tag, but many offer free trials or limited free versions. They can be a worthwhile investment if you're serious about diving deeper into keyword research.
Analyzing Keyword Competition
Once you've gathered a list of potential keywords, it's time to analyze the competition. Understanding how difficult it might be to rank for a keyword is crucial in deciding which ones to target.
Here's how you can assess keyword competition:
- Check the search results: Enter your keyword into Google and see what comes up. Look at the top-ranking pages and evaluate their content quality, domain authority, and backlinks.
- Use SEO tools: Tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush provide a "keyword difficulty" score, which estimates how hard it would be to rank for a particular keyword. The lower the score, the easier it might be to rank.
- Consider long-tail keywords: These are longer, more specific phrases that typically have lower competition. They might not have the same search volume as shorter keywords, but they're often easier to rank for and can attract more targeted traffic.
By analyzing competition, you can prioritize keywords that offer a good balance of search volume and ranking potential.
Creating Content That Ranks
Now that you've identified your target keywords, it's time to put them to work by creating content that ranks. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Focus on user intent: Understand what the searcher is looking for and create content that satisfies that need. Is the searcher looking for information, making a purchase, or comparing products?
- Include keywords naturally: Use your target keywords in key places like the title, headings, and throughout the content, but avoid overstuffing. Aim for a natural flow that prioritizes readability.
- Create high-quality content: Your content should provide value, answer questions, and be engaging. The better your content, the more likely it is to attract backlinks and social shares, which can boost your rankings.
Remember, creating content that ranks isn't just about keywords. It's about delivering value to your audience. When you focus on providing valuable content, the rankings often follow.
Monitoring Your Keyword Performance
After all your hard work, it's important to track how your keywords are performing. Regularly monitoring your keyword rankings helps you understand what's working and what might need adjustment.
Here are a few ways to keep an eye on your keyword performance:
- Use Google Search Console: As mentioned earlier, this tool provides insights into how your keywords are performing in terms of clicks, impressions, and average position.
- Monitor with SEO tools: Tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz allow you to track your keyword rankings over time. You can see which keywords are moving up or down in the search results.
- Adjust your strategy: If certain keywords aren't performing as expected, consider revisiting your content or trying different variations of the keywords. SEO is an ongoing process, and it's important to stay flexible.
By keeping a close eye on your keyword performance, you can make informed decisions about your SEO strategy and continue to improve your visibility on Google.
Final Thoughts
We've covered a lot of ground, from understanding keywords to using tools and creating content that ranks. Remember, SEO is a journey, and it's okay to take it one step at a time. With practice, you'll get better at identifying and optimizing for the right keywords.
Now, if you're looking for more than just foundational SEO help, Pattern might be the right fit for you. We focus on results-driven SEO strategies, crafting content that not only attracts visitors but turns them into customers. Unlike most agencies, we care about more than just rankings; we aim to make SEO a growth channel that drives sales and reduces customer acquisition costs. With Pattern, you're not guessing—you're growing.