Keyword Research
The process of finding search terms people use so you can create content that matches their intent.
Keyword research is the process of discovering what words and phrases people type into search engines when looking for information, products, or services related to your business. It's the foundation of any SEO strategy.
Good keyword research answers three questions: What are people searching for? How many people search for it (search volume)? And how hard would it be to rank for it (keyword difficulty)?
Start with seed keywords related to your business, then expand using tools like Google's autocomplete, "People also ask" boxes, Google Keyword Planner, or third-party tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush. Look for keywords with decent search volume but manageable competition.
Don't just chase high-volume keywords. A keyword with 50 monthly searches but high purchase intent can be more valuable than one with 10,000 searches from people just browsing. Understanding search intent — whether someone wants to learn, compare, or buy — is crucial.
Why It Matters for SEO
Without keyword research, you're guessing what to write about. You might create great content that nobody searches for, or miss opportunities where demand exists but competition is low. It's the difference between strategic content creation and shooting in the dark.