What Are Keywords and How Do I Do Keyword Research?

Keywords Defined: They’re What People Are Searching

A keyword is the exact word or phrase someone types into Google to find information. If your site includes the right keywords, Google will show it to those people. The key is to find relevant, high-traffic, low-competition terms.

Start With Your Audience’s Questions

What does your customer need help with? What problems are they trying to solve? Brainstorm 20+ topics they might search. Then plug those into free tools like Ubersuggest or AnswerThePublic to expand and validate.

Look at Search Volume and Difficulty

Not all keywords are equal. Use keyword research tools to see how often a phrase is searched and how competitive it is. Aim for a balance — terms that people search, but where you actually have a chance to rank.

Use Long-Tail Keywords to Get Found Faster

Long-tail keywords (e.g., “best social media strategy for dentists”) are longer, more specific, and easier to rank for than short, broad terms like “marketing.” They also bring higher-intent visitors.

Group and Assign Keywords to Specific Pages

Each page should target one main keyword and 2–3 supporting keywords. Create a simple spreadsheet or use a keyword map to avoid overlap. This ensures clarity and focus — and better rankings.

Final Thoughts

Keyword research is the foundation of SEO. The right keywords help you create content people are searching for and rank higher without wasting time. When in doubt, a strategist can help turn data into a content plan.

FAQ

1. What is a keyword?
   A word or phrase people type into search engines.

    

2. Why are keywords important?
   They connect your content to people searching for your services.

    

3. How do I find keywords?
   Use tools like Ubersuggest, Google Autocomplete, and AnswerThePublic.

    

4. What are long-tail keywords?
   Longer, more specific phrases — great for targeting niche traffic.

    

5. What makes a good keyword?
   High relevance, solid search volume, and manageable competition.

    

6. How many keywords should I target per page?
   One primary + two to three secondary keywords.

    

7. Do I need paid tools?
   No — free tools are enough for most beginners.

    

8. How do I use keywords in content?
   Place them naturally in the title, headers, body, and metadata.

    

9. Can I rank without using keywords?
   No — keywords are how search engines understand your content.

    

10. Should I update keywords over time?
    Yes — search trends evolve, and updating keeps content competitive.