Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Know How to Find the Best SEO Keywords
If your business isn’t showing up on Google, it’s probably not because of bad luck, it’s your keyword strategy. In the United States alone, Google processes over 16.4 billion searches per day. Many of these could point directly to your product or service if your content includes the right SEO…
If your business isn’t showing up on Google, it’s probably not because of bad luck, it’s your keyword strategy. In the United States alone, Google processes over 16.4 billion searches per day. Many of these could point directly to your product or service if your content includes the right SEO keywords.
Whether you run a Brooklyn-based bakery, an Austin tech startup, or a nationwide e-commerce brand, your visibility in search results depends on the words your audience is typing into Google. This guide explains how to find SEO keywords, perform effective SEO keyword analysis, and identify the best SEO keywords to drive targeted, organic traffic to your website.
What Are SEO Keywords?
Still wondering what are SEO keywords? Think of them as the digital equivalent of a business address. Just like a physical storefront needs a sign that says what’s inside, your website needs keyword cues to tell search engines what your content is about. These words or phrases help search engines like Google match your website with what users are searching for. Without the right keywords, your content might never be found, regardless of how valuable it is.Why Keyword Research Is Crucial for Businesses?
Keyword research is the foundation of online visibility, helping businesses attract the right audience at the right time. Appearing on the first page of Google can significantly impact your traffic, credibility, and conversions, with the top three organic results alone capturing over 50% of total clicks. This becomes especially crucial in highly competitive markets like the United States, where ranking for the right terms can make the difference between being discovered or completely overlooked. By conducting SEO keyword analysis, you can uncover the exact terms your American audience is searching for—and adjust your content accordingly. Whether your customers are looking for “best dental clinics in Chicago” or “affordable wedding photographers in LA,” showing up at the right time starts with keyword strategy.Let’s Get Tactical: How to Find SEO Keywords That Work
1. Start by Brainstorming Core Topics
Begin with a list of broad topics that describe your products or services. For example, if you’re a Miami-based fitness coach, start with terms like “personal training,” “weight loss,” or “HIIT workouts.” Then, get specific. Think: “virtual personal trainer USA” or “affordable HIIT coach near me.”2. Use These Tools to Find What People Are Searching For
Tap into keyword data from trusted platforms like:- Google Keyword Planner (free with a Google Ads account): Ideal for search volume and CPC trends.
- Ahrefs / SEMrush: Use their keyword explorers to find gaps in your current strategy and identify high-performing terms your competitors are ranking.
- Surfer SEO: Helps with real-time, on-page keyword optimisation.
- WordStream: Great for local businesses or lean teams needing straightforward insights. Run a competitor’s domain through SEMrush’s Organic Research or Ahrefs’ Site Explorer to extract their top-ranking keywords. Reverse-engineering their SEO performance gives you a shortcut to what works.
3. Prioritise Long-Tail Keywords
Short keywords (like “running shoes”) are often too competitive and too broad. Instead, opt for long-tail phrases like:- “best trail running shoes for flat feet USA”
- “where to buy budget-friendly running shoes online US”
4. Research the Search Intent Behind SEO Keywords
Search intent is the underlying purpose behind a user’s query—what they’re hoping to achieve when they type something into Google. Understanding this intent isn’t just helpful for choosing the right keywords; it’s essential for creating content that meets the user’s expectations. Failing to match intent can lead to high bounce rates and wasted content efforts. When building your keyword list, ask yourself: What is the user looking for?- Know: These are informational searches like “What is sound design?” The user is seeking knowledge, not a product or service. These keywords attract top-of-the-funnel (TOFU) visitors who are just beginning their research journey. While they don’t convert immediately, they help grow brand awareness and build trust over time.
- Do: Action-based queries such as “Sound design services” reflect users who are ready to take the next step, whether that’s making a purchase, booking a service, or downloading something. These are your middle and bottom-of-funnel (MOFU/BOFU) visitors and are key for driving conversions.
- Locate/Navigate: These users either want to find a specific brand or page (“Black Iris sound design gallery”) or navigate to a particular site. Depending on the query, these users can be at any stage of the funnel. The intent is often brand-driven or task-specific.
- Visit: Keywords like “Sound design studio near me” are location-focused and usually show high purchase intent. These are BOFU users looking for an immediate offline interaction—often ready to walk into your store or office.
5. Assess MSV and SERP Context
Search volume alone isn’t enough, you need to evaluate Monthly Search Volume (MSV) to understand the true potential of a keyword. A high MSV might look promising on the surface, but it won’t deliver results if it attracts the wrong audience or has too much irrelevant competition. Consider whether that traffic will actually convert or just inflate your numbers. That’s why MSV should always be analysed alongside keyword relevance and intent. At the same time, look closely at the search engine results page (SERP). If a keyword’s SERP is packed with features like video carousels, “People Also Ask” boxes, or featured snippets, your content needs to match that format to compete. Additionally, keyword performance isn’t one-size-fits-all—a term that ranks well in Los Angeles might fall flat in Boston. Localised keyword research helps you align content with region-specific trends and user behaviours.Common Keyword Mistakes That Could Be Tanking Your Traffic
- Targeting keywords with no commercial value: Ranking for a high-volume keyword means little if it doesn’t align with what your business sells or offers. Focus on keywords that bring buyers, not just browsers.
- Ignoring user search intent: Optimising for keywords without considering why users are searching can lead to irrelevant traffic. Always align your keywords with the user’s intent—informational, navigational, or transactional.
- Keyword stuffing: Google’s algorithm is smarter than ever. Overloading your content with keywords will hurt your rankings and readability. Prioritise natural language and value-rich content.
- Overlooking voice search trends: With the rise of smart devices, people are searching differently. Think of how someone might ask, “Hey, Siri, what’s the best BBQ place near me?” Optimising for conversational queries gives you an edge in voice search visibility.
