Keyword Research in Search Engine Optimization Process

Keyword research helps you understand what your prospective customers are looking for.

There are many different ways to do keyword research – this article will describe a process using the Google AdWords Keyword tool. This is not only free, it is probably the easiest to access and most accurate source of keyword data available for business website research.

Who this article is for

This article introduces you to keyword research and:

  • explains what keywords are and why keyword research is important.
  • shows you how to start using keyword research for your online business, in strategy, planning and execution.
  • points you to additional keyword information and resources.

Note: you can follow this article and do keyword research yourself, or you can hire us to prepare a Keyword Plan so you start working with better keywords faster.

What are keywords?

Keywords are the words people type into the search fields for Google, Bing, Yahoo, Ask and all the other search engines of the world.

Keyword research helps you identify keywords that are searched more frequently than others. And it can help you understand what your prospective clients are interested in.

Your potential clients are already typing keywords into search engines like Google to find a whole range of information and make purchases.

They may use a single keyword (organic), multiple keywords (organic garden) or multiple keywords that form a phrase or question (find organic garden design).

A lot of people have opinions about what people would be most likely to search on. But rather than guess, why not just go and look?

An example of keywords research in action

Lets try an example. Say you are an expert in organic and biodynamic gardens. You are considering launching a business to install these gardens, and want to understand what your prospective customers are looking for online.

We can use the Google AdWords Keyword tool to help.

A few important tips for using the Google AdWords Keyword tool.

Finding it. You can find the tool simply by searching Google using “keyword tool” as the search phrase.

Localization: make sure you are localized to US or India or your country of interest.