Keyword volume is a big deal when it comes to SEO. It's like the heartbeat of your content strategy, giving you clues about which keywords can help drive traffic to your site. But figuring out how to check keyword volume can seem a bit like trying to read a map in a foreign language. Don't worry, though—it's not as tricky as it seems. We're going to walk through it step by step, breaking down the process into bite-sized pieces that anyone can digest.
By the time we’re done, you’ll know exactly how to find keyword volume and use it to your advantage. We'll look at why it’s important, the tools you can use, and even some common mistakes to avoid. Ready to get started? Let’s jump right in!
Why Keyword Volume Matters
Before we dig into the how-tos, let's talk about why keyword volume is so important. Think of keyword volume as the popularity score of search terms. It tells you how often a keyword is searched for in a given time frame, usually a month. This information can guide your content strategy by helping you choose keywords that people actually look for.
Imagine you run a blog about gardening. If you know that "best plants for beginners" is searched 10,000 times a month, you might focus on creating content around that topic. On the flip side, if "rare cactus care" is only searched 100 times a month, you might reconsider spending too much time on that topic unless you have a niche audience.
- Helps prioritize content: Knowing which keywords have high volume can help you focus your efforts where they matter most.
- Guides SEO strategy: High-volume keywords can improve your chances of driving significant traffic to your site.
- Informs competitive analysis: Understanding keyword volume can also help you see how your competitors are performing.
In short, keyword volume is like having a compass for your content strategy. It helps you navigate the vast landscape of search terms and focus on what will bring the most visitors to your site.
Choosing Your Tools
Now that we've established why keyword volume is important, let's talk about the tools you'll need. There are a variety of keyword research tools available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some are free, while others require a subscription.
Free Tools: If you're just starting out or working with a limited budget, free tools can be a great way to get your feet wet. Google Keyword Planner is a popular choice and offers data straight from the source—Google itself. Ubersuggest and AnswerThePublic are also good options for those on a budget.
Paid Tools: For those who are serious about SEO, investing in a paid tool can be worth it. Options like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz offer more comprehensive data and features. These tools often provide insights beyond keyword volume, such as competition level and related keywords.
- Google Keyword Planner: Great for beginners, but requires a Google Ads account.
- Ubersuggest: Offers a user-friendly interface and a decent amount of data for free.
- SEMrush: A robust tool for those who want detailed analytics and competitive insights.
Choosing the right tool depends on your needs and budget. If you're not sure where to start, try a few free options first and see what works best for you.
Setting Up Your Account
Once you've picked your tool, it's time to set up your account. If you're using a free tool like Google Keyword Planner, you'll need to create a Google Ads account. Don't worry—you won't have to run any ads, but you'll need an account to access the planner.
For paid tools, the process usually involves signing up and choosing a subscription plan. Many of these tools offer free trials, so you can test them out before committing.
Here's a quick rundown on setting up Google Keyword Planner:
- Go to the Google Ads homepage and sign up with your Google account.
- Follow the prompts to set up your account. You can skip the campaign setup if you’re not planning to run ads.
- Once your account is set up, navigate to the "Tools & Settings" menu and select "Keyword Planner."
Voila! You're all set to start exploring keyword data. Remember, the setup process may vary slightly depending on the tool you choose, but most are pretty straightforward.
Finding Keyword Volume
Now that you're set up, it's time to find some keyword volume! This is where the magic happens. Depending on your tool, the process may vary slightly, but the general steps are pretty similar.
Step 1: Enter Your Keywords
Start by entering a few keywords relevant to your niche. For example, if you're in the gardening space, you might start with "vegetable gardening" or "plant care tips."
Step 2: Analyze the Results
Once you enter your keywords, the tool will generate data on search volume, competition, and more. Pay close attention to the average monthly searches—that's your keyword volume.
Step 3: Compare and Contrast
Compare the volume of different keywords to decide which ones are worth targeting. You might find that some terms have unexpectedly high or low volumes, which can guide your content strategy.
- High-volume keywords: These are popular search terms that can drive a lot of traffic.
- Low-volume keywords: These might be more niche, but can still be valuable for targeting specific audiences.
Remember, keyword volume is just one piece of the puzzle. Consider other factors like competition and relevance to your audience before making a decision.
Understanding Competition
While keyword volume is important, it's not the only factor to consider. Competition plays a crucial role in determining whether a keyword is worth targeting. High-volume keywords often come with high competition, making it harder to rank for them.
Most keyword tools will provide a competition score alongside volume data. This score indicates how difficult it might be to rank for a particular keyword. Here’s a quick guide to interpreting competition scores:
- Low Competition: These keywords are easier to rank for, making them a good choice for newer sites.
- Medium Competition: These require more effort but can still be worth pursuing if the volume is high.
- High Competition: These are challenging to rank for and often dominated by established sites.
Balancing keyword volume and competition is key to a successful strategy. You might target a mix of low-competition, high-volume keywords and higher-competition, niche keywords to cover all your bases.
Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific search phrases. While they usually have lower search volumes, they often come with less competition and higher conversion rates. For example, "how to grow tomatoes in a small apartment" is more specific than "grow tomatoes."
Focusing on long-tail keywords can be a smart strategy, especially for smaller sites or those targeting niche audiences. Here’s why they’re worth considering:
- Less Competition: Long-tail keywords often have lower competition, making it easier to rank for them.
- Higher Intent: These keywords typically indicate that the searcher is closer to making a decision or purchase.
- More Specific Content: They allow you to create content that directly addresses specific questions or needs.
Long-tail keywords can help you capture a more targeted audience, leading to better engagement and higher conversion rates. They might not bring in as much traffic as broader terms, but the quality of that traffic can be much higher.
Using Keyword Data for Content Strategy
Once you've gathered your keyword data, it’s time to put it to work in your content strategy. This involves more than just sprinkling keywords into your content. Instead, think about how each keyword can inform the topics you cover and the way you structure your content.
Plan Your Content Calendar: Use keyword volume data to prioritize content ideas. High-volume keywords should take precedence, but don’t ignore lower-volume terms that are highly relevant to your audience.
Structure Your Content: Consider how keywords can guide the structure of your content. For example, use them to create headings or subheadings that naturally incorporate search terms.
Target Different Stages of the Buyer’s Journey: Develop content that addresses different stages of the buyer’s journey, from awareness to decision-making. Keywords can help you identify what your audience is looking for at each stage.
- Awareness Stage: Focus on informative content that answers common questions.
- Consideration Stage: Create content that compares options or offers in-depth guides.
- Decision Stage: Offer detailed product information or testimonials.
Remember, keyword data is a tool to guide your strategy, not dictate it. Use it as a foundation, but let creativity and audience needs drive your content decisions.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
While keyword research can be incredibly valuable, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you make the most of your efforts.
Overemphasizing Volume: It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers and focus solely on high-volume keywords. Remember, relevance and competition are just as important.
Ignoring Long-Tail Keywords: Don’t overlook the value of long-tail keywords. They might have lower volume, but they often lead to higher conversions.
Keyword Stuffing: Avoid the temptation to cram as many keywords as possible into your content. This can hurt readability and lead to penalties from search engines.
- Focus on Quality: Prioritize high-quality, engaging content over keyword density.
- Use Keywords Naturally: Aim for a natural flow that incorporates keywords without disrupting readability.
By steering clear of these pitfalls, you can create an SEO strategy that’s both effective and sustainable. Remember, quality content that genuinely helps your audience is always the best approach.
Staying Up-to-Date
SEO is a constantly evolving field, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and changes is crucial. Search algorithms and user behavior can change, impacting the effectiveness of your keyword strategy.
Here are a few tips for staying current:
- Follow Industry Blogs: Keep an eye on reputable SEO blogs and websites for updates and insights.
- Attend Webinars and Conferences: These can be great opportunities to learn from experts and stay informed about industry trends.
- Experiment and Adapt: Don’t be afraid to experiment with new strategies and adapt your approach as needed.
By staying informed and flexible, you can ensure your keyword strategy remains effective and relevant in an ever-changing digital environment.
Final Thoughts
Checking keyword volume is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance your content strategy. By understanding search volume, competition, and long-tail keywords, you can make informed decisions that drive traffic and engage your audience.
Speaking of making informed decisions, if you’re looking for expert help in driving more traffic and turning it into paying customers, consider reaching out to Pattern. We focus on results—creating programmatic landing pages and conversion-focused content that transforms visitors into customers. We believe SEO should be part of a broader performance marketing strategy, ensuring every dollar you invest delivers real ROI. With Pattern, SEO becomes a growth channel that drives sales and lowers your customer acquisition costs. Let us help make SEO a powerful tool in your growth strategy.