How to Easily Access Google Keyword Planner

Keyword research is one of those foundational aspects of SEO that everyone talks about, but not everyone knows how to do effectively. If you've ever dipped your toes into the world of SEO, you've probably heard of Google Keyword Planner. This tool is like a treasure map for anyone looking to uncover the best keywords to target in their content strategy. But, how do you actually get started with it? Let's break it down together!

In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about accessing Google Keyword Planner, from setting up your account to navigating its features. Whether you're running a small blog or managing a large ecommerce site, by the end of this read, you'll be ready to make the most out of this powerful tool.

Setting Up Your Google Ads Account

The first step to accessing Google Keyword Planner is setting up a Google Ads account. Even if you don't plan on running ads, you'll need this account to use the keyword planner. Here's how you can get started:

1. Create a Google Account: If you don't already have a Google account, you'll need to create one. This account will be your gateway to all things Google, from Gmail to Google Ads.
2. Visit Google Ads: Go to the Google Ads website and click on "Start now." You'll be prompted to sign in with your Google account.
3. Set Up Your First Campaign: Google will guide you through creating your first ad campaign. You can skip this step by clicking on "Switch to Expert Mode" and then "Create an account without a campaign."
4. Enter Billing Information: Even if you skip the campaign setup, Google will ask for billing information. Don't worry—you won't be charged unless you decide to run ads. Just fill in the necessary details to move forward.

And there you have it! Your Google Ads account is ready, and you're one step closer to accessing the Keyword Planner.

Navigating to Google Keyword Planner

Once your Google Ads account is up and running, it's time to find the Keyword Planner. Follow these simple steps:

1. Sign in to Google Ads: Head over to Google Ads and sign in with your account.
2. Access Tools & Settings: In the top-right corner, you'll see a wrench icon labeled "Tools & Settings." Click on it.
3. Select Keyword Planner: Under the "Planning" section, you'll find "Keyword Planner." Click on it, and you're in!

Congratulations! You've now accessed Google Keyword Planner. Let’s explore how you can use it to enhance your SEO strategy.

Using the Keyword Planner: Discover New Keywords

One of the primary functions of Google Keyword Planner is to help you discover new keywords. Here's how you can do it:

1. Choose "Discover new keywords": Once you're in the Keyword Planner, you'll see two main options: "Discover new keywords" and "Get search volume and forecasts." Click on "Discover new keywords."
2. Enter Keywords or URLs: You can enter keywords related to your business or paste in a URL to find related keywords. For example, if you own a pet store, you might enter "dog food" or the URL of your main competitor.
3. Adjust Targeting: You can tailor your search by adjusting language, location, and network settings. This allows you to focus on the audience most relevant to you.
4. Analyze Suggestions: After clicking "Get Results," you'll receive a list of keyword suggestions with metrics like average monthly searches, competition, and top of page bid ranges.

By exploring these suggestions, you'll uncover new keyword opportunities that you might not have considered before.

Get Search Volume and Forecasts

If you already have a list of potential keywords, you can use the Keyword Planner to get detailed data on their search volume and forecasts. Here's how:

1. Select "Get search volume and forecasts": This option is perfect for anyone who has a set of keywords in mind and wants to dig deeper into their data.
2. Enter Your Keywords: Paste your list of keywords into the provided field. You can enter multiple keywords at once, separated by commas or line breaks.
3. Review the Data: Google will provide you with a detailed breakdown, including average monthly searches, competition levels, and more.
4. Forecasting Insights: Besides current data, you'll also get forecasting insights to guide your future strategy. This feature predicts potential clicks and impressions for your selected keywords.

With these insights, you can prioritize which keywords are worth targeting based on their potential performance.

Understanding Keyword Metrics

When analyzing keywords in the Google Keyword Planner, you'll come across several metrics that can inform your decisions. Let's break down the key ones:

• Average Monthly Searches: This metric tells you how often a keyword is searched on Google each month. A higher number means more potential traffic, but it could also mean more competition.
• Competition: This indicates how many advertisers are bidding for a keyword. Low competition keywords might be easier to rank for organically.
• Top of Page Bid (Low and High Range): This shows the estimated cost for an ad to appear at the top of the search results page. While this is more relevant for advertisers, it can also hint at the commercial value of a keyword.

By understanding these metrics, you'll be better equipped to choose the right keywords for your strategy.

Refining Your Keyword List

Once you've gathered potential keywords, it's time to refine your list. Here are some tips to help you narrow down your choices:

• Focus on Relevance: Ensure that the keywords you choose are relevant to your content and target audience. Irrelevant keywords, even with high search volume, won't bring value if they don't match your content.
• Balance Search Volume and Competition: Look for a sweet spot where the search volume is decent, but the competition isn't too high. These are often referred to as "low-hanging fruit" keywords.
• Consider Long-Tail Keywords: These are longer, more specific keyword phrases. They might have lower search volumes, but they often come with less competition and a more targeted audience.

By carefully selecting your keywords, you'll set a solid foundation for your SEO efforts.

Incorporating Keywords into Your Content

Now that you have a refined keyword list, the next step is to incorporate them into your content. Here's how you can do it effectively:

• Include Keywords Naturally: Avoid keyword stuffing. Instead, use keywords naturally within your content to maintain readability and engagement.
• Utilize Headers and Subheaders: Use keywords in headers and subheaders to emphasize important sections and help with SEO.
• Don't Forget Meta Tags: Keywords should also appear in meta titles and descriptions, as these elements influence search engine results and click-through rates.

Remember, the goal is to create valuable content that resonates with your audience while also optimizing it for search engines.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Strategy

SEO is not a one-and-done task. It's important to monitor your keyword performance and adjust your strategy as needed. Here's how you can keep track:

• Use Google Analytics: Track how your keywords are performing in terms of traffic, bounce rate, and conversions.
• Regularly Revisit Keyword Planner: Keyword trends change, so it's wise to periodically return to the Keyword Planner to refresh your keyword list.
• Adjust Content Based on Performance: If certain keywords aren't performing well, consider tweaking your content or trying different keywords.

By staying proactive, you'll ensure that your SEO efforts continue to drive results.

Collaborating with SEO Professionals

If all of this sounds overwhelming, or if you're not seeing the results you hoped for, it might be time to collaborate with SEO professionals. They can offer expert insights and guidance tailored to your specific needs.

Professionals can help you:

• Perform In-Depth Keyword Research: With access to additional tools and expertise, they can uncover opportunities you might have missed.
• Develop a Comprehensive SEO Strategy: Beyond keywords, SEO experts can guide you on technical SEO, content strategy, and more.
• Monitor and Optimize Continuously: With dedicated resources, they can ensure your SEO strategy remains aligned with your business goals.

Sometimes, a little help can go a long way in taking your SEO efforts to the next level.

Final Thoughts

Keyword research is an essential aspect of any SEO strategy, and Google Keyword Planner is a powerful tool in your arsenal. By setting up your account, discovering keywords, and analyzing data, you can build a strong foundation for your online presence.

At Pattern, we understand that navigating the SEO landscape can be challenging. That's why we're here to help ecommerce brands and SaaS startups grow by driving more traffic and turning that traffic into paying customers. Our approach goes beyond just rankings—we focus on results that matter to your business. With programmatic landing pages and conversion-focused content, we ensure that your SEO efforts drive sales and lower customer acquisition costs. If you're ready to turn SEO into a growth channel, consider reaching out to us at Pattern. We're here to make sure every dollar you invest delivers real ROI.