If SEO is a map, keyword research is your compass. It tells you what people are searching for, why they’re searching, and how you can meet them there with content they’ll actually engage with.
Whether you’re writing your first blog post or building a full content strategy, keyword research is the foundation for higher rankings, more traffic, and better conversions. Here is the best method for keyword research for beginners.
What Is Keyword Research and Why Does It Matter?
Keyword research is the process of finding and analyzing search terms that people type into Google (and other search engines). Done right, it helps you:
Understand your audience
Create content that matches search intent
Drive relevant traffic
Rank consistently in organic search results
Without it, you risk writing content no one is looking for.
Step 1: Learn Search Intent Before Anything Else
Before choosing keywords, you need to understand why someone is searching.
There are four main types of search intent:
| Intent Type | Description | Example Keyword |
|---|---|---|
| Informational | Looking to learn something | “how to do keyword research” |
| Navigational | Looking for a specific site or brand | “Relianext SEO services” |
| Commercial | Comparing options before buying | “best keyword research tools” |
| Transactional | Ready to take action or make a purchase | “buy SEO software” |
For beginners, focus on informational and commercial intent — these keywords help build trust and attract users early in their journey.
Step 2: Start With Seed Keywords
Seed keywords are broad terms directly related to your business or niche. If you’re a digital agency, seed keywords might be:
seo services
web design company
content marketing strategy
keyword research
These seeds are the launchpad for discovering long‑tail keywords, specific phrases with higher conversion potential.
Step 3: Use Keyword Research Tools
Here are some beginner-friendly tools to help you find keyword ideas:
Google Keyword Planner – Free tool for volume and competition
Ubersuggest – Great for long-tail keywords and content ideas
Ahrefs / SEMrush – Advanced tools for competitor analysis and keyword gaps
AnswerThePublic – Visual map of questions people ask
Google Search / Autocomplete – Real-time suggestions based on user behavior
Look for keywords with:
Moderate to high search volume
Low to medium competition
Clear intent
Relevance to your audience
Step 4: Analyze Keyword Metrics
When reviewing keyword options, look at:
Search Volume: Monthly searches (is there enough demand?)
Keyword Difficulty (KD): How competitive it is
Trend: Is interest growing or fading?
SERP Features: Featured snippets, People Also Ask, videos
CPC: Indicates commercial value
Pro tip: Pair medium‑volume, low‑to‑medium difficulty keywords with a few high‑volume targets for reach.
Step 5: Group Keywords into Topic Clusters
Organize your keywords into clusters based on themes. This helps you build topical authority and improves internal linking.
Example for this guide:
Main topic: Keyword research for beginners
Cluster pages: long‑tail keyword strategies, best keyword tools, search intent optimization, content planning with keywords
Each cluster can become a blog post, guide, or landing page, all linking back to your main SEO pillar.
Step 6: Create Content That Matches Intent
For “keyword research for beginners”, users want:
A clear definition
A step‑by‑step process
Recommended tools
Examples they can follow
So your content should:
Include your primary keyword in title, intro, one subheading, and naturally in the body
Use related keywords: long‑tail keywords, search intent, keyword tools, keyword analysis, SEO basics
Answer follow‑up questions in FAQs
Add visuals (charts, screenshots) for better AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)
Step 7: Track Performance and Adjust
Keyword research isn’t a one‑off task. Monitor your pages in:
Google Search Console – Impressions, clicks, queries
Analytics – Time on page, bounce rate, conversions
SEO tools – Ranking trends, keyword gaps, backlink growth
Update older content to keep it fresh and competitive.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Targeting overly broad, high‑competition keywords
Ignoring search intent
Stuffing keywords instead of writing naturally
Forgetting to link to other relevant content
Skipping meta tags and schema markup
Final Thoughts
Keyword research is the first, most important step in any successful SEO strategy. By understanding search intent, targeting the right mix of keywords, and structuring content for topical authority, even beginners can compete with established players.
If you want an expert team to handle your SEO from keyword research to full‑funnel strategy, Relianext can help.
FAQs
What is keyword research in SEO?
Keyword research is the process of finding and analyzing the search terms people use on platforms like Google, so you can create content that matches their intent and ranks in search results.
Why is keyword research important for beginners?
It helps you understand your audience, create content they’re actively looking for, and avoid wasting time on topics with no search demand.
What are long‑tail keywords and why use them?
Long‑tail keywords are longer, more specific search phrases (e.g., “best keyword research tools for small business”). They tend to have lower competition and higher conversion rates.
How do I find keywords with low competition?
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or Ahrefs to filter by keyword difficulty. Pair this with manual SERP checks to see if smaller sites are ranking, that’s a good sign you can compete.
What is search intent and how do I identify it?
Search intent is the reason behind a query. Look at the top‑ranking pages for your keyword, if they’re mostly guides, the intent is informational; if they’re product pages, it’s transactional.
How often should I update my keyword list?
Review your keyword list at least every 3–6 months. Search trends change, and refreshing your list keeps your content competitive.
What’s the difference between short‑tail and long‑tail keywords?
Short‑tail keywords are 1–2 words (e.g., “SEO tips”) with high volume but high competition. Long‑tail keywords are longer, more specific, and usually easier to rank for.
Can I do keyword research without paid tools?
Yes, use Google Search, Keyword Planner, “People Also Ask,” related searches, and free tools like AnswerThePublic for plenty of starter data.
