How to Use Google Keyword Planner for SEO: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction To Keyword Planner By Google

Google Keyword Planner is a great advertising tool. It also helps anyone wanting to improve their website’s SEO. The data comes directly from Google. This drives keyword suggestions, search volume estimates, and user search insights. So you get trustworthy information. 

Using Google Keyword Planner helps bloggers, business owners, and digital marketers create content that ranks higher in search results and attracts their target audience.

Although this tool was mainly designed for PPC campaigns, many SEO pros use it to find valuable keywords. These keywords have the right balance of search volume and competition. 

The tool shows trending content, seasonal search trends, and helpful long-tail search terms. This helps websites gain a competitive edge. A business that chooses the right keywords sees more website traffic. This also boosts user engagement and increases conversion rates.

The best part? The tool remains free to access through your Google Ads account. Understanding its features makes it a key asset for your SEO strategy. It all starts with a simple setup process which you will learn in this guide from our blog.

What is Google Keyword Planner?

Google provides a free Keyword Planner tool. This tool helps users choose the right keywords for content marketing, ad text, and SEO strategies. Although it is made for Google Ads advertisers, it can also help anyone who wants to understand how audiences search online.

Keyword discovery helps you find new terms, shows their search frequency, and helps you understand competitive metrics. This tool allows users to get key data from Google. They can use it to improve their blog posts, optimize their websites, and refine their advertising strategies.

Google’s search engine data pathway lets Keyword Planner gather information directly. It does not rely on outside estimates. Keyword Planner data helps you see search trends. It also shows market competition and potential visitors to your site. Accessing the tool requires only a Google Ads account.

Setting Up Google Keyword Planner

Before you can start using Google Keyword Planner, you’ll need to access it through a Google Ads account. The good news is that setting it up is free and doesn’t require you to run any ads.

Step 1: Go to Google Ads

• Open your browser and go to Google Ads.
• Click on “Start now” or Sign in if you already have an account.

Step 2: Create a Google Ads Account

• If you’re new to Google Ads, it will guide you through a setup process.
• When asked to create a campaign, look for the option to “Switch to Expert Mode” (usually at the bottom).
• Then, select “Create an account without a campaign” to skip the ad setup.
• Confirm your business details (country, time zone, and currency), then click Submit.

Step 3: Access Keyword Planner

• Once inside Google Ads, go to the top-right corner and click on the Tools and Settings icon (a wrench).
• Under the “Planning” section, select Keyword Planner.

Exploring Google Keyword Planner’s Features

Google Keyword Planner has two main tools: Discover New Keywords and Get Search Volume and Forecasts. Both are great for SEO. They help you find new keyword ideas and understand search trends.

Discover New Keywords

This feature helps you Discover New Keyword Ideas from topics or competitor sites. There are two ways to go about it:

• Start With Keywords – Simply enter several words or phrases that relate to your industry. Google will then show you a list of related search terms that people are searching for. If you type in “healthy meal prep,” you could find results like “easy meal prep ideas” or “best meal prep containers.”
• Start With a Website – Instead of entering a keyword, you can drop in a website URL (yours or a competitor’s). Google will analyze the site’s content and suggest keywords based on what it finds. This is a great way to see which terms are driving traffic to similar sites in your niche.

Get Search Volume and Forecasts

If you have keywords ready, this tool helps you check their search performance and potential. 

• On the Keyword Planner dashboard, select the “Get search volume and forecasts” option.
• Enter the keywords or phrases you want to analyze, separated by commas or line breaks. You can also upload a spreadsheet file of keywords.
• Click the “Get Started” button to proceed.
• Click the “Forecast” link in the top bar.
• The “Forecasts” tab displays key metrics for the next 30 days. You’ll see the total conversions, clicks, impressions, overall cost, click-through rate (CTR), and cost-per-click (CPC) you can expect.

Understanding keyword metrics: You’ll learn how often a keyword is searched each month, how competitive it is, and the estimated cost-per-click (CPC), which shows its commercial value.

Forecasting keyword performance – Google gives estimates on how a keyword might perform over time. This can help you decide if it’s worth targeting.

Spotting trends and seasonality – Some keywords see big spikes at certain times of the year (like “Black Friday deals” in November). Keeping an eye on these patterns helps you focus on keywords when they matter most.

Finding and Filtering the Best Keywords

Not all keywords are worth targeting, and that’s where filtering comes in. Google Keyword Planner gives you a ton of data, but to make the most of it, you need to narrow things down.

• Refine your list with filters. You can sort keywords by search volume, competition, and user intent. If a keyword gets thousands of searches but has crazy competition, it might be tough to rank for. On the other hand, if it has low searches but is super specific, it could bring in highly targeted traffic.
• Balance high and low competition keywords. Focusing only on high-competition keywords is tough. This is especially true if your site isn’t well-known. Using lower-competition terms can boost your traffic quickly. You can still aim for those more prominent keywords later.
• Search for long-tail keywords. These are longer, specific phrases. They often have less competition and attract visitors who are ready to decide. For example, use “best running shoes for knee pain” instead of just “running shoes.” This targets a specific group of people.
• Group-related keywords – Focus on clusters instead of one keyword per page. To make your healthy breakfast ideas more straightforward to find, include related search terms. Try phrases like “quick breakfast recipes” and “high-protein breakfasts.”

Choosing the best keywords for your content involves more than just popular search terms. Evaluating intent and competition levels shows how they fit into your content strategy. This helps in applying them correctly.

Implementing Keywords in Your SEO Strategy

Finding the right keywords is the first step in content optimization. Your chosen keywords impact “search engine rankings” and attract your audience. It’s not just about cramming in keywords. It’s about using them naturally in the right places.

• Optimize titles and headings – Your primary keyword should appear in the title and at least one heading (H1, H2, etc.). This helps both search engines and readers understand what your content is about.
• Write naturally in the content – Keywords should fit smoothly within the text. If it sounds forced, rewrite it. Google’s smart enough to recognize awkward keyword stuffing, and it won’t do you any favors.
• Use keywords in URLs – A short, keyword-rich URL is better than a long, complicated one. Instead of yourwebsite.com/p=1234, go for yourwebsite.com/best-running-shoes.
• Use keywords in meta descriptions.– They don’t affect rankings directly, but they can boost click-through rates. A well-written, keyword-optimized meta can make people more likely to click your link.
• Remember image optimization– Use keywords in image filenames and alt text. This helps search engines know what your images are about. As a result, it can improve your rankings in Google Images.
• Linking internally is essential. Use keyword-rich anchor text to connect to other relevant pages on your site. It helps with navigation and gives Google a better understanding of your content.

Related Article: How to Build a Winning Content Strategy: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using keywords the right way can boost your rankings, but making the wrong moves can do more harm than good. Here are some mistakes that can hurt your SEO without you even realizing it.

• Keyword stuffing – Forcing the same keyword into every sentence doesn’t work now. It makes content sound unnatural and can even get your page penalized. Instead, use variations and related terms to keep things smooth.
• Ignoring search intent – Just because a keyword has a high search volume doesn’t mean it’s right for your content. If someone types “best running shoes,” they likely want suggestions, not a history of running shoes. Make sure your content actually answers what users are looking for.
• Only targeting high-competition keywords – Going after prominent, popular keywords sound excellent, but if your site isn’t well-established, it’ll be tough to rank. Mixing in lower-competition, long-tail keywords can help you gain traction faster.
• Forgetting about mobile optimization – A lot of mobile searches happen. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, even the best keyword strategy won’t help much.
• Skipping internal links – Internal linking helps search engines understand your site’s structure and keeps visitors engaged. If you’re not linking between related pages, you’re missing an easy SEO win.
• Not updating old content – Search trends change, and so should your content. If you’ve got old posts ranking for outdated keywords, refresh them with newer, more relevant ones.

Other Keyword Research Tools to Try

Google Keyword Planner is great, but it’s not the only tool out there. If you want to improve your keyword research and gain a competitive edge, check out these tools.

Semrush

Semrush gives you a clear view of your competition’s ranking keywords. It also shows estimated site traffic stats. It’s excellent for finding keyword opportunities that traditional research might miss.

Ahrefs Keywords Explorer

Ahrefs delivers its users with detailed information. Users can check search volume stats and keyword difficulty ratings on this platform. They can also look at click-through rates. The tool estimates how many backlinks you need to rank for specific keywords.

WordStream Keyword Tool

If you’re looking for a simple way to find new keywords, WordStream is a solid choice. It gives real search volume numbers, not just broad ranges. This is helpful for targeting the right keywords for your industry and location.

Soovle

Soovle operates differently from other search tools. It pulls search results from various sources, such as Google, YouTube, Bing, and Amazon. The platform helps users find unique keyword ideas that target different search requests on multiple platforms.

Google Trends

It’s not a traditional keyword tool, but it’s still super helpful. Google Trends shows how search interest changes over time. This tool helps you find seasonal trends and related searches. It’s great for planning content around what’s trending in your niche.

Moz Keyword Difficulty Tool

If you want to know how tough it’ll be to rank for a keyword, this tool has you covered. It assigns a difficulty score to each keyword. This score reflects the strength of the top-ranking pages. So, it helps you find spotless competitive opportunities.

Conclusion

Mastering Google Keyword Planner and other keyword tools can boost your SEO skills. If you run a blog, manage a business site, or want to increase your online presence, knowing search trends and choosing the right keywords is key.

The key is not just finding keywords but using them strategically. Focus on relevance, intent, and natural placement. Avoid outdated tactics like keyword stuffing, and always keep user experience in mind. SEO isn’t just about ranking—it’s about connecting with the right audience at the right time.

And remember, Google Keyword Planner is just one piece of the puzzle. Try using tools like Semrush, Ahrefs, or Google Trends. They can give you valuable insights. You might find opportunities that others overlook.

SEO changes all the time. So, stay flexible. Try new strategies and keep improving your approach. The more you practice, the better you’ll find and rank the keywords that matter to your audience.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do I need to pay to use Google Keyword Planner?

Nope! Google Keyword Planner is free to use. You do need a Google Ads account to access it, but you don’t have to run any paid ads to use the tool.

Can I use Google Keyword Planner for SEO even though it’s made for ads?

Yes, absolutely. The tool helps advertisers and provides valid keyword data for SEO. Many marketers and bloggers use it to find the best keywords for their content.

How do I find the best keywords for my website?

Start by entering words related to your topic in the “Discover new keywords” tool. Look for terms with good search volume but not too much competition. Consider long-tail keywords. They might have fewer searches, but they often attract more targeted traffic.

How accurate is the search volume data in Keyword Planner?

Google Keyword Planner provides search volume ranges instead of exact numbers. This makes analysis tricky. To get more precise data, try combining it with tools like Ahrefs or Semrush. This can give you a clearer view.

How often should I update my keyword strategy?

SEO trends change over time, so it’s a good idea to check your keyword strategy every few months. Trends change, new competitors emerge, and Google updates its algorithm, so being flexible is crucial.

What’s the difference between short-tail and long-tail keywords?

Short-tail keywords are general terms, such as “shoes” or “fitness tips.” They attract many searches but face tough competition. Long-tail keywords are specific phrases, such as “best running shoes for flat feet.” They may have fewer searches, but they often result in higher conversion rates.

Does using keywords guarantee that my page will rank on Google?

No, keywords alone won’t get you to the top. Google considers several factors, including content quality, backlinks, user experience, and page speed. Using the right keywords is essential. But to rank well, you need a strong SEO strategy.

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