How do I do keyword research for a blog post?
Start with seed keywords
Brainstorm a broad topic your blog covers, like 'beginner gardening.' Type it into Google and note the autocomplete suggestions—these are real searches people make. Also check 'People also ask' and related searches at the bottom of the results page.
Use free tools like AnswerThePublic or AlsoAsked to see questions people ask around your topic. These give you long-tail keyword ideas that are easier to rank for than broad terms.
Evaluate and choose keywords
For each keyword, check its monthly search volume and competition level using a tool like Ubersuggest, Keywords Everywhere, or Google Keyword Planner. Aim for keywords with moderate volume (say, 100–1,000 searches per month) and low competition when you're starting out.
Look at the top 10 results for your keyword. If they're all huge sites like Wikipedia or major brands, it's probably too competitive. If you see smaller blogs or forums, you have a chance.
- Use long-tail keywords (3+ words) for less competition
- Match search intent: informational, navigational, commercial, or transactional
- Check if the keyword is relevant to your blog's niche
- Group similar keywords into one post to avoid cannibalization
Common mistakes
- Targeting only high-volume keywords that are too competitive for a new blog.
- Ignoring search intent—writing a how-to post for a keyword where people want to buy something.
- Stuffing keywords unnaturally instead of writing for readers first.
