Keyword Research for Beginners

When I started writing online, I never thought about finding the right keyword for my content.

I believed that when you start a blog, the most important thing is just to show up and stay consistent.

But reality hit me hard.

It wasn’t that easy.

Before writing a blog, you must know not only your topic but also the keyword you’re targeting to rank on Google.

Without it, you’re just writing in the dark with no guarantee of traffic.

What is Keyword Research and Why Does It Matter?

From the word itself, a keyword is simply what a user types into Google’s search bar.

It could be anything, such as “adobong manok recipe”, “bake a cake easily”, or “affordable earphones for students”.

No matter how broad, short, or long it is, it’s still a keyword.

But here’s the important part: keywords serve different purposes based on search intent, the user’s why.

When writing a blog, your keyword must align with both your content and the user’s intent.

The Four Types of Search Intent

1. Informational – The user is looking for answers. (“what is keyword research”)
2. Navigational – They want a specific site. (“mark laurence blog”)
3. Transactional – They plan to buy something. (“buy earphones for students”)
4. Commercial – They’re comparing before purchase. (“affordable laptops for engineering students”)

Understanding intent helps you create content that actually solves a problem and gives you a better chance of ranking on Google.

Why You Should Not Skip Keyword Research

Some people say you can ignore keyword research at first and just promote your posts on social media.

But that advice is wrong.

I actually followed it, and after years of blogging without keyword research, I ended up with zero traffic.

My website became a liability, costing me money for the domain and hosting, but giving nothing back.

It took me three years to realize I was doing it all wrong.

Here’s why keyword research matters:

1. It Improves Search Engine Ranking

With the right keywords, you can create valuable content that matches user intent and helps Google understand your post. This increases your chances of ranking higher.

2. It Increases Website Traffic

When you target the right audience, your traffic grows, especially if you rank on Google. Some of my posts now rank well simply because I provided value, answered user questions, and got straight to the point.

3. It Helps You Beat the Competition

Keyword research shows whether you can compete with big sites like Wikipedia, HubSpot, or Moz.

Sometimes, your post can outrank them if you target the right niche and add unique value.

However, these websites are already the “big names” in the industry. Try to outrank small website owners first, just be realistic with your goals, and you will get there.

How to Find the Best Keyword for Your Blog Post

Seed Keywords

Seed keywords are broad starting points like “adobo”, “msi laptop”, or “aircon”.

They’re usually too competitive for beginners, but you can turn them into opportunities. Type them in Google and look at:

• Autocomplete suggestions
• People Also Ask section
• Related Searches at the bottom

For example, instead of just “study table,” you can target “study table for students”, a more specific, lower-competition keyword.

Free and Paid Keyword Research Tools

After brainstorming seed keywords, you can refine them with tools.

Here are the tools I use:

• Google Keyword Planner – Built for ads but helpful for keyword ideas and search volumes.
• Screaming Frog – Great for deep site analysis, though I use it rarely.
• Ubersuggest – Helps validate keyword choices and is SEO-focused.

I also rely and look on Google’s own suggestions under “People Also Ask” and “Related Searches.”

If you’re serious about blogging, paid tools like SEMRush and Ahrefs give more data and even allow competitor analysis. Many offer free trials so you can test them first.

The Goldilocks Principle of Keywords

The right keyword is not too broad, not too competitive—it’s “just right.”

Instead of chasing high-volume, impossible-to-rank terms, go for:

• Decent search volume
• Low to medium competition
• Long-tail keywords (specific phrases with clear intent)

For example, instead of “laptop,” try “best laptops under 30k for engineering students.”

Check competitor posts, see what they lack, and improve on them. This signals Google that your content is more valuable.

From Keyword to Content

Once you’ve chosen a keyword, it’s time to write.

Golden rule: Write for humans, not for robots.

Yes, use keywords in your title, headings, and meta description, but naturally.

Avoid keyword stuffing. You can also use related terms to keep your writing smooth and engaging.

A Simple Workflow for Your Next Blog Post

1. Pick a topic in your niche.
2. Find seed keywords and expand with Google search.
3. Use free or paid tools to check search volume and competition.
4. Create a clear outline.
5. Write your post, and include your keywords naturally.

Actionable Plan for Beginners

Here’s a practical plan you can follow right after reading this:

• 1. Open Google and type a seed keyword related to your niche. Note down autocomplete suggestions.
• 2. Scroll to the bottom of the search results and list the “Related Searches.”
• 3. Pick 3–5 potential long-tail keywords from your list.
• 4. Use Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to check search volume and competition.
• 5. Choose one keyword with good volume and low competition.
• 6. Create a blog outline based on the keyword’s intent.
• 7. Write your content naturally, placing the keyword in your title, intro, headings, and conclusion.
• 8. Publish and track performance in Google Search Console.

If you follow this for every post, you’ll steadily grow traffic and rank for the right audience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best free keyword research tool?
There is no such thing as the best keyword tool, but if I were to choose, I’d go with Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest if you are just starting.

2. How long does it take to rank for a keyword?
It depends on your niche and competition. For low-competition keywords, you may see results in 3–6 months. But really, no exact period; it depends on your strategies.

3. Should beginners focus on long-tail keywords?
Yes. Long-tail keywords are easier to rank for and bring in more targeted readers.

4. How many keywords should I target in one blog post?
Focus on one main keyword, then use related keywords naturally throughout your content.

5. Can I rank without keyword research?
It’s possible, but very unlikely. Keyword research increases your chances of being discovered by the right audience.

Conclusion

Keyword research might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s one of the most important steps in blogging.

It helps you discover what people are actually searching for, align your content with user intent, and compete with other websites, even the big ones.

When done right, keyword research not only boosts your chances of ranking on Google but also ensures your content truly helps your readers.

So if you’re serious about blogging, don’t skip this step. Start small, stay consistent, and let your keywords guide you toward creating content that matters.