Keyword Planner: The Ultimate Guide to Keyword Research

Google Keyword Planner is a free tool that helps bloggers find high-traffic, low-competition keywords to improve their blog’s SEO and increase organic traffic.


Why Bloggers Should Use Google Keyword Planner? 

Find the best keywords for blog topics

Discover search volume & competition

Get content ideas based on user searches

Improve SEO rankings & attract more visitors

Identify commercial keywords for monetization

Learn More>>The Ultimate SEO Guide for Bloggers: Drive More Traffic Fast


Step 1: Access Google Keyword Planner

Since Keyword Planner is a part of Google Ads, you need an account to use it.

1️ Go to Google Keyword Planner

2️ Click “Sign in” or “Start Now”

3️ Create a Google Ads Account (You won’t be charged)

4️ Click “Switch to Expert Mode” (to avoid ad campaign setup)

5️ Click “Tools and Settings” → “Keyword Planner”

Learn More>> How to Choose the Perfect Blog Topic for More Traffic


Step 2: Choose a Research Option

Google Keyword Planner provides two main options:

🔍 1. “Discover New Keywords” 

  • Helps you find new blog topic ideas
  • Shows related keywords people are searching for

📊 2. “Get Search Volume & Forecasts” 

  • Helps you check search volume & competition
  • Useful for validating keyword choices

👉 For bloggers, “Discover New Keywords” is the best option.  

Learn More>>Google Trends-The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Trend Research


Step 3: Find Blog Keywords 

1️ Enter a seed keyword or phrase (e.g., “travel tips”)

2️ Choose a target location (e.g., USA, UK, Global)

3️ Click “Get Results” 

📌 Google Keyword Planner will show:

Avg. Monthly Searches – How many times people search for the keyword

Competition Level – Low, Medium, or High

Top of Page Bid (Low/High) – Used for Google Ads but also shows commercial intent

👉 Look for keywords with:
High search volume (above 1,000 searches/month)

Low or Medium competition (easier to rank)

Relevant to your niche

Learn More>> Blog Niche Selection: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners


Step 4: Analyze Keyword Suggestions

Google will generate hundreds of keyword ideas based on your seed term.

📌 Best Keywords for Blogging:

Long-Tail Keywords (e.g., “best travel tips for solo travelers”)

Question Keywords (e.g., “how to save money on flights?”)

Informational Keywords (e.g., “best budget travel destinations”)

👉 Example (Food Blog)

🔍Seed Keyword: “Healthy recipes”

📌Keyword Ideas:

  • “easy healthy breakfast recipes” – 8,000 searches/month
  • “quick healthy dinner ideas” – 5,000 searches/month
  • “high-protein meal prep” – 3,000 searches/month 

Step 5: Check Keyword Search Trends 📊 

To see if a keyword is gaining popularity:

1️ Click on a keyword

2️ Check the search volume trend graph

3️ If the trend is increasing, it’s a good keyword to target 

👉 Example: “Home workouts” had a huge spike in 2020 due to COVID-19.


Step 6: Export Keywords & Use Them in Blog Content

1️ Select the best 5-10 keywords

2️ Click “Download” or copy them into a spreadsheet

3️ Use them in your blog post titles, headings, and meta descriptions

📌 Where to Use Keywords in Blog Posts?
Title → Example: “10 Easy Healthy Breakfast Recipes”

URLyourblog.com/easy-healthy-breakfast-recipes

Headings (H1, H2, H3) → Include variations of the keyword

Meta Description → Helps with search engine rankings

Image Alt Text → Describe images using keywords


Step 7: Find Commercial Keywords for Monetization 💰

If you want to make money from your blog, look for high CPC (cost-per-click) keywords.

📌 Example:
🔍Keyword: “Best web hosting for bloggers”

CPC: $10+ (High commercial value)

Affiliate programs available

👉 Use these keywords in blog posts to earn affiliate income!

Learn More>> Proven Ways to Make Money Blogging: Turn Passion into Profit


Step 8: Track & Optimize Your Keywords 🔄

SEO is an ongoing process. Keep optimizing your blog content by:

📌 Checking Keyword Rankings: Use tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest

📌 Updating Old Blog Posts: Refresh content with new keywords

📌 Monitoring Trends: Adjust strategy based on search demand


Final Summary: Google Keyword Planner Checklist

Sign Up for Google Keyword Planner

Use “Discover New Keywords” for blog ideas

Analyze Search Volume & Competition

Pick Long-Tail & Low-Competition Keywords

Check Keyword Trends for Popularity

Use Keywords in Blog Posts for SEO

Find High CPC Keywords for Monetization

Track Rankings & Update Content Regularly

🚀 Follow these steps to grow your blog traffic & rank higher on Google!

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