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How To Start A Blog About Music And Make A Living Online


The Ultimate Guide To Free Keyword Search Tools

Keyword Search Tools

How To Do Keyword Research With Google


How To Do Keyword Research With Google

Find keywords for a website using free keyword research tools. Google Instant, Alphabet Soup Technique, and Ubersuggest Chrome extension. Learn how to do it.

keyword search tools


The Google Instant

Google instant is done by typing a word or words in the Google.com search box to see what Google suggests.

If I try to type “blogging” on the search box, see what Google thinks I’m looking for based on what other people are searching.

how to find keywords for your website


Try adding “how” and Google will suggest different related searches for your query.

How To Find Keywords For My Website


Whenever you feel lost not knowing what to write about, using the Google instant can give you hundreds of keywords. You’ll never run out of topics.


The Alphabet Soup Technique

The alphabet soup technique is done by adding the letters of the alphabet to your original query. For example:

Type “blogging” space then press “a.”

how to find keywords for a website


Google is going to give you different sets of keywords, still based on what people are searching for.

Try the “blogging how” then “a” - I know it doesn’t make sense right? LOL. But Google can make sense of it. Look!

best keywords my website


The alphabet soup technique can literally give you thousands of ideas. I haven’t tried reaching the “z” yet but I have already a long list of topics that are begging to be written, lol.

After getting some ideas, you need to know some metrics.

  1. Average monthly searches;
  2. Websites competing for that keyword/keyword phrase;
  3. CPC (good to know if your articles are “money pages” - more on this below)


Keywords' Average Monthly Searches

This can come in many names, depending on the platform. It basically is the number of average monthly searches that the keyword/keyword phrase receives in a month.


Will It Have a Good Amount Of Readers?

We do not write for no one. We want our articles to reach as many readers as possible.

In order to make sure that your article is found, you have to make sure that it is getting "enough traffic."



Ubbersuggest is free (with limits) as of updating this lesson. 

Once you have it, perform the above methods and press enter when you see a keyword you want to target. The difference now that you have the Chrome extension for Ubbersuggest is you'll see the important metrics.


Metric #1: Average Monthly Searches


I typed "free keyword research tools."

See the screenshot.

free keyword research tools


According to the screenshot above, the average monthly searches is 2,900 which is good (the higher, the better). But on the sidebar, it says 3,600 (Vol), which is still good.

No matter what tool you use, as long as there are potential readers, it should be enough to “pass the test” for our Metric #1, which is, it should have decent amount of searches.

Note that the results can vary over time. It can increase or decrease, so at least aim for a higher number, compared to when you target those with 30 or 50 only - they can potentially become zero over time.


Metric #2: Competition


How “Competitive” Is Your Keyword?

Looking at the average monthly searches is just half of the formula in trying to find a good keyword.

The next thing you have to look at is how many websites are competing for that EXACT keyword.

In Ubbersuggest, it's the "SD."

best free keyword research tools

Ubbersuggest: Look for "SD (Search Difficulty)"


The lower the competition the better you have a "chance" for the position 1 on Page 1 of Google and other search engines.

I say "chance" because no one can ever guarantee a ranking. Keyword research is just one of the many factors in ranking for a position on Page 1.

It is important that your post gets on Page 1 of search results. Most people don’t get past page 1. They will, on average, just read all that is on Page 1 of Google, Yahoo, Bing and other search engines.

You don’t need to worry about getting on Page 1 when you are just starting out. Remember, you need to earn Google's trust.

As long as you consistently publish quality contents with good keywords, the search engines will begin to see your website as having value and they will start putting your posts on top search results. 🙂

A friendly reminder: There are two reasons why you may not see the metrics results in Google Chrome.

1. They're way below the bottom of the page.

2. You already reached the search limits for the day. You need to come back after 24 hours.


If you are creating lots of video contents, you can go directly to YouTube search bar and perform the keyword research there, like this:

affiliate marketing on youtube


However, since there are more people who performs search queries in the Google search itself, it wouldn't hurt to focus on the results from Google search page, unless you don't have a website. 


Metric #3: CPC or Cost Per Click


If I want to write a "selling" article, like a review, I will use the "CPC" metrics of Ubbersuggest.

When looking at CPC or Cost Per Click, the higher it is, the more "valuable" the keyword is. It means advertisers are willing to spend money per click on that keyword.


Conclusion On How To Do Keyword Research With Google


One thing that you have to take note of choosing a keyword is that it should make sense. It should also be grammatically correct or at least in “proper” English.

There are some keywords that you might encounter that are tempting to use because it has zero competition with a good amount of monthly searches.

But if it is not making any sense when you put it in a sentence or worse, your title, don’t use it.

Use the Google instant and alphabet soup technique to get some keywords for inspiration and plug them into your Google Chrome browser with Ubbersuggest Chrome extension.


Note: I do not want you to focus on keywords when creating your contents. It tends to hinder the content creation process.

While it is important to know what keywords you are specifically targeting, I believe you only need to learn THE LONG TAIL KEYWORDS (separate lesson) when you are already optimizing the content for Search Engine Optimization.


How To Find Content And Keywords Using Facebook


How To Find Content And Keywords Using Facebook


Before you can have a content plan, it is important that you do a market research. How do you do it?

Start by determining where your target audience spends most of their time in, like a specific social media platform.

By doing market research, you will not only have TONS of ideas on what to write about but you will also have an opportunity to market or share your content with your chosen social media platform as you publish content.

Social media shares can help in signaling Google to rank you higher in search results. Social media visits can also "supplement" your organic visitors (i.e. visitors coming from search engines).

Doing market research on the social media platform you use actively will really give you an edge, and here’s how.


How To Find Content For A Blog


Are you a member of a private or public Facebook group based on your interests/needs? I am.

One of the private Facebook groups and group chats I belong to is my daughter’s homeschooling community. In the Facebook group/chat, you’ll read all sorts of problems.

“Where did you get that book?”

“Where can I download that file?”

“Can you teach me how to print that pdf in a way that I can have a back to back printing like a normal book?

And so on!

If I will backread all the messages which are piling up everyday, I can potentially create a niche out of those “problems!”

Afterwhich, I can “market” or share my blog posts to answer the questions which can help them.

Now imagine if I start to really promote "my blog" to the private Facebook group/chat that I belong to should I decide to build a blog out of their questions?

Every newbie homeschooling parent (specifically, Charlotte Mason homeschooling parents) will definitely appreciate my efforts and I can end up gaining their trust.

They "might" even refer to me as a “go-to person” for all things Charlotte Mason> the Philippines>Grade1/Level1 - Niche.

Another Facebook group I belong to is a public group called “Manila Grows Food” which has 23,000 plus members as of updating this lesson. Now, these people are “very targeted.”

They joined the group voluntarily to learn about urban gardening. These are the people who probably are just starting out, or are already “experts” in growing food in pots/containers.

Browsing the newsfeed, I see all sorts of “problems.”

“Can you please advise me why my tomatoes are not bearing fruits?”

“Where did you get that pot? It’s so cute!”

“How can I prevent/get rid of stray cats (my problem, LOL) so they will leave my plants alone?

Since these are “targeted audiences,” they will surely read/consume your content should your blog post/YouTube video really help their problems. 

The point here is that even if you are not active in social media, you can still do your market research in social media, and start by focusing on the platform that you really use.

So, why don't you head over to a social media platform that you MOSTLY use? Go to a public Facebook group that you belong to and do a market research.

IDEALLY, it should be your interest because if you are not interested in the topic, you will eventually drop the niche and start over again. So do it right from the start. Choose what interests you. It will keep the fire burning, LOL.

Don’t just settle for “profitable.” Don’t do what I did in the past - sticking to reviewing Amazon products just because they bring in money FAST and pay the bills - it’s no different from having a 9 to 5 job.

And even if I sold so many Amazon products in the past (using Affiliate marketing), the minute I stopped creating contents, my traffic dropped.

My visitors in the "buying stage" although profitable, are only good as long as they are in my site. The minute they leave, that's the end of our relationship, lol.

Choose your interest so you can passionately create contents. Because I love teaching, doing motion graphics, and exploring designs - not to mention writing, I can come up with contents fast enough before I get tired.

When I was still working for my first ever blog, it felt like a chore. It drained me. In the end, I can only produce 3 articles a week, which I really worked hard for (more than 10 hours per content).

Social media is not going away anytime in the future, so if you do not have a social media account yet, I highly encourage you to at least have one.

It can really help you with your market research.

I highly suggest using Facebook since you can find people of all ages there. On the Facebook search bar, look for "targeted" Facebook groups based on your interest.

It should be a public group (Facebook posts can also rank in Google). And yes, you will share your articles there as you publish in the future.

Since these are "targeted people" who have an interest in what you are sharing (which can help them), they will engage in your posts - like and share without you soliciting for it.

They will be your free social media automation tools and market research place (which can normally cost an arm and leg).  


Examples Of The Process Of Keyword Research


Examples Of The Process Of Keyword Research


I am mostly a silent reader of “Manila Grows Food” public Facebook group, I consume most of the people’s “contents” while lying down trying to sleep.

I see people sharing their successes in growing specific plants, asking questions, and some are even selling fertilizers (but they are mostly deleted by the admin).

As I browsed the newsfeed, I saw some questions, and did a little keyword research.

So, as you will see below, I will aim to come up with keywords which will be good for a 1 month content plan.

Reminder again: Ubersuggest is free but have limitations. If you cannot see the results anymore, that means you already reached the limit for the day and need to come back after 24 hours.

Idea #1: “Why do you use plastic forks and knives in the plant box?”

Target Keyword

Searches

Competition

forks in the garden

70

6

Idea #2: “My Basil plants started to die, since it's started raining. I'm not sure why, but anyone who can give any tips on how to save my basil?”

to do keyword research for content marketing

Target Keyword

Searches

Competition

overwatered basil

480

19

Idea #3: “Got these seeds today: Carolina Reaper and Habanero. Before I even attempt to start planting them, do you have any tips and advice as to how to take care of them or effectively make them grow?”

keyword research for content marketing

Target Keyword

Searches

Competition

Habanero

plant stages

260

16

How to grow

Carolina reaper

480

17

Idea #4: A shared blog post about “compact edible garden.”

how to do keyword research for beginners
keyword search marketing

Target Keyword

Searches

Competition

edible garden plants

320

43

list of edible plants

with pictures

720

7

Companion planting examples

110

14

Companion planting garden layout

1,300

18

Companion planting chart for vegetables

720

11

Companion planting

tomatoes

9,900

16

Companion planting potatoes

3,600

15

See how I easily gathered topics to produce contents about? And I only scrolled the Facebook feed for 10 minutes! 

To test the potential of this public Facebook group if they will engage in my post should I decide to create and share solutions to their problems, I posted a helpful post... 

A little background:

Two weeks ago, I went to this group desperate for solutions on how I can stop stray cats from ruining my vegetables. I went there (instead of Google) since these are “targeted helpers who will not sell me anything.”

And we share something common: we grow food in an urban setting.

Beginner gardeners like me (I’m trying to grow some edibles in pots/small space) are always excited to “harvest.”

Everyday, we check how many leaves are added, if there are caterpillars snacking on the leaves (LOL), or pests, etc.

Now, imagine one morning what we will feel if stray cats will just end up stamping on the vegetables that you are supposed to already harvest, and worse, leave their poop over there?

Okay, end of background story, LOL.

So my problem with stray cats has been going on for 3 days, before I asked for help since I cannot take it anymore.

Googling didn’t necessarily helped me. (Most of them don't have a blog! So YES!!! Can you see the potential of these 23,000 targeted people who I can invite here in my blog, and benefit from my FREE training, using the topic they are already passionate about?)

So anyway, my post was flooded with “helpers.” Some of them suggested sticking forks or plastic knives in the ground, while others told me to put citrus (including my mother, LOL).

After doing all the suggestions, something finally worked! Just put a water bottle (with water) and place it beside the pot!

Since I owe the “solution” to the group, I shared it with them. Most of them started to really “engage” (HINT: engagement is super necessary in social media marketing).

Someone asked: “Do I put the water bottle beside the pot or inside the pot?”

Another question: “Does anyone know how to stop stray dogs from digging the soil in the pot?”

Most of them started giving me theories (links to other blogs) why it worked.

If I have a blog post about it, and IF the “solution” I shared is a blog post, instead of just the photo of my plant with a water bottle beside it, see how people are already giving me suggestions on how I can start to “improve” my post.

I can include their questions to my blog post now, so every time someone has a problem with stray cats, my blog post (with complete proven solutions) will be the ANSWER! It will be a “cornerstone content” now.

According to Yoast (a tool used for SEO, separate lesson), a cornerstone content should be the most comprehensive and longest article in your blog (you can have 4 to 5 cornerstone contents).

If I have an urban gardening blog, one of the cornerstone contents can be the solution to stray cats (compilation of all other blogs’ solutions + my compiled suggestions from the Facebook group + my proven solution to give it credibility).

And do you know what else happened after I shared the solution to them? My post was “shared” although I didn’t solicit for shares! 

Social media shares is one of MANY factors for ranking in Google!

While your competitors are “manipulating” their shares, using expensive automation tools just to “share” a post they either probably spend money/time on, and “marketing” it to random audiences who are not actually interested at all - HERE you are, in this targeted Facebook group - helping people who need your help.

And you don’t need to solicit shares because they will share it and tag people they know who have the same problem!

Now, from a single “specific” problem, which is now solved (for now), I can go ahead and look for solutions to stray dogs.

I can even start to look for products on Amazon that can stop specific pests like snails (yes, I also saw the problem on Facebook. Snails are snacking in my friend’s garden, LOL)!

I googled, “What product should I buy to get rid of snails?” Since there are no “potential” keywords, I can move on to the next related topic with a good potential.

If I want to earn money faster, I will focus my research in Amazon search bar:

I typed “snail repellant” and Amazon products started to populate! 

how to do keyword research for seo

So now, I have a HELPFUL article (which doesn’t expire easily), integrated with Amazon products which I do not have to review since reviews can expire over years, and just embed Amazon products (with my Affiliate link) as “Products To Explore” or "What's selling?" 

When you want to update the Amazon products in this post, you can “update” it by choosing:

“What’s new, what’s selling and what’s hot.” People like new/latest products!

There are few things to note about the keywords that I chose, aside from the number of searches and the competition.

The topics will not easily “expire.”

If you write about why people use forks in their garden, the answers “might evolve” over time. But in concept, the reasons behind doing it were the same years ago as it will be years from now.

Growing a Carolina reaper will require the same elements: how much water, how much sun, and how big the container should be.

Wherever you are in the world, five years after you publish the content, there might be new technologies to grow it, but as long as your post is talking about growing in soil, then you don’t have to revise it often compared to when you are writing product reviews.

Also, seeing the results above, I know that I will prioritize the "companion planting tomatoes" content. Not only because so many people are searching for "help" about it and there's only a little competition - but because, as a beginner gardener, I know how hard it is to grow tomatoes! 

If you have a solution that works, people will definitely consume your content and in the end, you can end up gaining their trust.

Here's the thing - this is a tempting niche to explore. It is an "evergreen niche." So many years ago, people are already trying to learn how to grow vegetables.

Many years from now, the basic process of growing vegetables will be the same as long as you are using soil. There might be new technologies in the future, but the "classic way" of growing vegetables will not change. 

Spending time to pursue a niche just because it is evergreen is something to consider. It can take time to see monetary results since you are not aggressively mentioning products and services which can give you big commissions.

Instead, you are trying to grow a crazy amount of page views (which is a requirement for displaying high quality ads), but consider it as an investment.

In the future, you don't have to keep on revising since your contents will not easily expire.

Before you can make money about these topics, specifically through affiliate marketing, you need to help. Produce contents that can help your target audience.

To see the potential of this niche if you'll be doing affiliate marketing, I Googled for “urban gardening affiliate programs.” You can do the same by Googling your niche + affiliate program.

There are tons of affiliate programs in urban gardening. And there’s Amazon, which has almost all products you can think of to begin with.

keyword research optimization

You'll see that even with a lower domain score (newbies start with "1"), you can still have a chance of outranking an "authority" website!

Here’s a little exercise for you:

Finalize your keyword list for 1 month. Use Google spreadsheet so it autosaves reliably and you’ll have a copy wherever you go (as long as there’s internet).

Use Google Docs to start producing your first 12 chosen topics, or you can choose a method which is the most comfortable for you - writing or making videos.

If you love making videos, stick to it so you'll not struggle with creating contents. It should be helpful videos, showing solutions, and educating the audience how to get rid of the problem.

Do this for the next 1 month. (Yes, try to produce 12 in a month. That’s how you will get the momentum going).

Don’t worry if you don’t finish all. If you aim for 7, you might end up with just 6, 4, or even just 2. It’s still a good progress compared to aiming for just 2 to begin with!

If you are struggling to come up with contents, focus on your existing skills.

If not, just dedicate time and be willing to learn new ones. Instead of thinking that acquiring new skills can delay your content creation process, consider it as an investment.

Should I Start A Blog

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  1. This work is well-organized, and I find it enjoyable. The idea is straightforward but effective. Thank you very much for taking the time to share your knowledge!

  2. The Google free keyword tool is a lifesaver. It’s the main resource I use, and it has been doing wonders for me!

    I’ve gotten tons of high-ranking keywords from this, even new ideas when I was struggling to find any on my own. If you’re looking for an amazing way to give your rankings a boost, then trust in Goggle Free Keyword Tool!

    1. It’s a good starting point indeed. Lately, I’ve been getting my Headings (H3s and H4s) from its “People Also Ask” section as well as from its “Related Searches” section at the bottom of the page. 🙂

  3. Hi Pitin, 

    I have never seen an article on keyword research that is so detailed and yet so easy to read. I cannot compliment you enough for your fabulous dedication in actually teaching the right methods of research. This blog is a wonder, and I have bookmarked your website for reading articles again and again. 

    Thank you. God bless you.

    Regards,

    Aparna

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