How Do I Find My Popular Keywords?
Ever feel like your website is shouting into the void? You’re not alone. The key to getting noticed online is using the right keywords—the ones people are actually searching for. But how do you find them? Do you need some fancy software? A PhD in SEO? Nope! Just a few clever strategies, a sprinkle of curiosity, and a bit of persistence.
Let’s break it down step by step so you can uncover your most popular keywords and use them to your advantage.
Step 1: Use Google Search Suggestions (Because Google Knows Best)
Start simple. Go to Google and type in a keyword related to your niche. Notice how Google autocompletes your search? Those suggestions come straight from real user queries. Write them down—they’re pure gold.
Bonus Tip: Scroll to the bottom of the search results page and check out the “Related searches” section. More keyword ideas, served on a silver platter!
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Step 2: Dive Into Google Search Console (Your Free SEO Sidekick)
Google Search Console (GSC) shows you exactly which keywords people are using to find your site. Here’s how to access them:
- Log in to Google Search Console.
- Click on Performance.
- Scroll down to Queries.
- Boom! A list of keywords you’re already ranking for.
Pay attention to keywords with high impressions but low clicks—these are opportunities to optimize your content and improve click-through rates.
Step 3: Leverage Free SEO Tools (Because Who Doesn’t Love Freebies?)
If you want more keyword data, try these free tools:
| Tool | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Google Trends | Shows keyword popularity over time |
| Ubersuggest | Provides keyword ideas & search volume |
| Answer the Public | Finds common questions people ask |
| Keyword Surfer | Displays search volume in Google |
Using these tools, you can find trending keywords and discover what your audience is really searching for.
Step 4: Spy on Your Competitors (Ethically, Of Course)
If your competitors are ranking higher than you, it’s time to reverse-engineer their success. Here’s how:
- Go to their website and scan their blog post titles.
- Use SEMrush or Ahrefs to find their top-ranking keywords.
- Identify gaps—keywords they’re missing that you could target.
It’s not stealing; it’s smart strategy.
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Step 5: Check Out Social Media & Forums (Because People Talk… A Lot)
Sometimes, the best keyword insights come from social media and forums. Check out:
- Reddit & Quora – What questions are people asking in your niche?
- Twitter & LinkedIn – What industry trends are being discussed?
- Facebook Groups – What words/phrases keep popping up?
These real-world conversations can help you discover new keyword opportunities before your competitors do.
Step 6: Analyze Your Own Website Data (Your Secret Treasure Trove)
If you already have some traffic, take a deep dive into Google Analytics:
- Go to Acquisition > Search Console > Queries.
- Look at Bounce Rate & Time on Page – Which keywords keep people engaged?
- Identify long-tail keywords that drive the best traffic.
Use this data to fine-tune your content strategy and attract more of the right visitors.
FAQs
1. How often should I update my keyword strategy?
At least every 3-6 months. Trends change, and so should your keywords!
2. Are long-tail keywords better than short ones?
Yes! Long-tail keywords (e.g., “best running shoes for flat feet”) attract more targeted traffic than generic ones (e.g., “running shoes”).
3. Can I use too many keywords?
Yep. It’s called keyword stuffing, and Google hates it. Instead, use keywords naturally within valuable content.
Conclusion
Finding your popular keywords isn’t rocket science—it’s a mix of curiosity, research, and smart tools. Start with Google’s suggestions, dig into Search Console, leverage free tools, study competitors, and tap into social media.
Now it’s your turn! Try these strategies today, and let me know in the comments which ones worked best for you.
