Keyword research is one of the most important steps in creating a blog or website that attracts readers. Simply writing content without knowing what people search for is like throwing darts blindfolded—you might hit something, but mostly, you’ll miss. The good news is that you don’t need expensive tools to start keyword research. Google provides several free, beginner-friendly tools that help you discover what your audience is searching for, so you can create content that ranks and drives traffic.
This guide will walk you through step-by-step keyword research using free Google tools, without any technical jargon.
Why Keyword Research Matters
Keyword research helps you understand:
-
What people are searching for: Find real questions and problems your audience wants answered.
-
Search volume: Estimate how many people are looking for a specific topic.
-
Competition: Gauge how hard it will be to rank for a term.
-
Content ideas: Get inspiration for blog posts, videos, or guides.
When done correctly, keyword research ensures your content matches real user intent and increases the chances of ranking higher on Google.
Google Tools You Can Use for Free
Here are the main free Google tools for beginners:
-
Google Search – Basic searches provide instant ideas through autocomplete.
-
Google Trends – Shows popularity of keywords over time and region.
-
Google Keyword Planner – Available through Google Ads; provides search volume, trends, and related keywords.
-
Google Search Console – Shows which keywords already bring traffic to your site.
Let’s go step by step on how to use them.
Step 1: Start With Google Search Autocomplete
Google’s search bar gives suggestions as you type—these are terms people frequently search for.
How to use it:
-
Go to Google.com and type a general topic related to your niche.
-
Look at the autocomplete suggestions (e.g., typing “easy breakfast” might suggest “easy breakfast recipes,” “easy breakfast ideas for kids,” etc.).
-
Make a list of these suggestions—they are real, popular searches.
Pro tip: Use the underscore _ to see more variations. For example, typing “easy breakfast _” shows Google’s prediction for common endings.
Step 2: Analyze Trends With Google Trends
Google Trends helps you understand keyword popularity over time. It also shows regional interest, so you can target users in specific countries.
How to use it:
-
Visit Google Trends.
-
Enter a keyword from your list.
-
Check if interest is rising, stable, or declining.
-
Compare multiple keywords to see which one is more promising.
Pro tip: Seasonal keywords (like “Christmas recipes”) can get traffic at specific times—plan content ahead.
Step 3: Find Search Volume With Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is a free tool that gives average monthly searches, competition level, and related keywords. It requires a free Google Ads account.
How to use it:
-
Sign in to Google Ads and go to Keyword Planner.
-
Click “Discover new keywords.”
-
Enter a keyword from your list.
-
Review search volume, competition (low, medium, high), and related keyword suggestions.
-
Choose keywords with reasonable search volume and low-to-medium competition for easier ranking.
Pro tip: Focus on long-tail keywords (3–5 words). They usually have lower competition and attract more targeted traffic.
Step 4: Track Your Current Keywords With Google Search Console
If your blog already has some posts, Google Search Console shows which keywords bring visitors.
How to use it:
-
Go to Google Search Console.
-
Click “Performance” to see clicks, impressions, and positions.
-
Identify keywords that already rank and optimize posts around them.
-
Use this data to improve old posts and find opportunities for new content.
Pro tip: Focus on keywords with high impressions but low clicks—you may just need a better title or meta description.
Step 5: Organize Your Keywords
Once you gather keywords, create a simple spreadsheet with:
-
Keyword
-
Search volume
-
Competition
-
Related topics
This helps you plan content, avoid duplicates, and target a mix of high-volume, competitive keywords and low-volume, long-tail keywords.
Step 6: Use Keywords Naturally in Your Content
-
Include the main keyword in your title, headings, and first paragraph.
-
Use related keywords naturally in the body.
-
Avoid stuffing keywords—Google prioritizes helpful, readable content.
Pro tip: Answer the reader’s question fully. Keywords help Google find your content, but quality content keeps users engaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for keyword research tools?
No. Free Google tools provide enough information for beginners. Paid tools may offer advanced analytics, but they aren’t required to get started.
How many keywords should I target per post?
Focus on one main keyword and 2–3 related keywords per post. This keeps content focused and easier to rank.
Can I use keywords from Google Trends only?
Yes, but combine them with insights from Keyword Planner and Search Autocomplete for a well-rounded strategy.
How often should I do keyword research?
Ideally, before creating new content and periodically updating old posts. Trends and search patterns change over time.
Final Thoughts
Keyword research doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With Google Search, Google Trends, Keyword Planner, and Search Console, you can find real, high-potential keywords for free. The key is to focus on:
-
Keywords people actually search for
-
Long-tail keywords with lower competition
-
Using keywords naturally within high-quality, helpful content
By following this approach, beginners can create content that ranks on Google, attracts readers, and grows traffic steadily—all without spending a dime.
If you want, I can also create a “Step-by-Step Free Keyword Research Workflow” infographic that summarizes this process visually for beginners. It’s perfect for embedding in your blog post.
Do you want me to make that infographic next?