In the world of SEO, search volume is your compass! It shows how often a keyword or phrase is searched each month. Knowing how to uncover search volume helps businesses zero in on the right keywords, aligning content with audience demand and boosting traffic.
Mastering this skill can transform your SEO game, unlocking greater visibility and success. Ready for the ultimate guide to finding search volume? GetFound is here to lead the way!
Why Finding Search Volume is Important
Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand why you need to find search volume:
- Keyword Relevance
Identifying search volume helps determine which keywords are popular among your target audience.
- Traffic Estimation
Search volume offers a rough estimate of the potential traffic a keyword can generate.
- Competition Assessment
High search volume often correlates with higher competition, helping you gauge the effort needed to rank.
- Content Planning
Knowing search volume ensures you prioritize creating content that resonates with user interest.
By learning to find search volume, you can align your SEO strategy with user behavior and market demand.
Steps to Find Search Volume
1. Compile a Keyword List
The first step in finding search volume is to create a list of potential keywords. These should be terms that are relevant to your business, industry, or audience.
For example:
- Some travel agencies might list keywords like “best travel destinations,” “affordable vacations,” and “family travel tips.”
- A tech blog might focus on keywords such as “latest smartphones,” “AI tools,” and “software reviews.”
This keyword list will serve as the foundation for analyzing search volume.
2. Use Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is one of the most reliable tools to find search volume. Here’s how to use it:
- Log in to your Google Ads account and access the Keyword Planner tool.
- Select “Discover new keywords” or “Get search volume and forecasts.”
- Enter your keyword list and set the geographic and language filters.
- Review the results, which include search volume data, competition levels, and cost-per-click (CPC) estimates.
3. Explore Ahrefs or SEMrush
Ahrefs and SEMrush are advanced tools that provide detailed insights into search volume and related metrics.
To find search volume using these tools:
- Input your keywords into the search bar.
- Review the search volume, keyword difficulty, and trends over time.
- Use their “Related Keywords” feature to discover additional terms.
These platforms also allow you to analyze competitor keywords, revealing search volumes for terms they rank for.
4. Analyze Search Trends with Google Trends
Google Trends is an excellent resource to find search volume trends over time. It helps identify whether a keyword’s popularity is rising, stable, or declining.
To use Google Trends:
- Enter a keyword into the search bar.
- Adjust the location, time frame, and category filters.
- Analyze the interest graph to determine seasonal spikes or long-term trends.
For example, the search volume for “Valentine’s Day gifts” might peak in February, highlighting its seasonal nature.
5. Leverage Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest is a user-friendly tool for keyword research and search volume analysis.
To find search volume using Ubersuggest:
- Enter your keyword into the search bar.
- Review the results, including monthly search volume, SEO difficulty, and related keywords.
- Use the “Keyword Ideas” section to expand your list with terms that have significant search volume.
For instance, searching “digital marketing” might yield related keywords like “digital marketing strategies” and “benefits of digital marketing,” each with distinct search volumes.
6. Check Competitor Keywords
Competitor analysis is a valuable method to find search volume for keywords relevant to your niche.
Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to:
- Analyze the keywords competitors rank for.
- Review their search volume, ranking difficulty, and performance metrics.
- Identify gaps where your competitors are ranking, but you are not.
For example, if a competitor ranks for “eco-friendly home products” with a search volume of 5,000, you can consider targeting this keyword in your content strategy.
Also Read: 7 Easy Ways to Identify Short-Tail Keywords for SEO Beginners!
7. Evaluate Seasonal and Geographic Variations
Search volume often varies based on seasons, events, or geographic location.
To find search volume with these factors in mind:
- Use Google Keyword Planner or Trends to filter results by location and season.
- Identify keywords that experience spikes during specific times, such as “back-to-school supplies” in August.
This approach ensures your strategy accounts for fluctuations in user interest.
Best Practices for Search Volume Analysis
To make the most of search volume data:
- Balance Volume and Competition
While high search volume keywords attract more traffic, they often face greater competition. Target a mix of high-volume and low-competition keywords.
- Incorporate Long-Tail Keywords
Keywords with lower search volume often address specific user needs and are easier to rank for.
- Update Regularly
Search volume can change over time, so revisit your keyword research periodically.
For instance, a page targeting “healthy recipes” with a high search volume could also include long-tail variations like “healthy dinner recipes for families” or “quick healthy breakfast ideas.”
Challenges in Finding Search Volume
While learning how to find search volume, you may encounter challenges such as:
- Inconsistent Data Across Tools
Search volume estimates can vary between tools, so cross-reference data for accuracy.
- Overemphasis on High Volume
Focusing solely on high-volume keywords can lead to intense competition and diluted relevance.
- Fluctuating Trends
Search volume can change due to seasonality or emerging trends, making it essential to stay updated.
Addressing these challenges ensures you extract meaningful insights from search volume analysis.
Leveraging Search Volume for SEO Success
Once you’ve found search volume for your keywords, apply this data to enhance your SEO strategy:
- Optimize Content
Focus on high-volume keywords for pillar pages and integrate long-tail variations for supporting content.
- Plan Seasonal Campaigns
Use search volume data to schedule campaigns during periods of peak interest.
- Track Performance
Monitor rankings and traffic for targeted keywords to refine your strategy over time.
For example, a blog targeting the high-volume keyword “digital marketing tips” could use sections optimized for related terms like “SEO tips for beginners” or “social media marketing strategies.”
Learn This Guide Carefully and Ask Questions to GetFound for More Explanation!
Mastering how to find search volume is key to crafting winning SEO strategies. With tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and Google Trends, you can uncover what people are searching for, spot keyword trends, and tap into market demand.
By diving into search volume insights, you can focus on the right keywords, create content your audience loves, and climb those search rankings faster.
SEO isn’t rocket science, it’s all about smart research and planning! Feeling stuck? No worries, just give GetFound a shout, and we’ll get you on track!
