How to Do Keyword Research (Without Making It Complicated)

Hello! (Before I begin, I also agree my hand writing is terrible.)

If you’ve been trying to get more people to your website, you’ve probably come across the term keyword research a fair bit. It’s one of those things that sounds more technical than it really is. But honestly, it’s just about figuring out what your potential customers are typing into Google.

In simple terms, keyword research is like putting yourself in the shoes of your ideal customer and asking, “If I was looking for this service, what would I search for?” It’s that simple.

Once you know what words people are using, you can start including those naturally on your website. Whether it’s in your page titles, blog posts, or product descriptions. This makes it easier for your website to pop up when people are Googling.

Why Bother With Keyword Research?

Here’s the thing… Without keyword research, you’re basically guessing. You might think you know what people are searching for, but more often than not, it’s slightly different than you’d expect.

For example, you might assume people search “web design Dublin,” but maybe they’re actually typing “affordable web designer near me” or “SEO-friendly website builder in Ireland.” Those small differences can make a big impact.

Doing your research helps you:

• Get fresh ideas for blogs or new website pages

• Understand what your competitors are ranking for

• Find untapped opportunities

• Target longer, more specific keywords (these can actually bring in better quality traffic)

How I Usually Do Keyword Research (The Simple Way)

Honestly, you don’t need to overcomplicate this. Here’s a straightforward approach that works:

1. Think Like a Customer

Start with common sense. What would you search to find your business? Jot down every phrase that comes to mind, no matter how obvious.

2. Check Out Similar Businesses

Look at some of your competitors or other businesses in your area. What words or phrases are showing up on their sites? You can learn a lot just by browsing.

3. Use Free Tools (No Need to Spend Big)

There are loads of free tools online like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest where you can plug in your ideas and see:

• How often people search that phrase

• How hard it is to rank for it

• Related keywords you might not have thought of

4. Go After Easy Wins

Don’t just chase the most popular keywords as they’re usually the hardest to rank for. Instead, focus on more specific searches. For example, “web designer in Dublin for tradesmen” might not get thousands of searches, but the people searching that are likely to actually need your service.

5. Organise What You Find

Once you’ve gathered your keywords, group them by topic and decide which ones to prioritise based on how relevant and achievable they are.

Some Handy Tips:

Think Local: If you’re targeting a specific area, always include your location in your keywords.

• Don’t Overdo It: Google’s too clever for keyword stuffing. Write naturally - your content should sound like you, not like a robot.

• Keep Checking In: Search trends change over time, so it’s worth reviewing your keywords now and then.

Wrapping It Up

Keyword research isn’t as scary as it sounds. It’s honestly just about thinking like your customer and figuring out what they’re searching for. And once you get the hang of it, it’ll become second nature.

If you’re still not sure where to start or need a hand improving your website’s SEO, I’d be happy to help out. Whether you want some advice or need someone to do it for you, just drop me a message.

Enjoy the weekend!

All the best,

Luke