Research Keywords to Optimise For (Without Expensive Tools)

Step 1:

Create a base keyword list

• Write down core services (e.g., "web design," "website development")
• Add location-based terms (e.g., "web designer in [city]")
• Include industry specializations (e.g., "ecommerce web design")
• List common client problems (e.g., "responsive website design")

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Step 2:

Use Google's free tools

• Install Google Search Console for your website
• Set up Google Analytics
• Use Google Trends to compare keyword popularity
• Take advantage of "People also ask" boxes in search results
• Note Google's autocomplete suggestions

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Step 3:

Leverage Answer The Public

• Enter your base keywords into answerthepublic.com
• Record question-based searches about web design
• Note preposition-based queries
• Collect comparison searches (e.g., "web design vs website builder")

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Step 4:

Utilize AnswerSocrates

• Input your main keywords into answersocrates.com
• Gather additional question-based keywords
• Look for unique long-tail variations
• Note search intent patterns

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Step 5:

Explore Reddit for keyword ideas

• Visit r/webdev, r/web_design, and related subreddits
• Note common questions and terminology used
• Record frequently discussed problems
• Look for recurring themes in post titles

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Step 6:

Mine competitors' keywords

• Use Ubersuggest's free tier
• Check competitors' title tags and meta descriptions
• Review their service page headings
• Note their location-based targeting

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Step 7:

Explore YouTube suggestions

• Search for web design-related terms
• Note suggested search terms
• Review popular video titles in your niche
• Check commonly used tags on relevant video

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Step 8:

Use Keyword Surfer Chrome extension

• Install the free extension
• Search your base keywords
• Record monthly search volume estimates
• Note related keywords and their volumes

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Step 9:

Leverage social media insights

• Check LinkedIn hashtag popularity
• Review Instagram hashtag volumes
• Note Twitter trending topics in web design
• Record popular discussion topics on these platforms

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Step 10:

Create keyword categories

• Services (e.g., "custom website design")
• Industries (e.g., "restaurant website design")
• Locations (e.g., "local web designer")
• Problems (e.g., "fix WordPress website")
• Price-related (e.g., "affordable web design")

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Step 11:

Analyze search intent

• Informational queries (e.g., "how to choose a web designer")
• Commercial queries (e.g., "web design services pricing")
• Navigational queries (e.g., "web designers near me")
• Transactional queries (e.g., "hire web designer")

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Step 12:

Use Microsoft Bing Webmaster Tools

• Set up a free account
• Access their keyword research tool
• Compare data with Google's findings
• Note any unique keywords

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Step 13:

Create a keyword priority matrix

• Estimate search volume using free tools
• Rate competition level (low/medium/high)
• Assess relevance to your services (1-5 scale)
• Calculate potential ROI based on these factors

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Step 14:

Use Google Search Operators

• Use "allintitle:" to check title tag competition
• Employ "related:" to find similar websites
• Use "site:" to analyze competitor page structure
• Note common patterns in search results

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Step 15:

Document seasonal trends

• Use Google Trends to identify seasonal patterns
• Note industry-specific timing (e.g., holiday website updates)
• Record annual events affecting search patterns
• Plan content around these trends

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Step 16:

Create content clusters

• Group related keywords together
• Identify main topic pillars
• Plan supporting content pieces
• Map internal linking opportunities

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Step 17:

Monitor and adjust

• Track keyword rankings using free tools like Searchconsole
• Note changes in search patterns
• Update your keyword list monthly
• Remove underperforming keywords
• Add new opportunities as they arise

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Step 18:

Create action items

• Prioritize keywords for immediate targeting
• Plan content calendar based on findings
• Update meta titles and descriptions
• Create new service pages for key terms
• Develop blog posts around popular questions

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Step 19:

Implement local SEO elements

• Add location-specific keywords to content
• Create Google Business Profile- Optimize for "near me" searches
• Include location-based schema markup

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Step 20:

Track competition

• Monitor competitor ranking changes
• Note new keywords they target
• Analyze their content strategy
• Identify gaps in their keyword coverage