Starting a new blog is exciting, but if you want people to actually find your content, you need to understand keyword research. I’ve seen too many bloggers pour their heart into articles that nobody reads simply because they skipped this crucial step.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to do keyword research for new blogs no fluff, no complex jargon, just practical steps you can start using today.
Why Keyword Research Matters for New Blogs
Here’s the truth: Google processes over 8.5 billion searches every single day. When someone searches for information, Google decides which pages to show based on relevance and authority. Keyword research helps you understand what your potential readers are actually searching for, so you can create content that meets them where they are.
For new blogs especially, targeting the right keywords is critical. You’re competing against established sites with years of authority. Smart keyword research helps you find opportunities where you can actually rank.
What You’ll Learn: How to Find Keywords for SEO
This guide covers everything you need to know:
- Understanding keyword types and search intent
- Finding keyword ideas without expensive tools
- Evaluating keyword difficulty and opportunity
- Building a keyword strategy that grows with your blog
- Avoiding common keyword research mistakes
Let’s dive in.
Step 1: Understand the Different Types of Keywords
Before you start searching for keywords, you need to understand what you’re looking for. Keywords fall into three main categories based on length and specificity:
Short-tail keywords (1-2 words)
Examples: “SEO,” “blogging,” “recipes”
These are broad, high-volume keywords that are incredibly competitive. As a new blog, you’ll struggle to rank for these. A search for “SEO” returns results from massive sites like Moz, Search Engine Journal, and Google itself.
Medium-tail keywords (2-3 words)
Examples: “SEO for blogs,” “healthy recipes,” “keyword research”
These are more specific and slightly easier to rank for. They still have decent search volume but face less competition than short-tail keywords.
Long-tail keywords (4+ words)
Examples: “how to do keyword research for new blogs,” “easy healthy dinner recipes for two,” “best free keyword research tools”
These are your sweet spot as a new blogger. They’re highly specific, face less competition, and often indicate clear search intent. Someone searching for “how to do keyword research for new blogs” knows exactly what they want, and if your content delivers, they’ll stick around.
Step 2: Identify Your Blog’s Core Topics
Before you can find keywords, you need to know what you’re writing about. Start by listing 5-10 core topics relevant to your blog.
For example, if you’re starting an SEO blog, your core topics might include:
- Keyword research
- On-page SEO
- Link building
- Technical SEO
- Content strategy
- SEO tools
- Local SEO
These topics become your starting point for keyword research. Each core topic can branch into dozens or even hundreds of specific keywords.
Step 3: Generate Keyword Ideas (Free Methods)
You don’t need expensive tools to find great keywords. Here are proven methods that work:
Google Autocomplete
Start typing your core topic into Google and watch the suggestions that appear. Google shows you real searches that people are making right now.
Type “how to do keyword research” and you’ll see suggestions like:
- how to do keyword research for SEO
- how to do keyword research for free
- how to do keyword research for YouTube
- how to do keyword research for a website
Each of these is a potential article topic.
”People Also Ask” Boxes
When you search for anything on Google, you’ll often see a “People Also Ask” section with related questions. These are goldmines for keyword ideas because they show exactly what people want to know.
Search for “keyword research” and you might see:
- “How do I find keywords for SEO?”
- “What is the best keyword research tool?”
- “How do beginners do keyword research?”
- “Can you do keyword research for free?”
Google Related Searches
Scroll to the bottom of any Google search results page. You’ll see a section called “Related searches” with 8-10 related queries. These are variations and related topics that Google thinks are relevant.
Reddit and Quora
Search your core topics on Reddit and Quora. Look at the questions people are asking. These real questions from real people often make excellent long-tail keywords.
For example, searching “keyword research” on Reddit’s r/SEO might reveal questions like:
- “How do you find keywords for a new niche site?”
- “What’s the best free alternative to Ahrefs for keyword research?”
- “How many keywords should I target per blog post?”
YouTube Autocomplete
YouTube is the second-largest search engine. Type your topic into YouTube’s search bar and note the suggestions. Many people prefer video content, but if you can answer these queries in blog form, you’ll capture the readers.
Step 4: How to Find Keywords for SEO Using Free Tools
Once you have initial keyword ideas, you need to validate them and find more. Here are free tools that actually work:
Google Keyword Planner
Despite being designed for Google Ads, this tool is free and provides valuable data:
- Go to ads.google.com/home/tools/keyword-planner
- Choose “Discover new keywords”
- Enter your core topics or seed keywords
- Review the results for search volume and competition
The tool will show you hundreds of related keywords along with average monthly searches and competition level.
Ubersuggest (Free Version)
Ubersuggest by Neil Patel offers limited free searches per day. It provides:
- Search volume data
- SEO difficulty score
- Content ideas
- Related keywords
Enter your seed keyword and it will generate dozens of variations.
AnswerThePublic
This visual tool shows you questions, prepositions, and comparisons related to your keyword. It’s excellent for finding question-based keywords that make great blog titles.
Search “keyword research” and you’ll get questions organized by:
- What (What is keyword research?)
- How (How to do keyword research?)
- Why (Why is keyword research important?)
- Can (Can you do keyword research for free?)
Google Search Console (After Launch)
Once your blog is live and indexed, Google Search Console shows you which queries are already bringing you traffic. This data is invaluable for finding opportunities you might have missed.
Step 5: Evaluate Keyword Difficulty and Opportunity
Not all keywords are created equal. You need to assess whether you can realistically rank for a keyword. Here’s how:
Check the SERP (Search Engine Results Page)
Manually Google your target keyword and analyze the top 10 results:
Look for these positive signs:
- Other blogs (not just major publications or brands)
- Content that’s outdated or thin
- Forums or Q&A sites ranking
- Weaker domain authority sites
Red flags:
- Major publications (Forbes, HuffPost, etc.)
- Government or educational sites (.gov, .edu)
- Very comprehensive, recently updated content
- Multiple results from the same high-authority site
Assess Content Quality
Read the top-ranking articles. Ask yourself:
- Could I write something significantly better?
- Is the information outdated?
- Are there gaps I could fill?
- Is the content poorly organized or hard to read?
If you see opportunities to create genuinely better content, the keyword might be worth targeting even if it looks competitive.
Consider Search Intent
Search intent is what the user is actually trying to accomplish. There are four main types:
Informational: User wants to learn something Example: “what is keyword research”
Navigational: User wants to find a specific site Example: “ahrefs login”
Commercial: User is researching before buying Example: “best keyword research tools”
Transactional: User is ready to take action Example: “keyword research tool free trial”
Your content must match the intent. If someone searches “how to do keyword research,” they want a guide, not a tool recommendation or product page.
Step 6: Analyze Keyword Metrics
When evaluating keywords, consider these metrics:
Search Volume
This is how many times per month people search for this keyword. For new blogs, target keywords with:
- 100-1,000 monthly searches (sweet spot for beginners)
- 1,000-10,000 monthly searches (good if competition is reasonable)
- 10,000+ monthly searches (usually too competitive)
Remember: It’s better to rank #1 for a keyword with 200 monthly searches than #47 for a keyword with 50,000 searches.
Keyword Difficulty (KD)
Most tools provide a difficulty score (usually 0-100). As a new blog, focus on:
- KD 0-20: Low competition (target these)
- KD 21-40: Medium competition (possible with great content)
- KD 41-60: High competition (difficult for new sites)
- KD 61-100: Very high competition (avoid)
Cost Per Click (CPC)
While CPC is primarily an advertising metric, it indicates commercial value. Higher CPC often means:
- More competition
- Higher commercial intent
- Potential for monetization
A keyword with $5+ CPC is valuable, but it will also face more competition.
Step 7: Build Your Keyword Strategy
Now that you know how to find keywords for SEO, it’s time to organize them into a strategy:
Create Keyword Clusters
Group related keywords together. For example, under “keyword research,” you might have:
Cluster 1: Basics
- what is keyword research
- why is keyword research important
- keyword research definition
Cluster 2: How-to Guides
- how to do keyword research
- how to do keyword research for free
- how to find keywords for SEO
Cluster 3: Tools
- best free keyword research tools
- Google Keyword Planner tutorial
- keyword research tools comparison
Each cluster can become a pillar piece of content with supporting articles.
Prioritize Your Keywords
Use this framework to decide what to write first:
High Priority:
- Low competition (KD under 30)
- Decent search volume (100+ monthly searches)
- Clear search intent matching your expertise
- Opportunity for significantly better content than what’s ranking
Medium Priority:
- Moderate competition (KD 30-50)
- Good search volume (500+ monthly searches)
- Matches your expertise but strong competition exists
Low Priority:
- High competition (KD over 50)
- Very low search volume (under 50 monthly searches)
- Unclear search intent or outside your expertise
Create a Content Calendar
Map out your first 10-20 articles based on your prioritized keywords. Focus on:
- One foundational pillar article per core topic
- 3-5 supporting long-tail articles per pillar
- Mix of difficulty levels (mostly easy wins)
This structure helps search engines understand your topical authority.
Step 8: Optimize Your Content for Target Keywords
Once you’ve selected your keywords, you need to use them effectively:
Title Tag
Include your primary keyword near the beginning of your title. Make it compelling and under 60 characters.
Good: “How to Do Keyword Research for New Blogs (Complete Guide)” Bad: “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Finding Keywords”
URL Structure
Use your primary keyword in the URL. Keep it short and readable.
Good: /blog/how-to-do-keyword-research
Bad: /blog/post-12345 or /blog/ultimate-complete-comprehensive-guide-to-keyword-research-for-beginners
Headings (H1, H2, H3)
Your H1 should include your primary keyword. Use related keywords and variations in H2s and H3s naturally.
First 100 Words
Include your primary keyword in the first paragraph. Search engines pay attention to where keywords appear.
Throughout the Content
Use your primary keyword 3-5 times in a 1,500-word article. Use related keywords and synonyms naturally. Never force it—write for humans first.
Image Alt Text
Describe images accurately using relevant keywords when appropriate.
Meta Description
While not a direct ranking factor, a good meta description with your keyword can improve click-through rates.
Step 9: Track Your Rankings and Adjust
Keyword research isn’t a one-time task. Monitor your performance and adapt:
Use Google Search Console
Check which keywords are bringing you traffic. Look for:
- Keywords where you rank on page 2 (opportunity to improve)
- Unexpected keywords you’re ranking for (opportunity to optimize)
- Keywords with high impressions but low clicks (improve your title/description)
Monitor Your Competitors
Use tools like Ubersuggest or Ahrefs (if budget allows) to see what keywords your competitors rank for. Find gaps in their content you can fill.
Update and Expand Content
Revisit your top-performing articles every 6-12 months:
- Add new information
- Update outdated stats
- Add more keywords naturally
- Improve structure and readability
Common Keyword Research Mistakes to Avoid
1. Targeting Only High-Volume Keywords
New bloggers often chase keywords with 10,000+ monthly searches. These are almost always too competitive. Focus on long-tail keywords you can actually rank for.
2. Ignoring Search Intent
Ranking for the wrong intent means high bounce rates and no conversions. If people search “best keyword research tools,” they want a comparison, not a how-to guide.
3. Keyword Stuffing
Using your keyword 50 times in a 1,000-word article doesn’t help—it hurts. Write naturally and focus on being helpful.
4. Not Considering User Experience
The best keyword research means nothing if your content is poorly written, hard to read, or doesn’t answer the question.
5. Giving Up Too Soon
SEO takes time. You might not see results for 3-6 months. Keep creating quality content and building authority.
Advanced Tips: How to Find Keywords for SEO Like a Pro
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these advanced strategies:
Competitor Gap Analysis
Find keywords your competitors rank for that you don’t. These are opportunities for new content.
Featured Snippet Opportunities
Look for keywords where a featured snippet appears. If you can structure your content better than the current snippet holder, you might steal position zero.
Seasonal Keywords
Some keywords spike at certain times. “SEO trends 2025” gets more searches in December and January. Plan content around these patterns.
Local Keywords
If relevant, add location modifiers: “keyword research services in [city]” or “SEO consultant [location].”
Voice Search Keywords
With the rise of voice assistants, conversational long-tail keywords are increasingly important: “how can I do keyword research for free” vs. “free keyword research methods.”
Putting It All Together: Your First Keyword Research Project
Let’s walk through a practical example. Say you’re starting a blog about healthy cooking:
Step 1: Core topics
- Meal prep
- Healthy recipes
- Nutrition basics
- Cooking techniques
- Kitchen tools
Step 2: Generate ideas Google “healthy meal prep” and see:
- healthy meal prep ideas
- healthy meal prep for the week
- healthy meal prep recipes
- healthy meal prep for weight loss
Step 3: Validate with tools Check Google Keyword Planner:
- “healthy meal prep ideas” - 1,900 monthly searches, medium competition
- “easy healthy meal prep” - 880 monthly searches, low competition
Step 4: Check SERP Google “easy healthy meal prep” and see:
- Several blog posts ranking (good sign)
- Content from 2-3 years ago (opportunity to create fresher content)
- Some thin content (opportunity to be more comprehensive)
Step 5: Decision “Easy healthy meal prep” is a winner:
- Reasonable search volume (880/month)
- Lower competition
- Clear informational intent
- Opportunity to create better content
You’d write a comprehensive guide targeting this keyword, naturally incorporating related terms like “meal prep recipes,” “healthy lunch ideas,” and “batch cooking.”
Conclusion: Start Your Keyword Research Journey
Learning how to do keyword research is one of the most valuable skills you can develop as a blogger. It’s the difference between writing content people find and writing content that disappears into the void.
Remember these key points:
- Start with long-tail keywords (4+ words)
- Focus on low competition keywords (KD under 30)
- Match search intent with your content
- Use free tools effectively (Google Autocomplete, Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest)
- Prioritize quality over keyword density
- Be patient and consistent
The best part? The more you practice, the better you’ll get at spotting opportunities. Over time, you’ll develop an instinct for which keywords are worth targeting.
Now you know exactly how to find keywords for SEO and build a content strategy that brings organic traffic to your new blog. The only thing left is to start creating.
Pick one keyword from your research, open a blank document, and start writing. Your first reader is waiting to find you through Google.
Good luck!