Keyword research is the process of identifying the words and phrases users type into search engines. It helps businesses understand what potential customers are searching for and how to align their website content accordingly. Effective keyword research improves SEO, drives targeted traffic, and enhances the overall user experience on your website.
Why Keyword Research Matters in Web Design?
When building a website—whether it’s for a business, blog, or online store—keyword research is one of the most essential steps. But what does it mean, and why should it matter to you?
In simple terms, keyword research means discovering the words and phrases people type into search engines like Google. These terms help your website appear in relevant search results. Using the right keywords ensures your site is visible to your ideal audience, making it more likely they’ll click, read, or buy.
In the world of SEO (search engine optimisation), keywords are the foundation of your content strategy. They help search engines understand your website’s topic and intent. By selecting the right keywords, you increase your chances of ranking higher and being found online.
At Apex Digital Agency, we integrate keyword research directly into our website design Perth and SEO services to ensure every client’s site ranks and converts.
How to Do Keyword Research
- Start with a Seed Keyword
Begin with a main topic related to your product or service. For instance, if you sell shoes, your seed keyword could be “shoes” or “buy shoes online.” Think about your core offerings and start there. - Use Keyword Research Tools
Keyword tools show related phrases, their search volumes, competition levels, and trends. These tools help you understand what your audience is looking for. Some great options include:
– Google Keyword Planner
– Ubersuggest
– SEMrush
– Ahrefs
– Moz Keyword Explorer
These tools reveal volume, competition, and keyword variations. Tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs also let you analyse your competitors’ keywords. - Analyse Search Volume & Difficulty
Balance is key: high-volume terms often have more competition. Long-tail keywords (e.g., “best waterproof hiking shoes”) may be easier to rank for and bring higher-quality traffic. - Understand User Intent
Are users looking to buy, learn, or compare? For example, someone searching “best running shoes” might be ready to buy, whereas “how to choose running shoes” indicates research intent. - Use Google Suggestions
Start typing in Google and notice autocomplete results. These are live keyword ideas directly from user behavior.
Analyse the keywords
- Analyse Competitor Keywords
Use SEMrush or Ahrefs to spy on your competitors. What keywords are they targeting? Which pages rank well? - Organise Your Keyword List
Group your keywords by:
– Topic
– Intent (informational, transactional, navigational)
– Volume and difficulty
Then assign those keywords to appropriate pages. - Keyword Types
Short-tail: e.g., “shoes”
Long-tail: e.g., “affordable trail running shoes for women”
Location-based: e.g., “digital marketing agency Perth”
Question-based: e.g., “What are the best shoes for running?”
For local SEO in Perth, location-based keywords are essential.
Examples of Keywords
- Short-tail keywords: These are general keywords with one or two words. They usually have high search volume but are more challenging to rank for. For example, “shoes” or “buy shoes.”
- Long-tail keywords: These are longer, more specific phrases. They have lower search volume but are easier to rank for, often leading to higher conversions. For example, “buy running shoes online” or “best shoes for hiking.”
- Location-based keywords include a location and are essential for local SEO. For example, “buy shoes in New York” or “shoe store near me.”
- Questions: Keywords phrased as questions are great for targeting people seeking specific information. For example, “What are the best shoes for running?”
Best Tools for Keyword Research
- Google Keyword Planner
Google’s free tool is one of the most popular for keyword research. It shows search volume, competition, and other vital data. It’s beneficial for finding keywords related to Google Ads, but it can also help with SEO. - Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest is a free keyword research tool that provides keyword ideas, search volume, competition analysis, and more. It’s easy to use and a good option for beginners. - Answer the Public
This tool generates keyword ideas based on questions about a particular topic. It’s excellent for finding long-tail keywords and understanding user intent. - SEMrush
SEMrush is a paid tool that offers in-depth keyword research. It shows search volume, competition, and trends. It also allows you to see which keywords your competitors are ranking for. - Ahrefs
Ahrefs is another premium tool that provides detailed keyword data, competitor analysis, and other SEO insights. It is known for its accuracy and in-depth reports. - Moz Keyword Explorer
Moz’s keyword tool helps you find keyword ideas, check search volume, and analyze competition. It also gives you a keyword difficulty score to help you determine how easy or hard it will be to rank for a specific keyword. - KWFinder
KWFinder is a paid tool that helps you find low-competition keywords with high search volume. It’s an excellent tool for beginners and experts alike.
Understand Search Volume and Keyword Difficulty
Search volume tells you how often people search for a keyword each month. But more searches don’t always mean better. Sometimes, low-volume, long-tail keywords bring more qualified traffic.
Keyword difficulty reflects how hard it is to rank for a term. A highly competitive keyword will take longer and more effort to break into the top results. Balance is key—find terms with reasonable volume and achievable difficulty.
Consider User Intent
User intent is what the searcher is really trying to do. Are they:
- Looking for info? (Informational)
- Comparing options? (Navigational)
- Ready to buy? (Transactional)
For example:
- “What are the best shoes for hiking?” = Informational
- “Buy hiking shoes online” = Transactional
Matching your keyword to user intent improves relevance and conversions.
Google Autocomplete & Competitor Analysis
Use Google’s suggestions while typing to find common search queries.
Also, analyze what your competitors are ranking for. Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to uncover keyword gaps and content opportunities.
FAQs – Keyword Research for SEO
SEO keywords are phrases people search for online. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, and SEMrush to discover them.
It aligns your content with what your audience is searching for, improving visibility and relevance.
Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, Answer The Public, and Google Trends. These tools provide valuable data without requiring a paid subscription.
Keyword research is essential for SEO because it helps you create content that aligns with what people are searching for. By targeting the right keywords, you can increase your chances of ranking higher in search engine results.
Use them in your title tags, meta descriptions, headings, content, and URLs. Make sure usage is natural.
Yes, for agencies and serious SEO professionals. They offer deeper data, competitor insights, and better planning.
Focus on: title tags, H1/H2s, image alt text, internal anchor text, and CTA buttons.
Use tools like Google Search Console or SEMrush to check if your keywords are being used effectively. Ensure that your keywords are in the title tags, headings, content, and URL, and that they align with user intent.
The best way to rank high with SEO is to create high-quality, relevant content with the right keywords. Ensure your website is technically optimised for speed and mobile-friendliness, and build backlinks to improve your authority.
When delivering keyword research to clients, please provide targeted keywords and data on search volume, competition, and relevance. Include recommendations on how to use these keywords in content, titles, and meta tags.
If you’re planning a new website or redesign, don’t skip keyword research. At Apex Digital Agency, every project—whether it’s custom WordPress web design or Shopify SEO services—starts with a detailed keyword plan.
Need help choosing the right keywords for your business? Contact our Perth SEO experts and we’ll guide you every step of the way.