Keyword research is the process of identifying the actual words and phrases (keywords) that people use when they search for information, products, or services in search engines.
It goes beyond simply guessing what your customers might search for. Keyword research is digging into the data to know what people who want to hire you or buy from you are really looking for.
What their target audience is looking for: This includes the specific questions they have, the problems they’re trying to solve, and the solutions they’re seeking.
The language their audience uses: This helps bridge the gap between internal jargon and the natural language of potential customers.
The popularity of certain search terms: How many times a specific keyword is searched for per month (search volume).
The competitiveness of those terms: How difficult it might be to rank highly in search results for a particular keyword, considering who else is trying to rank for it.
The intent behind a search: What the user really wants when they type a keyword (e.g., are they looking for information, trying to buy something, or navigating to a specific website?