How to Use Google Keyword Planner for SEO

Google Keyword Planner is a powerful tool designed to help businesses and marketers find relevant keywords for their SEO and advertising campaigns. While it’s primarily built for Google Ads, it also provides valuable insights for organic search optimization. This guide will walk you through how to use Google Keyword Planner (GKP) effectively for SEO.

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What is Google Keyword Planner?

Google Keyword Planner is a free keyword research tool offered by Google that helps you:

• Discover new keyword ideas based on your niche.

• Check search volume to understand keyword popularity.

• Analyze competition levels to find low-competition keywords.

• See Cost-Per-Click (CPC) data for PPC advertising.

• Generate keyword lists for content and SEO strategy.

Why Use Google Keyword Planner for SEO?

Free and easy to use.

Provides accurate search volume data directly from Google.

Helps identify keyword opportunities to rank higher.

Useful for local and global SEO strategies.

Finds long-tail keywords with lower competition.

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How to Access Google Keyword Planner

To use Google Keyword Planner, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to Google Ads

   • Go to Google Ads.
   • Sign in with your Google account.

   • If you don’t have an account, create one.

2. Access the Keyword Planner

   • Click on Tools & Settings (wrench icon in the top menu).

   • Under Planning, select Keyword Planner.

3. Choose a Research Option

   • Discover New Keywords – Find new keyword ideas.

   • Get Search Volume and Forecasts – Analyze search data for specific keywords.

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How to Find Keywords Using Google Keyword Planner

Option 1: Discover New Keywords

This option helps you generate keyword ideas based on a topic, website, or industry.

Steps:

1. Click Discover New Keywords.

2. Enter a keyword, phrase, or website URL.

3. Select a target location (Global, Country, or Local Search).

4. Click Get Results.

What You’ll See:

• Keyword Ideas – A list of suggested keywords.

• Average Monthly Searches – The estimated number of searches per month.

• Competition Level – Shows if a keyword is Low, Medium, or High in competition.

• CPC (Cost-Per-Click) – Useful for PPC but also hints at keyword commercial intent.

Tip: Use filters to find low-competition, high-search-volume keywords.

Option 2: Get Search Volume and Forecasts

This option allows you to check the search volume of specific keywords.

Steps:

1. Click Get Search Volume and Forecasts.

2. Enter a list of keywords (separated by commas).

3. Click Get Started.

What You’ll See:

• Estimated impressions & clicks based on Google Ads campaigns.

• Historical trends for keyword performance.

• Predicted keyword growth over time.Pro Tip: Use this option to validate existing keyword ideas before targeting them.

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How to Find Low-Competition Keywords with Google Keyword Planner

1. Filter by Competition

   • Click on the Competition column.

   • Select Low or Medium competition keywords.

   • These are easier to rank for in organic search.

2. Look for Long-Tail Keywords

   • Find keywords with four or more words.

   • Example: Instead of "fitness tips," target "best fitness tips for beginners".

3. Analyze Keyword Trends

   • Check seasonal search patterns.

   • Choose keywords that show consistent search demand.

4. Compare Keyword Search Volume vs. Competition

   • High search volume + low competition = best SEO keywords.

   • Avoid high-competition keywords unless you have strong domain authority.

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How to Use Google Keyword Planner Data for SEO Strategy

1. Optimize Blog Content with Keywords

• Use high-volume, relevant keywords in your blog titles and meta descriptions.

• Add long-tail keywords naturally in headings and content.

2. Create Keyword Clusters

Group related keywords together.

Example:

• Main Keyword: "Best digital marketing tools"

• Related Keywords: "Free digital marketing tools," "Best marketing software for startups"

3. Improve Existing Content

• Use GKP to find related keywords and update old blog posts.

• Add new keywords that are trending in your niche.

4. Optimize for Local SEO

• Use location-based keywords (e.g., "best coffee shop in Chicago").

• Check search volume for specific regions.

5. Track Keyword Performance

• Use Google Search Console to see how well you rank for chosen keywords.

• Adjust strategy based on ranking improvements or drops.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Google Keyword Planner

Ignoring Search Intent – Choose keywords that match user intent (informational, navigational, or transactional).

Targeting High-Competition Keywords – Avoid keywords dominated by high-authority sites.

Neglecting Long-Tail Keywords – These have less competition and higher conversion potential.

Not Checking Trends – Some keywords decline over time; always analyze historical trends.

Focusing Only on Search Volume – Consider competition and relevance, not just search volume.