Understanding Google Search Volume: A Comprehensive Guide
As a SEOer at Google, understanding the search volume of key terms is crucial for driving organic traffic to websites. There are various tools and methods available to estimate how frequently a word or phrase is searched on Google. This guide will explore these tools, provide practical examples, and share insights from practical experience.
1. Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner, a free tool within Google Ads, offers valuable insights into keyword search volumes, competition levels, and related keywords. To access this tool, you need to create a Google Ads account. Once logged in, you can enter your desired keyword, and it will provide you with the average monthly searches, competition level, and related keyword suggestions.
For instance, if you enter the keyword 'SEO tips,' you might see that it has an average monthly search volume of 1,000. The tool also highlights the level of competition, which can help you decide if this is a lucrative keyword to target. However, it's important to note that the tool rounds figures in tens. Any keyword with less than 5 searches will display as zero. This is where common sense comes in. If you feel a keyword displaying as zero is likely to get a few long-tail searches, you should include it in your research and provide reasons for its inclusion.
2. Google Trends
Google Trends is another powerful tool that shows the relative popularity of a search term over time. It allows you to compare multiple keywords and observe how interest changes over seasons and years. While it doesn't provide exact search volume numbers, it offers valuable insights into trends and seasonality. This information can be crucial for SEO strategy development and content planning.
Consider a scenario where you're researching the term 'digital marketing strategies.' Google Trends might show that interest in this term has surged over the past two years, indicating a growing trend. On the other hand, if a term like 'XML sitemaps' shows a steady decline, it suggests that it might not be worth prioritizing in your keyword list.
3. Comprehensive SEO Tools
Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, Moz, and Ubersuggest offer detailed keyword search volume data, along with other SEO metrics. These tools typically require a subscription, but they provide comprehensive keyword analysis and can be invaluable for in-depth research. For example, SEMrush not only provides search volume data but also offers insights into backlinks and SEO opportunities.
Imagine conducting a search for 'online course management.' Ahrefs might show that this term has a significant search volume of 50,000 searches per month. This level of detail can help you make informed decisions about which keywords to focus on and which ones to ignore.
4. Autocomplete Suggestions and Related Searches
When you start typing a query in Google's search bar, autocomplete suggestions can provide additional insights into popular searches related to your keyword. Additionally, Google's search results often include 'Related Searches' at the bottom of the page. These suggestions can be valuable for expanding your keyword list or refining existing ones.
For example, typing 'best online courses' might bring up suggestions like 'top universities offering online courses,' 'best coding bootcamps,' and 'free online courses.' These suggestions can help you identify related terms and refine your keyword strategy.
5. Interdepartmental Collaboration and PPC Team Insights
Interdepartmental cooperation is crucial for successful keyword research. If your company also offers PPC services, the PPC team may have slightly richer or more temporally contextual keyword volume data. Additionally, they can provide valuable insights into highly valuable keyword data. By collaborating with your PPC team, you can ensure that your keyword research is comprehensive and contextually relevant.
For instance, if you're working on an SEO campaign for an e-commerce platform, your PPC team might have data on keywords that are particularly effective for driving sales. This information can be invaluable for refining your keyword strategy and identifying high-value keywords that might not be readily apparent from a simple Google Trends search.
6. Bing Keyword Research Tool
If you're interested in getting search volume data from Bing, you can use their Keyword Research Tool. Unlike Google's Keyword Planner, which provides rounded average search volumes, the Bing tool offers actual search data. This can be particularly useful for understanding the search behavior of users on the Bing platform.
For example, searching for 'web development services' on the Bing tool might reveal a high search volume of 20,000 searches per month, along with detailed location and demographic data. This information can be crucial for tailoring your SEO strategy to the specific needs of your target audience on the Bing platform.
Conclusion
Understanding how much a word is searched on Google is a critical aspect of effective SEO. By leveraging the tools and methods discussed in this guide, you can make data-driven decisions that optimize your keyword strategy, drive organic traffic, and improve your website's search engine rankings.
Remember, the key is to stay informed and adapt your strategy based on the latest data and insights. Whether you're using Google Keyword Planner, Google Trends, SEO tools, or analyzing autocomplete suggestions, the important thing is to stay informed and make data-driven decisions. By doing so, you can ensure that your keyword strategy is optimized for success.