What if you could finally say goodbye to guessing games with your WordPress blog content? What if you knew exactly what your ideal audience is looking for, making it easier to create posts they'll love?
Well, you can. Keyword research for WordPress makes it possible!
This guide gives you all the tools and info you need to come up with the right WordPress keyword research strategy for your site. From finding keywords to optimizing your content, I'll cover it all.
By the end, you'll know how to do keyword research for your WordPress website. Plus, use those keywords to create content that gets found, attracts the right audience, and helps your WordPress blog flourish.
Let's start strategizing!
Keyword research for WordPress: what it is & why it's important
Keywords are the words and phrases people (aka, your audience!) type into search engines to find what they're looking for.
Okay, but what about keyword research?
Well, when you do keyword research, you're figuring out the exact words and phrases your readers are typing into search engines like Google. Along with the intent behind them! That way, you can plan content according to what your audience wants and your WordPress blog's niche.
Why does this matter? Here's the scoop:
- Show up in search: Using the right keywords in your content makes it easier for search engines to understand your blog posts. This improves your shot of showing up when people search for topics you cover.
- Attract the right audience: Generic keywords might get random clicks, but targeted keywords draw in those genuine ones. The ones more likely to come back for more. Think of it as attracting those eager cookie bakers instead of folks randomly craving pasta.
- Infinite content inspiration: Not sure what to write next? Keyword research shows what people are looking for. What better way to get endless ideas for posts, tutorials, and resources your audience needs?
…But how are you supposed to know which keywords and phrases your specific readers are searching for?
Thankfully, there are awesome SEO tools made just for WordPress. They uncover those golden keywords in your niche!
The best keyword research tools
Keyword research tools are perfect for helping you find terms your audience is searching for.
Some tools that do keyword research for WordPress even analyze the competition and let you see how tough a keyword is to rank for.
Plus, they spark those “aha!” content moments. They uncover trending topics, long-tail keywords, and the questions your readers are asking. It all adds to that endless inspo for your WordPress blog!
Now, here are a few of my favorites when it comes to keyword research.
| Tool | Key features | Best for | Limits | Price |
| Semrush | Powerful keyword research & analysis, competitor insight, site audits | Bloggers who want it all when it comes to improving SEO. | Pricey | Starts at $129/month |
| KeySearch | Keyword research & analysis, competitor insight | Bloggers who need the essentials without the hefty price. | Not as in-depth as Semrush | 1 month free trial, starter plans at $17/month |
| Google Keyword Planner | Get search volume & related keywords, basic competition levels | Getting new ideas, keywords for ads | Made for ads | Free |
| Answer the Public | Shows questions people ask about your keywords | Finding content inspiration, understanding your audience | Results might be overwhelming | Free |
| SEO.AI Topic Cluster Tool Generator | Helps group related keywords into clusters | Organizing content | The results might be overwhelming | Free |
| Keyword Surfer | Real-time search volume and keyword suggestions | Quick keyword analysis while writing or researching | Good for quick info, not a full SEO toolkit | Free |
Semrush
Semrush is the best tool for keyword research for WordPress. SEO experts make it, and it cracks the code on what your audience is searching for.
The Keyword Magic Tool is the heart of Semrush!
Let's say you're doing some food blog keyword research. Enter something like “chocolate chip cookies” in the search. Then, it lists keywords, search volume, difficulty scores, and more.
Just look at the example below. No surprise, tons of people are searching for “chocolate chip cookies recipe” (450k).
So, it might be better to target something further down the list, like “pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.”
It has solid volume, lower competition, and taps into that fall craving. All perfect for growing your food blog.
With Semrush, you can also see which keywords work best for your rivals! Hello, new ideas and untapped keywords.
Ready to track your keyword wins? Semrush charts your climb! Plug in those keywords, like “pumpkin chocolate chip cookies,” and celebrate as you move up in Google's search rankings.
KeySearch SEO Tool
Need a solid keyword tool without breaking the bank? KeySearch gives you what you need at a price that's easy to swallow.
It might not have every advanced feature under the sun, but it has the essentials for bloggers to find those ideal keywords.
With KeySearch, you can:
- Find the right keywords: Keysearch's Keyword Explorer gives you a list of related terms, search volume, and competition levels.
- Watch the competition: See what keywords drive traffic to your rivals' sites. This helps you fill content gaps and discover chances you might've missed.
- Track your wins: Watch your blog's rankings improve over time. Keysearch makes it easy to track your progress for those important keywords.
Need every bell and whistle imaginable? A premium tool like Semrush might be better. But for bloggers on a budget who want solid keyword research for WordPress, KeySearch is a smart choice.
Google Keyword Planner
Want a free and useful keyword tool? Google Keyword Planner has your back.
It comes with your Google Ads account. And it's a fantastic way for bloggers to get their feet wet with keyword research.
Here's what it helps you do:
- Discover new keywords
- See monthly search volume
- Check the competition (On a scale of high, medium, and low — not a number score)
Remember: Google likes to prioritize ads, so take those competition levels with a grain of salt! But hey, it's free and a great place to start your keyword adventures.
Answer the Public
Stuck for content ideas? Go to Answer the Public! This free tool creates a mind map of questions people ask about your keywords.
Type “gluten-free bread” and get a goldmine of questions like “How to make gluten-free bread breadcrumbs?” Perfect for brainstorming blog posts that answer those search queries!
SEO.AI Topic Cluster Tool Generator
SEO.AI's Topic Cluster Tool is your keyword-sorting machine! It takes a jumble of related keywords and organizes them into neat clusters.
Let's say your main keyword is “cookie recipes.” The tool groups related keywords like “chocolate chip cookie recipe,” “oatmeal cookie recipe,” and “sugar cookie recipe” into a mouthwatering cluster.
Now, you have a blueprint for an ultimate cookie roundup post to leave readers drooling.
The free version is a great brainstorming tool. But it doesn't give you those juicy search volumes. You need to upgrade to a premium plan for that. Or, use a differnt tool for that research.
Keyword Surfer
Need keyword insights on the fly? Keyword Surfer is your Chrome extension sidekick!
It gives search volume data and keyword ideas right within Google search results.
Planning content about summer fun and wondering if “backyard water games” get enough searches?
Keyword Surfer to the rescue! It instantly reveals the search volume, helping you decide if it's a hot topic for your blog.
How to do keyword research for WordPress
Step 1: Think about possible keywords.
Jot down the problems you solve with your blog and the specific topics you cover.
Think about your ideal reader! What makes them think…”This blog is for me!“
Step 2: Use your WordPress keyword research tools to find keywords.
Semrush's Keyword Magic Tool is your secret weapon.
Enter a keyword, and it shows a whole bunch of related terms. Plus, how often people search for them.
And remember — long-tail keywords are where the magic happens! They're usually less competitive and more targeted to your audience.
Step 3: Choose the right keywords.
Look for a balance of relevance, search volume, and realistic competition levels based on your blog's size.
Step 4: Make it a habit!
Keyword research isn't a one-and-done task. It's like baking – it takes a little practice and tweaking!
So, revisit your strategy on the reg. You never know what new opportunities you'll stumble upon.
Bonus: Use the free tools, too!
Google Keyword Planner and Answer the Public are great free options. Use them for expanding your keyword list and sparking content ideas.
Post keyword research for WordPress: Create content with your keywords!
Alright, you have your keywords. Now, how do you use keywords in a blog for maximum search engine love?
Let me break down some SEO basics:
- Blog post titles: Your title is like a billboard for search engines! Try to include your focus keyword near the beginning.
- Headings (H2s, H3s, etc.): Think of headings as helpful signs for readers AND search engines. Work in related keywords to give everyone a clear idea of what each section covers.
- Image Alt-Text: Don't forget this hidden detail! Describe your images using your keywords. Think of it as extra clues for search engines.
- In your content: Don't force it! Include keywords naturally as you're writing posts and landing pages. But, prioritize creating a great reading experience first.
- URL slug: Keep your blog post URLs short and descriptive. Include your primary keyword if possible.
- WordPress recipe cards: Food blogger? Grab a WordPress recipe plugin like Tasty Recipes and get ahead of the recipe SEO game! It adds special code (recipe schema) to your recipes, making them super appealing to Google. Be sure to include those keywords in your recipe card descriptions and titles, too!
Interested in trying Tasty Recipes?
With our easy-to-use, customizable recipe card plugin, Tasty Recipes helps you look good — and your recipes look even better.
Take a look at all Tasty Recipes has to offer.
Also, don’t forget about our 14-day money-back guarantee! Trying Tasty Recipes is risk-free!
Take advantage of SEO WordPress plugins! I love using them.
AIOSEO, Rank Math, and Yoast SEO give you excellent keyword suggestions. Plus, guidance on where to place those keywords throughout your posts for the best impact.
Don't forget! Keywords are the sprinkles on your content cupcake. But you also need a quality blog, helpful links, and a user-friendly WordPress site for the ultimate SEO success!
What's your keyword research for WordPress strategy?
Ready to ditch those cobwebs and drive traffic to your website? Keyword research for WordPress is like rocket fuel for your content.
With the SEO strategies and tools I discussed, you'll find the right search terms, move up on the results page, and celebrate growth.
Let's celebrate those keyword wins! Share your biggest success story with keyword research in the comments below.
Don't have any big wins yet? That's okay too! Drop the first WordPress SEO keywords you're going to research!