How to Do Keyword Research Like a Pro (Free Tools Included)
If you are looking to grow your online presence and drive the right traffic to your website, keyword research is where it all begins. Whether you are a content creator, startup founder, or run an SEO agency in Kochi , mastering keyword research is essential to rank higher on search engines and attract your target audience.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to do keyword research like a pro—using free tools that give you maximum value without breaking your budget.
Why Keyword Research Matters
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s quickly understand the “why.”
Keyword research helps you:
- Understand what your audience is searching for
- Create content that ranks on Google
- Find gaps in your competitors’ strategies
- Improve organic traffic and lead generation
- In short, it’s the foundation of every successful SEO campaign.
Step-by-Step Guide to Keyword Research (Free Tools Included)
Step 1: Start with a Seed Keyword
Think of broad terms related to your business. For instance, if you’re an SEO agency in Kerala, seed keywords could be:
SEO services in Kerala
Digital marketing agency Kerala
Best SEO company in Kochi
You can expand these later using tools.
Step 2: Use Google Autocomplete & "People Also Ask"
Simply type your seed keyword into Google. You’ll notice suggestions appear automatically—that’s Google’s way of telling you what people are searching for.
Pro Tip: Scroll down to see “People also ask” and “Related searches” for more long-tail keyword ideas.
Step 3: Explore Free Keyword Research Tools
Here are 5 powerful free tools to uncover high-performing keywords:
Ubersuggest
Gives you keyword volume, SEO difficulty, and content ideas.
ubersuggest.com
Google Keyword Planner
Great for understanding search volume trends (requires a free Google Ads account).
Answer the Public
A visual tool that shows search queries in the form of questions and prepositions.
answerthepublic.com
Google Trends
Compare the popularity of different keywords over time and by location.
Keyword Surfer (Chrome Extension)
See keyword data right on your Google search results page.
Step 4: Analyze Keyword Difficulty & Search Intent
Once you’ve collected a list, check:
Search Volume: Are people actually searching for it?
Keyword Difficulty: Can you rank for it based on your domain authority?
Search Intent: Are they looking for information, a product, or a service?
Example: “What is SEO?” → Informational intent
“Hire SEO agency in Kerala” → Transactional intent (perfect for conversion-focused pages)
Step 5: Group & Prioritize Your Keywords
Organize your keywords into categories:
Blog content: Informational keywords
Service pages: High-intent, transactional keywords
FAQs: Question-based keywords
Focus on low-competition long-tail keywords first. These may bring lower traffic but convert better and are easier to rank for.
Bonus Tips for Local SEO (Especially for Kerala-Based Businesses)
If you run a digital marketing or SEO agency in Kerala, include local keyword variants like:
SEO agency in Kochi
Best digital marketing company in Kerala
Affordable SEO services in Kerala
Optimize your Google Business Profile, use local schema markup, and ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) is consistent across all platforms.
Wrap-Up: Turn Insights into Action
Keyword research isn’t just about data—it’s about understanding your audience and creating content that speaks to their needs. The more precise and intentional you are with your keywords, the better your chances of ranking, converting, and growing your brand.
Whether you’re just starting out or running an established SEO agency in Kerala, free keyword research tools can give you a strong edge—if you know how to use them smartly.
Need help with SEO or content strategy?
As a leading SEO company in Kerala, we can help you identify the right keywords, craft high-ranking content, and boost your visibility online.
Reach out to us at www.potterswheelmedia.com to get started or email us on dm@potterswheelmedia.com