How to Choose the Right Keywords for SEO (Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide)

If you are worried why the blog posts you write are not visible on Google, or if you have a product or service that is not visible on Google, it means that you have not used your keyword or you have used the wrong keyword.

We will talk about this: What is a keyword? Why is it important to use keywords? How many types are there and how should they be used? It’s about understanding what people are searching for and helping them find answers through your content.

In this beginner-friendly guide, I’ll break down what keywords are, why they matter, and exactly how to find the right ones step-by-step. No jargon. Just real talk.

What Are Keywords in SEO?

A keyword is any word or phrase that people type into Google (or any search engine) when they’re looking for something.

For example:

• How to lose belly fat.
• Best phone under $300
• SEO tips for beginners

All of these are keywords.

In SEO, your goal is to find the same words your audience is searching for, and then use those words naturally in your content, so Google can match your page to the right search.

Why Are Keywords So Important?

Because without them, Google doesn’t know what your content is about.

Suppose you write an amazing article on “healthy lifestyle,” but you never actually use the words “healthy lifestyle” in your post. How would Google know who to show it to?

• Your content appears in relevant search results
• Bring the right audience to your site
• Increase your chances of ranking on the 1st page
• Build authority over time

So, yeah, keywords matter. A lot.

How to Choose the Right Keywords (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Understand Your Audience First

Before jumping into tools, ask:

👉 Who am I writing for? What would they type in Google?

Let’s say you run a skincare blog. Your audience might search for:

• ACNE treatment at home
• Best moisturizer for oily skin
• How to get clear skin naturally

You need to think like your reader, not like a marketer.

Tip from experience: Use forums, YouTube comments, Reddit, or even your own inbox to find the exact phrases people use.

Step 2: Write Down Broad Topics (Seed Keywords)

Start simple. Pick 4–5 broad topics related to your website or business.

Example for a digital marketing site:

• Social media
• SEO
• Email marketing
• Blogging

These are your seed keywords. You’ll expand them into more detailed keyword ideas next.

Step 3: Use Free Tools to Get Real Keyword Ideas

You don’t need paid tools to begin. Try:

• Google Autocomplete: just type and see suggestions
• People Also Ask: great for finding question keywords
• AnswerThePublic: visual map of real searches
• Ubersuggest/Ahrefs/Semrush: gives volume, difficulty, and ideas
• Google Keyword Planner: Google Ads account, and it’s free to register

Example:

Start with “how to start a blog.” → You might get:

• How to start a blog and make money.
• How to start a blog in 2025.
• Best blogging platforms for beginners.

These are your real, data-backed keyword options.

Step 4: Check the Keyword’s Intent

Your content should match the intent.

Don’t write a sales page for an “informational” keyword.

Step 5: Look for Long-Tail Keywords

Instead of going after short, competitive keywords like “SEO” or “weight loss,” go for long-tail keywords like:

• How to do SEO for a new blog.
• Best home workout for beginners.
• Budget weight loss meal plan

These are:

✅ Less competitive

✅ Easier to rank

✅ More specific = better for conversions

Step 6: Spy on Your Competitors

Google your keyword. Look at the top 5 pages:

• What topics do they cover?
• How is their structure?
• Are they missing anything you could add?

Personal tip: I once found a competitor ranking for “best free SEO tools,” but they missed mentioning one tool I love. I wrote a better, updated version with that tool included and beat them within weeks.

Step 7: Choose Your Keywords Wisely

Now pick:

• 1 Primary Keyword
• 2–5 Supporting Keywords (related terms)
• Variations or Synonyms (LSI keywords)

Example for a blog post:

• Primary: How to start a blog
• Supporting: blogging tips, best platforms for blogging
• Variations: starting a blog, blogging guide

This makes your content rich, but still focused.

Step 8: Use Keywords Naturally in Your Content

Place your keywords in:

• Title of the page
• Meta description
• First paragraph
• Headings (H2, H3)
• Image alt text
• Throughout the content, without forcing it

Don’t overdo it. You’re writing for humans first, Google second.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right keywords isn’t about “tricking” Google; it’s about genuinely understanding what your audience is searching for and creating helpful content around that.

When you take the time to research, match intent, and write naturally, Google rewards you. And so do your readers.

🔗 Want to go deeper?
Check out this detailed guide on keyword research by Moz, one of the most trusted SEO websites online.

FAQs

Q1. How many keywords should I use in a post?

Up to 1 primary and 3-4 secondary related keywords can do it.

Q2. What tools do you personally recommend?

You can use Ahrefs and Semrush for keyword research. Both are industry-standard tools.

Featured image by Freepik