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Notes • DIGITAL MARKETING SEO

how to find keywords that rank

Last updated: Sat Oct 20 2018

Title: "How to Find Keywords That Rank on Google (Step-by-Step)" Description: "Learn how to find keywords that actually rank on Google using a proven step-by-step keyword research process used by SEO professionals."

Overview

Finding keywords is easy.
Finding keywords that actually rank is the real skill.

Many people fail at SEO because they:

  • Choose keywords that are too competitive
  • Ignore search intent
  • Trust tools blindly
  • Skip manual analysis

In this lesson, you’ll learn a proven, repeatable process to find keywords that:

  • Have real search demand
  • Match user intent
  • Have ranking potential
  • Can be targeted by new or growing websites

This is the core skill of keyword research.

Step 1: Start With a Clear Topic (Not Random Keywords)

Before opening any tool, define:

  • Your niche
  • Your target audience
  • The problem you’re solving

Example: Instead of targeting random keywords like:

“SEO tips”

Start with:

“SEO tips for beginners” “SEO tips for small businesses”

Clarity at this stage saves hours later.

(If you haven’t selected a niche yet, revisit
👉 Lesson 02 – Selecting a Profitable Niche)

Step 2: Use Google First (Most Accurate Source)

Google itself tells you what people search for.

Use Google Autocomplete

Type your main topic and observe suggestions.

Examples:

These are real searches, not estimates.

Use “People Also Ask”

This reveals:

  • Subtopics
  • User questions
  • Content opportunities

Each question is a potential keyword.

Use Related Searches

Scroll to the bottom of Google search results.

Related searches often contain:

  • Long-tail keywords
  • Alternative phrasing
  • Lower-competition variations

Step 3: Expand Keywords Using Tools (Smartly)

Now use tools to expand, not decide.

Use tools like:

  • Google Keyword Planner
  • Ubersuggest
  • Ahrefs / Semrush (if available)

Look for:

  • Variations
  • Question keywords
  • Long-tail phrases

Do NOT select keywords yet.

(See
👉 Lesson 04 – Keyword Research Tools for tool selection)

Step 4: Analyze Search Intent (Non-Negotiable)

Before targeting a keyword, ask:

What does the user want?

Search the keyword and analyze:

  • Page types ranking
  • Content format
  • Length and depth

If page 1 shows:

  • Tutorials → write a guide
  • Lists → write a list
  • Product pages → don’t write a blog

(Review
👉 Lesson 03 – Search Intent Explained if needed)

Step 5: Check Competition Manually (Critical Step)

Never trust difficulty scores alone.

Open the Top 5 Results and Check:

  • Content quality
  • Depth of information
  • Use of media (images, tables)
  • Website authority (roughly)
  • User experience

Ranking Opportunity Signals:

  • Forums ranking
  • Reddit / Quora pages
  • Thin content
  • Outdated articles
  • Poor formatting

If you can create better content, you can rank.

Step 6: Prioritize Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords:

  • Are more specific
  • Have lower competition
  • Convert better
  • Rank faster

Example: ❌ keyword research
✅ keyword research for beginners step by step

Professional SEO is built on long-tail keywords.

Step 7: Validate Keyword Value

Before finalizing, validate:

  • Search intent match
  • Monetization potential
  • Content expansion possibility

Ask:

  • Can this keyword lead to more content?
  • Does it support topical authority?
  • Is it worth the effort?

If yes — target it.

Step 8: Group Keywords (Not One by One)

Professionals don’t target one keyword per page.

They target keyword clusters.

Example cluster:

  • how to find keywords
  • how to find keywords for seo
  • keyword research step by step
  • find keywords that rank

All can be covered in one strong page.

(This connects to
👉 Lesson 22 – Keyword Mapping for Pages)

Real Example (Beginner-Friendly)

Keyword:

“keyword research for beginners”

Why it works:

  • Clear informational intent
  • Large beginner audience
  • Multiple subtopics
  • Low competition on long-tail variations

Perfect for new sites.

Why Most People Fail at This Step

Common mistakes:

  • Choosing keywords only by volume
  • Ignoring intent
  • Skipping SERP analysis
  • Targeting keywords beyond site authority
  • Being impatient

SEO rewards strategy + consistency, not shortcuts.

Key Takeaways

  • Google is your best keyword research tool
  • Intent analysis comes before tools
  • Manual competition analysis is mandatory
  • Long-tail keywords rank faster
  • Keyword clusters outperform single keywords
  • Ranking keywords are chosen, not guessed

What’s Next?

In the next lesson, you’ll learn:

👉 Competitor Keyword Analysis (Steal What Works)
👉 How to find keywords your competitors already rank for
👉 How to use competitors to speed up SEO growth

Move to Lesson 06 – Competitor Keyword Analysis to continue.