How to Find Keywords for Blog Posts: A Practical Guide
Creating a blog post that ranks in search engines isn’t just about great writing—it’s about targeting the right keywords. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to find keywords for blog posts, use them strategically, and boost your content’s visibility. We’ll cover free tools, real-life examples, and answer popular questions bloggers ask about keyword research.
Why Keyword Research Matters for Blog Posts
Keyword research is the backbone of SEO and content marketing. By finding the terms your target readers are searching for, you can:
Choosing the right keywords ensures your content actually gets seen by the right people.
How to Find Keywords for Blog Posts
There are several effective ways to uncover keywords that will drive traffic to your blog. Here’s a simple, step-by-step process:
1. Brainstorm Seed Topics
Start with broad themes relevant to your blog. For example, if you write about baking, seed topics might be “sourdough bread”, “easy cakes”, or “gluten-free recipes”.
2. Use Free Keyword Tools
Free tools can generate hundreds of keyword ideas in seconds. Try the KeywordNumbers Free Keyword Tool to get keyword suggestions, search volumes, and competition data at no cost.
3. Analyse Search Intent
Check what type of content currently ranks for your target keywords. Are they how-to guides, reviews, or listicles? This helps you tailor your post to match what searchers are looking for.
4. Expand with Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases (e.g., “how to bake crusty sourdough bread at home”). These are usually less competitive and more likely to convert.
5. Check Competition and Volume
Balance search volume (how many people search for a term) with competition (how hard it will be to rank). Tools like KeywordNumbers show both metrics, helping you pick the best opportunities.
6. Build a Keyword List
Collect your chosen keywords in a spreadsheet or document. Group them by topic so you can plan related posts or optimise sections within a single article.
Worked Example: Finding Keywords for a Baking Blog Post
Let’s walk through a concrete example. Imagine you want to write about sourdough bread.
| Keyword | Monthly Searches | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| sourdough bread recipe | 7,000 | Medium |
| how to make sourdough starter | 2,500 | Low |
| easy sourdough bread | 1,200 | Low |
| sourdough bread with wholemeal | 300 | Low |
| sourdough bread baking temperature | 150 | Low |
How to Use Keywords in Your Blog Post
Finding keywords is only half the battle. Here’s how to use them effectively:
Free Tools to Help You Find Keywords
Questions People Are Actually Asking
How do I find keywords for blog posts?
Start with a seed topic, then use free tools like KeywordNumbers or Google Suggestions to generate keyword ideas. Check search volumes and competition, and choose terms relevant to your audience.
How to find popular keywords for blogging?
Look for keywords with high search volume but manageable competition. Tools like KeywordNumbers and Google Trends help you spot what’s currently popular in your niche.
How to SEO my blog with keywords?
Use your main keyword in the title, URL, first paragraph, subheadings and throughout the content naturally. Add related keywords, optimise images, and write helpful, comprehensive posts that answer readers’ questions.
How many words should a blog post be for SEO?
There’s no perfect word count, but research suggests most top-ranking posts are 1,000–2,000 words. Focus on fully answering the reader’s question, rather than hitting a specific length.
What’s the difference between short-tail and long-tail keywords?
Short-tail keywords are broad and competitive (e.g., "bread"). Long-tail keywords are more specific and less competitive (e.g., "how to bake rye bread at home"). Long-tail phrases often drive more targeted traffic.
How often should I update my keyword list?
Regularly—at least every few months. Search trends and competition change, so updating your keyword research helps keep your content strategy fresh and effective.
Can I rank with low-volume keywords?
Yes! Low-volume keywords often have less competition and can drive highly targeted traffic, especially when combined in a cluster of related posts.
Conclusion
Finding the right keywords for your blog posts is crucial to getting found online. Use free tools like KeywordNumbers to research search volumes, competition, and trends. Remember to use keywords naturally, focus on providing genuine value, and update your research regularly. Ready to optimise your next post? Give the free keyword tool a try and start growing your blog’s reach today!
Free tools to put this into practice
Reading is one thing — testing your own pages is what moves the needle. Here are the free KeywordNumbers tools that pair best with this guide:
Every one of our free SEO tools is genuinely free to use, with no sign-up required.
Ready to research your keywords?
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