How to Use Google Keyword Planner: A Step-by-Step Guide
Looking to boost your SEO or PPC campaigns with reliable keyword data? Google Keyword Planner is a free tool that helps you find keywords, see search volumes, and spot content opportunities. In this guide, you'll learn how to use Google Keyword Planner, get tips for using it without launching ads or entering credit card details, and see a real worked example.
What Is Google Keyword Planner?
Google Keyword Planner is a free keyword research tool within Google Ads. Originally built to help advertisers plan PPC campaigns, it's also highly useful for SEOs, bloggers, YouTubers, and anyone needing keyword ideas and search volume estimates.
How to Access Google Keyword Planner for Free
You don't need to spend money to use Keyword Planner, but you do need a Google Ads account. Here’s how to get started:
> Tip: You do not need to enter payment details or launch a campaign if you follow the above steps. This works in 2024 and is expected to work in 2025 as well.
Using Google Keyword Planner: Step by Step
1. Choose Your Research Method
Google Keyword Planner offers two main options:
2. Enter Your Seed Keywords or Website
Let’s say you run a site about running shoes. Enter terms like "running shoes", "trail running trainers", or paste in a competitor’s URL to get started.
3. Set Target Location, Language, and Date Range
Adjust the settings to reflect your target market:
4. Review Keyword Ideas and Metrics
Google will return a list of keyword ideas with columns such as:
| Keyword | Avg. monthly searches | Competition | Top of page bid (low range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| running shoes | 33,100 | High | £0.62 / $0.80 |
| best running shoes | 18,100 | High | £0.74 / $0.96 |
| trail running trainers | 2,400 | Medium | £0.55 / $0.71 |
5. Filter and Refine Your Results
Use filters to:
6. Download or Copy Your Keyword List
You can download your keyword ideas as a CSV file or copy them to use in your content strategy, SEO planning, or PPC campaigns.
Worked Example: Finding Keywords for a UK Sports Blog
Suppose you run a sports blog focused on running in the UK. You want to find keywords for an article about "marathon training plans".
| Keyword | Avg. monthly searches | Competition | Top of page bid (low range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| marathon training plan | 2,900 | Medium | £0.60 / $0.78 |
| 16 week marathon training | 1,000 | Low | £0.45 / $0.59 |
| marathon training schedule | 1,600 | Medium | £0.52 / $0.68 |
You could use these terms in your headings and content to improve your SEO. The bid estimates help gauge commercial intent, and you can compare the search volume in both metric (kilometres) and imperial (miles) units if you're writing for an international audience (e.g., "16 week marathon training plan in miles (26.2 miles / 42.195 kilometres)").
Extra Tip: Use Free Keyword Tools for More Data
While Google Keyword Planner is powerful, it can hide exact volume ranges for inactive accounts. For extra insights, try the free Keyword Numbers Keyword Tool to supplement your research, especially if you want more precise search volume estimates or competitor analysis.
How to Use Keyword Planner for SEO and Content Marketing
Questions people are actually asking
How to use Google Keyword Planner?
Sign in to Google Ads, access Keyword Planner under 'Tools & Settings', select either 'Discover new keywords' or 'Get search volume and forecasts', and enter your keywords or website. Adjust location and language settings, then review the keyword ideas and metrics provided.
How to use Google Keyword Planner for free?
You can use Keyword Planner for free by creating a Google Ads account and choosing the option to set up an account without a campaign. No payment or active ads are required to access the planner.
How to use Google Keyword Planner without campaign?
When prompted to create your first campaign during Google Ads signup, look for a 'Create an account without a campaign' or similar link. This lets you skip launching an ad and access the planner immediately.
How to use Google Keyword Planner without creating an ad?
Simply choose the 'Expert Mode' or 'Set up without a campaign' option during signup. This bypasses the ad creation process, allowing you access to the planner with no ads or payments.
How to use Google Keyword Planner to find keywords?
Input a seed keyword or a competitor’s URL, set your target location and language, and review the list of keyword ideas. Use filters and sorting to focus on keywords with the right search volume and competition for your needs.
How to use Google Keyword Planner for SEO?
Find keywords relevant to your niche, check their search volumes and competition, and select terms that match your site's content and target audience. Add these keywords naturally to your site’s pages for better SEO.
How to use Google Keyword Planner for YouTube?
While not built specifically for YouTube, you can use Keyword Planner to find popular search queries related to your video topic, then incorporate those keywords into your YouTube titles, descriptions, and tags.
How to use Google Keyword Planner without credit card?
During Google Ads signup, select the 'Create account without a campaign' option. This lets you skip entering payment or card details, while still granting access to Keyword Planner.
Conclusion
Google Keyword Planner remains a reliable, free tool for finding keyword ideas and planning your SEO strategy, whether you're in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, or beyond. Remember, you don't need to run ads or enter a credit card to use it—just set up your account in "Expert Mode". For even more keyword insights, try the free Keyword Numbers Keyword Tool. Start researching today and watch your traffic grow!
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.
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