Finding keywords for SEO

Keywords are the words and phrases people type into search engines. Finding the right keywords and creating content around them is one of the most effective ways to get free, targeted traffic to your store.

This guide focuses on finding keywords for content creation and SEO, rather than keywords for choosing a niche (which is covered in the niche research section).

Types of Keywords

Informational keywords

These are questions and topics people want to learn about. They usually start with "how to", "what is", "why does", etc.

Examples: "how to clean a yoga mat", "what is the best coffee grinder for beginners"

These keywords are great for articles. They attract visitors who are researching and can be guided towards your products.

Commercial keywords

These show buying intent. The visitor is actively looking to purchase something.

Examples: "best yoga mat under $50", "cheap espresso machine", "yoga mat vs exercise mat"

These keywords are the most valuable because visitors are close to making a purchase. Target them with buying guides and product comparison articles.

Long-tail keywords

These are longer, more specific phrases. They get less search volume individually but are easier to rank for and attract more targeted visitors.

Examples: "best non-slip yoga mat for hot yoga" instead of just "yoga mat"

Where to Find Keywords

Google Auto-Suggest

Start typing a phrase related to your niche in Google and look at the suggestions that appear. These are real searches that people are making.

Try different starting phrases:

• "best [your niche]"
• "how to [your niche]"
• "[your niche] for beginners"
• "[your niche] vs"

People Also Ask

When you search something on Google, you will often see a "People Also Ask" box with related questions. Each of these questions is a potential article topic for your store.

Click on a few questions and more will appear. You can quickly build a long list of article ideas this way.

Google Search Console

If your store is already live and connected to Google Search Console, check the Performance report. It shows you exactly which keywords people are using to find your store.

Look for keywords where you are appearing on page 2 or 3 of Google. These are opportunities where a focused article could push you onto page 1.

🔗 Google Search Console guide

Google Keyword Planner

This free tool from Google shows you estimated search volumes for any keyword. Use it to compare keywords and find ones with decent search volume but manageable competition.

🔗 Google Keyword Planner guide

FreshStore AI Keyword Research

FreshStore has a built-in AI Keyword Research tool that can generate keyword ideas for your niche automatically. It's a fast way to discover topics you might not have thought of.

🔗 AI Keyword Research feature guide

Your competitors

Look at other stores and websites in your niche. What articles have they written? What topics do they cover that you don't? You can often find keyword ideas by seeing what is already working for others.

Reddit and forums

Browse communities in your niche and pay attention to the questions people ask. Each question is a potential keyword and article topic.

Choosing Which Keywords to Target

Not every keyword is worth creating content for. Consider these factors:

• Search volume. Is anyone actually searching for this? A keyword with zero searches won't bring traffic. Use Google Keyword Planner to check.
• Competition. Are the top results from huge, established websites? If so, you may struggle to rank. Look for keywords where smaller sites are ranking.
• Relevance. Does the keyword relate to your niche and products? Traffic is only valuable if the visitors are interested in what you sell.
• Intent. Commercial keywords (people ready to buy) are more valuable than purely informational ones. Aim for a mix of both.

Turning Keywords into Content

Once you have a list of keywords, turn each one into a piece of content:

1. One keyword per article. Focus each article on one primary keyword or question.
2. Use the keyword in your title. This is the most important place for your keyword.
3. Use it in headings. Include the keyword or variations in your H2 headings where it reads naturally.
4. Answer the question thoroughly. Don't just mention the keyword. Provide a genuinely useful answer that satisfies the visitor.
5. Add related products. Link to relevant products in your store so visitors can take action.