find keywords using Google Keyword Planner Key Takeaways
To find keywords using Google Keyword Planner, you need a Google Ads account to access this free, powerful tool. It provides essential data like search volume, competition level, and cost-per-click estimates, which are invaluable for both SEO and PPC campaigns. The process involves entering seed keywords, analyzing the generated suggestions, and filtering results based on your specific goals. For a related guide, see The 2026 AI Citation Playbook: 15 Proven Content Structures That Force ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity and Google AI Overviews to Cite You.
Google Keyword Planner is the most authoritative tool for find keywords because it uses Google’s own search data.
You must have a Google Ads account to use it, but you don’t need to run ads.
Focus on metrics like average monthly searches, competition, and keyword relevance to build a strong content strategy.
find keywords using Google Keyword Planner: Quick Answer
Short answer: To find keywords using Google Keyword Planner, first create or sign into a Google Ads account. Navigate to the “Tools and Settings” menu and select “Keyword Planner.” Use the “Discover new keywords” feature by entering a website URL or up to 10 seed keywords related to your topic. Set your target location and language, then review the generated list. Analyze the suggested keywords based on key metrics like average monthly searches, competition level (Low, Medium, High), and top-of-page bid estimates to identify valuable opportunities for your SEO or advertising strategy.
What is Google Keyword Planner and Why You Need It
Google Keyword Planner is a free keyword research tool built directly into Google Ads. Its primary purpose is to help advertisers plan their search campaigns, but its data is a goldmine for SEO professionals and content creators. Unlike many third-party tools that estimate data, Keyword Planner pulls from Google’s actual search data, making it one of the most reliable sources for understanding what people are searching for.
You need it because it provides the foundational metrics that inform a successful digital strategy. It answers critical questions: How many people are searching for a term? How competitive is it to rank for or bid on? What are related queries you haven’t considered? By learning how to use keyword planner effectively, you move from guessing what might work to making data-driven decisions about your website’s content and structure. For a related guide, see How Google Ranks Pages? 7 Key Factors Explained.
Key Metrics Explained in the Keyword Planner
When you find keywords in the tool, you’ll be presented with several columns of data. Understanding these is crucial:
Avg. monthly searches: The average number of times a keyword is searched per month over the last 12 months. This indicates potential traffic volume.
Competition: This shows how many advertisers are bidding on this keyword in Google Ads. It’s labeled as Low, Medium, or High. For SEO, high competition often correlates with difficulty in ranking organically.
Top of page bid (low-high range): The estimated cost-per-click (CPC) range for an ad to appear at the top of the search results page. While for PPC, this is a direct cost indicator, for SEO it signals the commercial value and intent behind a keyword.
Step-by-Step Guide to Find Keywords Using Google Keyword Planner
Follow this clear, step-by-step tutorial to master the Google Ads keyword tool.
Step 1: Access Google Keyword Planner
First, you need a Google Ads account. If you don’t have one, go to ads.google.com and sign up. You will be asked for billing information, but you can set up an account without immediately starting a campaign or spending money. Once logged in, click on the wrench icon in the top right corner to open “Tools and Settings.” In the dropdown menu, under “Planning,” click “Keyword Planner.”
Step 2: Start a New Search for Keywords
Inside the Keyword Planner, you have two main options: “Discover new keywords” and “Get search volume and forecasts.” For initial research, click “Discover new keywords.” You can start with two types of inputs:
Your product or service: Enter up to 10 seed keywords or phrases. For example, if you have a bakery, you might enter “artisan bread,” “custom cakes,” “gluten-free pastries.”
A website: Enter a relevant URL (yours or a competitor’s). The tool will scan the page and suggest keywords based on its content.
Next, configure your target location and language. If your business serves the United States in English, set those parameters. This ensures the search volume data is accurate for your audience.
Step 3: Analyze and Filter Your Results
After clicking “Get results,” you’ll see a list of keyword ideas. This is where the real work begins. Don’t just look at the first page. Use the filters on the left-hand side to refine your list.
Filter by Avg. monthly searches to exclude very low-volume terms (or focus on niche, long-tail keywords).
Filter by Competition to find “Low” competition opportunities, which are often easier to target for new websites.
Use the “Keyword filters” to include or exclude specific words. For example, you could exclude “buy” if you are focused on informational content.
Look at the “Avg. monthly searches” trend graph next to each keyword. A flat or growing trend is positive; a sharply declining trend may indicate a fading topic.
Step 4: Organize and Export Your Keyword List
As you find promising keywords, add them to a plan by checking the box next to them and clicking “Add to plan.” You can create different plans for different topics or campaigns. Once you have a robust list, click on the plan name and select “Download keyword ideas” to export the data as a CSV file. This allows you to analyze the data further in a spreadsheet, group keywords by topic (keyword clustering), and prioritize your content calendar.
Practical Tips for Advanced Keyword Research
Moving beyond the basics will help you uncover hidden opportunities.
Uncover Long-Tail Keyword Opportunities
While head terms (short, high-volume keywords) are competitive, long-tail keywords (longer, more specific phrases) often have lower competition and higher conversion intent. In the Keyword Planner, look for keyword suggestions that are questions (e.g., “how to proof sourdough overnight”) or include modifiers like “best,” “near me,” “for beginners,” or “vs.” These reveal specific user intent that is easier to satisfy with targeted content.
Analyze Competitor Websites for Keyword Gaps
One of the most powerful tactics is to use the “Start with a website” option with a competitor’s URL. Analyze the keywords the tool suggests for their site. Look for keywords with decent search volume that you aren’t currently targeting. This can reveal content gaps in your own strategy. For a more comprehensive analysis, repeat this process with 3-5 of your top competitors. For a related guide, see 5 Reasons SEO Importance Can’t Be Ignored.
Use Historical Metrics to Forecast Trends
Don’t just look at the current average monthly searches. Pay attention to the seasonality graph for each keyword. Some keywords may spike during holidays, specific seasons, or events. Understanding these patterns allows you to plan and create content ahead of the demand curve, giving you a significant SEO advantage.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Using Keyword Planner
Even experienced marketers can make these mistakes. Be aware to get the most accurate data.
Ignoring Search Intent
A keyword with high volume is useless if the searcher’s intent doesn’t match your content. The keyword “apple” could refer to the fruit, the tech company, or a record label. Use the suggested keywords and your own judgment to discern intent. Are the related keywords commercial (“buy,” “price,” “deal”) or informational (“how to,” “guide,” “what is”)? Match the intent with the type of page you plan to create.
Over-Reliance on Exact Match Volume
By default, Keyword Planner shows data for “broad match” modifiers, which can inflate search volume estimates. For more precise planning, especially for SEO, add your keywords to a plan and use the “Get search volume and forecasts” feature. Here, you can change the match type to “Exact” to see the volume for that specific phrase, which is more relevant for organic ranking targets.
Not Setting Realistic Geographic Targets
If your business is local, ensure your location settings are precise. Setting the target to “United States” when you only serve “Miami, Florida” will give you national volume data that is irrelevant and misleading. Always tailor the location setting to your actual service area for the most actionable data.
Useful Resources
To deepen your understanding of keyword research and SEO strategy, consider these authoritative external resources:
Frequently Asked Questions About Google Keyword Planner
Is Google Keyword Planner free to use?
Yes, Google Keyword Planner is a completely free tool. However, you must have a Google Ads account to access it. You can create an account without running any ads or providing payment information, though Google may prompt you for billing details during setup.
Can I use Keyword Planner for SEO without running ads?
Absolutely. While designed for advertisers, the search volume and competition data are invaluable for SEO. Many SEO professionals use it as their primary keyword research tool without ever launching a paid campaign.
Why are my search volume results sometimes hidden or shown as a range?
Google may show a range (e.g., “1K – 10K”) instead of an exact number for keywords with lower search volume or to protect data sensitivity. To see more precise data, add the keyword to a plan and use the forecast tool, or ensure your targeting settings are sufficiently broad.
What’s the difference between ‘Competition’ and ‘Competition (indexed)’?
In Keyword Planner, ‘Competition’ refers to the level of advertiser bidding (Low/Medium/High). ‘Competition (indexed)’ is a numerical score from 0-100 that represents the same data. A score of 0-33 is Low, 34-66 is Medium, and 67-100 is High competition among advertisers.
How accurate is Google Keyword Planner data?
It is considered the most accurate source for search volume data because it comes directly from Google. However, it’s important to remember it’s a historical average and a guide. Actual search traffic can vary based on trends, seasonality, and other factors.
What are the best filters to use in Keyword Planner?
Start by filtering for keywords with ‘Low’ or ‘Medium’ competition if you’re new. Then, set a minimum ‘Avg. monthly searches’ filter relevant to your niche (e.g., 100+). Use the keyword filters to exclude irrelevant terms (like ‘free’ or ‘job’) that don’t match your business model.
Can I see keyword data for mobile vs. desktop searches?
No, Google Keyword Planner does not break down search volume by device type (mobile, desktop, tablet) within its main interface. The data provided is an aggregate across all devices.
How often should I do keyword research?
Keyword research is not a one-time task. You should conduct it quarterly to identify new trends, and before creating any major new piece of content or section on your website. Search behavior and trends evolve constantly.
What is a good cost-per-click (CPC) bid in the results?
For SEO purposes, a higher top-of-page bid estimate generally indicates higher commercial intent and value. There’s no universal “good” CPC; it depends on your industry. Use it as a relative gauge—keywords with higher suggested bids are often more competitive and valuable.
Why does my competitor’s website generate more keyword ideas than mine?
This usually indicates their website has more content, more pages, and is better optimized for a wider variety of topics. It’s a signal to analyze their site structure and content depth to identify areas for your own growth.
Can I use Keyword Planner for local business SEO?
Yes, it’s excellent for local SEO. When starting your search, set your target location to your specific city or service area. Then, include location-based modifiers in your seed keywords (e.g., “plumber Denver” or “best pizza near me”) to find locally relevant search terms.
What are keyword ideas and how are they different?
In the results, you’ll see “Keyword ideas” (based directly on your input) and “Related keywords” (broader suggestions). “Keyword ideas” are typically more directly relevant, while “Related keywords” can help you discover adjacent topics or different ways users phrase their searches.
How do I find low-competition, high-volume keywords?
This is the “holy grail” and rare. Your best strategy is to use filters to show keywords with ‘Low’ competition and then sort by ‘Avg. monthly searches’ descending. Often, these will be longer, more specific long-tail phrases rather than single-word keywords.
Does Google Keyword Planner show keyword difficulty for SEO?
No, it does not provide an SEO-specific difficulty score. The ‘Competition’ metric is for advertisers. To gauge SEO difficulty, you need to use the competition level as a proxy and supplement it with other tools that analyze the strength of the current top-ranking pages.
Can I research keywords in languages other than English?
Yes. When setting up your search, you can choose from a wide variety of target languages. This allows you to conduct keyword research for multilingual websites or global marketing campaigns.
What should I do if my keyword has zero search volume?
A result of zero or a very low range doesn’t necessarily mean no one searches for it. It could be a very niche, long-tail query. Consider if the intent is highly specific and valuable for conversions. Sometimes, targeting these “zero volume” keywords can attract a very qualified, if small, audience.
How far back does the historical search volume data go?
Google Keyword Planner typically shows the average monthly searches over the past 12 months. It provides a trend graph that can show monthly fluctuations within that period, but it does not offer historical data from multiple years ago.
Is it better to start with a website or with keywords?
It depends on your goal. Starting with a website (especially a competitor’s) is great for gap analysis and discovering new topic areas. Starting with keywords is better when you have a core topic in mind and want to explore all its variations and related questions.
Can I save my keyword research sessions?
Yes, by adding keywords to a “Plan.” You can create multiple plans for different projects or client campaigns. These plans are saved within your Google Ads account and can be revisited, modified, or downloaded at any time.
What are the main limitations of Google Keyword Planner ?
The main limitations are: it requires a Google Ads account, data can be aggregated into ranges (not always exact), it doesn’t provide SEO difficulty scores, and it lacks some of the content and competitor analysis features found in dedicated third-party SEO platforms.
