Keyword research doesn't require expensive tools to get started. Here's a practical, mostly-free approach.
Start with seed topics – What does your audience actually search for related to your niche?
Google autocomplete and "People also ask" – Free, and shows real queries people are actually typing.
Google Keyword Planner – Free with a Google Ads account (even without running ads), gives rough volume estimates.
Google Search Console – Once your site has some traffic, shows exactly what queries you already rank for, often revealing opportunities you didn't target intentionally.
Prioritize intent over volume – A lower-volume keyword with clear buying/action intent often converts better than a high-volume, vague one.
Look for long-tail variations – Easier to rank for, and often closer to what someone is actually trying to accomplish.
What's your go-to free keyword research method?
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