Why Finding New Keywords Matters

Finding new keywords is essential for your business. It helps you:

• Diversify Traffic Sources: Ranking for new keywords keeps your organic traffic steady. This is crucial, especially when competitors gain rankings or your keyword positions change.
• Drive Qualified Traffic: By targeting users at different stages of their buyer journey, you can answer their common questions before they make a purchase. This approach leads to more engaged visitors.
• Enhance Paid Search Campaigns: With more relevant keywords, you can improve your pay-per-click (PPC) ads. You can also discover lower-cost keywords, maximizing your ad budget.
• Increase Market Share: Ranking for various search queries lets you reach more potential customers looking for products and services similar to yours.
• Outrank Competitors: Writing content on new topics found through keyword research helps you rank for more keywords, potentially outranking your competitors.

By focusing on finding new keywords, you set your business up for sustained growth and visibility in search results.

11 Effective Strategies to Discover New Keywords for Your Site

Identifying new keywords is essential for enhancing your site’s SEO. Below are practical strategies that leverage different keyword research tools to uncover fresh organic keyword opportunities.

Keep track of the keywords you find in a spreadsheet or add them to your Semrush keyword lists for easy reference and management.

1. Use the Keyword Magic Tool

Finding new keywords is essential for improving your site's SEO and keeping up with evolving search trends. Using tools like Semrush's Keyword Magic Tool allows you to uncover fresh keyword opportunities that can boost your rankings and drive more traffic. Below, we outline an easy step-by-step process to help you find and track new keywords for your site.

Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool helps you explore your search market by revealing thousands of keywords related to your niche.

This tool allows you to filter out keywords you already rank for, so you can concentrate on new possibilities. Its AI features identify which keywords are most likely to improve your rankings.

Step-by-Step Process to Find New Keywords

2. Using Google Keyword Planner to Find New Keywords

Google Keyword Planner is a free and valuable tool for discovering keywords that can enhance your paid search campaigns and overall SEO. It helps you uncover new keyword opportunities relevant to your business or website content.

To begin, sign in to your Google Ads account and select “Discover new keywords.” If you already have some keywords in mind, you can go straight to the “Start with keywords” tab. Enter a few seed keywords along with your website’s URL, then click “Get results.”

You’ll see a list of keyword ideas, each with important metrics like “Avg. monthly searches,” “Competition,” and “Top of page bid.” These figures help you assess how competitive the keywords are and estimate the cost per click for paid ads.

You can also fine-tune your list by clicking “Refine keywords.” For instance, if certain words or phrases don’t fit your strategy, you can exclude them easily by unchecking them from the list.

If you don't have any specific keywords in mind, try the “Start with a website” option. Just enter your website’s URL or a page URL you want to focus on. Google will generate keyword suggestions related to the content on that page, helping you target new and relevant search terms.

By regularly updating and refining your keyword list, you can continuously improve the effectiveness of your campaigns and SEO efforts.

Key Metrics in Google Keyword Planner

3. Harnessing the Keyword Strategy Builder for SEO Success

The Keyword Strategy Builder is essential for uncovering new keywords and refining your SEO approach. This tool organizes relevant keywords by thematic relevance, showing you how to create an effective content strategy around them. By structuring your website content appropriately, you can boost your topical authority and maximize the number of organic keywords your site ranks for.

To begin, enter your seed keywords in the input box, select your target location, and click “Create list.”

The Keyword Strategy Builder displays your keyword strategy in two views: “Topical Overview” and “Page Details.”

Both views categorize keywords into two main types:

• Pillar Pages: These pages provide a broad overview of a topic.
• Subpages: These pages focus on specific details related to the topic.

Creating these pages using the recommended keywords can significantly enhance your topical authority and organic visibility.

In the “Topical Overview,” you can zoom in on a specific topic by clicking the magnifying glass icon. Clicking on any blue topic reveals the keywords grouped with it, allowing you to view further details.

The tool then switches to the “Page Details” view, where you’ll see the pillar page listed first, followed by the related subpages. You can expand any pillar or subpage to view all associated keywords.

If you find a pillar page or subpage you want to create, simply check the box next to it, click “Send keywords,” select “Other keyword list,” and hit “Apply.”

From the dropdown menu, choose the list you want to send the new keywords to and click “Send keywords” to save them for future reference.

This tool automates the keyword grouping process, allowing you to focus more on content creation. It’s a valuable asset for anyone serious about improving their SEO strategy.

Keyword Strategy Overview

This table summarizes the features and functionalities of the Keyword Strategy Builder, making it easier to understand how to leverage the tool for your SEO efforts.

4. Discovering Keywords with Impressions in Google Search Console

Finding new keywords is essential for expanding your content strategy. You might be ranking for keywords you haven’t even written about yet, and Google Search Console (GSC) can help you uncover these opportunities.

GSC is a free tool that tracks your site’s performance in search results and helps you monitor your technical SEO. It provides valuable insights into the queries (keywords) you rank for, allowing you to spot potential areas for new content.

To explore different keywords in GSC, navigate to the “Search results” section under the “Performance” tab. If you don’t see “Search results,” simply click “Performance.”

Next, make sure to toggle on “Average position.” This will help you see where you stand in search rankings for each query.

Scroll down to view all the keywords (queries) you rank for. Look through the list to find terms you already rank for but haven’t created content for yet.

If you want to focus on specific pages, while in the “Performance” tab, click “+ New” and select “Page…” Enter the URL you wish to analyze, choose “Exact URL” from the dropdown, and click “Apply.”

This allows you to review the queries associated with specific pages. By identifying these keywords, you can target them in future blog posts, articles, and website copy.

For example, if you own a yoga studio and have a blog post titled “Best Yoga Poses for Back Pain,” you might discover that it also ranks for “best yoga poses for back strength.” This is likely due to the mention of back strength in the article. Recognizing these different search intents can guide you to create new, targeted content focused on “back strength.”

Keywords with Impressions Overview

By leveraging Google Search Console effectively, you can continuously refine your keyword strategy and enhance your content's SEO performance.

5. Identifying Keyword Gaps

Keyword gaps happen when competitors rank for keywords that you’re missing out on. Understanding these gaps can help you optimize your SEO strategy.

The Semrush Keyword Gap tool is perfect for this. Start by entering your domain and up to three competitors, then click “Compare.” If you're unsure which competitors to analyze, the tool can suggest options for you.

After the comparison, scroll down to the “All keyword details for” section and click on “Untapped.” This will reveal keywords that at least one of your competitors ranks for, but you do not.

Take the time to review these keywords and identify opportunities that are relevant to your business. Pay special attention to the “KD%” (keyword difficulty) column. This metric shows how challenging it is to rank on the first page of search results for each keyword, with a scale from 0 to 100.

Keyword Gap Insights

6. Recover and Leverage Lost Keywords

Lost keywords are a great way to spot new content ideas or highlight areas where your existing content might need improvement. Websites lose keywords for many reasons, such as mismatched search intent.

For instance, if you wrote an article for the keyword “best kayaks” and mentioned an inflatable kayak, your article may have ranked for “best inflatable kayaks” temporarily. But if the content doesn't fully address inflatable kayaks, you might lose that ranking.

To regain this keyword, create new, focused content specifically about “best inflatable kayaks.” Additionally, you can target your competitors' lost keywords, which could be valuable traffic sources for you.

Using the Organic Research tool, you can track your competitors' lost keywords. Simply enter the competitor's domain, click “Search,” and navigate to the “Top Position Changes” section. Under the “Lost” tab, you’ll find keywords they no longer rank for, along with the URLs associated with those keywords.

By reviewing keywords with significant traffic changes and considering user intent, you can prioritize content creation that targets those lost opportunities.

Types of Keyword Intent:

• Informational: Searchers want information.
• Navigational: Searchers are looking for a specific page.
• Commercial: Searchers are comparing brands or services.
• Transactional: Searchers are ready to take action (e.g., make a purchase).

Lost Keyword Review Table

7. Exploring the "People Also Ask" Feature for Keyword Ideas

The "People Also Ask" feature in Google's search results offers related questions based on search queries. It’s a great way to discover long-tail keywords, which are more specific and can drive highly targeted traffic.

You'll often see the "People Also Ask" box near the top of search results.

For example, a search for “sunglasses for driving” might show related questions like “Why are polarized sunglasses good for driving?” or “Are Ray Ban sunglasses good for driving?”

Clicking a question reveals more options, like “What is the difference between polarized and driving sunglasses?” and “Are anti-reflective lenses good for driving?”

Keep clicking until you find questions that haven’t been covered in your content. Then, create new blog posts or articles to target those keywords effectively.

8. Leveraging Google Autocomplete for Keyword Ideas

Google’s autocomplete feature suggests related search queries as you type, providing useful insights into what people are searching for. This can help you identify new keyword opportunities.

For instance, when you type “sunglasses for,” Google may suggest phrases like “sunglasses for men” or “sunglasses for driving into the sun.” The suggestions evolve as you type more letters.

Here’s an example when adding the letter “n” to the query:

To use autocomplete for keyword research, type in terms related to your niche and offerings. Continue adding letters until you uncover phrases you haven’t targeted yet.

You can also type in your brand name to discover what people are searching for related to your business. This can give you ideas for new pages, such as those offering free samples or booking options.

Using autocomplete strategically can uncover valuable keywords and inspire fresh content ideas to improve your SEO.

9. Finding Keyword Ideas Through Related Searches

Related searches are another powerful tool in Google’s search engine results page (SERP) for discovering new keywords. Located at the bottom of the search results, these are queries related to your initial search term. Much like Google’s People Also Ask and Autocomplete features, related searches can help generate fresh keyword ideas.

For example, if you search for “sunglasses for driving,” the related searches might include terms like “polarized sunglasses for driving” and “best sunglasses for driving at night.” These clickable links lead to new search results and additional related searches.

If we click on "polarized sunglasses for driving," a whole new set of related searches appears. Repeating this process can uncover a wealth of new, relevant keywords that you may not have thought of yet. This method ensures that you're continually finding keyword opportunities that are directly related to what users are searching for.

By leveraging this feature, you can keep refining and expanding your keyword strategy for maximum SEO benefit.

Related Searches Example

This table illustrates how a single search query can lead to more related keyword ideas, making it easier to build out your content strategy. Keep clicking on related searches for more inspiration and ensure your content covers the terms users are actually looking for.

10. Exploring Forums for Keyword Inspiration

Forums such as Reddit and Quora are great places to discover the types of questions your target audience is asking. By searching through relevant forums, you can gain insights into their needs, interests, and pain points, which can lead to valuable keyword ideas for your content strategy.

For example, if you run an interior decorating business, you could visit the Interior Decorating subreddit on Reddit. To find popular content, simply use the filters under the "Create Post" section to display the top posts of all time. These posts reflect what resonates most with your audience and may reveal topics you haven’t covered yet.

Using the search function within forums can also help. Try searching for question-based queries like “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” “why,” or “how” to uncover user questions that need answering. For instance, a search for “how” within the Interior Decorating subreddit may reveal a list of questions related to how people can make their living spaces cozier.

Not only does this help you discover new keywords, but it also provides deeper insights into your audience’s concerns and interests. You can use this information to create high-quality content that addresses their needs.

Forum Search Results Example

This table highlights how forum searches can reveal specific topics your audience is actively discussing. By understanding these topics, you can create content tailored to their needs and capture new keyword opportunities.

11. Exploring Trending Keywords for Content Ideas

Trending keywords are hot topics gaining traction in your niche. While they may not be evergreen (long-lasting topics), they can generate quick bursts of traffic, leads, and sales if you capitalize on them at the right moment.

To find trending keywords, start by heading over to Google Trends. Simply enter your product or niche into the search bar and hit “Explore.”

For example, let’s say you’re in the watch business. You would type “watches” into the search bar, then adjust the time frame to the past 30 days. This will help you uncover trending topics in the most recent period.

Once the results appear, scroll down to the “Related topics” and “Related queries” sections. Here, you’ll see a list of topics and queries that are currently growing in popularity. The percentage growth next to each keyword indicates how much it has increased in interest over the past month.

If you see the word “Breakout” instead of a percentage, it means that topic or query has exploded in interest, growing more than 5,000% compared to the previous period. Clicking on these topics can lead to even more trending keywords relevant to your niche.

Trending Keyword Examples

This table demonstrates how tracking trending keywords with Google Trends can help you uncover fast-growing search queries and popular topics within your niche. By targeting these keywords in your content, you can attract timely traffic to your site.

How to Analyze and Prioritize New Keywords Effectively

After gathering hundreds of potential keywords using various research methods, it’s important to analyze and prioritize those that will generate the most traffic and conversions for your website.

Step 1: Analyze Keywords with Keyword Overview

Start by using the Keyword Overview tool to analyze up to 100 keywords at a time. Simply enter the keywords you've discovered, along with your domain URL and target country, then click "Search."

Here’s how the process works:

• Enter your newly found keywords.
• Input your domain URL.
• Select your target country.
• Click the “Search” button.

Step 2: Use Bulk Keyword Analysis

Once you've run the initial analysis, click on the “Bulk Analysis” tab to review the keywords in a table format. This gives you a broad view of the most relevant keywords for your website.

• A low PKD% suggests that your site has a strong chance of ranking because it already holds thematic relevance and expertise.

Step 3: Monitor Keyword Volume

While the PKD% is important, you should also consider keyword volume—the average number of monthly searches for a particular keyword over the last 12 months. High-volume keywords can bring more traffic, but they’re often more competitive. Striking a balance between difficulty and volume is key.

Step 4: Understand Keyword Intent

Lastly, be sure to evaluate the intent behind each keyword. This helps you align your content with different stages of the marketing funnel (awareness, consideration, decision).

Bulk Keyword Analysis Report Example

This table provides an example of how you can organize and evaluate keywords in bulk using PKD%, search volume, and intent. By focusing on low-difficulty, high-relevance keywords with varying intents, you’ll create content that appeals to different user needs and stages in the buying process.

As you continue to publish new content and build authority in your industry, return to the Keyword Magic Tool to monitor how your PKD percentages evolve. This will unlock more opportunities as keywords that were once too competitive may become within reach.

Regularly Monitor Your Keyword Rankings

Monitoring your keyword rankings helps you understand which pages are performing well and which need improvement. Here's how you can track your keywords effectively:

Step 1: Set Up Position Tracking

Start by creating a project in the Position Tracking tool.

• Click the "+ Create Project" button.
• Enter your domain and project name in the popup, then click “Create Project.”

Step 2: Configure Your Tracking Preferences

Next, set your tracking preferences:

• Select a search engine: Choose the search engine you'd like to track.
• Choose a device: Select whether you want to track rankings on desktop, mobile, or tablet.
• Set your target location and language: Specify the geographical area and language you’re targeting.
• Click "Continue To Keywords" to proceed.

Step 3: Add Keywords for Tracking

Add the keywords you want to monitor:

• Either import your keywords or type them directly into the text box.
• Click “Start Tracking.”

Keep in mind, the report may take up to two days to gather enough data.

Step 4: Analyze Your Keyword Performance

Once the data is ready, you’ll have access to a performance summary that includes:

• Ranking movements: See which keywords have moved up or down in rankings.
• Estimated traffic changes: Monitor the estimated traffic impact.
• Competitor alerts: Be notified when competitors are outranking you.

Step 5: Review Keyword Rankings in the "Overview" Tab

In the “Overview” tab, you can view your keywords' rankings and how they've changed compared to the previous period. This provides a quick snapshot of your performance.

Step 6: Break Down Rankings by Page

Head to the “Pages” tab for a more detailed breakdown:

• View your average position for each page.
• Identify which pages are performing well and which need improvement.

Step 7: Identify Opportunities for Improvement

Focus on keywords where you’re not ranking as high as you’d like. Low rankings may indicate weaker content that could be optimized.

Use the SEO Writing Assistant to review and improve your content based on keyword recommendations and optimization suggestions.

Step 8: Track Competitor Performance

You can also create a new Position Tracking project to monitor the same keywords for your competitors.

This way, you can stay informed about when they’re outranking you and identify opportunities to update your content to regain higher search rankings.

Enhance Your Rankings with New Keywords

Many valuable keywords may be slipping through the cracks in your SEO strategy.

With Semrush, you can easily uncover new keyword opportunities, create targeted content, and track your rankings—all from one powerful platform.

With Semrush, you can easily uncover new keyword opportunities, create targeted content, and track your rankings—all from one powerful platform.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of SEO, staying ahead means continually exploring new keyword opportunities. By leveraging tools like Google Search Console, Semrush, and insights from forums and search trends, you can uncover valuable keywords that resonate with your audience. Identifying keyword gaps, monitoring lost keywords, and utilizing features like People Also Ask and Autocomplete can significantly enhance your content strategy.

Remember, the key to effective keyword optimization lies in understanding search intent and aligning your content with user needs. Regularly monitoring your keyword rankings and making data-driven adjustments will ensure your content remains relevant and competitive.

By adopting a proactive approach to keyword research and optimization, you can drive more traffic, increase conversions, and ultimately enhance your online presence. Start exploring these strategies today, and watch your website soar in the search rankings!