Keyword Research for Writers: A Simple, Practical Guide

Keyword research sounds technical, but for writers, it’s really about understanding how people phrase their questions online. Good keyword research helps you write content people are already searching for — instead of guessing.

You don’t need advanced tools or spreadsheets to get started.

Start With a Topic, Not a Keyword

Begin with a broad topic you want to write about, such as:

• SEO writing
• Blogging for beginners
• Content marketing

Then ask yourself: What would I type into Google if I wanted to learn this?

Those questions are your starting point.

Use Google as a Research Tool

One of the easiest keyword research methods is built directly into Google.

Try this:

1. Start typing your topic into Google
2. Look at the autocomplete suggestions
3. Scroll to the “People also ask” section
4. Check “Related searches” at the bottom

These suggestions come from real searches, which makes them incredibly valuable.

Focus on Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases like:

• “how to write SEO articles for beginners”
• “keyword research tips for writers”

They usually have:

• Lower competition
• Clear intent
• Higher-quality readers

For mock blogs or early-stage sites, long-tail keywords are ideal.

Pick One Keyword Per Article

Each article should focus on one primary keyword. Supporting keywords help add context, but don’t compete with your main topic.

Ask yourself:

• Can I answer this keyword in one article?
• Is the topic narrow enough to be helpful?

If the answer is no, narrow it down.

Write First, Optimize Second

Once you’ve chosen a keyword, don’t obsess over it while writing. Focus on clarity and usefulness. After the draft is done, you can lightly optimize:

• Add the keyword to the title
• Include it in a subheading
• Make sure the article clearly answers the search intent

If your content is genuinely helpful, SEO becomes much easier.

Keyword Research Is a Writing Skill

At its core, keyword research is about empathy. It’s about understanding how people think, search, and ask questions. The better you understand your reader, the better your content — and rankings — will be.