A tool (like Google Keyword Planner) used to discover keywords, search volume, and CPC for campaigns.
Why a Keyword Planner Matters
A keyword planner is crucial because it provides the data you need to make informed decisions about your content. In the past, keyword research was a guessing game. Today, a keyword planner gives you a clear picture of what people are searching for. It helps you avoid creating content that nobody is looking for. It also helps you find new content opportunities, identify trends, and understand the competitive landscape for a specific keyword or set of keywords. A keyword planner is the first and most important tool for any SEO strategy.
Across Different CMS Platforms
A keyword planner is a standalone tool, but the data you get from it can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress users can use the data from a keyword planner to inform their content strategy. A good SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math can help you analyze your content and ensure you are using your target keywords effectively in your titles, meta descriptions, and body content.
Shopify
On Shopify, the data from a keyword planner is essential for your product descriptions and blog posts. You can use it to find the terms your customers are using and then use them in your product titles, descriptions, and collections to improve your visibility in search results.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still use a keyword planner to inform your content strategy. The platform’s built-in SEO tools make it easy to manage your titles, meta descriptions, and on-page content.
Webflow
Webflow gives you granular control over your website’s design and code, which is perfect for a sophisticated keyword targeting strategy. You can use a keyword planner to find keywords and then build a perfectly structured page that is optimized for a specific keyword or set of keywords.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, you have the most control but also the most responsibility. You can build a system that automatically tracks and analyzes your keyword performance and provides your content creators with data-driven insights.
Across Different Industries
The way you use a keyword planner will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites can use a keyword planner to find keywords for a specific product or a product category. They can also use it to find seasonal keywords that can help them attract organic traffic during a specific season.
Local Businesses
Local businesses can use a keyword planner to find keywords that are relevant to their location. A plumber in Dubai, for example, can find keywords like “plumber near me” or “emergency plumber Dubai.”
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can use a keyword planner to find keywords for their marketing pages and blog content. They can also use it to find keywords that are relevant to their product’s features.
Blogs
Blogs can use a keyword planner to find keywords for their articles. They can also use it to find long-tail keywords that are often easier to rank for and can be a great source of organic traffic.
Do’s and Don’ts of a Keyword Planner
Do’s
- Do use a keyword planner to find new keyword ideas. A keyword planner is a great source of new content ideas.
- Do use a keyword planner to analyze a keyword’s competition. This can help you find keywords that are easier to rank for.
- Do use a keyword planner to inform your content strategy. The data from a keyword planner is a key part of your SEO strategy.
Don’ts
- Don’t use a keyword planner to find every single keyword. A keyword planner is a great tool, but it is not a substitute for a good content strategy.
- Don’t use a keyword that is not relevant to your content. A keyword should be relevant to your products or services.
- Don’t focus on a single keyword. This is a risky and outdated approach.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to use a keyword planner: This is a basic but critical step. You cannot improve what you do not measure.
- Ignoring a user’s intent: A keyword should be used with a user’s intent in mind.
- Focusing on short-tail keywords alone: Long-tail keywords are often easier to rank for and can be a great source of organic traffic.
FAQs
Is Google Keyword Planner a free tool?
Yes, Google Keyword Planner is a free tool. However, to get the most accurate data, you need to have an active Google Ads account.
What is the difference between a keyword planner and a keyword research tool?
A keyword planner is a type of keyword research tool. A keyword research tool is a general term for any tool that helps you find and analyze keywords.
What is a “long-tail” keyword?
A long-tail keyword is a long and specific keyword phrase that a user is searching for. These are often easier to rank for and can be a great source of organic traffic.
How many keywords should be in my content?
There is no magic number. A page should be optimized for a primary keyword and a few related keywords. The goal is to create a page that is a comprehensive and authoritative resource for a given topic.
Can a website with no keywords still rank?
A page with no keywords can rank, but it can be difficult. A search engine uses keywords to understand the content of a page. A page with no keywords may be seen as less relevant and may not rank as well.
