How to Do Keyword Research for Your Small Business (Without Paying for Tools)

How to Do Keyword Research for Free

Keyword research sounds expensive. It's not. Here's how to find the exact phrases your customers are searching for — without paying a dime.

1. Google Autocomplete

Start typing a phrase related to your business. Google will suggest completions. These are real searches people make. Example: type 'plumber' and see 'plumber near me,' 'plumber Austin,' 'emergency plumber.'

2. 'People Also Ask'

Search for your main keyword. Scroll to the 'People also ask' section. These are questions real people are asking. Answer them on your site.

3. Related Searches

Scroll to the bottom of Google results. The 'Related searches' section shows variations of your keyword.

4. Google Search Console

If you already have a site, GSC shows you exactly which queries bring people to your site. Find the ones where you rank #4-15 and improve those pages.

5. AnswerThePublic.com

Type a keyword. Get hundreds of questions people ask. Free tier gives you several searches per day.

6. Your competitors

Search your main keyword. Look at the titles and headings of the top-ranking pages. What keywords are they targeting?

7. Your customers

Ask your customers: 'What did you Google before you found us?' Their answers are gold.

Run a free audit and start targeting the right keywords.