
A Complete Guide: How to Use Google Keyword Planner for Keyword Research

Google Keyword Planner is a free tool from Google that you can use for keyword research. It’s perfect for bloggers and small businesses.
How to use Google Keyword Planner for keyword research? Is it easy to use?
You’ll find the answer in this article. So, let’s find out!
- 1 What is Google Keyword Planner?
- 2 How to Use Google Keyword Planner for Keyword Research?
- 3 Final Thoughts
- 4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Google Keyword Planner?
Google Keyword Planner is a tool provided by Google that you can use for various purposes, including ads and keyword research.
Here are the things you can do with Google Keyword Planner, such as:
- Finding new potential keywords for SEO and ad campaigns.
- Tracking monthly keyword trends.
- Finding the average bidding price for ads.
How to Use Google Keyword Planner for Keyword Research?
Here are the steps on how to use Google Keyword Planner, including:
1. Open the Google Keyword Planner
Open Google Keyword Planner on Google or click this link. Then, click ‘Go to Keyword Planner’
2. Make an Account on Google Keyword Planner
If you don’t have a Google Keyword Planner account, you need to make an account first.
After you make it, you can use the Google Keyword Planner.
3. Click ‘Tools’
Now, you’re on the main menu. Click ‘tools’ to start keyword research.
4. Choose ‘Keyword Planner’
Click ‘Planning’, then ‘Keyword Planner’. Now, you see this on your screen.

If you don’t have any relevant keywords, click ‘Discover new keywords’ (read step 5).
If you already have the keywords and want to analyze them, click ‘Get search volume and forecast’ (skip to step 6).
5. Use ‘Discover New Keywords’
With this feature, you can find new keywords that are relevant to your website. This is what you’ll see on your screen.

There are two options – ‘start with keywords’ and ‘start with website’.
What are the differences?
Start with Keyword
You can click this option if you have several keywords that you’re not sure whether they’re relevant or not. You can research a maximum of 10 keywords at once.
Start with Website
This feature will provide you with keyword ideas from a website, which is perfect for competitor research.
You can identify relevant keywords for competitors’ websites and use them if applicable.
6. Use ‘Get Search Volume and Forecast’
This feature will help you to know how good the keywords are for ads and SEO in the future by forecasting their trends.
You’ll find the keywords’ trends in the last three months, year-on-year change, and their bidding prices. It’s beneficial to forecast your ads and SEO performance.
7. Pay Attention to the Available Metrics
You’ll find numerous metrics, but you don’t need to pay attention to all of them. Here are the relevant metrics for SEO:
- Average monthly searches – the bigger the number, the more popular the keywords are. In SEO, the higher the keyword volume, the higher the level of competition.
- Three-month change – showing the keyword trend in the last three months.
- Year-on-year change – showing the keyword trend in this month to the same month in the last year.
8. Choose Your Best Keywords
Now, you’ve all the insights needed. Just choose your best keywords for your website, based on its goals and search intent.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to use Google Search Console for keyword research. It’s also free, making it the best keyword research tool for bloggers or small businesses without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Google Keyword Planner help with SEO?
Yes, Google Keyword Planner can help a lot with SEO. Even though it’s mainly designed for Google Ads, the tool provides keyword search volume, competition level, and trend data.
Is Google Keyword Planner free to use?
Yes, it’s completely free.
How accurate is Google Keyword Planner for SEO data?
It’s fairly accurate for general keyword trends and search volume, but not 100%. However, all SEO tools won’t give you 100% accuracy.
Can I use Google Keyword Planner for content ideas?
Absolutely. You can get tons of content ideas that align with what people actually search for on Google.
Is Google Keyword Planner suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s one of the most beginner-friendly keyword tools available. The interface is simple, and most features are self-explanatory. It’s perfect for bloggers, small business owners, or anyone learning keyword research for the first time.

