How To Use Google Search Console For Keyword Research
Is the Google Search Console important? According to industry leaders like Moz and Neil Patel, GSC is an invaluable tool for understanding site performance, indexing issues, mobile optimization, and error resolution. Besides these, you can use the Google search console for keyword research. But the question is how to use Google search console for keyword research.
To leverage Google Search Console for keyword research, identify high-performing keywords by analyzing impressions and click-through rates. Explore the “Search results” tab, focusing on queries driving traffic. For optimization, pinpoint keywords with high impressions but low CTR to enhance existing content.
Besides these, you can also uncover low-hanging fruit by examining pages and targeting naturally occurring queries. Usually, all these are a step-by-step technical process. In the following part of this article, I will try to reveal the ins and out regarding google search console and keyword research.
Why do we use google search console for keyword research? Key 5 reasons
Absolutely, Here are the key reasons why Google Search Console is valuable for keyword research: Key 5 reasons using Google search console for keyword research.
Real User Data:
Google Search Console provides actual search queries that users have used to find your website. This data is invaluable as it reflects real user intent and behavior, giving you insights into what keywords are driving traffic to your site.
Performance Metrics:
GSC offers performance metrics such as clicks, impressions, click-through rates, and average position for specific keywords. These metrics help you understand the effectiveness of your current keyword-targeting strategy and identify opportunities for improvement.
Watch this video about Performance reports in Search Console ¬ according to the Google search center.
Identifying Long-tail Keywords:
According to Brian Dean (Backlinco), Long tail keywords, typically comprising 3 or more words, are characterized by lower search volume and competition. They differ in length from shorter keyword types and are known for their specificity and niche relevance.
Usually, long-tail keywords have lower competition and can be identified through GSC. By analyzing the queries that have led users to your site, you can uncover valuable long-tail keyword opportunities that may not have been apparent through other keyword research tools.
Refinement of Existing Content:
GSC allows you to see which keywords are driving traffic to specific pages on your website. This information can be used to optimize existing content by incorporating relevant keywords and improving the overall relevance and visibility of your pages in search results.
Monitoring Keyword Performance Over Time:
With GSC, you can track the performance of your targeted keywords over time. This allows you to identify trends, measure the impact of any optimizations or changes you make, and adjust your keyword strategy accordingly to improve your site’s visibility in search results.
How To Use Google Search Console For Keyword Research: Easy 2 Methods
Certainly, using Google Search Console for keyword research involves several methods and steps. Here’s a guide:
Method 1: Uncovering Valuable Keywords with High Impressions
Here’s how to use Google Search Console to find valuable keywords with high impressions step-by-step.
Step 1: Navigate to Google Search Console’s Performance Report
Initiate your keyword research journey by accessing your Google Search Console account. Click on the “Performance” tab to delve into data on clicks and impressions over the past 3 or 6 months.
Step 2: Explore the “Queries” Section
As you scroll through the performance report, locate the “Queries” tab. This section reveals the keywords that lead users to your site through organic searches on Google.
Step 3: Assess Impressions Versus Clicks
Identify keywords with high impressions but low click-through rates. This indicates existing rankings but missed opportunities for clicks.
If a keyword has both high impressions and clicks, check your current ranking. If it’s not at the top, proceed to step 4.
Step 4: Pinpoint the Associated Page
Determine the page associated with the keyword. This can be achieved by conducting an incognito Google search or by utilizing the Google Search Console.
Click on the keyword, and under the “Pages” tab, discover the page’s ranking for this keyword. Focus on optimizing these pages to improve your overall search performance.
Method 2: Unearth Low-Hanging Fruit Keywords in Google Search Console
Step 1: Navigate to Google Search Console’s Performance Report
Embark on your quest to identify low-hanging fruit keywords by returning to the “Performance” tab within your Google Search Console account. This section provides a comprehensive overview of clicks and impressions from organic search traffic.
Step 2: Direct Attention to “Pages” Instead of “Queries”
Unlike the previous method, focus on “Pages” before delving into “Queries.” Here, you’ll encounter a list of all your website pages along with their total impressions in organic search results. Select the specific page you wish to optimize.
Step 3: Refine Results by Clicking on “Queries”
After narrowing down the results to the chosen page, click on “Queries.” A detailed list of keywords relevant to that page, along with the total clicks and impressions, will be unveiled.
Identify the keyword generating the highest impressions, making it the focal point for your on-page optimization efforts.
A Quick Navigation to Use Google Search Console for Keyword Research:
| Steps to follow | A thorough discussion of step-by-step solution |
1. Access Google Search Console | Log in to your Google Search Console account. Select the property (website) for which you want to conduct keyword research. |
| 2. Navigate to Performance Report | Head to the “Performance” section in Google Search Console. |
| 3. Set Date Range | Adjust the date range to analyze data over a specific period. |
| 4. View Queries Data | Under the “Queries” tab, you’ll find a list of search queries that led users to your site. This data is gold for keyword insights. |
| 5. Analyze Clicks and Impressions | Evaluate the number of clicks and impressions for each query. Identify high-impression, low-click queries for optimization opportunities. |
| 6. Sort by Click-Through Rate (CTR) | Sorting queries by CTR helps pinpoint keywords where users are more likely to click on your site. Focus on enhancing content around these keywords. |
| 7. Examine Average Position | Check the average position to understand where your site ranks for specific keywords. Lower-ranking keywords may need optimization. |
| 8. Filter by Pages | Analyze performance on a page-by-page basis. Check which queries drive traffic to specific pages and optimize content accordingly. |
| 9. Discover Long-Tail Keywords | Identify and leverage long-tail keywords by reviewing specific queries. These often represent more targeted and less competitive opportunities. |
| 10. Explore Branded vs. Non-branded Searches | Differentiate between branded and non-branded searches to understand the impact of your brand and identify potential areas for SEO growth. |
| 11. Utilize Comparison Queries | GSC provides comparison queries, showing similar queries to the ones you’re targeting. Use these suggestions to expand your keyword strategy. |
| 12. Monitor Changes Over Time | Track changes in keyword performance over time. Identify trends, successes, and areas that need improvement. |
By consistently reviewing these metrics in the Google Search Console, you can measure the success of your keyword research efforts.
Is Google Search Console accurate? What does GSC do?
Well, to a large extent, yes! It’s a powerful tool developed by Google itself, offering a direct line of communication between your website and the search engine giant. The data provided is pretty reliable, giving you a solid understanding of how Google views your site.
Now, what does Google Search Console do?
Think of it as your website’s personal advisor. It helps you understand how Google’s crawlers see your site, highlighting issues that might affect its visibility in search results. GSC allows you to submit your sitemap, making it easier for Google to index your pages efficiently.
One of its significant features is the performance report.
Here, you get enough information on how your site is performing in Google Search. You can see which queries lead users to your site, the pages that get the most clicks, and even the devices they use. This data is gold for tailoring your content and improving user experience.
Index Coverage is another gem in GSC’s toolbox. It lets you know which of your pages are indexed and which ones might have issues. If Google encounters problems crawling or indexing certain pages, GSC gives you the lowdown, allowing you to fix those issues and ensure optimal visibility.
Then there’s the Mobile Usability report. With the increasing use of mobile devices, this report helps you identify any mobile-specific issues on your site. Google values mobile-friendly experiences, so this report is crucial for staying in the good graces of the search engine.
Oh, and don’t forget about the URL Inspection tool. It’s like a backstage pass, letting you check how Google sees a specific URL on your site. This can be super handy for troubleshooting any issues with individual pages.
Google dominates the desktop and mobile search markets with a 92% market share ~(Source).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Which Google tool is used for keyword research?
Google Keyword Planner is widely used for keyword research, offering insights into search volumes, competition, and suggested keywords.
How do I track keywords in Search Console?
In Google Search Console, go to the “Performance” section, where you can view and track keyword performance, clicks, impressions, and more.
How do I add keywords to my Search Console?
You don’t add keywords manually to Google Search Console. It automatically tracks keywords that users use to find and access your website.
How to do a Google Search with keywords?
Simply enter your desired keywords into the Google search bar and press “Enter” to see relevant search results based on those keywords.
Is Google Search Console free?
Yes, Google Search Console is a free tool provided by Google for webmasters and site owners to monitor and optimize their site’s presence in search results.
Conclusion:
Google Search Console (GSC) is widely regarded as a crucial tool by SEO experts, especially for keyword research. The main beneficiaries of Google Search Console for keyword research include website owners, SEO professionals, and digital marketers.
A success case study involves a content creator leveraging GSC insights to identify high-performing keywords, resulting in increased organic traffic and improved search engine rankings.
This strategic use of Google Search Console led to measurable success in optimizing content for relevant and impactful keywords.
