Feeling lost in the SEO game? You’re putting in the effort, but struggling to see results that really matter, such as seeing how to find out what keywords competitors are using.
Competitive analysis is crucial for success. One key element is identifying the keywords your rivals are ranking for. For example, you might look at their website copy or use SEO tools. This knowledge is crucial for optimizing your website.
This guide will show you how, giving you an edge. It will give you the tools for building strong SEO content, and improving your search engine rankings.
Why Bother with Competitor Keyword Research?
Think of competitor keyword research as gaining inside intel. It’s about understanding the market, not simply copying others.
Knowing what works for others gives you valuable direction. Competitor keyword analysis also helps you build brand loyalty.
Here are the core advantages for your business:
- Identify Gaps: Find terms your rivals are overlooking with competitor keyword research tools. This lets you create better content.
- Prioritize Efforts: Discover keywords where you can gain quick wins. This also helps improve organic traffic.
- Refine Your Strategy: Uncover content angles you hadn’t thought of. You can also gain a competitive advantage.
Free Tools For Keyword Competition Analysis
Many think competitive keyword research requires expensive software. Fortunately, effective free options exist.
Google Search: Long-Tail Keywords used by Competitors
First and foremost, a simple approach to uncover user intent is to use Google search itself.
Start by typing a keyword related to your niche directly into a Google Search Bar.
For example, if you run a construction business focused on kitchen remodeling, enter “kitchen remodeling” into Google. As you type, you’ll notice autocomplete suggestions that reveal popular search phrases your potential customers might be using.
One neat trick is to add a space after your keyword. For instance, type “kitchen remodeling ” with a trailing space. This extra blank can trigger Google to show additional suggestions or longer variations of the term. Occasionally, adding a space at the beginning may produce different suggestions as well, giving you more ideas on how people phrase their searches.
By reviewing these suggestions, you can gather ideas for related keywords and better understand what your audience is looking for.
Consider Seed Keywords. This tool crowdsources keyword research.
Here’s a table showing how the tool provides quick intel:
| Feature | Benefit | Why Use |
|---|---|---|
| Scenario Creation | You define a search question. | It reflects real user searches. |
| Link Sharing | Get responses from your network. | See varied keyword suggestions from real people. |
| Result Tracking | It compiles the suggestions in real time. | Uncover common ways people might search for your offerings. |
Google Ads Keyword Planner for Competitors:
Another great choice is Google Keyword Planner, available to Google Ads customers. If you already use Google ads, you know its value.
It’s a valuable place to see relevant data. Use your competitor’s URL to find their keywords.
How to Analyze Competitor SEO Strategy with Paid Tools
Free tools are a great starting point. But, deeper insights often come from paid options.
These robust keyword tools uncover a wealth of competitor data. Here are some examples.
- Organic rankings and traffic trends.
- Paid search strategies and traffic destinations.
- Content gaps, to show you what needs to be created.
This shows why competitors succeed. Here are some useful tools for competitive intelligence.
Utilizing SEMrush for Keyword Research
SEMrush provides a lot of information. It offers multiple keyword suggestions, not just basic lists.
SEMrush is trusted by digital marketers. It is recognized as a leader on the G2 forum.
Here’s how it shines for thorough competitor keyword research:
“It’s actually pretty remarkable how much data SEMrush can provide, even for basic or cursory searches… offering invaluable insight into your competitors’ keyword strategies.”
Use the Organic Research function. Enter a competitor’s website to find organic keywords sending them traffic. Then look at keyword volume, traffic percentage, and rankings data.
How To Use Ahrefs For Competitor Research
Ahrefs is a leading SEO and content resource. It has strong features.
Many features make Ahrefs worthwhile. You can identify many relevant keywords for strong content.
This service goes beyond just Google data. Think about platforms like YouTube or Amazon as well.
SpyFu: Identify High-Ranking Competitor Keywords
SpyFu focuses on competitive information. It helps build revenue and online rankings.
Its tools offer insights on:
- Monthly search volumes, overall data volume, and click numbers.
- Full ad campaign track records for research and growth.
- Comprehensive backlink reviews for improvements.
Seeing which keywords brought competitors the biggest return is valuable. Knowing what performed well informs your strategy. This information helps you gain a competitive advantage.
SpyFu also has a some basic intel on their free version that you can utilize too.
Additional Competitor Keyword Research Tools
While the previous tools are popular, other resources might suit you better.
- WordStream simplifies competitor research. Input a URL for relevant terms.
- Buzzsumo analyzes competitors’ social media impact, including their Facebook content.
- Similarweb provides deep competitor analysis. It looks at website visits and audience behavior.
- Moz’s Keyword Explorer narrows searches. Focus on a website, page, or topic.
Going Beyond the Tools: Manual Insights
Automated research is helpful. However, “human observation” adds valuable insights.
Understand the competitive landscape beyond numbers. Human perspective adds another level of insight.
The Human Element: Content Evaluation by Leveraging Competitor Data for SEO
Knowing what people view isn’t enough. You need to analyze competitor content critically on their website to determine their SEO strategy as SEO truly does help a business thrive.
Ask detailed questions, such as:
- What page types exist (blog posts, sales pages, testimonials, etc.)? Is the layout clear? Does it load quickly?
- How readable is the content? Is it well-explained and designed? Is the data current?
- Do they emphasize video? Does it load fast? Are there alternatives?
- Is anything lacking for users? Could something be simplified or improved?
This reveals competitor strengths and weaknesses. This keyword analysis should always include direct observation.
Using Website Source Code for More Information
Going beyond design is HTML analysis. While needing tech training, it reveals details.
Understanding code can reveal the “focus key phrase.” Find these in HTML source codes, like Google’s. Combine this with other research.
Putting It All Together: Your Action Plan
Knowing competitor performance helps you improve. It guides your SEO and overall web presence.
Use data tools and reports correctly. Also, incorporate “real-world” research.
Then find keywords people actually use. Use these insights to build your keyword strategy, and take those valuable competitor keyword research tools to go further with your analysis.
Conclusion
Researching the competition is vital. By seeing what keywords they use, you gain a critical edge to help identify competitor keywords.
Companies that use competitive keyword analysis stand out. Do not be afraid to use all tools available to track keyword ranking to analyze your own performance.
FAQs to find out what keywords competitors are using
What are the best tools to find competitor keywords?
Tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz help you identify competitor keywords by showing search volume, ranking trends, and related terms.
How can I analyze my competitor’s paid keywords?
Competitor analysis is easier than ever. Many platforms let you see the keywords and ads your rivals are using. This gives you insights into their marketing.
What are keyword gaps, and how do I find them?
Keyword gaps are search terms your competitors rank for that you haven’t targeted yet, and tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs can pinpoint these opportunities by comparing your keyword profiles.
How do I use competitor keywords for SEO advantage?
Using competitor keywords in your content strategy fills gaps in your own approach, helping you reach a wider audience by addressing specific search queries.
Can I target the same keywords as my competitors?
It’s okay to aim for the same keywords as everyone else. The key is to give people a reason to choose your content. A new angle or special offer will do the trick!
