How to Choose Keywords for SEO (A 5-Step Guide)

Keywords are the backbone of a good SEO strategy.

If you wonder how to choose keywords for SEO, this step-by-step guide will set you up for a great start. We’ll cover all the details of keyword research—from identifying keywords to analyzing them and selecting the best ones for your business.

Before you dive in, create a free Semrush account to follow along and learn how to use keyword research tools to choose the right keywords for you.

Step #1: Find Relevant Keyword Ideas

Before choosing keywords you’ll target with your SEO strategy, you need to find keyword ideas first.

We’ll explore three basic methods:

1. Finding your competitors’ keywords
2. Finding keywords using a seed keyword
3. Finding keywords you already rank for

Let’s dive in.

Finding Your Competitors’ Keywords

Getting inspiration from your competitors is probably the easiest way to find new keywords.

Just enter your domain and the domains of your competitors in Semrush’s Keyword Gap tool.

You probably know who your main competitors are. But once you enter your domain, the tool will suggest some domains to add to the comparison. You can pick from those, too.

Then, enter your target location and click the “Compare” button.

The tool will compare the keyword profiles of all the analyzed domains and provide an overview. As well as a comprehensive list of keyword opportunities.

Here, focus on the “Missing” and “Weak” tabs. These are keywords you don’t rank for at all (but your competitors do). Or keywords for which...