How to Collect the Most Complete Keyword List and Perform SEO Analytics

Imagine you’ve written the perfect article or built a beautiful website. But there’s a problem: no one can find it. It’s like having a shop in a hidden alley with no sign.

This is where keywords come in. Keywords are the words and phrases people type into search engines like Google. Your goal is to figure out what your potential customers are searching for and then use those same words on your website.

Collecting a complete list of keywords and understanding the data behind them is the first and most important step in SEO (Search Engine Optimization). It’s your roadmap to being found online. Let’s break down how to do it, step-by-step.

Step 1: Start with Your Own Brainstorming Session

Before you use any tools, start with what you already know. Grab a notebook or open a spreadsheet.

• Think like your customer. What problems do you solve? What questions do your customers ask you? If you sell handmade candles, your initial list might include: “scented candles,” “soy candles,” “long-lasting candles,” “best candle for relaxation.”
• List your products and services. Be specific. Don’t just write “candles,” write “vanilla soy candle,” “birthday gift candle,” “large jar candle.”
• Check your website’s search bar. If your website has a search function, see what terms people are already typing in. This is a goldmine of direct customer intent.

This first list is your seed list. It’s the foundation you will build upon.

Step 2: Use Free Tools to Grow Your List

Now, take your seed list and use free tools to find more ideas.

• Google’s Autocomplete: Go to Google.com and start typing one of your seed keywords. The suggestions that pop up are all real searches. For example, typing “scented candles” might suggest “scented candles near me” or “scented candles for bathroom.”
• Google’s “People also ask”: Scroll down on any search results page. You’ll see a section called “People also ask.” These are fantastic, because they are direct questions you can answer in your content.
• AnswerThePublic.com: This free tool is a favorite. You type in a keyword, and it gives you a huge list of questions and phrases people search for around that topic. It’s like a glimpse into the mind of your customer.

Step 3: Spy on Your Competition (The Right Way)

You don’t have to guess what’s working. You can learn from other businesses in your space.

• See What Keywords They Use: Look at the titles and headings on their website’s main pages and blog posts. What words do they use repeatedly?
• Use a Free SEO Tool: Tools like Semrush or Ahrefs have free versions. You can often type in a competitor’s website address and see a list of the keywords they are ranking for. You might discover valuable keywords you never thought of.

Step 4: Organize Your Keyword List

By now, you probably have a long, messy list. It’s time to clean it up. The best way is to use a simple spreadsheet.

Create columns for:

• Keyword: The actual phrase.
• Search Intent: Why is someone searching for this? Are they looking to buy (“order candles online”), to learn (“how to make candles”), or to find a local store (“candle shop near me”)?
• Relevance: How well does this keyword match what you offer? Rate it on a scale of 1-10.

This organization will help you decide which keywords to target first.

Part 2: Performing Simple SEO Analytics

Collecting keywords is only half the battle. Now you need to understand the data to make smart choices.

1. Understanding Search Volume

Search volume tells you how many times a keyword is searched for each month. A high search volume (like “candles”) means a lot of people are looking for it. A low search volume (like “hand-poured vanilla soy candle gift set”) means fewer people are searching.

The Trick: High-volume keywords are very competitive. It’s often smarter to start with lower-volume, more specific “long-tail keywords.” They are easier to rank for and often attract more ready-to-buy customers.

2. Understanding Keyword Difficulty (KD)

Keyword Difficulty is a score (usually 0-100) that tells you how hard it will be to get on the first page of Google for that term. A high score means big, powerful websites are already competing for it.

Your Strategy: As a new or local website, look for keywords with high relevance to your business, a decent search volume, and a low difficulty score. This is your sweet spot.

3. Grouping Keywords by Topic

Instead of writing one page for each of 50 keywords, group them. For example, group all keywords about “soy candle benefits” together. Then, you can create one amazing, comprehensive page or blog post about that topic. This tells Google you are an expert on “soy candles,” and you’ll have a better chance of ranking for all those related keywords.

When It Makes Sense to Get Help

Doing all of this takes a significant amount of time and a willingness to learn. For a business owner, your time is best spent running your business and serving your customers. If the process of keyword research and ongoing SEO analysis feels overwhelming, it may be a perfect time to outsource digital marketing services.

A professional team lives and breathes this data. They have access to powerful tools and the experience to spot opportunities you might miss. They can build a comprehensive strategy and handle the technical work for you.

For example, a local business might find great value in hiring a specialized nashville seo company. A local SEO expert understands the unique search trends in the area and can optimize your online presence to attract customers right in your backyard, connecting your digital strategy directly to your front door.

Conclusion: Your Blueprint for Success

A complete keyword list isn’t built in a day. It’s an ongoing process. Start with your own ideas, use free tools to expand them, and learn from your competition. Then, use simple analytics to focus your efforts on the keywords that are most relevant and achievable for you.

By understanding what your customers are searching for, you can create the content they desperately need. This is how you stop being hidden in a digital alley and start putting up a bright, shining sign that leads customers directly to you.