Keyword research for WordPress bloggers (no expensive tools required)

Keyword research is not about finding “the perfect keyword.” It’s about choosing topics where you can realistically help someone better than what’s already ranking.

Start with problems, not keywords

List problems your target reader actually has.

Examples:

• “My WordPress site is slow.”
• “I don’t know what pages I need for AdSense.”
• “My posts aren’t getting indexed.”

Each problem becomes multiple posts.

Use free sources for ideas

• Google autocomplete suggestions
• “People also ask” boxes
• Related searches at the bottom
• Your own Search Console (once you have data)

Match the intent

Ask: what does the searcher want?

• a definition?
• a step-by-step tutorial?
• a comparison?
• a checklist?

If you write a tutorial for a query that wants a comparison, you’ll struggle to rank.

Pick “winnable” topics early

Early on, choose:

• long-tail queries
• beginner-friendly questions
• narrow problems

Then expand into broader topics as your site gains trust.

Don’t over-optimize

Use the keyword naturally:

• in the title
• in the first paragraph
• in one or two headings

Then focus on clarity, examples, and completeness.

Keyword research works when it’s tied to helpful content. If the post genuinely solves the problem, you’re already ahead.