Keyword research is the foundation of every successful SEO strategy. Without it, your content won’t reach the right audience, no matter how good it is.
But keyword research in 2025 looks very different from what it was just a few years ago. With Google’s AI-driven search updates, voice search growth, and shifting user behavior, marketers must adapt.
In this guide, we’ll walk you step by step through how to do keyword research in 2025, explore the tools you should use, and share best practices to help you uncover keywords that actually drive traffic and conversions.
Dive into Austin Code Monkey's ten-step process for mastering keyword research. From identifying seed keywords to leveraging AI tools and organizing clusters, this episode provides practical steps to uncover high-impact keywords for your content strategy.
What is Keyword Research?
Keyword research is the process of identifying the words and phrases your target audience uses when searching for products, services, or information related to your business.
The goal is to discover high-value keywords that you can target in your content to rank higher in search engines, drive organic traffic, and attract qualified leads.
👉 Related: What is SEO? A Beginner’s Guide to Search Engine Optimization
👉 Related reading: How to Local SEO in 2025? A Beginner’s Guide to Search Engine Optimization
Why Keyword Research Still Matters in 2025
Some marketers claim that keywords are less important in an AI-driven search era. The truth? Keywords still play a critical role—they just need to be used smarter.
Here’s why keyword research matters today:
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User Intent Alignment: Understanding what your audience is searching for ensures your content meets their needs.
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Competitive Advantage: Discover gaps where competitors aren’t ranking.
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Content Planning: Keywords guide your blog, landing pages, and product descriptions.
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Ranking Potential: Google still relies on keywords to determine context, even with AI enhancements.
👉 Related: Why Your Website Isn’t Ranking on Google
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Do Keyword Research in 2025
Here’s a modern, step-by-step approach to keyword research that works in today’s search landscape.
Step 1: Define Your Goals
Before diving into tools, clarify your SEO objectives:
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Do you want to increase brand awareness?
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Drive qualified leads?
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Sell specific products or services?
Your goals shape the types of keywords you target.
Step 2: Understand Search Intent
In 2025, search intent is more important than keyword volume.
Types of intent:
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Informational: “What is link building?”
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Navigational: “Austin Code Monkey website”
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Transactional: “Buy SEO services Austin”
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Commercial Investigation: “Best SEO agency near me”
👉 Related: SEO vs Google Ads: Which is Better for Your Business?
Step 3: Brainstorm Seed Keywords
Seed keywords are broad terms related to your industry. For example:
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For a web design company: web design, UX design, WordPress design
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For Austin Code Monkey: SEO services, link building, technical SEO
These become the foundation for expanding into long-tail keywords.
Step 4: Use Keyword Research Tools
In 2025, AI-powered tools make keyword research more effective than ever.
Recommended tools:
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Google Keyword Planner – great for PPC + search volumes.
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Ahrefs & SEMrush – deep competitive analysis.
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SurferSEO – keyword clustering for topical authority.
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AnswerThePublic – discover user questions.
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ChatGPT & AI tools – uncover conversational, voice-search queries.
👉 Related: Technical SEO Audit Guide for Beginners
Step 5: Analyze Competitors
Competitor research helps you identify gaps and opportunities.
Steps:
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Enter competitor domains into Ahrefs/SEMrush.
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See which keywords they rank for.
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Target missing or under-optimized opportunities.
Step 6: Evaluate Keyword Metrics
Not all keywords are worth targeting. Focus on:
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Search Volume – average monthly searches.
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Keyword Difficulty (KD) – competitiveness of the keyword.
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CPC (Cost Per Click) – indicates commercial value.
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Traffic Potential – estimated total traffic for top-ranking pages.
Step 7: Find Long-Tail Keywords
In 2025, long-tail keywords (phrases with 3+ words) dominate because they:
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Reflect natural voice search queries.
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Have lower competition.
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Convert better due to specificity.
Examples:
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Instead of “SEO,” target “SEO services in Austin TX.”
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Instead of “keyword research,” target “how to do keyword research for ecommerce.”
👉 Related: Content Marketing vs SEO: What’s the Difference?
Step 8: Organize Keywords into Clusters
Google values topical authority. That means you should cluster keywords into related groups and build pillar-cluster content.
Example for SEO niche:
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Pillar: “What is SEO?”
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Cluster: “On-Page SEO Checklist,” “Technical SEO Audit,” “How Search Engines Work.”
This improves rankings across multiple related terms.
Step 9: Prioritize Keywords
You won’t be able to target everything. Use a framework to prioritize:
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Quick Wins: Low competition, decent traffic.
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Business Value: Keywords tied to conversions.
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Authority Builders: Higher difficulty, but boost brand authority.
Step 10: Track & Refine
Keyword research is ongoing. In 2025, tracking is essential.
Tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, and SEMrush show what’s working and what needs refining.
Update content regularly to keep rankings strong.
Common Keyword Research Mistakes to Avoid
đźš« Targeting only high-volume, competitive keywords.
đźš« Ignoring search intent.
đźš« Keyword stuffing.
đźš« Failing to update keyword lists regularly.
Future Trends in Keyword Research (2025 and Beyond)
As search evolves, so does keyword research. Here’s what’s coming:
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Voice Search Optimization – more natural, conversational queries.
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AI-Generated Suggestions – using AI tools for new keyword ideas.
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Entity-Based Search – Google focusing on topics, not just words.
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Zero-Click Results – optimizing for featured snippets.
Internal Linking Strategy & Anchor Texts
This blog is a supporting pillar in your SEO content hub.
Parent Pillar:
Related Supporting Pillars:
Recommended Anchor Texts:
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“how to do keyword research in 2025” → this blog
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“on-page SEO checklist” → checklist post
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“technical SEO audit” → audit guide
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“why your website isn’t ranking” → ranking post
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“SEO vs Google Ads” → comparison post
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“improve website speed for SEO” → speed optimization blog
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“content marketing vs SEO” → comparison blog
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“what is link building” → link building strategies blog
Austin Code Monkey’s SEO Services
At Austin Code Monkey, we help businesses stay ahead of SEO trends with modern, AI-powered keyword research and optimization strategies.
Our SEO services include:
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In-depth keyword research for 2025 and beyond
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Content strategy aligned with topical authority
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Link building campaigns for high-authority backlinks
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Technical SEO audits to uncover hidden issues
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Local SEO optimization for Austin-based businesses
Whether you’re learning how to do keyword research in 2025 or need a partner to handle the process for you, our team has the tools, experience, and proven strategies to help.
👉 Learn more about Austin Code Monkey’s SEO Services and discover how we can help your business grow.
Conclusion
Keyword research remains the cornerstone of SEO in 2025—but the methods have evolved.
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Focus on intent-driven, long-tail keywords.
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Use AI-powered tools to uncover opportunities.
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Build keyword clusters to strengthen topical authority.
If you want an SEO strategy that keeps you ahead of the competition, partner with Austin Code Monkey—your trusted SEO experts in Austin.
Austin Code Monkey Delivers SEO Services in Austin, TX
Austin Code Monkey offers tailored SEO services for businesses in Austin, Texas, specializing in On-Page, Off-Page, and Technical SEO to boost online visibility. Their expert team focuses on ethical White Hat strategies, including keyword research, content optimization, and link building, to drive sustainable growth. Visit austincodemonkey.com to discover how their customized solutions can elevate your business in search engine rankings and attract more traffic.
Contact Austin Code Monkey For
Local and Nationwide On-Page SEO Services at 737-932-7532