How to Do Keyword Research with Google and Find Winning Keywords
Let’s be real—keyword research can feel like staring into a bottomless pit of data. With everyone parroting the same advice (“Use Google Keyword Planner!”), it’s easy to think that once you’ve picked a few high-volume keywords, you’re golden. But here’s the truth: most websites barely scratch the surface when it comes to finding keywords that actually convert. So, let’s start with the big question—How to do keyword research with Google?
If you’re a business owner trying to grow your online presence, buckle up. We’re diving into practical, data-driven strategies that go beyond generic keyword tools. You’ll not only learn how to use Google like an SEO wizard but also discover tricks that big-name marketers use quietly in the background.
And yes, we’ll also show you how Click Typhoon’s Kelowna SEO services can help you put all of this into action if you’d rather not get elbow-deep in search data.
Why Google Is the Goldmine (That Most People Ignore)
Google holds over 90% of the global search engine market share as of 2024 (Statista). That’s not just a stat to throw around—it’s a giant signal that Google is the best source for user behavior data. Think of it this way: If people are typing it into Google, it’s something they care about. So, why rely only on third-party tools?
While platforms like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest are helpful, Google itself offers real-time, unfiltered insights straight from the source. And it’s free.
Let’s dig into how to mine this data—beyond the basics.
Step 1: Start With Google Autosuggest (But Think Like a Customer)
You probably know that Google’s autocomplete feature suggests search phrases based on popular and trending queries. But here’s the twist: don’t just type in your service—type like your customer would.
Instead of typing:
“HVAC services Kelowna”
Try:
“Why is my AC making noise?”
“How much does it cost to install a new furnace in Kelowna?”
These long-tail phrases tell you exactly what your potential customer is worried about, and they’re far easier to rank for.
Pro tip: Use an asterisk (*) as a wildcard:
“how to * my air conditioner”
This shows gaps in search results that you can fill with quality content.
Step 2: “People Also Ask” – The Hidden Gem
Those collapsible Q&A boxes under some search results? That’s called the “People Also Ask” (PAA) box. It’s updated regularly based on actual user behavior.
Here’s what to do:
- Search a general keyword related to your service.
- Open 4-5 of the PAA questions.
- Google will instantly generate even more related queries.
This is Google telling you exactly what content your audience is hungry for. Use these as subtopics in your blog posts or FAQs on your service pages.
Step 3: Check Out Related Searches at the Bottom
Most users ignore this, but savvy marketers don’t.
The “Searches related to…” section at the bottom of the SERP is another goldmine. These terms are often semantically connected—not just exact matches. This is perfect for building topical authority on your website, something Google’s algorithm now prioritizes.
Let’s say you search for:
“plumber Kelowna”
You might see:
- “24 hour emergency plumbing Kelowna”
- “affordable plumbing Kelowna”
- “leaky faucet repair Kelowna”
Each of these can be a landing page or blog post idea.
Step 4: Use Google Trends – But Drill Down by Region
Everyone uses Google Trends, but few know how to use it hyper-locally.
Here’s the secret:
- Go to trends.google.com
- Type your industry or service
- Click on the region and filter to Kelowna or your specific service area
You’ll see seasonal trends, rising queries, and breakout searches—all of which tell you what’s hot right now.
Why does this matter? Because being the first to publish content on an emerging local trend is a massive SEO advantage. Google rewards freshness.
Step 5: Use Google Search Console for Real Queries You Already Rank For
Here’s where things get exciting.
Inside Google Search Console, click:
Performance → Queries
This shows you actual phrases people used to find your site—even if you didn’t directly target them.
Look for:
- Keywords with lots of impressions but low clicks – these are ranking but not converting.
- Keywords with clicks but no dedicated page – build content around them.
You’re basically spying on your own Google data and uncovering missed opportunities.
Step 6: Bonus – Chrome Dev Tools for Competitor Insights
This one is for the tech-savvy.
Right-click on a competitor’s blog page > Inspect > Ctrl + F > search for:
“keywords”
“meta”
“h1” or “h2”
You can find out how they structure their pages, what they prioritize, and even their target meta keywords (if they still use them).
It’s an underutilized strategy but extremely helpful for reverse-engineering content strategies.
How to Do Keyword Research for PPC?
When it comes to pay-per-click advertising, keyword research isn’t just helpful—it’s make-or-break. Unlike organic SEO, where you have more room to experiment, every click in PPC costs money, so your keywords need to be laser-focused. Start by identifying high-intent search terms that match where your customers are in the buying journey. Tools like Google Ads Keyword Planner can help, but don’t stop there—use Google’s autosuggest and your own analytics to find local search trends. If you’re targeting a specific area, like Kelowna, make sure to integrate Kelowna SEO strategies into your PPC campaigns by including geo-specific keywords. This approach not only reduces wasted spend but also increases the chances of converting clicks into real leads through precise local SEO targeting.
How Click Typhoon Can Help
At Click Typhoon, we take the guesswork out of SEO and PPC with tailored strategies designed for real business growth. Whether you’re running a local brick-and-mortar shop or a service-based business in Kelowna, our team dives deep into keyword research, competitive analysis, and market trends to build a strong foundation for your campaigns. We specialize in Kelowna SEO and know how to leverage local SEO tactics that help your business stand out in crowded search results. From identifying profitable PPC keywords to optimizing your website for organic search, we make sure every strategy is data-driven and aligned with your goals. Let Click Typhoon be your trusted partner in attracting the right traffic and turning visitors into loyal customers.
Summary: Go Beyond the Obvious
Most websites stop at keyword tools. But the most valuable data is free and already available—inside Google itself. If you want to dominate SEO, you have to think deeper, be local, and use the tools Google provides with intention.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Use Google’s autosuggest and wildcards to reveal long-tail keywords.
- Dive into “People Also Ask” for real, user-driven content ideas.
- Explore related searches to understand intent.
- Use Google Trends locally to catch emerging searches.
- Analyze your real data in Search Console.
- Peek under the hood of your competitors with Chrome Dev Tools.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a business owner, you don’t need to be an SEO nerd to win at keyword research. But you do need a strategy rooted in real user behavior—not guesswork. That’s where we come in.
Click Typhoon specializes in Kelowna SEO services tailored for local business owners who want results, not just rankings. Our team dives deep into the data to uncover what your audience actually searches—and turns that insight into traffic and leads.
Ready to outrank your competitors? Let’s turn searches into customers.
Reach out to Click Typhoon today for a free consultation. We’ll handle the keyword headaches—so you can focus on running your business. Success is just a search away.
Follow us on our socials here:
Check out some of our blogs to help your SEO needs:
What Is Keyword Research and Analysis in SEO
