How to Research Keywords on Google Like a Pro
Let’s get straight to it—How do you research keywords on Google? You’ve probably heard a million times that SEO is essential for your business, but nobody seems to break down how to actually find the right keywords without signing up for some expensive software or sitting through hours of YouTube tutorials.
The truth? Most business owners aren’t SEO experts—and you don’t have to be. But you do need to understand how your customers search for solutions like yours and how to find the right phrases that can put your website in front of them when they’re ready to buy.
We’re diving into keyword research strategies that go way beyond the basics, using real data and free tools—including good ol’ Google itself. And unlike those generic SEO guides, we’re also revealing the less obvious tricks that pro-level marketers use (but rarely share).
Whether you’re a local service provider, an online store, or a coach looking to grow your audience, these tactics will help you think smarter about keywords—and connect with the right people at the right time.
Why Keyword Research Matters More Than Ever
Let’s start with some eye-opening stats:
- 68% of online experiences begin with a search engine (BrightEdge).
- 75% of people never scroll past the first page of search results (HubSpot).
- And perhaps most importantly for business owners: Google processes over 8.5 billion searches per day (Internet Live Stats).
That’s a ton of opportunity—but only if you’re targeting the right keywords.
Generic terms like “shoes” or “plumber” are nearly impossible to rank for unless you’re Nike or a giant franchise. The gold is in intent-based, long-tail keywords like “best waterproof hiking boots for wide feet” or “emergency plumber in Oakville open late.”
These are the kinds of searches people make when they’re ready to buy. And what if your content shows up at that moment? Game-changer.
Step 1: Start With Google’s Autocomplete—But Dig Deeper
Everyone knows that when you type something into Google, it auto-suggests related terms. But here’s a pro tip: use it like a funnel.
Try typing your core service or product, then add:
- “for” (e.g., “accounting software for…”)
- “vs” (e.g., “Notion vs…”)
- “near me”
- “how to”
Each variation reveals different types of search intent—whether people are comparing products, looking for local options, or want DIY help before buying.
Want to go even deeper? Type a space before your keyword. That’s right. Just type a space, then your keyword. For example: _ SEO tools instead of SEO tools. Google will show a different set of autocomplete terms—ones that show what users type before your keyword.
Step 2: Analyze the “People Also Ask” Box Strategically
That little “People Also Ask” box you always see on Google results? It’s a goldmine.
But don’t just read it—click one of the questions. Every time you click a question, Google dynamically adds more related questions underneath.
Marketers call this “PAA stacking.” And it reveals how Google clusters topics around intent.
Use this to build out content that answers multiple related questions in one blog post or landing page. This increases your chance of ranking for multiple keywords at once—something most business owners overlook.
Step 3: Use Google Trends to Catch Keyword Waves Early
Most people use Google Trends to check if a term is “popular.” But here’s what pros do: track rising related queries.
Let’s say you search “video marketing” on Google Trends. Scroll down to the “Related queries” section and sort by “Rising.” You’ll often see breakout terms—searches that have jumped over 5000% recently.
These are emerging trends that bigger competitors haven’t noticed yet.
If you create content around these terms early, you can rank fast and generate traffic before everyone else catches on.
Step 4: Reverse-Engineer Your Competitors With Google Search Operators
Ever wonder what keywords your competitors are targeting? You can spy on them using simple search operators.
Try this in Google:
site:competitorwebsite.com
Then, add a keyword like “SEO” or “pricing” to narrow it down.
For example:
site:clicktyphoon.com SEO
This will show you every indexed page mentioning SEO. Boom—you get a peek into their content and keywords. Now, imagine doing this with three or four competitors.
Write down the themes, titles, and page structures they’re using. Then do it better. More in-depth. More local. More focused.
Step 5: Don’t Sleep on “Searches Related To…”
At the bottom of most Google search pages, you’ll find a “Searches related to…” section. This is often ignored—but it shouldn’t be.
These suggestions are based on actual user behavior. Google groups these terms because people often click them together or use them in follow-up searches.
Here’s what pros do: Take one of those suggestions and plug that back into Google. Then scroll its related searches. Repeat.
This helps you create keyword clusters—groups of connected phrases that help Google understand your page better, boosting topical authority.
Step 6: Use “Wildcard” Search Tricks to Uncover Gaps
Try typing this into Google:
“best * for small businesses”
The asterisk acts as a wildcard, showing you how Google fills in the blank. It’s a fantastic way to discover content gaps your competitors haven’t covered.
You can do this with all kinds of phrases:
- “* marketing tools”
- “how to * in Oakville”
- “* alternatives to [your service]”
Use these to brainstorm content your audience is actually searching for.
Step 7: Cross-Check Everything With Real Data
Before you commit to a keyword, use free tools like:
- Google Keyword Planner
- Ubersuggest
- AnswerThePublic
Even if you only use the free versions, you’ll get search volume, difficulty scores, and variations. This tells you whether a keyword is worth targeting—or if it’s a dead end.
Look for a balance of search volume + low competition + buyer intent. That’s your sweet spot.
Why Local Businesses Need to Get This Right
If you’re a business owner in Oakville—or any local area—you need to be showing up for geo-specific search terms.
It’s not just about “SEO services.” It’s about:
- “affordable SEO in Oakville”
- “best SEO agency near Kerr Village”
- “small business SEO help Halton Region”
Local search is booming. According to Google, 76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business within 24 hours. Even crazier—28% of those searches result in a purchase.
That’s why we at Click Typhoon specialize in hyper-targeted Oakville SEO services for Oakville businesses. We know how to turn keyword research into real leads—and real revenue.
Key Takeaways: Keyword Research Like a Pro
- Use Google’s free features to go beyond basic keyword ideas—autocomplete, PAA, and Trends are powerful.
- Look for search intent and buyer readiness, not just volume.
- Use wildcard operators and “Searches Related To” for advanced insights.
- Track rising queries and low-competition opportunities before your competitors do.
- Always tie keywords back to real questions your customers are asking—and answer them better than anyone else.
Ready to Grow? Here’s Your Next Step:
You’ve got the blueprint—now it’s time to act.
Don’t let your competitors outrank you simply because they understand keywords better. At Click Typhoon, we help business owners in Oakville grow faster with data-driven Oakville SEO strategies that actually work. Our local SEO and Oakville SEO experts know how to turn Google searches into real business—and we’d love to do the same for you. Reach out today, and let’s build a keyword plan tailored for your business’s success.
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