Keyword research sounds technical. It's actually simple: find out what words your customers type into Google, then write articles around those words. You don't need Ahrefs ($129/mo) or SEMrush ($139/mo). Here's the small-business-friendly method.
1. Start with Google Autocomplete
Type a topic related to your business into Google. Don't press Enter — look at what Google suggests. Those are real searches from real people. Write down the 5 most relevant ones.
2. Use the "People Also Ask" Box
Search your topic. Scroll to the "People also ask" section. Each question is a keyword. Each deserves its own blog post. This alone can generate 20+ article ideas.
3. Steal From Competitors (Ethically)
Find a competitor who ranks well. Plug their URL into Google Search Console or a free tool like Ubersuggest. See which keywords bring them traffic. Fill the gaps they missed.
4. Prioritize by Intent, Not Volume
A keyword with 100 searches/month and strong buying intent beats one with 10,000 searches and zero intent. "Buy email marketing software" beats "what is email marketing" if you sell email software.
5. Turn Keywords Into Content Immediately
Don't build a massive keyword spreadsheet and never act on it. Find 5 keywords → write 5 articles → publish → repeat. Use an AI blog writer to go from keyword to publish-ready article in 60 seconds.