How to Do Keyword Research for Free
You don't need a paid tool to find good keywords. Here's how to find what your customers are searching for using free tools.
2 min read · Updated 2026-04-15
Short answer
Use Google's own autocomplete and related searches (free), Google Search Console (free after setup), and Ubersuggest or Google Keyword Planner (both free). These four tools give you enough to build a solid keyword strategy.
Method 1: Google autocomplete
Type your topic into Google and see what it suggests before you finish typing. These are real searches people make.
Example: Type "website builder for" → Google suggests "website builder for small business", "website builder for restaurants", "website builder for photographers"
Each suggestion is a potential article topic with real search demand.
Method 2: "People also ask" and "Related searches"
Search for your main keyword and scroll down:
- People also ask — questions real people search (great for article ideas)
- Related searches (bottom of page) — variations and adjacent topics
Method 3: Google Search Console
If your site is already live and set up on Search Console, you can see exactly what searches are bringing visitors to your site — and which ones you're almost ranking for (positions 4–20 are low-hanging fruit).
Method 4: Google Keyword Planner
Free inside Google Ads (you don't need to run ads). Shows monthly search volume for any keyword and suggests related terms.
Steps:
- Go to ads.google.com → Tools → Keyword Planner
- Click "Discover new keywords"
- Enter your topic or website URL
- See search volumes and keyword ideas
Method 5: Ubersuggest free tier
Ubersuggest gives 3 free searches per day — enough for ongoing research without a paid plan.
How to pick the best keywords
- High relevance — matches what you actually offer
- Achievable difficulty — avoid highly competitive terms as a new site
- Some search volume — at least 100–500 searches/month is worth targeting