Get paid to write for any writing assignments and learn about the ROI of content marketing.
ROI means Return on Investment. Every investment deserves a return. Your return would be a hefty pay day from quality writing.
Writers want to be the best in creating content. They strive to create content that is authoritative, innovative, and actionable.
As you write, you picture readers taking immediate action. Because the piece of content you provided is clear and concise.
Given that businesses are aware of the importance of marketing, some experienced content writers are in a difficult situation.
They are constantly trying to figure out how to get published in magazines and newspapers.
Another key point to consider is that an increasing number of publishers are not paying writers much. Some don’t pay anything at all. The competition for paying jobs is tough.
With content marketing there’s actually a shortage of writers. Content marketing writers make money with fewer headaches.
Creating exceptional content will have a huge impact on how much money you make.
How to Do Keyword Research for Small Businesses (Step-by-Step Guide)
Keyword research is the foundation of any successful SEO strategy for small businesses. Without knowing what your customers are searching for, it’s nearly impossible to create content that ranks in search engines or drives qualified traffic to your site. Whether you’re new to SEO or looking for a more strategic process, this guide breaks down keyword research into simple steps that actually work for small business owners.
What Is Keyword Research and Why It Matters
Keyword research is the process of discovering the specific words and phrases people type into search engines when looking for information, products, or services. These “keywords” help you understand what your audience truly wants, so you can tailor your website content to match those needs.
For small businesses, keyword research allows you to:
Focus content creation on topics your audience is actually searching for
Improve your chances of ranking in Google without paying for ads
Attract qualified traffic — people more likely to become customers
This is especially important because competing for highly competitive, broad terms (like “plumber” or “jewelry store”) is often unrealistic for small sites without authority. Instead, you benefit by targeting specific, actionable search phrases with clear intent. (Chamber Of Commerce)
Step 1: Start With Your Business Fundamentals
Before you open any tools, begin with a simple brainstorming session.
Ask yourself:
What services or products do you offer?
What problems do your customers have?
How would they describe your business in everyday language?
These core phrases are known as seed keywords — the foundation of your research. For example, a yoga studio might start with terms like “yoga classes,” “beginner yoga poses,” or “yoga for flexibility.”
Step 2: Expand Your List With Keyword Tools
Once you have a list of seed ideas, it’s time to broaden it using keyword research tools. These tools show:
Related search terms
Search volume (how often people search a phrase)
Estimated competition or difficulty
Free and beginner-friendly tools include:
Google Keyword Planner — Ideal for search volume estimates and keyword ideas
Ubersuggest — Provides search volume, competition, and content suggestions
Google Autocomplete & Related Searches — Offers real user search queries directly from Google’s search box
Use these tools to find long-tail keywords — longer, more specific phrases (e.g., “wedding florist in Chicago” rather than just “florist”) that are easier for small businesses to rank for and often signal stronger buying intent.
Step 3: Analyze Search Intent
Not all keywords are equally valuable. Understanding search intent is critical.
There are three common types:
Informational — People seeking information (e.g., “how to choose a yoga mat”)
Navigational — People searching for a specific brand or location
Transactional — People ready to take action (e.g., “yoga classes near me prices”)
For small business SEO, transactional and local intent keywords are especially valuable because they attract visitors closer to conversion, ready to buy or book a service. (Chamber Of Commerce)
Step 4: Check Search Volume and Competition
Once you have a list of keywords, it’s time to prioritize. Look for terms that:
Have decent search volume — enough people are searching it
Have low to moderate competition — easier for your site to compete
Are relevant to your business and audience needs
A small business might target keywords with search volumes in the range of 100–1,000 searches per month with manageable competition, especially when first starting.
Always review who currently ranks on the first page. If big brands dominate a keyword with lots of authority, it may be better to target a more specific variation.
Step 5: Organize and Cluster Your Keywords
Now that you have a broad list, organize similar keywords into groups based on topic or intent. For example:
Service keywords: yoga classes near me, beginner yoga classes
Informational content: benefits of yoga for flexibility
Local keywords: best yoga studio in [city]
Grouping helps you structure your content strategy — turning clusters into pillar pages and supporting articles that reinforce topic authority.
Step 6: Map Keywords to Your Content Strategy
With organized groups, assign keywords to specific pages or content types:
Homepage / Service pages: Focus on your most important service and location terms
Blog posts: Target informational and long-tail phrases
FAQ pages: Answer common question-style search queries
This strategic placement ensures your website covers both high-intent commercial terms and helpful informational topics.
Step 7: Monitor and Update Regularly
Keyword research isn’t a one-and-done task. Markets evolve, search behavior changes, and competitors adjust. Revisit your keyword research every few months to:
Track which keywords are driving traffic
Identify opportunities for new, relevant terms
Update your content with fresh concepts and variations
Google Search Console and analytics tools can show which keywords are already bringing people to your site — giving insights into where you can optimize and expand.
Tips for Small Business Keyword Success
Here are quick best practices to help your research go further:
✔ Start with customer language, not jargon. Think about how your customers describe their needs. ✔ Use long-tail and local modifiers. Phrases like “near me” or “[city]” help attract nearby customers. ✔ Avoid keyword stuffing. Write naturally and focus on user value first. (Chamber Of Commerce) ✔ Leverage internal linking. Use keywords in meaningful anchor text to guide users and search engines.
Keyword research doesn’t have to be intimidating. By combining audience insight, free keyword tools, and smart organization, small businesses can uncover search terms that connect with real customers and drive sustainable organic traffic.
At its core, keyword research helps you speak the language of your audience — so your business shows up when people are searching for exactly what you offer.
Start with a few key phrases, build them into your content strategy, and keep refining as you learn more about your audience’s search behavior.
