Keyword Checker

How it works

When a user enters a keyword, the tool queries its database to return metrics such as estimated keyword search volume, keyword difficulty, and sometimes the top-ranking pages. Some tools, such as the Google Ads Keyword Planner, provide official search volume data from Google. Other checkers also accept a URL to analyse on-page targeting signals: they scan the page's title tag, H1, meta description, and body text for the keyword. Search volume is typically an average over the past 12 months, and some tools show trend graphs to indicate seasonality.

Many tools use a combination of clickstream data, search engine result page analysis, and proprietary algorithms to calculate difficulty scores. The keyword difficulty index is a proprietary score based on competing pages' backlinks and domain authority. Location-specific data is available when the user sets a country or region, because keyword performance varies by country or region. The results update as search behaviour and competition shift, so metrics are not static; they are snapshots that need regular rechecking. Some tools also provide a keyword difficulty index that compares the number of referring domains of top-ranking pages.

How to use it

1. Enter a keyword or URL into the checker.
2. Set the location and language if the tool allows.
3. Review the metrics: keyword search volume, keyword difficulty, and any related terms suggested by the tool. Compare the difficulty score with your site's authority to gauge feasibility.
4. Check the top-ranking pages to understand search intent and competition, and consider exploring related long-tail keywords that may have lower difficulty and still attract relevant traffic. Look for patterns in the type of content that ranks.
5. If using an on-page checker, identify which elements are missing the keyword and optimise accordingly, but avoid over-optimisation. Use the checker as a guide, not a strict rule.
6. Use the data to decide whether to target the term or move to another, and repeat the process for other candidate keywords. Document your findings for future reference.

What it is not

• It is not a guaranteed ranking predictor. Keyword difficulty is a relative estimate, not an exact prediction. It is an estimate based on the tool's proprietary algorithm, which may differ from other tools. Different tools can give different scores for the same keyword.
• It is not a substitute for full keyword research. A checker provides data on a single term, whereas comprehensive research explores related and long-tail keywords, seasonal trends, and user intent. Full research also includes analysing SERP features and competitor content.
• It is not a content writing tool. On-page checkers highlight missing elements but do not guide content strategy or search intent alignment. Content strategy should consider the query's intent and the user's journey. The checker can help optimise a page but not create the content itself.
• It is not a one-time fix. Metrics change as competition and user behaviour shift, so results need periodic rechecking. Regular rechecking is necessary because competition and search behaviour evolve. Set a schedule to revisit keyword data every few months.

Common mistakes

• Treating keyword difficulty as an exact prediction leads to misplaced confidence and wasted effort on terms that may not be achievable. Use it as a guide, not a guarantee.
• Choosing keywords only by keyword search volume and ignoring search intent results in content that does not satisfy user needs, leading to poor engagement and rankings. Always check the top-ranking pages to understand the intent behind the query.
• Using an on-page keyword checker as a replacement for full keyword research misses broader opportunities to target related queries and understand the competitive landscape. Combine it with other research methods.
• Stuffing keywords into content after a checker suggests a term should be included harms readability and may trigger spam filters, eventually damaging user experience. Focus on natural use.
• Ignoring location-specific data when targeting a regional audience wastes effort on irrelevant keywords, as performance can vary significantly by country or region. Set the correct location in the tool.