In the competitive world of digital marketing, keyword research is the foundation of every successful SEO strategy — especially for small businesses. Choosing the right keywords helps you attract your ideal customers, increase visibility on Google, and drive sales.
In this guide by AH&V Software, we’ll walk you through how to do keyword research step by step, using free and paid tools, so your small business can stand out online.
🔍 What Is Keyword Research?
Keyword research is the process of finding and analyzing the words and phrases people type into search engines when looking for products or services like yours.
For example, if you run a bakery in Jaipur, people might search for:
- “best bakery in Jaipur”
- “custom cakes near me”
- “affordable birthday cakes Jaipur”
By targeting such keywords in your website content and blogs, your business appears in front of potential customers who are ready to buy.
🧠 Why Keyword Research Matters for Small Businesses
Small businesses often have limited marketing budgets, so keyword research ensures every effort counts. It helps you:
- Reach the right audience with relevant content
- Compete effectively with local businesses
- Improve your Google rankings
- Get more qualified traffic and leads
- Increase ROI on your marketing campaigns
🛠️ Step-by-Step Guide to Keyword Research
Step 1: Understand Your Audience
Start by thinking like your customers. What would they type into Google to find your services?
List 10–15 basic phrases that describe your business, products, or location.
Step 2: Use Keyword Research Tools
Use free or affordable keyword tools to expand your list:
- Google Keyword Planner (Free)
- Ubersuggest
- Ahrefs or SEMrush
- AnswerThePublic
- Google Autocomplete
These tools show how often a keyword is searched, its competition level, and related ideas.
Step 3: Check Search Intent
Every keyword has a purpose — people may want information, compare products, or make a purchase.
Classify your keywords as:
- Informational – “How to bake a cake”
- Navigational – “AH&V Software website”
- Transactional – “hire website developer India”
Focus on transactional and local intent keywords for small businesses.
Step 4: Analyze Your Competitors
Search for your top keywords on Google and check which competitors appear.
Visit their websites to understand:
- Which keywords they target
- How they structure their content
- What keywords bring them traffic
This helps you identify opportunities they missed.
Step 5: Focus on Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords (3–5 words) are more specific and less competitive.
Examples:
- “best digital marketing company for startups”
- “custom software development in India”
They attract customers who are closer to making a decision.
Step 6: Organize and Prioritize Keywords
Group your keywords into categories such as:
- Product/service keywords
- Local keywords
- Blog/content ideas
Prioritize based on search volume, competition, and relevance to your goals.
📈 Pro Tips for Better Keyword Research
- Keep updating your keyword list every few months
- Combine keywords with local SEO (e.g., “website development in Delhi”)
- Track keyword performance using Google Search Console
- Use keywords naturally in titles, headings, meta descriptions, and content
💡 Final Thoughts
Keyword research is not a one-time task — it’s an ongoing process. As your business grows, your customers’ search behavior changes too.
By following the above steps, your small business can compete effectively in search results, attract genuine traffic, and grow faster online.
If you need expert help with SEO or keyword strategy, AH&V Software is here to assist.
💬 Contact us today to get a personalized SEO plan for your business!
