# What is Keyword Research?

What is Keyword Research? The process of identifying what your target audience searches for: search volume, competition, and search intent…

## How it works in practice

Keyword research means learning your customer's language. You sell 'orthopedic running shoes' — the customer searches for 'shoes for knee pain.' Without research, you're talking to yourself.

## Related metrics

- SEO — step 1
- PPC — the same keywords apply to paid advertising
- Long-Tail Keywords — less competition, more intent
- GSC — reveals keywords you already rank for

## Common misconception

'Higher volume is always better.' 'Shoes' gets 2M searches with massive competition. 'Running shoes for knee pain' gets 800 searches, low competition, and high purchase intent. Long-tail keywords convert 3-5x better.

## How to fix it

No organic ranking on your keywords? (1) Are the terms navigational rather than commercial? (2) Is domain authority below 20? (3) Shift to long-tail keywords with lower competition.

## Real-world example

A computer store tried to rank for 'laptop' (competition 95/100). They switched to 'gaming laptop under $1,500' (competition 38/100). First page on Google within 4 months — 1,200 visits/month.

## Where to start

Do keyword research in week 1. Free tools: Keyword Planner, GSC, AnswerThePublic. Minimal process: 2 hours → 50 keywords → prioritize.

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Category: SEO · From the [Jimmy OS KPI Glossary](https://jimmy-os.com/glossary/kpi.md) · Source page: https://jimmy-os.com/glossary/kpi/keyword-research