Keyword research
Keyword research is systematically mapping search terms your audience uses, including volume, intent and competition, as basis for SEO strategy.
Keyword research in 2026 is no longer a list of separate words — it combines search-volume analysis, search-intent classification, SERP-feature mapping and topical clustering. Modern tools (Ahrefs, Semrush, Sistrix, AlsoAsked) give not just volume but SERP structure, difficulty and seasonality.
Example
A fintech startup thinks to optimise for 'fintech software'. Research shows long-tails like 'fintech software GDPR-compliant' have 10x less volume but 50x higher commercial intent — and far less competition.
Frequently asked questions
Which metric matters most?
Not volume alone, but volume × intent × feasibility. A keyword with 100 monthly searches and strong commercial intent often beats a 10,000-search keyword with purely informational intent.
Related terms
Further reading
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