You can find keywords on Google for free using tools Google already gives you. Start by typing a topic into Google Search and noting the autocomplete suggestions, the People also ask questions and the related searches at the bottom of the page. Then use Google Keyword Planner for search volume ranges, Google Trends to compare interest over time, and Google Search Console to see which keywords already bring people to your website.
Below is how to use each tool, how to pick the right keywords, and how to put them together into a simple keyword list.
1. Google autocomplete
- Go to google.com and start typing your topic, such as “iphone battery.”
- Note the suggestions Google shows before you press Enter.
- Add letters or question words to see more, such as “iphone battery a,” “iphone battery how” or “why iphone battery.”
Autocomplete reflects what people actually search for, which makes it a quick source of long-tail keywords.
- People also ask: This box of questions appears in many results. Click a question to expand it, and more questions load below.
- Related searches: Scroll to the bottom of the results page to see related queries. Click one to get a new set.
These are good for finding questions to answer in headings and FAQs.
3. Google Keyword Planner
- Go to Google Ads and open Tools > Keyword Planner. You need a Google Ads account, but you don’t have to run ads.
- Click Discover new keywords and enter a few words or your website.
- Review the list of ideas with Avg. monthly searches, competition and bid ranges.
- Use Get search volume and forecasts to check a list you already have.
Without active ad spending, Keyword Planner shows search volume as ranges, such as 1K–10K, rather than exact numbers.
4. Google Trends
- Go to trends.google.com and enter a keyword.
- Add up to four more terms to compare them.
- Change the region and time range to see seasonal patterns.
- Scroll to Related queries to find rising searches.
Trends shows relative interest, not search volume, so use it to compare terms and spot timing.
5. Google Search Console
If you have a website, Search Console shows the searches your pages already appear for.
- Open Search Console and choose your site.
- Click Performance > Search results.
- Look at the Queries tab for impressions, clicks and average position.
Keywords with lots of impressions but few clicks are often easy wins: improve the page or the title to match them better.
Which tool for which job
| Goal | Tool |
|---|---|
| Quick keyword ideas | Autocomplete, related searches |
| Questions people ask | People also ask |
| Search volume | Keyword Planner |
| Seasonality and comparisons | Google Trends |
| Keywords you already rank for | Search Console |
How to choose good keywords
- Match intent: Search the keyword and look at what ranks. If the results are how-to guides, a product page won’t fit.
- Prefer specific phrases: “Change iPhone battery percentage” is easier to rank for and more useful than “iPhone.”
- Group similar keywords: One page should target a main keyword and close variations, not a separate page for each.
- Check competition: If the top results are huge brands, look for a narrower phrase.
Related: exclude words from a Google search.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Keyword Planner free?
Yes. It’s free with a Google Ads account. You see volume ranges unless you run ads.
How many keywords should a page target?
One main keyword plus related variations and questions. Write naturally for the reader rather than repeating the keyword.
Can I see a competitor’s keywords on Google?
Google’s free tools don’t show another site’s keywords, though entering a competitor’s URL in Keyword Planner suggests related ideas.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.