Understanding Search Volume in Keyword Research Tools

Last Updated April 22, 2024

When you’re diving into the world of keyword research, one of the most important metrics you’ll come across is search volume. But what exactly does search volume mean, and how can you use it to make strategic decisions for your blog?

Let’s break it down.

What is Search Volume?

Search volume is an estimate of how many searches are being conducted each month for a particular keyword or phrase. When you use a keyword research tool like RightBlogger’s Keyword Research Tool, you’ll see a “search volume” field that displays this estimate.

It’s crucial to understand that these numbers are not exact, but rather approximations based on the tool’s methodology, APIs, and data sources. Each tool may provide slightly different search volume estimates for the same keyword.

Why Search Volume Fluctuates

Search volume is not a static metric. It can fluctuate over time due to various factors, such as:

Trending topics
Seasonal changes
Shifts in consumer behavior

As a keyword becomes more popular, its search volume will likely increase. Conversely, as a keyword loses popularity, its search volume will typically decrease.

Using Search Volume for Strategic Decisions

Despite the variability in search volume estimates, this metric is still incredibly valuable for making strategic decisions about your blog’s content. By identifying keywords with high search volumes, you can:

Determine which topics are most popular among your target audience
Prioritize content creation around high-demand keywords
Optimize your blog posts for search engines to attract more organic traffic

However, it’s essential to consider other factors alongside search volume, such as keyword difficulty and relevance to your blog’s niche.

Conclusion

Search volume is a powerful metric that can help guide your keyword research and content strategy. By understanding what search volume represents and how it can fluctuate, you can make data-driven decisions to grow your blog’s visibility and attract more targeted traffic.

Remember to use reliable keyword research tools, like RightBlogger’s Keyword Research Tool, to access accurate search volume estimates and make the most of this valuable data in your blogging journey.

What does “search volume” mean in keyword research?

Search volume is an estimate of how many times people search for a keyword in an average month.

It is not an exact count. Keyword tools use different data sources and methods, so the number is best used as a direction, not a guarantee.

Use search volume to spot topics people care about. Then confirm the keyword fits your blog and matches what your reader wants.

If a keyword has low volume, it can still be worth it. Low volume keywords often bring more focused readers who are ready to take action.

Why does search volume change over time?

Search volume changes because what people search for changes.

Trends, seasons, news, and social media can push a topic up fast. Other topics fade as people lose interest or switch to new words.

That is why you should check volume again before you publish a new post or update an old one. Watching the direction of the trend is often more useful than the exact number.

If your niche has seasonal spikes, plan ahead. Write and publish early so your post is ready before the busy season hits.

Why do different keyword tools show different search volume numbers?

Different tools show different numbers because they pull data from different places and update on different schedules.

Many tools also round numbers into buckets, like 1K to 10K. Some tools may also treat spelling, plurals, or “close variations” in different ways.

Instead of chasing one perfect number, look for a clear signal. Ask, “Is this keyword clearly higher demand than my other options?”

If two tools disagree, use the estimate as a range and focus on intent and competition. A keyword that matches your post and audience usually wins over a slightly higher number.

Should I always target the highest search volume keyword?

No, the highest search volume keyword is not always the best choice.

High volume keywords often have tougher competition, and they can be too broad. You might rank lower or attract readers who are not looking for what you offer.

A smarter play is to mix in specific keywords with clear intent. These are often long-tail keywords that bring the right kind of traffic.

If you want examples and ideas, see this guide to long-tail keywords that are easier to rank for.

How can I use search volume to plan blog posts and improve SEO?

Use search volume to pick topics that have real demand, then build your content plan around them.

Start by listing your main topics, then find related keywords and compare their volumes. RightBlogger’s Keyword research tool can help you collect ideas and see estimates in one place.

Next, turn one keyword into multiple post angles. A fast way to do that is to pull common follow-up questions with PAA questions.

Finally, publish the most important keywords first, and save lower-volume support posts for later. Over time, this builds topical authority and helps your whole site rank better.

How can RightBlogger help me turn search volume data into a better content strategy?

RightBlogger helps you go from keyword numbers to a clear plan you can publish.

After you find keywords, you can organize them into groups so your site covers a topic fully. Keyword clustering makes it easier to see which posts belong together.

Then, track what is working and what needs updates. Using SEO reports that highlight what to improve helps you spot pages that could gain traffic with better targeting.

This workflow saves time because you are not guessing. You are choosing keywords with demand, building related content, and improving posts based on real SEO signals.