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.

How accurate is search volume data in keyword research tools?

Search volume numbers are estimates, not exact counts. Tools use their own data sources and formulas, so you will often see slightly different numbers for the same keyword.

The goal is not to find a perfect number, but to understand which keywords get more or less interest compared to others. Use search volume to compare keywords and spot trends instead of treating it like a precise measurement.

If you want more context around a keyword, you can also explore related terms and long tail ideas with RightBlogger's Keyword Tool. This helps you see the bigger picture of how people search in your niche.

Over time, you will get better at reading search volume patterns and combining them with your own traffic data from Google Analytics and Search Console.

What is a good search volume to target for a new or small blog?

A good search volume for a new blog is often low to medium, not the highest number you can find. Very high volume keywords usually have very strong competition, which makes it hard to rank.

Look for long tail keywords with clear intent and modest search volume. These are often easier to rank for and bring in more targeted readers who are more likely to stay, subscribe, or buy.

You can find long tail ideas using RightBlogger's Keyword Research Tool and by reading guides like this one on using long tail keywords in your content strategy. Over time, ranking for many smaller keywords can add up to a lot of traffic.

As your site grows, you can slowly move into higher volume keywords, using your existing content and authority to compete for bigger search terms.

How should I use search volume when planning my content calendar?

Use search volume to rank your keyword ideas from highest to lowest estimated interest. Then balance this list with keyword difficulty and how closely each keyword fits your audience and offers.

Start by picking a mix of easier, lower volume topics and a few medium volume targets for each month. This gives you quicker wins while you work toward more competitive keywords.

Tools like the RightBlogger Keyword Cluster Tool can help group related keywords into content clusters. You can then plan pillar posts and supporting posts around each cluster.

Once you choose your topics, you can draft and polish your articles faster using the RightBlogger AI Article Writer. This helps you publish consistently, which is key for growing search traffic over time.

How can RightBlogger help me use search volume to get more traffic?

RightBlogger helps you turn search volume data into a clear content plan. You can start with the Keywords Tool to find keyword ideas, see estimated search volume, and discover related phrases.

From there, you can use the Keyword Cluster Tool to group similar keywords into one topic. This makes it easier to write focused posts that cover what searchers actually want.

When you are ready to write, the AI Article Writer can create optimized drafts based on your chosen keyword. You can then edit the draft in your own voice and publish much faster.

As you keep publishing, you can fill missing topics with tools like the Content Gap Tool. This workflow helps you use search volume not just to pick ideas, but to build a full SEO strategy around your blog.