10 Keyword Research Tips To Follow For Better Traffic

Nowadays, online visibility can either make or break a business, and as such, keyword research has become a cornerstone of effective search engine optimisation (SEO). Keyword research refers to the process of identifying the words and phrases that people use when searching for information online. These keywords are then strategically incorporated into website content to improve its chances of appearing in search engine results pages (SERPs). For Filipino entrepreneurs, bloggers, and digital marketers, mastering keyword research is essential to reaching the right audience and driving meaningful traffic to their websites.

In the Philippine context, where internet usage continues to rise and mobile-first browsing dominates, understanding local search behaviour is crucial. Whether one is running an e-commerce store in Cebu, a travel blog about Palawan, or a food delivery service in Metro Manila, keyword research helps tailor content to what Filipinos are actually searching for. It bridges the gap between user intent and content relevance, ensuring that businesses and creators are not just online but are discoverable. Below, we share 10 SEO keyword research tips that can help improve traffic and visibility.

1. Brainstorm Topics Relevant to Your Niche

Begin by listing broad topics related to your business or content niche. For example, a Filipino online seller of organic skincare products might start with topics like “natural ingredients,” “skin whitening,” or “anti-acne solutions.” These topics serve as a foundation for deeper keyword exploration. This step helps ensure that your keyword research is aligned with your brand and audience interests.

2. Understand Search Intent Across the Funnel

Consumers go through different stages before making a purchase: awareness, consideration, and decision. Tailor your keywords to match each stage. For instance, someone in the awareness stage might search “benefits of coconut oil for skin,” while someone in the decision stage might type “buy organic coconut oil Philippines.” Matching keywords to search intent ensures your content meets users where they are in their journey.

3. Use Keyword Research Tools Effectively

Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and SEMrush are invaluable. For Filipino users, Google Trends can also reveal seasonal and regional keyword popularity. These tools help identify search volume, competition, and keyword difficulty. For example, “lechon Cebu” might have high search volume during December, indicating a seasonal spike in interest.

4. Explore Creative Research Methods

Do not rely solely on keyword tools. Use forums like Reddit Philippines, Facebook groups, and local marketplaces like Lazada or Shopee to discover how people talk about products and services. These platforms offer real-world language and phrasing that might not appear in traditional keyword databases but are highly relevant to your audience.

5. Leverage Google and YouTube Suggestions

Type a keyword into Google or YouTube and observe the autocomplete suggestions. These are based on actual user queries and can reveal trending or commonly searched phrases. For instance, typing “how to cook adobo” might suggest “how to cook adobo with pineapple,” indicating a specific variation that users are interested in.

6. Analyse Multiple Keyword Metrics

Do not focus solely on search volume. Consider keyword difficulty, click-through rate potential, and relevance to your content. A keyword with moderate volume but low competition, such as “best online business ideas Philippines,” might be more valuable than a high-volume, highly competitive term like “online business.”

7. Consider Keyword Length and Difficulty

Long-tail keywords—phrases with three or more words—often have lower competition and higher conversion rates. For example, “affordable beach resorts in Bohol” is more targeted than “beach resorts.” These keywords are especially useful for small businesses and bloggers trying to rank in niche markets.

8. Account for Seasonality in Searches

Filipino search behaviour changes with the seasons. During summer, keywords like “Boracay travel packages” spike, while “Christmas gift ideas Philippines” trend in November and December. Use tools like Google Trends to identify these patterns and plan your content calendar accordingly.

9. Monitor Trending Topics

Stay updated with current events and pop culture in the Philippines. Trending topics can offer short-term keyword opportunities. For instance, during a popular teleserye’s airing, related keywords like “Maria Clara at Ibarra episode recap” may attract significant traffic. Use social media and news platforms to spot these trends early.

10. Perform Competitor Gap Analysis

Identify keywords your competitors rank for but you do not. Tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs allow you to compare domains and uncover missed opportunities. For example, if a rival blog ranks for “Filipino vegan recipes” and you do not, consider creating content around that topic. This keyword gap analysis strategy helps you capture traffic that is already proven to convert.

Conclusion

Keyword research is not merely about finding popular words — it is about understanding your audience, their intent, and how they search for information. In the Philippine context, where cultural nuances, seasonal trends, and regional preferences play a significant role, effective keyword research can be the difference between obscurity and visibility. By brainstorming relevant topics, aligning keywords with search intent, using the right tools, and staying attuned to local trends, Filipino content creators and businesses can optimise their online presence and attract better traffic. These ten tips offer a strategic roadmap to help you navigate the evolving landscape of SEO and ensure that your content resonates with the right audience at the right time.