Keyword research is the foundation of every successful SEO strategy. For small businesses, choosing the right keywords can mean the difference between being found by local customers — or being invisible online. This beginner’s guide will walk you through the essentials of keyword research in 2025.
What Is Keyword Research?
Keyword research is the process of identifying the words and phrases people type (or speak) into search engines when looking for products or services like yours.
Why Keyword Research Matters
- Increases Visibility: Helps your site show up in relevant search results
- Attracts the Right Audience: Targets people who are ready to buy
- Guides Content Strategy: Tells you what topics to write about
- Improves ROI: Focuses your SEO on terms that actually convert
Step 1: Understand Your Audience
Start by asking:
- What problems are they trying to solve?
- How do they describe your services?
- What location terms do they use (e.g., “plumber Melbourne,” “SEO Moorabbin”)?
Step 2: Brainstorm Keyword Ideas
Think of broad categories related to your business. For a web design agency, examples include:
- “web design Melbourne”
- “responsive website”
- “affordable SEO services”
Step 3: Use Keyword Research Tools
Leverage free and paid tools:
- Google Keyword Planner
- Ubersuggest
- Ahrefs / SEMrush
- AnswerThePublic (for questions and long-tail phrases)
Step 4: Focus on Long-Tail Keywords
Short keywords (like “web design”) are competitive. Long-tail keywords (like “affordable web design for small business in Melbourne”) attract more qualified leads with less competition.
Step 5: Analyse Competition
- Search your target keywords and check the top results
- What type of content ranks?
- How strong are competitors’ websites?
- Can you create something better?
Step 6: Organise and Prioritise
Group keywords by intent:
- Informational: “What is SEO?”
- Commercial: “Best website builders for small businesses”
- Transactional: “Hire web design agency Melbourne”
Step 7: Track & Refine
Keyword research is ongoing. Use Google Search Console and analytics to monitor performance and update your strategy regularly.
Final Thoughts
Keyword research doesn’t need to be complicated. By understanding your audience, targeting long-tail keywords, and using the right tools, small businesses can compete effectively — even in crowded markets like Melbourne.
At Mizara Studio, we help local businesses uncover the right keywords to drive traffic, leads, and long-term growth.