Keyword Search Volume Tracking Guide 2024

Here's what you need to know about tracking keyword search volumes in 2024:

• Search volume shows how often people look up specific terms monthly
• It helps spot trends, estimate traffic, and prioritize content creation
• Key metrics: Monthly volume, trends, regional interest, related queries
• Top tools: Google Keyword Planner (free), SEMrush, Ahrefs (paid options)

To get started:

1. Pick 20-30 core keywords for your business
2. Record initial data (keyword, volume, current ranking)
3. Check weekly/monthly and set up alerts for big changes
4. Use insights to optimize existing content and generate new ideas

Remember: Balance search volume with relevance to your audience. Sometimes lower-volume niche terms convert better than high-volume broad ones.

Pro tip: Look beyond Google. Track volumes on YouTube and Amazon for a fuller picture of search behavior across platforms.

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Main Tracking Metrics

Tracking keyword search volume isn't just about one big number. It's about understanding different metrics that show how your keywords perform. Let's break it down.

Search Volume Categories

Here are the key categories you need to know:

1. Monthly Search Volume: How many times people search for a keyword each month.
2. Trend Data: How search interest changes over time.
3. Regional Interest: Where the searches come from.
4. Related Queries: Other terms people search alongside your main keyword.

Let's look at some real data:

Understanding Volume Changes

Search volumes aren't set in stone. They change, and here's how to make sense of it:

1. Seasonal Fluctuations

Some keywords spike at certain times. Think "beach vacations" in January when it's freezing outside.

2. Trend Shifts

Keep an eye on keywords that are consistently rising or falling over time.

3. Sudden Spikes

These can point to breaking news or viral trends related to your keyword.

4. Long-Term Declines

If a keyword is steadily losing volume, it might be time to switch up your strategy.

Here's a real-world example:

"We saw searches for 'content marketing strategy' going up about 5% month-over-month for a year. This told us people wanted more advanced tactics, not just basics. So we changed our blog focus." - Sarah Johnson, Content Director at ContentPro

Pro tip: Set up alerts for big changes. Maybe anything over 10% shift in monthly volume is worth a closer look.

But remember: It's not all about big numbers. A lower-volume keyword with high intent can be worth more than a high-volume term that doesn't convert. Always look at search volume alongside other metrics like click-through rate (CTR) and conversion rate.

How to Set Up Tracking

Let's walk through setting up keyword search volume tracking to boost your content marketing game.

Pick Your Tools

First things first: you need the right tools. Here's a quick rundown of some top options:

Google Keyword Planner is great if you're watching your wallet. It shows you monthly search volumes and how competitive keywords are. Plus, it works smoothly with Google Analytics and Search Console.

Want more bells and whistles? SEMrush might be your jam. Here's what Sarah Johnson from ContentPro had to say:

"We jumped on SEMrush last year and BAM! Our keyword targeting got 30% better. Their Keyword Magic Tool? It's like a secret weapon for finding those juicy long-tail keywords."

If you're juggling a bunch of keywords, check out Ahrefs. Their Rank Tracker lets you keep tabs on loads of keywords across different places and devices.

Set Your Starting Points

Alright, you've got your tools. Now let's set up your tracking system:

1. Identify Your Core Keywords

Make a list of 20-30 keywords that really matter to your business. Think:

• Your main products or services
• Anything brand-related
• Keywords that are already working well in your content

2. Record Initial Data

Time to get organized. Create a spreadsheet with these columns:

• Keyword
• Current search volume
• Where you're ranking now
• When you recorded this info

3. Set Regular Check-in Times

Consistency is key. Here's a simple schedule to follow:

4. Use Automated Alerts

Most tools can give you a heads up when things change. Set up alerts for big shifts in search volume or rankings. AccuRanker, for example, lets you customize alerts for ranking changes. It's like having a little SEO watchdog.

5. Integrate with Analytics

Hook up your keyword tracker to Google Analytics. This way, you can see how changes in search volume actually impact your website traffic. It's like connecting the dots between what people search for and who ends up on your site.

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Using Search Volume Data

Let's put that search volume data to work. Here's how to use it to boost your content and marketing efforts.

Look at Past Data

Reviewing historical search patterns is like peeking into the future of your content strategy.

Identify Seasonal Trends

Look for patterns in your data. Take the keyword "umbrella" for example:

This info is gold for your content calendar. Joshua Hardwick, Head of Content at Ahrefs, says:

"Create relevant content to coincide with the peak and start optimizing existing relevant pages before the peak(s)."

Spot Long-Term Trends

Keep an eye on keywords that grow or decline over time. This helps you spot emerging topics or ones that are fading out.

Analyze Competitor Performance

Use SEMrush or Ahrefs to see what keywords your competitors rank for and how their search volumes change. This can reveal new opportunities or areas where you're lagging.

Make Data-Based Changes

Time to turn those insights into action.

Optimize Existing Content

Look at your top pages and find ways to add high-volume keywords you're not targeting yet. For example, if you have a page about email marketing tools, "email marketing platform" (1,900 monthly searches) might work better than "email marketing tool" (880 monthly searches).

Develop New Content Ideas

Let search volume guide your content creation. Focus on topics with steady interest or rising trends. If "vegan bakery New York" (210 monthly searches) is gaining traction, it might be worth a dedicated page or blog post.

Refine Your Keyword Strategy

Don't just chase high-volume keywords. Balance search volume with competition:

Adjust Your Content Calendar

Time your content releases based on search volume insights. If you're selling umbrellas, have your content ready before peak search times in June (USA) or December (Australia).

Leverage Google Trends

Don't forget this free tool. It can help you spot rising topics and compare keyword popularity across regions. This can help tailor your content and marketing efforts.

Pro Tracking Methods

Want to level up your keyword search volume tracking? Let's explore some advanced techniques that'll give you an edge.

Compare Different Platforms

Don't just stick to Google. Here's how to track volumes across multiple platforms:

1. Google vs. YouTube

Google's the search king, but YouTube's the runner-up. Here's a quick look:

Pro Tip: For YouTube data in Google Trends, switch from "Web Search" to "YouTube Search".

2. Amazon Keyword Research

Selling stuff online? Don't ignore Amazon. Use tools like Jungle Scout or Helium 10 for Amazon-specific search volumes.

3. Cross-Platform Comparison

Tools like Semrush let you compare keyword performance across platforms. Here's what that looks like:

"We tracked 'wireless earbuds' across Google, YouTube, and Amazon using Semrush. Google had 246,000 monthly searches, but Amazon showed higher purchase intent with 180,000 searches." - Sarah Johnson, E-commerce SEO Specialist at TechGear

Forecast Future Trends

Want to stay ahead? Try predicting upcoming keyword trends:

1. Use Historical Data

Look at past search volume data for patterns. Google Trends is great for this.

2. Seasonal Forecasting

Some keywords have seasonal patterns. For example:

3. Trend Prediction Tools

Some SEO tools offer trend forecasting:

• Ahrefs: Check out their Keyword Explorer tool.
• SEOmonitor: They use AI for organic traffic forecasting.

4. Industry Insights

Keep up with industry news and product launches. It can pay off big time:

"When Apple announced their VR headset, 'VR headset' searches jumped 300% in a week. We had content ready and grabbed a big chunk of that traffic." - Mike Chen, Content Director at TechReview

Next Steps

Now that you know about keyword search volume tracking, it's time to put it to work. Here's how:

1. Pick Your Tools

Choose a tool that works for you. Here's a quick look:

2. Set Up Your System

Start with 20-30 main keywords for your business. Make a spreadsheet with:

• Keyword
• Current search volume
• Your ranking now
• When you recorded it

3. Make It a Habit

Stick to a plan:

4. Use What You Learn

Put your insights to work:

• Make your current content better
• Come up with new content ideas
• Fine-tune your keyword strategy

Don't just chase high volumes. Find a sweet spot between search volume, competition, and how it fits your business.

5. Stay Sharp

Keep an eye out for what's coming next. Use Google Trends to spot rising topics in your field.

6. Fit It Into Your Big Picture

Make sure your keyword tracking fits with your overall SEO and content plans. As Joshua Hardwick from Ahrefs says:

"Don't track keywords just because. Use the data to shape your content strategy and drive real results for your business."

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