Search Volume Tracking Guide 2024

Want to boost your SEO game? Here's what you need to know about tracking search volume in 2024:

Search volume shows how often people look for specific keywords each month
It helps you pick the right keywords and estimate potential traffic
Popular keywords are often tough to rank for - consider long-tail alternatives
Use both free and paid tools to get accurate data

Key tools for tracking search volume:

Tool	Type	Key Feature	Cost
Google Keyword Planner	Free	Basic data	Free with Google Ads account
Semrush	Paid	25+ billion keyword database	From $117.33/month (annual)
Ahrefs	Paid	Huge backlink database	$83-$333/month (annual)
Moz Pro	Paid	User-friendly interface	From $99/month

Remember:

Mix high and low-volume keywords in your strategy
Use Google Trends to spot seasonal patterns
Keep tweaking your approach based on performance
Consider search intent, not just volume
Look at trends over time and by location

Bottom line: Search volume matters, but it's not everything. Balance it with keyword difficulty, relevance, and user intent for a solid SEO strategy.

What is Search Volume?

Search volume is the number of times people look for a specific keyword or phrase on search engines each month. It's a key metric in digital marketing and SEO.

Think of search volume as a popularity contest for words and phrases online. It shows what people are interested in and how often they're searching for it.

For example, "dog food" gets searched 135,000 times per month in the U.S., according to Semrush's Keyword Overview tool.

But here's the thing: a high search volume doesn't always mean it's the best keyword to target. Sometimes, less popular terms can give you better results, especially if you're just starting out.

Key Numbers to Watch

When you're looking at search volume data, keep an eye on these:

Metric	What It Tells You
Monthly Search Volume	Average searches per month
Year-over-Year Trends	How searches change annually
Seasonal Fluctuations	Search changes throughout the year
Geographic Differences	How searches vary by location

Why It Matters for SEO

Search volume is like a roadmap for your SEO strategy. Here's why it's important:

1. Content Strategy

It helps you decide what topics to write about. If lots of people are searching for something, it might be worth creating content on that topic.

2. Keyword Targeting

Search volume helps you pick which keywords to focus on. You want keywords that people actually search for, but aren't too competitive.

3. Traffic Potential

It gives you an idea of how many visitors you could get. Higher search volume means more potential traffic.

4. Competitive Analysis

By looking at search volumes, you can guess what keywords your competitors might be targeting.

"If no one searches for your chosen keywords, your website won't be found", says John Mueller, Google's Search Advocate.

How Search Volume Changes Over Time

Search volume isn't set in stone. It changes, and understanding these changes can help you plan better:

Seasonal Keywords: Some keywords spike at certain times. "Unique Christmas gifts" gets more searches in October, November, and December.
Evergreen Keywords: These keep a steady search volume all year.
Trending Keywords: These suddenly get popular due to current events or viral content.
Declining Keywords: Some keywords gradually lose popularity over time.

How to Track Search Volume

Want to know what your audience is searching for? Here's how to track search volume and use it to your advantage.

Manual Methods

You can start with free tools from Google:

Google Trends: It's like a crystal ball for search interest. Type in "Spiderman costume" and you'll see a spike before Halloween. Boom! You know when to ramp up your marketing.
Google Search Console: This tool shows how your site performs for its top 1,000 keywords. It's great for spotting keywords that are losing steam.

John Mueller, Google's Search Advocate, says: "Google Search Console gives you real data straight from Google, including a rank tracker for your site's SERP positions."

Automatic Tools

For the heavy lifting, you might want to invest in some paid tools:

Tool	What It Does	How Much?
Ahrefs	Huge keyword database, search volume, keyword difficulty	From $99/month
SEMrush	Keyword trends, competitor analysis	From $129.95/month
Moz Keyword Explorer	Search volume, trend analysis	From $99/month
Ubersuggest	Keyword ideas, search volume, SEO difficulty	From $29/month

Past vs. Present

To spot trends, you need to look at both current and historical data:

Google Trends: It's like a time machine for search popularity. Great for spotting seasonal patterns and up-and-coming trends.
SEMrush: Want to see how a keyword's search volume has changed over time? SEMrush has got you covered.

Getting the Good Data

To make sure your search volume data is on point:

Use multiple tools. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Think seasons. When using Google Search Console, compare year-over-year to avoid seasonal skews.
Check your sources. Know where your tools are getting their data from.

John Mueller reminds us: "If nobody's searching for your keywords, your website won't be found." That's why getting accurate search volume data is key for nailing your SEO strategy.

Deep Dive into Search Volume

Let's explore search volume data to help you make smart SEO decisions.

Year to Year Changes

Looking at how search volume changes over time can tell you a lot. Here's what to do:

1. Use historical data

DataForSEO Labs API gives you search volume data going back to early 2019. This helps you spot trends and make educated guesses about the future.

2. Identify keyword types

When you compare data year-over-year, you'll usually see three kinds of keywords:

Keyword Type	What It Means	What To Do
Rising	Low volume last year, going up this year	Focus on these early
Declining	Volume is going down	Move away from these
Seasonal	Spikes at certain times	Plan content for peak times

3. Look beyond 12 months

For seasonal keywords, check data from multiple years to really understand the patterns.

"Smart SEOs use rising keywords to create content before their competitors. They also avoid declining keywords to focus on better options." - DataForSEO Labs

Search Purpose Trends

Knowing why people search helps you match your content to what they want. Here are some key trends:

Mobile searches often look for local stuff, like nearby services.
Desktop searches are usually more about research.
Voice searches use more natural language, especially on mobile.

To use these trends:

Use long-tail, conversational keywords for better mobile rankings.
Write in-depth content for desktop users who like longer articles.
Make sure your website works well on mobile.

Location Differences

Search volume can be very different in different places. Here's how to use this:

1. Use location-specific data

Tools like Google Trends let you filter search data by location. This helps you understand how search behavior changes in different areas.

2. Tailor your strategy

Change your content and SEO based on what you learn about different locations. For example:

Location	Search Trend	What To Do
Cities	More mobile searches	Focus on mobile and local SEO
Rural areas	More desktop searches	Create detailed content for desktop users

3. Consider seasonality

Some places have unique seasonal trends. A ski resort in Colorado might see more searches for "ski vacations" in late fall.

Mobile vs. Desktop Search

Mobile and desktop searches are quite different. Here's what you need to know:

Aspect	Mobile	Desktop
Search Intent	Often local, immediate	More research-focused
CTR for #1 Result	28.36%	39.8%
Content Preference	Quick, easy-to-read info	Detailed, in-depth content
Local Results	Big local map pack	Less focus on local results

To optimize for both:

Make sure your website works well on all devices.
Create both quick, easy content for mobile users and detailed pieces for desktop users.
Pay extra attention to local SEO for mobile searches.

"If no one's searching for your keywords, your website won't be found." - John Mueller, Google's Search Advocate

Tools for Tracking

Let's dive into some popular tools for tracking search volume. These can help you up your SEO game, whether you're ready to invest or looking for free options.

Paid Tools

If you're serious about SEO, these paid tools pack a punch:

Tool	Key Features	Pricing
Semrush	25+ billion keyword database, Keyword Magic Tool, Personal Keyword Difficulty metric	From $117.33/month (annual billing)
Ahrefs	Keyword tracking, huge backlink database, Content Explorer	$83 to $333/month (annual billing)
Moz Pro	Keyword Explorer, rank tracking, site audits	From $99/month

Semrush's Keyword Magic Tool is a standout. It taps into the market's biggest keyword database, perfect for finding related keywords and domain-specific metrics.

Ahrefs isn't just about backlinks anymore. Their Content Explorer helps you find content that's killing it in terms of backlinks and social shares.

Moz Pro? It's user-friendly and known for its keyword difficulty score. Great for figuring out where to focus your SEO efforts.

Free Tools

No budget? No problem. These free tools can still give you solid insights:

Google Keyword Planner: It's free but you need a Google Ads account. You'll get search volume ranges and related keyword ideas.
Google Trends: Want to see how search interest changes over time? This is your go-to. It's free and great for comparing keyword popularity.
Google Search Console: This shows how your site's doing in search results, including impressions and clicks for specific keywords. It's a must-have for any website owner.

"If nobody's searching for your keywords, your website won't be found." - John Mueller, Google's Search Advocate

This quote nails why using these tools is so important. You need to find keywords people are actually searching for.

Connecting Tools Together

Want a fuller picture? Try connecting different tools using APIs:

Pull Semrush keyword data into your custom dashboard
Link Google Search Console with Google Data Studio for visual reports
Integrate Ahrefs data with your content management system

By mixing data from different sources, you'll get a clearer view of search trends and opportunities.

Directory Tools

Need more options? Check out Content and Marketing (https://content-and-marketing.com). They've got a directory of content creation and marketing tools. While they're not all about search volume tracking, many have SEO features that can complement your tracking efforts.

For example, some AI writing tools in the directory might suggest keyword optimizations based on current search trends. And social media tools could give you insights into trending topics, which often line up with search volume changes.

Understanding Volume Changes

Search volume isn't set in stone. It changes over time, and keeping up with these shifts is key for your SEO game. Let's break down how to make sense of these changes.

Finding Patterns

Spotting patterns in search volume data helps you predict what's coming next. Here are the main types to watch out for:

Pattern	What It Means	Real-World Example
Seasonal	Regular spikes at certain times	"BBQ grill" searches jump every June in the US
Evergreen	Steady interest all year	"How to tie a tie" stays popular
Trending	Sudden spikes from current events	"Face masks" exploded during COVID-19
Declining	Losing popularity over time	"MP3 player" searches keep dropping

Want to find these patterns? Try Google Trends. It's free and shows you how keywords perform over time and in different places.

Why Numbers Change

Search volume doesn't just change for no reason. Here's what drives it:

1. Seasons Matter

Different times of year can make searches go up or down.

2. Big Events

Major news or cultural happenings can shake up what people search for.

3. Marketing Pushes

Big ad campaigns can make more people search for certain terms.

4. Search Engine Updates

When Google tweaks its algorithm, it can change how people search.

5. How People Use Tech

As tech evolves, so do search habits. Think about how mobile search changed things.

Market Effects

When search volume shifts, it can shake up your market:

More Competition: If searches for your keywords go up, you might face more rivals.
Pricier Ads: Popular keywords can cost more in PPC campaigns.
New Content Ideas: Emerging trends can give you fresh topics to write about.
Product Insights: Changes in searches can show what customers want next.

Making Changes

To stay on top, you need to roll with the changes. Here's how:

1. Tweak Your Content Plan

Plan ahead for seasonal peaks. If you sell stuff online, start your holiday content early.

2. Target Rising Keywords

Keep an eye out for keywords getting more popular. They're your ticket to new traffic.

3. Shift Your Budget

Put your money where the searches are. After Notion's big Product Hunt launch, their CPO Akshay Kothari said:

"The surge in interest allowed us to reallocate our marketing budget more effectively, focusing on channels that showed the most promise."

4. Freshen Up Old Content

Don't forget your existing stuff. Update it with new, trending keywords.

5. Watch Your Rivals

Keep tabs on how other businesses react to search changes. Are they chasing new keywords? Changing their content?

Setting Up Your Tracking

Let's get your search volume tracking system up and running.

Getting Started

You'll need a tracking tool. Google Search Console (GSC) is a solid free option. Here's how to set it up:

1. Open an account

Head to Google Search Console, add your website, and verify ownership with your Google Analytics tracking ID.

2. Add your sitemap

In GSC, go to "Sitemaps" and submit your sitemap URL. This helps Google understand your site structure.

3. Set up position tracking

For more detailed tracking, use a tool like Semrush. Create a new project, enter your domain, select your target location, and add the keywords you want to track. Aim for 100 or fewer per topic cluster.

"If nobody's searching for your keywords, your website won't be found." - John Mueller, Google's Search Advocate

This quote nails why proper tracking matters. You need to know what people are actually searching for.

Checking Data Quality

Accurate data is key. Here's how to ensure yours is on point:

Use the Coverage Report in GSC to check how many pages Google has indexed and spot any crawling or indexing issues.

Compare data sources. Cross-reference GSC data with other tools like Semrush. Look for big differences that might signal data quality problems.

Do regular audits. Set a monthly schedule to review your data. Keep an eye out for sudden changes or weird stuff that could mean tracking errors.

Creating Reports

Sharing your search volume data effectively is crucial. Here's how:

Use the Performance Report in GSC to monitor organic traffic, keyword ranking, CTR, and average position. Don't forget to analyze your backlink data.

Customize your reports. Focus on metrics that matter most to your stakeholders. Use charts and graphs to make the data easier to digest.

Automate where you can. Many tools offer automated reporting features. Set up weekly or monthly reports to save time.

Comparing Results

To really get your performance, you need to see how you stack up against others:

Use competitive analysis tools like Semrush and Ahrefs to compare your performance against competitors.

Track industry averages. Find industry reports that give you benchmarks for key metrics.

Set realistic goals based on these comparisons. Give yourself achievable targets for improvement.

Summary

Search volume tracking is key for SEO in 2024. Here's what you need to know:

Search volume shows how often people look for specific keywords each month. It helps you figure out which keywords are popular and how much traffic they might bring.

But here's the thing: popular keywords are often tough to rank for. That's why long-tail keywords with lower search volumes can be gold mines. They might not get as many searches, but they can bring in visitors who are more likely to convert.

Let's talk tools:

Tool	What's Cool About It	How Much It Costs
Google Keyword Planner	It's free and gives you basic data	Free with a Google Ads account
Semrush	Has data on over 25 billion keywords	Starts at $117.33/month (yearly plan)
Ahrefs	Huge backlink database	$83 to $333/month (yearly plan)
Moz Pro	Easy to use	From $99/month

Now, how do you use this info?

Mix it up. Target both high and low-volume keywords.
Use Google Trends to spot seasonal patterns.
Keep tweaking your keyword strategy based on how it's performing.

When you're looking at the data:

Think about why people are searching for these terms.
Look for trends over time.
Remember that search habits can vary by location and device.

Here's a real-world example of why this matters:

In March 2023, Notion AI launched on Product Hunt. The result? 11,000 upvotes in just 24 hours. This led to a HUGE jump in daily sign-ups - from 5,000 to 20,000 for the next week.

"The Product Hunt launch exceeded our wildest expectations and kickstarted our growth in ways we hadn't anticipated." - Akshay Kothari, CPO of Notion

This shows how powerful it can be when you understand and use search trends.

Lastly, don't set it and forget it. Keep an eye on your search volume data:

Do regular check-ups.
Use the automatic reporting features in tools like Semrush or Ahrefs.
See how you stack up against others in your industry.

FAQs

How to measure search volume?

Measuring search volume is key for SEO and content strategy. Here's how to do it:

1. Use Semrush's Keyword Magic Tool

Type in your target keyword
Pick your target country
Hit "Search"
Check out the "Broad Match" keywords list

2. Don't put all your eggs in one basket

Compare data from different tools:

Tool	What's cool about it
Google Keyword Planner	It's free with a Google Ads account
Ahrefs	Has a huge backlink database
Moz Pro	Easy to use

3. Think about search intent

Numbers aren't everything. "Chia seeds" gets 33,100 monthly searches, but "drinking chia seeds" only gets 390. If you're selling chia seed drinks, that second one might be your golden ticket.

4. Look at the big picture

Use Google Trends to see how search volume changes over time. It's great for spotting seasonal patterns or up-and-coming trends.

5. Check out the competition

In Semrush, the "Com." column shows how competitive a keyword is. It helps you balance search volume with how hard it'll be to rank.

John Mueller from Google puts it straight:

"If nobody's searching for your keywords, your website won't be found."

But don't just chase high numbers. Less competitive keywords that fit your niche can be gold mines.

Jessie Willms and Shelby Blackley, SEO pros, say:

"Search volume is a good metric to understand general popularity behind a keyword and can help inform intent."

Bottom line: Search volume matters, but it's not the whole story. Mix in keyword difficulty, relevance, and user intent for a solid SEO game plan.