Understanding the concept of keyword search volume is crucial in mastering Search Engine Optimization (SEO). This expert guide will delve into this metric, discuss its calculation, and recommend tools to find keyword search volume.
Whether you’re an SEO expert looking to fine-tune your approach or a beginner seeking to learn the basics, this guide will help. Read on and make your online presence shine in the digital wilderness.
What Is Keyword Search Volume?
Keyword search volume is the average count of times a specific word or phrase is searched for in a given period. It’s a crucial number that SEO experts keep an eye on to evaluate how well their SEO and content marketing strategies are working. For example, here are the most popular Google search keywords in the US in 2022 by monthly search volume:

As the most commonly used metric in SEO, search volumes are a dependable gauge of how much people are interested in a subject. It’s handy for planning on-page SEO strategies and identifying the right groups of people you want to reach. Understanding keyword search volume is crucial if you are:
- Creating a new website
- Developing a pay-per-click (PPC) advertising campaign
- Researching keywords to increase the flow of organic search engine traffic
- Working with keywords and aiming to attract more visitors to your website
When the data on Google keyword search volume is accurate, marketers can make wiser choices about where to put their time and money. That’s how we get the best return on investment (ROI).
How Is Keyword Search Volume Calculated?
Keyword search volume is calculated by a process that involves gathering data from search engines, usually over the previous year, and then dividing that by 12 to have a monthly average. This monthly average is a standard way to express keyword search volume, although it can vary depending on the keyword search volume tool you use.
SEO tools rely on data provided by third-party sources and apply machine learning algorithms to calculate search volume. Also, many SEO tools obtain search volume information from Google Search Console and Google Keyword Planner. They will then organize and refine this data to give you the most accurate numbers.
Besides, most SEO tools update search volume data monthly to ensure their data is up-to-date and reflects evolving search patterns. However, it’s crucial to note that this method may still not fully address the accuracy issue. As seasonal queries or trending topics are where search behavior can change rapidly, you must research carefully.
The Effects Of Semantic Keywords To Your SEO Strategy
Search volume for keywords is not just about the main keywords but also their semantic counterparts. Semantic keywords are terms or phrases related to your main keyword or topic. The effects of these words on your SEO strategy are:
- Enhanced Search Visibility: By including keywords related to your main topic, you create comprehensive and authoritative content. It hints to search engines like Google that your content is valuable, increasing your chances of ranking higher.
- Increased Click-Through Rates (CTR): Semantic keywords make your content more appealing and relevant to users. Using terms like “how to,” “guide,” and “tips” in your title attracts more users seeking solutions. It, in turn, attracts more clicks to your content.
- Effective Lead Generation and Sales: Semantic keywords are a powerful tool, especially when you align your content with the user’s search intent. By addressing their specific needs, you can persuade them to take action, leading to more conversions and sales.
However, SEO is more than keywords. As you check out ROI Digitally’s services, you will see that we must cover various aspects of SEO to make our website stand out from the competition. So, follow us for more insights and support on the online market!
4 Tools To Find Keyword Research Volume
Knowing how to find search volume for keywords is crucial to choosing the proper main keywords. There are many tools available online that can help you with this task. The most popular and reliable ones include:
Google Search Console

Google Search Console is a handy, free tool that helps you discover new keywords people are searching for. To get started, follow these steps:
- Sign up on the Google Search Console site and verify that you own your website. Once you’re in, you’ll see a dashboard with lots of information.
- To find new keywords, go to the “Performance” report and click on “Search results.” Within this section, you’ll find a list of “Queries.”
- Click “Impressions” once to sort these queries from highest to lowest impressions. Look for keywords with high impressions but few or no clicks. These are keywords that your website may rank for but don’t actively target.
You can use these words to create new content or improve existing pages on your site to attract more visitors. It’s an effective way to discover keywords that can help your website do better in search engines.
Google Keyword Planner
Another tool to explore keyword search volume is Google Keyword Planner. As a Google gadget, it gets its data straight from Google and gets updated in real time. That means the tool will show you what people are looking for now.

While Google Keyword Planner is mainly for advertisers, you can also use it to help improve your website and content, even if you’re not running ads. The best thing about using Google Keyword Planner, especially if you’re a beginner with a limited budget, is that it’s free. No other free tool offers you the same level of access to keyword search volumes.
But there’s a small catch. Google Keyword Planner doesn’t have all the extra features that some paid tools do. If you want more advanced metrics, consider getting one of those below.
Semrush

Semrush helps with Google keyword search volume with its vast database of over 24 billion keywords that gets updated daily. It also uses clickstream data from various sources, ensuring it grabs real user behavior accurately across regions and devices. This feature helps us figure out how many times people search for specific keywords every month.
- To use this tool, enter a “seed” keyword, a basic word related to your specific topic or niche. Then, click the “Search” button.
- The tool will scan its database and show you the most relevant keywords for your search. You’ll receive data on various aspects, including suggested keywords, search volume, search intent, trends, and more.
Semrush offers three pricing options to cater to different business needs:
- Pro plan: Designed for freelancers and startups, costs $119.95 per month.
- Guru plan: Suitable for small to midsize enterprises, costs $229.95 per month.
- Business plan: Intended for larger companies, has a monthly cost of $449.95.
KFWFinder

KWFinder, a tool of Mangools, is known for giving highly accurate search volume data, making it a helpful resource for keyword research. This tool provides in-depth insights into the average monthly search volumes for different keywords. Whether you’re focusing on long-tail keywords or more competitive phrases, KWFinder can help.
KWFinder stands out due to its accuracy and comprehensiveness. Instead of offering estimated data with wide ranges or relying on outdated information, it accesses real-time data directly from Google’s API, ensuring you get the most current and precise results. Here’s how to effectively use KWFinder for keyword research:
- Enter keywords related to your niche or content topic into Keyword Explorer and get the results.
- Analyze the provided metrics, including average monthly searches and popularity among competitors.
- Focus on keywords that strike a good balance between high search volumes and manageable competition.
By using the precise data on keyword search volume provided by KWFinder, you can know what your users need. That’s the first step to achieving higher rankings in organic search results, ultimately increasing your visibility on the web.
See more: What is keyword density?
FAQs
What is the volume of keyword searches?
The volume of keyword searches is the number of times a specific keyword is searched for on a search engine within a given period of time. This metric helps you understand the demand and popularity of a topic, the level of competition and difficulty for ranking, and the potential traffic and conversions for your website.
How do I find global search volume for keywords?
To find global search volume for keywords, you need a tool that provides data from multiple countries or regions. Some of them are Google Keyword Planner, Semrush, Ahrefs, etc. These tools help you compare the keyword search volume across countries or regions and choose the most relevant ones for your SEO strategy.
What are high search volume keywords?
High-volume keywords are the ones that many people search for each month. These keywords can boost your search engine ranking, bring more visitors to your website, and increase your conversion rates.
However, they also have high competition and difficulty in ranking, as many other websites are targeting them as well. Therefore, you must carefully plan your content and use suitable SEO strategies to stand out and compete effectively.
Conclusion
Keyword search volume is one of the most critical metrics for SEO that brings numerous benefits to your website. It is not a standalone solution, but when used with other SEO techniques, it can significantly contribute to your online success.
So, take the time to master this essential aspect of SEO and watch your website rise in the rankings and attract a wider audience. Follow us for more helpful tips and guidance on making your website a shining star on the internet!
Co-Founder & General Manager @ ROI Digitally