3 Powerful Examples of Keyword Research Methods (With Real Data)

1. Real examples of customer‑driven keyword research

Most people start keyword research inside a tool. The smarter move is to start with your customers and their language, then validate that language with tools. This is the first method, and it’s where the best examples of high-intent keywords usually come from.

How this method works in practice

Instead of brainstorming in a vacuum, you mine the places where customers already talk:

• Sales and support calls
• Live chat transcripts
• Email tickets
• On-site search logs
• Product reviews and Q&A

You’re looking for repeated phrases, objections, and problems. Those phrases often become excellent keyword candidates.

Harvard Business School has written extensively about the “jobs to be done” framework, which is essentially about understanding what people are trying to accomplish when they “hire” a product or service (see: Harvard Business Review). Customer-driven keyword research is the SEO version of that idea.

Example of customer language turning into keywords (B2B SaaS)

A B2B project management SaaS interviews 15 customers and reviews 300 support tickets. They keep seeing phrases like:

• “simple project tracker for small teams”
• “project management without Gantt charts”
• “task list app my clients can understand”

When they plug these into keyword tools, they discover:

• “simple project management software” – 800 monthly searches, moderate difficulty, high commercial intent
• “project management without gantt chart” – 50 monthly searches, very low difficulty, but extremely aligned with their product positioning
• “client friendly project management tool” – 70 monthly searches, low difficulty

These are small but valuable opportunities. They build landing pages and blog content around these phrases and related variants. Within six months, these pages bring in about 500 visitors per month and convert at a higher rate than their generic “project management software” page.

This is one of the clearest examples of 3 examples of keyword research methods in action: instead of chasing only high-volume head terms, you uncover high-intent, low-competition phrases that your competitors ignore.

Example of this method for ecommerce

An online running shoe store analyzes 2,000 product reviews and 500 on-site search queries. They notice patterns like:

• “running shoes for bad knees”
• “best shoes for shin splints”
• “wide toe box running shoes women’s”

While medical advice should come from a professional (see sources like Mayo Clinic or NIH for health guidance), these phrases still reveal how shoppers search.

Keyword tools show:

• “running shoes for bad knees” – 3,000+ monthly searches
• “wide toe box running shoes womens” – 1,000+ monthly searches
• “best running shoes for shin splints” – 2,500+ monthly searches

They create category pages and buying guides around each problem, clearly stating they’re not giving medical advice and linking to reputable health sources like Mayo Clinic or NIH for background info. This combination of customer language and SEO data becomes one of their best examples of keyword research success, driving both traffic and sales.

Why this method works in 2024–2025

Search behavior has shifted. People type full questions, compare options, and describe their problems in plain language. Google’s own research shows that longer, conversational queries keep growing as voice search and AI-assisted search become more common.

Customer-driven research keeps you aligned with how people actually search, not how marketers wish they searched. If you’re looking for examples of 3 examples of keyword research methods that age well even as algorithms change, this one belongs at the top of the list.

2. Examples of SERP‑driven keyword research (reading the results page)

The second method focuses less on tools and more on the search results page itself. Instead of asking, “What’s the search volume?” you ask, “What is Google already rewarding for this topic?”

This method gives you some of the best examples of how to understand search intent and content format before you write a single word.

Step-by-step: mining the SERP for keyword ideas

You start with a seed keyword, then examine:

• Autocomplete suggestions as you type
• “People also ask” questions
• Related searches at the bottom of the page
• The titles and structures of top-ranking pages

Each of these is an example of Google exposing real search behavior.

Real examples include: informational vs. transactional intent

Imagine you run a bookkeeping service for freelancers. You type “freelance bookkeeping” into Google and see:

• Autocomplete: “freelance bookkeeping rates,” “freelance bookkeeping for small business,” “how to do freelance bookkeeping”
• People also ask: “Do freelancers need a bookkeeper?”, “How much should I charge for freelance bookkeeping?”
• Related searches: “bookkeeping for independent contractors,” “self-employed bookkeeping checklist”

You now have several examples of keyword ideas grouped by intent:

• Informational: “how to do freelance bookkeeping,” “self-employed bookkeeping checklist”
• Commercial: “freelance bookkeeping for small business,” “bookkeeping for independent contractors”
• Transactional / pricing: “freelance bookkeeping rates,” “how much should I charge for freelance bookkeeping”

You can build a content plan around this cluster:

• A pricing guide targeting “freelance bookkeeping rates”
• A service page targeting “bookkeeping for independent contractors”
• A checklist article targeting “self-employed bookkeeping checklist”

These are practical examples of 3 examples of keyword research methods converging: you used Google’s SERP, grouped by intent, and now map content types accordingly.

Example of SERP analysis for a local business

Take a local HVAC company in Phoenix. They start with the seed query “AC repair Phoenix.” On the SERP, they see:

• Map pack results with reviews and service areas
• “People also ask” questions like “How much does AC repair cost in Phoenix?” and “Is it cheaper to repair or replace AC?”
• Related searches such as “24 hour AC repair Phoenix,” “emergency AC repair Phoenix,” “AC tune up Phoenix.”

From this, they identify:

• Service page opportunities: “24 hour AC repair Phoenix,” “emergency AC repair Phoenix”
• Blog/FAQ opportunities: “How much does AC repair cost in Phoenix,” “Is it cheaper to repair or replace AC”

They create:

• A detailed pricing explainer that honestly discusses cost ranges and links to energy.gov for background on AC efficiency
• Separate service pages for emergency and 24-hour repairs, with clear service areas and reviews

Within a few months, they see a lift in calls specifically mentioning “emergency” and “24 hour,” which is a strong real-world example of keyword research translating directly into revenue.

Reading content format from the SERP

Another reason this method belongs in any list of examples of keyword research methods: it tells you how to structure content.

Search “best CRM for small business” and you’ll usually see:

• Comparison lists
• Review roundups
• Maybe a few vendor pages, but mostly editorial content

Search “HubSpot CRM pricing” and you’ll see:

• Vendor pricing pages
• Some forums or Q&A

Same topic space, very different SERP. The first is comparison content; the second is product-specific. When you look for examples of 3 examples of keyword research methods that help you avoid writing the wrong type of content, SERP analysis is the standout.

3. Data‑driven examples of keyword research using analytics & tools

The third method is the one people usually jump to first: using keyword tools and analytics data. On its own, it can lead to generic content. Combined with the first two methods, it becomes very powerful.

Here, the best examples include:

• Mining Google Search Console for hidden winners
• Using keyword tools for topic expansion
• Prioritizing by business value, not just volume

Example of mining Google Search Console

A mid-size B2B software company looks at Google Search Console and filters for queries where:

• Average position is between 8 and 20
• Click-through rate is below 2%
• Impressions are above 1,000 per month

They find queries like:

• “workflow automation tools” – position 11, 5,000 impressions, 1.5% CTR
• “automate approval process” – position 14, 2,000 impressions, 1.2% CTR
• “document approval workflow software” – position 9, 1,500 impressions, 1.8% CTR

They realize they rank, but weakly, often with generic pages. They then:

• Create a focused page for “workflow automation tools” comparing their product to alternatives
• Build a how-to guide targeting “automate approval process” with screenshots and implementation steps
• Improve meta titles and descriptions to better match search intent

Within three months, these pages move into the top 5, CTR doubles, and they gain hundreds of additional qualified visitors per month. This is one of the cleanest real examples of keyword research grounded in first-party data instead of guesswork.

Example of topic expansion with keyword tools

Let’s say you run a nutrition coaching business. You start with the seed term “meal plan for weight loss.” Tools show massive competition. But when you explore related terms, you find:

• “7 day high protein meal plan for weight loss”
• “meal plan for weight loss vegetarian female”
• “easy 1200 calorie meal plan for beginners”

You check reputable health sources like CDC.gov and NIH for safe, scientifically grounded guidance on calorie ranges and nutrition, and you:

• Build tailored content for different demographics (vegetarian, beginners, high-protein focus)
• Add clear disclaimers that readers should consult a healthcare professional before making major diet changes

These pages target lower-volume but higher-intent phrases and avoid medical overreach by sending readers to authoritative resources. This is a good example of 3 examples of keyword research methods feeding a content strategy that respects both SEO and health guidance.

Prioritizing keywords by business value

One of the most common mistakes in keyword research is chasing volume instead of value. The better approach is to score keywords on:

• Relevance to your product or service
• Likely conversion intent
• Competitive difficulty
• Content you can realistically produce

For instance, an online course platform might compare:

• “online courses” – huge volume, high competition, very broad
• “online course platform for coaches” – lower volume, high relevance, strong purchase intent
• “how to sell coaching packages online” – informational, but perfect for nurturing leads

Instead of obsessing over the biggest term, they prioritize the two that map directly to their core audience. These are understated but powerful examples of keyword research that aligns with a business model, not ego.

Pulling it together: examples of 3 examples of keyword research methods in one workflow

In practice, you rarely use just one method. The strongest SEO strategies combine these three examples of keyword research methods into a single workflow:

1. Start with customers to capture real language and problems.
2. Study the SERP to understand intent and format.
3. Use tools and analytics to validate, expand, and prioritize.

Here’s a concrete scenario that ties them together.

A telehealth mental wellness startup wants to grow organic traffic in the U.S. market.

• From customer interviews and support chats, they see phrases like “online therapy for anxiety,” “affordable therapy without insurance,” and “talk to a therapist at night.”
• On the SERP, they notice that “online therapy for anxiety” surfaces a mix of provider pages and educational articles, while “affordable therapy without insurance” leans heavily toward informational guides and nonprofit resources.
• Using keyword tools and Google Search Console, they find related terms like “low cost online therapy,” “therapy sliding scale online,” and “online therapy at night.”

They then:

• Create a service page targeting “online therapy at night” with clear availability windows and pricing
• Build a resource guide on “affordable therapy without insurance,” referencing organizations and educational material from sources like NIMH and other reputable sites
• Use internal linking to connect high-traffic informational content to service pages

Within months, they see more sign-ups specifically from people searching for night sessions and cost-conscious therapy options. This is one of the best real examples of 3 examples of keyword research methods working together:

• Customer-driven insights gave them the language
• SERP analysis told them what content formats to build
• Data tools helped them find adjacent opportunities and measure what worked

FAQ: examples of keyword research questions people actually ask

What are some practical examples of keyword research I can use today?

Three practical examples of keyword research you can use immediately:

• Review your last 50 support tickets and highlight repeated phrases. Plug them into a keyword tool and see which ones have search demand.
• Take one high-level topic, search it on Google, and list every “People also ask” question and related search. Turn each into a potential article or FAQ.
• Open Google Search Console, filter for queries where you rank between positions 8 and 20, and identify pages you can improve or spin into more focused content.

Can you give an example of combining keyword research methods?

Suppose you run a small accounting firm. Clients keep asking about “S corp vs LLC taxes.” You:

• Treat that as your seed phrase from customer-driven research.
• Check the SERP and see comparison articles and FAQs dominate.
• Use keyword tools to find related phrases like “S corp vs LLC for small business taxes” and “S corp vs LLC tax benefits.”

You write a clear comparison guide, add a calculator, and optimize for those terms. That single page can become a lead magnet for years.

How many tools do I need for effective keyword research?

You can do serious work with just three:

• Google Search Console for performance data
• One main keyword tool (free or paid)
• Your own analytics platform to see what converts

The more important part is following the methods behind the tools: listening to customers, reading the SERP, and prioritizing keywords that tie directly to your offers.

If you remember nothing else, remember this: the strongest SEO strategies aren’t built on abstract theory. They’re built on very specific, very human examples of keyword research that start with real people and end with measurable business outcomes.