Keyword research sounds technical, but really it's just figuring out what people type into Google when they're looking for something you write about.

Start with your own words. What would you search for if you needed the information you're sharing? Write down five or six phrases. That's your starting list.

Google's search suggestions are gold. Start typing your topic into Google and watch what it suggests. Those suggestions come from real searches people make every day. Take notes on the ones that match what you're writing about.

Check the "People also ask" boxes. These questions show what folks are curious about. If you can answer these questions in your content, you're already ahead.

Long phrases work better than single words. Instead of targeting "gardening," try "vegetable gardening tips for small spaces." Fewer sites compete for specific phrases, and the people searching are looking for exactly what you offer.

Search volume matters, but so does relevance. A keyword with 500 monthly searches from your exact audience beats 50,000 searches from people who aren't interested.

Pick three to five keywords per article. Use them naturally in your title, first paragraph, and a few times throughout. Don't force them into every sentence. Write for humans first, search engines second.