Search volume refers to the number of times a specific keyword or search query is entered into a search engine over a given period. It is an essential metric in search engine optimization (SEO) and keyword research, as it helps determine the popularity and competitiveness of keywords.
High search volume keywords are generally more competitive, but they can also drive more traffic to a website if ranked well.
SEO professionals and marketers use search volume to:
- Identify high-traffic keywords to target in their content and optimize for better visibility.
- Discover long-tail keywords with lower competition but still sufficient search volume to drive targeted traffic.
- Understand seasonal trends or fluctuations in keyword popularity, which can inform content planning and marketing strategies.
There are several tools available to estimate search volume for keywords, including:
- Google Ads Keyword Planner: A free tool from Google that provides search volume data and keyword ideas for Google Ads campaigns, but it can also be used for SEO purposes.
- SEMrush Keyword Magic Tool: A comprehensive keyword research tool that offers search volume data, keyword difficulty scores, and related keyword suggestions.
- Ahrefs Keywords Explorer: A powerful keyword research tool that provides search volume data, keyword difficulty, and additional metrics like click-through rates and return rate.