How to use Google Keyword Planner for WordPress SEO

You can use Google Keyword Planner as a free data source to plan keywords, then plug those keywords into your WordPress posts, categories, and SEO plugin fields.

1. Access Keyword Planner for free

• Create or log in to a Google Ads account at ads.google.com.
• In the top menu, go to Tools & Settings → Planning → Keyword Planner → “Discover new keywords.”
• You do not have to run or pay for any ads; you can stop at the tool access stage.

2. Get keyword ideas for your niche

• In “Discover new keywords,” choose Start with keywords and enter 1–3 seed terms like “home security camera,” “cruise vacation tips,” or “WordPress SEO.”
• Set your target country and language, then click “Get results” to see keyword ideas, average monthly searches, and competition (for ads).
• Optionally, use Start with a website and paste your site or a competitor URL to get ideas based on that content.

3. Choose keywords for WordPress SEO

For each topic, build a small set:

• 1 primary keyword: good search volume, relevant, not extremely competitive.
• 2–5 secondary keywords: related phrases, questions, and long‑tails.
• Use filters (Add filter → Keyword, Avg. monthly searches, Competition) to hide irrelevant terms and focus on realistic targets.
• Prioritize long‑tail, specific phrases like “wireless outdoor security camera for apartment” over very broad terms for easier rankings.

4. Map keywords to WordPress content

For each page/post:

• Use the primary keyword in:
  • SEO title (via Rank Math/Yoast, etc.)
  • H1 (post title)
  • URL slug (short and readable, e.g., “wireless-outdoor-security-camera”)
• Use secondary keywords naturally in:
  • H2/H3 subheadings
  • Body text, FAQs, and image alt text
• Make sure one primary keyword = one main post (avoid multiple posts targeting the exact same term to prevent cannibalization).

5. Create and optimize posts in WordPress

• Draft a post that fully answers the intent behind your primary keyword (informational, commercial, etc.).
• Optimize on‑page SEO using your plugin: set focus keyword, SEO title, meta description, and check readability/SEO suggestions.
• Internally link from related posts using anchor text that includes variations of your target keyword.

6. Keep updating your keyword plan

• Revisit Keyword Planner every few months, check for new terms, rising trends, and seasonal spikes.
• Add new posts for emerging topics and update existing posts with fresh long‑tail keywords and sections.

If you’d like, tell me your main WordPress niche right now (e.g., home security, cruises, etc.), and I’ll walk you through a concrete example keyword set and post outline using Keyword Planner data.