8 Ways to Do Best PPC Keyword Research: Today, many businesses are spending a lot of money on online ads, especially through Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising. PPC helps show your ads to the right people when they search for something related to your product or service. But just spending money on ads is not enough because you need to make sure your ads show up for the right searches.
That’s where keyword research comes in. It helps you find the words and phrases people are using on search engines so you can target them better. Good keyword research can improve your ad performance, bring more clicks, and help you get better results without wasting your budget.
PPC keyword research means finding the best and most relevant search terms to reach your target audience. Check the detailed guide on PPC Keyword Research, along with 8 ways to do keyword research and why it is required.
What is PPC?
PPC stands for Pay-Per-Click, a type of online advertising where businesses pay a fee every time someone clicks on their ad. It’s often used on Google Search, social media, and display networks. With PPC, companies bid on keywords related to their products or services. When people search using those keywords, the business ads can appear at the top of the page.
You only pay when someone clicks on your ad, not just when it’s shown. That makes PPC a cost-effective way to drive targeted traffic to your website. Key parts of PPC include keywords, ad copy, landing pages, bids, and budgets. With the right setup, PPC brings fast results, allows precise targeting, and offers full control over your spending.
What is PPC Keyword Research?
PPC keyword research is the process of finding the best and most relevant keywords to target in your paid ads. It helps you reach the right audience and avoid wasting money on poor-performing search terms. This process starts with seed keywords, which are basic words related to your business, and then expands using tools like Google Keyword Planner, WordStream, or SpyFu.
You check things like search volume (how often a keyword is searched), competition, and cost-per-click (CPC) to find the most valuable keywords. PPC keyword research also involves choosing the right match types (broad, phrase, exact) and using negative keywords to block unwanted traffic.
By regularly analyzing and updating your keyword list, you can improve your click-through rate (CTR), lower your ad costs, and increase conversions.
8 Ways to Do Best PPC Keyword Research
Finding the right keywords is one of the most important steps in running a successful PPC (Pay Per Click) campaign. The better your keyword research, the more likely your ads will reach the right people, lower your costs, and increase conversions. Below are 8 simple and effective ways to do the best PPC keyword research:
1. Focus on Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer and more specific phrases like “blue leather office chair” instead of just “chair.” These keywords bring more targeted traffic and usually have less competition, which means lower cost-per-click and higher conversion rates.
2. Use Keyword Tools to Check Search Volume and Competition
Not all keywords are worth targeting. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs to find keywords with good search volume and low competition. Aim for keywords that enough people are searching but that are not too competitive.
3. Target Branded Keywords
Include your brand name in your keyword list so that when people search for your business, your ads appear first. For example, if your brand is “CozySofas,” use keywords like “CozySofas recliners.” Also, consider using competitor brand keywords carefully to attract their audience.
4. Use Competitor Keywords
Find out which keywords your competitors are using with tools like SpyFu or SEMrush. Then use those keywords in your campaign to stay competitive and attract users who might also be searching for your competitors.
5. Add Variations and Synonyms
People search using different words for the same thing. For example, someone might search for “wedding photographer,” while another might type “event photography services.” Use synonyms and related terms to expand your keyword list and reach more users.
6. Optimize for Voice Search
Many people now use voice assistants to search. These searches are often full questions like “Where can I find a local plumber?” Include natural-sounding phrases and questions in your keyword strategy to connect with voice search users.
7. Create Intent-Based Ad Groups
Group similar keywords with the same search intent into one ad group. For example, keep all suitcase-related keywords and ads together. This helps you create more relevant ad copy and landing pages that match what people are looking for.
8. Use Negative Keywords
Avoid showing your ads for the wrong searches by adding negative keywords. For example, if you sell “window shades,” you might want to exclude terms like “lamp shade.” This saves money and ensures your ads only appear for relevant searches.
With the right keyword strategy, your PPC campaigns can drive better results, reduce waste, and reach the audience that matters. Start by applying these 8 tips and always check your results to keep improving.
Top Considerations While Doing PPC Keyword Research
Doing effective PPC keyword research is important to run successful Pay-Per-Click advertising campaigns. It helps ensure your ads reach the right people at the right time. The following are the most important factors to consider:
1. Understand Search Intent
Know what users want when they search. Are they looking for information, comparing options, or ready to buy? For example, someone searching “buy running shoes online” is ready to make a purchase.
2. Use Keyword Match Types Wisely
Choose between broad match, phrase match, and exact match to control when your ads appear. Phrase and exact match give you more precise targeting and better results.
3. Focus on Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords like “best waterproof running shoes for men” are more specific. They usually have lower competition and attract high-intent users.
4. Organize Keywords into Ad Groups
Group similar keywords together based on search intent. This helps create more relevant ads and better landing pages, which can improve your Quality Score.
5. Think About Search Platforms and Devices
People search differently on mobile vs desktop. Test and track which keywords perform better on each and adjust your bids accordingly.
6. Include Location-Based Keywords
If you offer local services, use location-based keywords like “dentist in Chicago” or “flower delivery near me” to attract nearby customers.
7. Keep Updating Your Keywords
Review your search term reports regularly. Add new performing keywords and remove underperforming or irrelevant ones. PPC keyword research is not a one-time task.
Why You Need an Optimized PPC Keyword Strategy
An optimized PPC keyword strategy is essential for getting better results from your ads and maximizing your budget. The right keywords directly impact ad performance, cost efficiency, and overall campaign success.
- Reach the Right Audience
- Improve Ad Relevance and Quality Score
- Boost Click Through Rate (CTR)
- Increase Conversion Rates
- Lower Cost Per Acquisition (CPA)
- Improve Return on Ad Spend (ROAS)
- Get Ahead of Competitors
- Build Better Campaigns
- Support Your SEO Strategy
Also Read:
- Digital Marketing Ads & Top 10 Campaign Examples
- Google Ads Case Study, ₹10,000 Budget Turned Into ₹1.2 Lakh Revenue
- How to Make $500/Day From Blogging with Google AdSense?
- 10 Tips For Managing Your Ad Spend on Google Ads, Why it is Important
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8 Ways to Do the Best PPC Keyword Research FAQs
What is the best way to do keyword research?
The best way to do keyword research is by focusing on user search intent and using tools like Google Keyword Planner to find relevant and high-converting terms.
What is the best keyword tool for PPC?
Google Keyword Planner is one of the best tools for PPC keyword research as it provides search volume, keyword suggestions, and bid estimates.
How do you maximize PPC?
To maximize PPC performance, create targeted ad copy, use high-intent keywords, and adjust bids based on campaign performance. Continuously track results and refine your keywords, ad groups, and landing pages to improve ROI.
Is PPC faster than SEO?
Yes, PPC is faster than SEO because it shows your ads instantly on top of search results once your campaign goes live. SEO takes time to build rankings organically, while PPC offers immediate visibility and traffic.
How do I find PPC keywords?
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to discover relevant and high-performing PPC keywords. Study your competitors' keyword strategies and explore long-tail keywords to reach the right audience.
