How to Pick Keywords That Actually Work (Without Being an SEO Nerd)
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Let’s Be Real: Keyword Guessing Isn't a Strategy
If your idea of keyword research is typing random words into Google and hoping something sticks, congratulations—you’re officially in the majority. But just because everyone does it doesn’t mean it works. You don’t need to be an SEO wizard to pick keywords that drive traffic. What you do need is a little strategy and a few no-nonsense tools. Let’s get into it.
Why Keywords Actually Matter
Think of Google as a nosy librarian. If your site doesn’t have proper labels (a.k.a. keywords), it gets shelved in the back room. That means:
- You could have the sexiest product ever, but Google doesn’t care unless you tell it exactly what it is.
- People can’t find you if your language doesn’t match theirs.
- Without keywords, you’re basically invisible. Full stop.
Real-world example? Optimizing for "candles" is like shouting into the void. "Soy candles for anxiety" hits a nerve and shows purchase intent. See the difference?
Step 1: Start With What You Sell
Take a hard look at your own offerings. What do you actually sell? And how do your customers talk about it?
- Dig through your product names, customer reviews, even your DMs.
- Make a messy list of phrases. Not just "candles," but "aromatherapy candles," "gift candles for moms," "soy wax relaxation candles."
- Group them by purpose:
- Informational: "What is a soy candle?"
- Navigational: "Dream Maker Digital candle guide"
- Transactional: "Buy soy candle gift set"
Start where you're strongest. If one product flies off the shelf, reverse engineer the language around that success.
Step 2: Use Tools (Without Falling Down a Rabbit Hole)
Keyword tools can feel like a black hole. Here’s how to keep it simple:
- Google Search Bar: Start typing your phrase and see what autofill suggests. Gold mine.
- "People Also Ask" Box: These are real questions your audience is typing in.
- Related Searches: Scroll to the bottom of the results page. Boom.
Free Tools:
- Ubersuggest
- Keyword Surfer (a browser extension)
- Google Trends
Jot down:
- Monthly search volume (higher isn’t always better)
- Competition level
- CPC (Cost Per Click—useful for gauging value)
Pick what’s relevant and intentional, not just what has big numbers.
Step 3: Look at What’s Already Working
Data doesn’t lie. Peek at your current traffic and see what’s pulling weight:
- Which product pages or blogs are already ranking?
- What keywords are driving that traffic?
- Is there a page ranking for "gift candle for her"? Lean into that: optimize your content with similar phrases like "mother’s day gift candle" or "luxury soy candle gifts."
Also, do a little friendly stalking. What keywords are your competitors obviously targeting? Don’t copy—adapt and improve.
Step 4: Choose Your 5–10 Power Keywords
Don’t overcomplicate it. You need:
- A few high-volume, broad terms
- A handful of long-tail, intent-driven phrases
Example List:
| Keyword | Volume | Intent |
|---|---|---|
| soy candle | 2,000 | Informational |
| soy candle gift set for mom | 150 | Transactional |
| best candles for anxiety | 500 | Commercial intent |
| what is a soy candle | 90 | Informational |
| handmade soy candle shop | 120 | Navigational |
Use this as your guide when writing product pages, blogs, or even Instagram captions.
Step 5: Where to Actually Use Your Keywords
Sprinkle, don’t spam. Here’s where to tuck those gems in:
- Page titles ("Hand-Poured Soy Candle Gifts for Mom")
- Headings and subheadings
- Alt text for images
- Product descriptions (in a natural, non-robotic way)
- Blog intros, CTAs, and even URLs
Google wants clarity, not keyword stuffing. Keep it conversational.
Step 6: Track, Learn, Adjust
SEO isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it deal. Check in monthly:
- Log into Google Search Console to see which queries are sending people your way.
- Update pages that are underperforming. Maybe they need more clarity or keyword variation.
- If one keyword starts ranking, support it with a related blog or internal links.
Example: Your "gift candle for mom" page starts getting traction. Create a new blog post: "Top 5 Candle Gifts for Busy Moms."
Bonus Tip: Don’t Lose Your Mind
You are not an SEO bot. This isn’t about gaming the system. It’s about helping real people find what you offer.
- Start small. Five keywords are enough to build on.
- Use tools to guide, not control you.
- And if it all still feels overwhelming? Outsource it. Our SEO Mini Kit includes a Custom Keyword Checklist based on your products, your voice, and your dream clients.
Tired of the guesswork? Grab the SEO Mini Kit and get a personalized keyword checklist done for you. No fluff. Just actual traction.
Let Google finally figure out who you are—without you needing a PhD in search engine sorcery.