how do i figure out what keywords my customers are searching for?

Let’s be honest: figuring out what your customers are actually typing into Google is a bit like trying to guess what your cat is thinking. But unlike your cat, your customers are leaving digital breadcrumbs everywhere — if you know where to look. At bloggingmachine.io, we’ve made it our mission (and our AI agent’s full-time job) to decode those mysterious customer search queries so you can stop guessing and start ranking.

Why Customer Search Queries Matter (More Than Your Monday Coffee)

First, a quick reality check: over 80% of search queries now display a “People Also Ask” box (Moz). That means your customers aren’t just searching — they’re asking questions, looking for solutions, and expecting answers faster than you can say “SEO audit.” If you’re not speaking their language, you’re basically whispering into the void.

But don’t worry, you don’t need psychic powers — just a little strategy, some clever tools, and maybe a dash of AI magic (that’s where we come in).

The Basics: What Is Keyword Research, Really?

Keyword research is the art (and science) of finding out what terms people are typing into search engines. It’s not just about high-volume keywords; it’s about understanding real customer intent. According to Google’s Keyword Planner, the right keywords can drive organic traffic, boost conversions, and make your content actually useful (imagine that).

Step 1: Start With the Usual Suspects — Google Tools

Google Keyword Planner & Google Trends

Google Keyword Planner: Plug in your ideas, get search volume, competition, and cost-per-click (CPC) data. It’s like a crystal ball, but less mystical and more spreadsheet-y.
Google Trends: Spot seasonality and trending topics. Because nobody wants to write about fidget spinners in 2024 (unless you’re feeling nostalgic).

Pro tip: Don’t ignore low-volume keywords if they’re highly relevant. Sometimes the “quiet” keywords bring the most loyal customers.

Step 2: Spy (Legally) on Your Competitors

Why reinvent the wheel when your competitors have already done the heavy lifting? Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz let you peek at the keywords your rivals are ranking for. Filter out their branded terms and focus on the juicy, generic keywords that can bring new faces to your site.

Look for mid-to-high search volume and low keyword difficulty if you’re just starting out. No need to pick a fight with the giants on day one.

Step 3: Embrace the “People Also Ask” (PAA) Box

Here’s where things get interesting. The PAA box appears in over 80% of search queries. These are real questions your customers are asking — sometimes things you’d never think of (like “Can I use a blog to train my dog?”).

Incorporate PAA questions into your content. Not only does this boost your chances of landing a featured snippet, but it also makes your content genuinely helpful. (And let’s face it, we could all use a little more of that.)

“Tapping into Google’s People Also Ask (PAA) box is one of the easiest advanced keyword research techniques to uncover related queries. These questions offer a deeper look into search intent and the next steps users take during their search journey.” — SEO Expert, Moz

Step 4: Build Your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP)

Before you get lost in a sea of keywords, take a step back. Who are you actually trying to reach? Define your ICP by identifying the demographic, firmographic, and behavioral traits of your best customers.

Use surveys and customer interviews to find out what keeps them up at night (besides binge-watching cat videos).
Feed this data into your keyword research. The words your customers use are gold — don’t settle for industry jargon if your audience doesn’t speak it.

Avoid “anti-ICP” keywords — those that attract the wrong crowd and lead to high churn. (We’ve all had that one customer who just wasn’t a fit. Let’s not invite more.)

Step 5: Mine Customer Reviews and Forums

Sometimes, the best keyword ideas come straight from the horse’s mouth (or, more accurately, the customer’s keyboard). Dive into reviews on sites like G2, Capterra, or industry-specific forums.

Look for recurring phrases, questions, and pain points.
These insights often reveal long-tail keywords and untapped content opportunities that generic tools might miss.

Step 6: Mix Head Terms and Long-Tail Keywords

Don’t put all your eggs in one keyword basket. Use a blend of:

Head terms: Broad, high-volume keywords (e.g., “blogging platform”).
Long-tail keywords: Specific, lower-volume phrases (e.g., “AI-powered blogging platform for SMBs”).

This combo helps you capture a wider range of search intent and reach customers at different stages of their journey.

Step 7: Keep It Fresh — Update Regularly

Trends change, competitors pivot, and customer needs evolve (sometimes overnight). Regularly update your keyword list based on:

Changing trends (hello, Google Trends!)
Competitor moves
Customer feedback

Integrate keyword research with your content planning so every post addresses real customer questions and needs.

Regulations, Privacy, and the Fine Print

While there aren’t regulations specifically for keyword research, privacy laws like GDPR do impact how you collect and use customer data for building ICPs and conducting surveys. Be transparent, get consent, and don’t be creepy. (Nobody likes a digital stalker.)

How Blogging Machine Makes This Effortless

Let’s be real: all this research sounds like a lot of work. That’s why we built bloggingmachine.io — so you can automate the heavy lifting. Our AI agent:

Generates SEO-optimized articles based on real customer search queries.
Automates keyword optimization and topic research (no more late-night spreadsheet sessions).
Keeps your content fresh and relevant, so you can focus on running your business (or, you know, enjoying lunch).

We believe in consistent, purposeful content that attracts readers and improves search rankings — without keyword stuffing or robotic writing. Let us handle the blogging grind while you reap the rewards.

FAQ: Customer Search Queries & Keyword Research

How often should I update my keyword list?

At least quarterly, or whenever you notice shifts in trends, competitor strategies, or customer feedback.

What’s the difference between head terms and long-tail keywords?

Head terms are broad and high-volume; long-tail keywords are specific and lower-volume but often convert better.

Can I just use Google’s suggestions?

They’re a great starting point, but deeper research (competitor analysis, customer feedback) uncovers hidden gems.

Is keyword stuffing still a thing?

Please, no. Focus on relevance, engagement, and natural integration. Google’s algorithms are smarter than ever.

How does bloggingmachine.io help with keyword research?

Our AI agent automates keyword optimization, topic research, and content creation — so you get high-performing blog posts without the hassle.

How Do I Figure Out What Keywords My Customers Are Searching For?