How to Perform Keyword Research on SE Ranking
Access the Keyword Research tool from your SE Ranking dashboard, enter a seed keyword, and the tool generates organized suggestions with metrics like search volume, difficulty, and CPC. Review the categorized keywords (similar, related, long-tail, question-based), apply filters to refine results, and analyze top-ranking pages to identify opportunities.
Prerequisites
- Active SE Ranking account with free trial available
- Created project linked to your website
- 1-3 seed keywords brainstormed (e.g., shoes, running shoes)
- Target country, language, and device settings configured
- Optional: Google Search Console or Google Analytics 4 synced for enhanced data
Step-by-Step Instructions
Access the Keyword Research Tool
Log into your SE Ranking dashboard and click Keyword Research in the left-hand side menu. This opens the main interface where you can begin your keyword analysis.
Enter Your Seed Keyword
Paste your initial keyword into the Keyword Research tool. A seed keyword should be 1-3 broad terms relevant to your niche, such as shoes or running shoes. The tool will automatically generate keyword suggestions based on this input.
Select Your Target Location and Settings
Choose your target country, language, and device settings (desktop or mobile) to ensure the keyword data reflects your specific market. SE Ranking provides data across 188 countries, allowing you to adjust your keyword strategy based on regions of interest.
Review Keyword Metrics
Examine the comprehensive metrics displayed for each keyword, including Difficulty Score (how challenging it is to rank), Monthly Search Volume (keyword popularity), CPC (cost per click for paid ads), and Paid Competition level. The tool also shows Search Intent to help you understand what users are looking for.
Analyze Keyword Categories
Review the organized keyword suggestions grouped into four main categories: Similar keywords (closely related terms), Related keywords (broader or adjacent topics), Low search volume keywords (long-tail opportunities), and Question-based keywords (queries phrased as questions). Each category helps you understand different aspects of user search behavior.
Apply Filters to Refine Results
Use the filter options on the right side of the interface to narrow your keyword list. Available filters include Search Volume, Keyword Difficulty, Word Count, Search Intent, CPC, and Competitive Density. You can also set inclusion/exclusion criteria and match types like Broad Match, Phrase Match, or Exact Match.
Review Top-Ranking Pages and SERP Features
For each keyword, examine the list of top-ranking pages in both organic and paid search results. The tool displays traffic estimates, backlink counts, and other crucial metrics for ranking pages. Additionally, review the SERP features appearing for each keyword, such as featured snippets or knowledge panels, to understand the competitive landscape.
Conduct Competitor Keyword Analysis
Use SE Ranking's Competitive Research tool to identify keywords your competitors are ranking for. Access the SERP Overview tab, click on the total number of keywords displayed next to any ranking page, and view the complete list of keywords that competitor uses in their organic campaigns. This reveals keyword gaps and opportunities you may have missed.
Group Keywords Using the Keyword Grouper
Use the Keyword Grouper tool to create keyword clusters by identifying similar SERP results. Enter your keyword list, and the system scans search results for similarities, grouping terms that appear in overlapping search queries. This prevents keyword cannibalization and helps organize your content strategy.
Save and Export Your Keyword List
Organize and save your selected keywords into custom lists for different regions or campaigns. SE Ranking's keyword management feature allows you to save keywords in one spot and seamlessly add them to other tools like the Content Editor (to generate optimized content) or Rank Tracker (to monitor your site's positions). You can also export your analysis for use in external systems.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
No keyword suggestions or empty results displayed
Verify that you have entered a valid seed keyword and selected your target country and language. Ensure your SE Ranking project is properly set up and linked to your website. Try using the Keyword Ideas Generator with a different seed term if the initial keyword returns no data.
Keywords showing not tracked or duplicate query flags
Check that your project setup is complete with seed keywords properly added. Remove duplicate keywords from your list before analysis. Verify that target URLs are correctly assigned to keywords in your Rank Tracker settings.
Search volume or difficulty metrics appear inaccurate
SE Ranking continuously refines its data processing algorithms for accuracy. Ensure you have selected the correct target country and device type, as metrics vary by location and device. Sync your Google Search Console or Google Analytics 4 account to cross-reference data with your actual performance.
Difficulty filtering or sorting not working as expected
Clear all active filters and reapply them one at a time to identify which filter is causing issues. Ensure your filter values are within valid ranges (e.g., search volume between 0 and your maximum). Try refreshing the page or logging out and back in if the interface becomes unresponsive.
Unable to access Keyword Research tool on mobile
Confirm that you are using SE Ranking's official iOS app, which includes full Keyword Research functionality. If using a web browser on mobile, some features may be limited; switch to the dedicated app for the complete experience.