How to Use Google Keyword Planner for Free (2026 Guide + Step-by-Step Tutorial)

If you’re looking for the best keywords for your blog or website, Google Keyword Planner is one of the most reliable and powerful tools you can rely on — and the best part is that it’s completely free. This tool gives you access to real search data directly from Google, helping you understand what people are actually searching for, how competitive those keywords are, and which topics have the highest potential to bring traffic. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced blogger, Google Keyword Planner makes keyword research easier and far more accurate.

In this detailed 2025 guide, you’ll learn how to use the Google Keyword Planner tool for free, step by step, even if you’ve never done keyword research before. By the end, you’ll know how to discover high-volume, low-competition keywords that can help your blog rank higher on Google and attract more traffic.

AI tools for SEO keyword research have completely changed the way bloggers and marketers find winning keywords. These smart tools use artificial intelligence to discover hidden keyword opportunities, analyze competition, and predict which keywords can bring the most traffic. With AI keyword tools like ChatGPT, Surfer SEO, and Semrush Keyword Magic Tool, you can save hours of manual research and get accurate, data-driven suggestions instantly. If you want to learn how to use these AI tools to find profitable keywords and boost your rankings faster, make sure to check out our next article — it’s packed with practical tips and real examples!

🧠 What Is Google Keyword Planner?

Google Keyword Planner is a completely free keyword research tool available inside the Google Ads platform. Although it was originally created for advertisers, it has now become a trusted tool for bloggers, SEO experts, and digital marketers who want to find real keywords that people actively search for on Google. Its accurate data and straightforward interface make it one of the easiest ways to understand search demand and discover new content ideas.

This tool helps you:

• Discover new keyword ideas
  
• Check average monthly searches
  
• Analyze keyword competition
  
• Get cost-per-click (CPC) data (useful for AdSense and affiliate marketing)
  

So, even though it’s part of Google Ads, you can still use the Keyword Planner tool free — without running any paid ads.

💡 Why Should Bloggers Use Google Keyword Planner?

If you run a blog, understanding keyword data is the key to growth. The Keyword Planner tool gives you real search insights straight from Google’s database — not from third-party estimates.

Here’s why it’s perfect for bloggers:

1. Accurate Data: Search volume comes directly from Google.
   
2. Find Low Competition Keywords: Helps you discover “easy to rank” topics.
   
3. Completely Free: No payment or subscription required.
   
4. SEO Strategy Planning: You can build article ideas around keywords with proven demand.
   

⚙️ Step-by-Step: How to Use Google Keyword Planner for Free

Now, let’s go through each step to use Keyword Planner for free, without spending any money.

🪜 Step 1: Sign In to Google Ads

To use Keyword Planner, you need a Google Ads account — but don’t worry, you don’t have to run ads.

1. Visit Keyword Planner.
   
2. Click “Start Now” and log in using your Google account.
   
3. When asked to create a campaign, skip it by clicking “Switch to Expert Mode” → “Create an account without a campaign.”
   
4. Choose your country, time zone, and currency, then click Submit.
   

You’re now inside Google Ads — ready to access the Keyword Planner free tool.

🔍 Step 2: Open the Keyword Planner Tool

After creating your account:

1. Go to the top menu and click on “Tools & Settings” (wrench icon).
   
2. Under the “Planning” section, click “Keyword Planner.”
   
3. You’ll see two options:
   
   • Discover new keywords
     
   • Get search volume and forecasts
     

For finding new content ideas, select “Discover new keywords.”

🧭 Step 3: Enter a Keyword or Topic

Now, enter a topic related to your niche — for example:

• “SEO tools”
  
• “blogging tips”
  
• “affiliate marketing”
  

Click “Get Results.”

The Keyword Planner tool free will now show you:

• Keyword ideas
  
• Average monthly searches
  
• Competition (Low, Medium, High)
  
• Top of page bid (ad cost range)
  

📊 Step 4: Filter and Analyze the Keywords

To find the best keywords:

• Sort by Average Monthly Searches to see what people search for the most.
  
• Look for keywords with “Low” or “Medium” competition — these are easier to rank.
  
• Check related long-tail keywords like “best free keyword tool for bloggers” or “free keyword search tool.”
  

✅ Pro Tip:
Add filters like “Competition = Low” and “Search Volume > 1000” to get ideal keywords for your blog posts.

📥 Step 5: Export or Save Your Keyword List

Once you’ve selected the right keywords, click on Download Keyword Ideas to export them as a CSV file.

You can then organize them in Google Sheets or Excel.
This list becomes your content plan — each keyword can be the main topic of a new article.

🔑 Example: Finding Keywords for SEO Blog

Let’s say your niche is blogging or SEO.

If you type “free keyword tool” into Keyword Planner, you might see results like:

• free keyword generator
  
• keyword planner free
  
• best free keyword research tool
  
• free keyword search tool
  

These keywords have good monthly search volume and manageable competition, making them perfect for ranking new blog posts.

🧩 Bonus: Combine Keyword Planner with Other Free Tools

While Keyword Planner gives great data, you can use it together with other free keyword tools for even better results:

• Ubersuggest – Shows keyword difficulty and SEO suggestions.
  
• AnswerThePublic – Generates question-based keyword ideas.
  
• Ahrefs Free Keyword Tool – Provides keyword volume and related searches.
  
• Google Trends – Checks popularity over time.
  

Combining data helps you choose keywords that are trending + easy to rank.

If you want your blog or website to rank higher on Google, using an AI keyword research tool is a game-changer. These smart tools help you find high-search, low-competition keywords in seconds, saving hours of manual research. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, AI tools analyze search intent, suggest trending keywords, and even show you what your competitors are ranking for. With accurate keyword insights, you can create SEO-optimized content that attracts more traffic and boosts your visibility fast. Start using an AI keyword research tool today and watch your rankings grow effortlessly!

🖊️ How to Use These Keywords in Your Blog Posts

Once you have your keywords, the next step is smart optimization.

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Use your main keyword (“Google Keyword Planner”) in:
   
   • Title (H1)
     
   • First 100 words of your post
     
   • At least one subheading (H2/H3)
     
   • Image Alt Text
     
2. Use secondary keywords naturally:
   
   • Keyword Planner Tool
     
   • keyword planner free
     
   • free keyword tool
     
   • free keyword search tool
     
3. Maintain around 1% keyword density:
   That’s about 10–15 mentions in a 1500-word article. Don’t overstuff.
   
4. Add internal links to related articles (like “Best Free SEO Tools” or “How to Find Blog Topics”).
   
5. Write naturally for humans first, Google second.
   

💰 How Google Keyword Planner Helps with Blog Monetization

If you monetize your blog with Google AdSense or affiliate marketing, this tool is a goldmine.

By checking CPC (Cost Per Click) data, you can target high-paying keywords. For example, if a keyword has a CPC of ₹80–₹150, it means advertisers are paying that amount per click, which can translate to higher AdSense income for you.

So, Google Keyword Planner not only helps with traffic but also increases your potential earnings.

🧱 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. ❌ Ignoring low-competition keywords.
   → Focus on long-tail phrases — easier to rank, less crowded.
   
2. ❌ Overusing keywords.
   → Maintain natural flow, avoid stuffing.
   
3. ❌ Not updating old posts.
   → Refresh old content with new keyword data every few months.
   
4. ❌ Writing without user intent.
   → Always think: “What is the reader trying to find?”

🏁 Conclusion: Start Using Google Keyword Planner Today

The Keyword Planner tool is one of the most powerful resources every blogger should use. It helps you find the right topics, understand what people are searching for, and optimize your content for higher rankings.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced blogger, learning how to use Google Keyword Planner for free will give you an edge in 2025 and beyond.

👉 Start today — explore new keywords, plan your next blog post, and watch your traffic grow week by week!

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