Week 3: AI-Driven Keyword Research and Clustering

• Admin

Understanding Keywords and Their Importance

Keywords are the words and phrases that people type into search engines to find information. In the world of SEO, they act as the bridge between what people are searching for and the content you’re offering to fulfill that need. Using the right keywords helps your content get discovered, rank higher in search engine results, and attract the right audience.

Whether you run a business, a blog, or a YouTube channel — keyword research is the foundation of visibility.

Types of Keywords

1. Short-tail Keywords

• Example: “Shoes”

• Length: 1–2 words

• Search Volume: High

• Competition: Very high

• Conversion Rate: Low

• Use case: Good for understanding broad interest areas, but not ideal for targeting.

2. Long-tail Keywords

• Example: “Best waterproof hiking shoes for men”

• Length: 4+ words

• Search Volume: Low

• Competition: Low

• Conversion Rate: High

• Use case: Great for targeting niche audiences and specific user intents.

3. Chunky Middle Keywords

• Example: “Hiking shoes for men”

• Length: 2–3 words

• Search Volume: Medium

• Competition: Moderate

• Conversion Rate: Medium

• Use case: Balance between traffic and conversion.

Topic vs Keyword

A keyword is a specific query someone types into Google, while a topic is a broader subject area that may include many related keywords.

• Topic: Hiking shoes

• Related Keywords: best hiking shoes, waterproof hiking shoes, hiking boots for beginners

Creating content around topics instead of just keywords allows you to cover subject areas more thoroughly and match how Google understands user intent through semantic search.

Keyword Clustering

Keyword clustering is the process of grouping related keywords together to build comprehensive content around a specific topic. This helps in:

• Covering a topic in-depth

• Improving topical authority

• Creating a content plan for blogs or websites

• Better internal linking strategies

For example, under the cluster “digital marketing,” you may have:

• digital marketing strategies

• digital marketing tools

• digital marketing trends

• what is digital marketing

These clustered keywords can be used to create a series of blog posts or a complete pillar page.

Content Plan Creation

Once you’ve done keyword research and clustering, use it to map out your content plan. Here’s a simple approach:

1. Pillar Content: Create an in-depth article targeting a broad topic.

2. Cluster Content: Write supporting blog posts targeting long-tail or sub-topic keywords.

3. Internal Linking: Link all cluster posts back to the pillar content to build topical authority.

Assignments

1) Conduct Keyword Research for a Defined Business

Example Business: An online skincare brand for sensitive skin.

Steps:

• Use tools like Ubersuggest, Ahrefs, or Google's Keyword Planner.

• Identify high-intent keywords like:

  • best face wash for sensitive skin

  • fragrance-free moisturizer

  • skincare routine for sensitive skin

• Cluster them under topics like “face care,” “moisturizers,” “routines,” etc.

• Create a content plan:

  • Blog 1: Best Face Washes for Sensitive Skin

  • Blog 2: How to Build a Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

  • Blog 3: Ingredients to Avoid if You Have Sensitive Skin

2) Conduct Keyword Research for a Non-defined Business (Blog Example)

Topic Area: Personal development

Steps:

• Brainstorm potential subtopics: self-discipline, time management, productivity.

• Use keyword tools to find terms like:

  • how to build discipline

  • best time management apps

  • daily habits of successful people

• Group them:

  • Discipline Cluster: build self-discipline, how to stay motivated, habit tracking apps

  • Time Management Cluster: time blocking, Pomodoro technique, apps for focus

• Content plan examples:

  • Blog 1: 7 Powerful Habits to Boost Your Self-Discipline

  • Blog 2: Time Management Hacks That Actually Work in 2025

  • Blog 3: Best Productivity Tools for Remote Workers