How to Do Keyword Research Using Google Search Console

What is Google Search Console?

Google’s Search Console is one of the most useful free tools available to any site owner. It provides fascinating insights into what Google thinks about your site and offers actionable recommendations based on the information they provide.

Why Use Google Search Console for Keyword Research 

Keyword research is the core aspect of a successful SEO strategy. It’s one of the first steps of getting your website in front of your target audience.
In the world of SEO, keyword tools set high hopes but rarely show you what’s already working. But did you know that Google offers a goldmine of keywords right at your fingertips, drawn straight from the interactions on your website? This means you can skip the guesswork and hypotheticals and focus on actual search terms that users have typed to find you. This can be done through Google Search Console (GSC). 

This blog guides you through the process of using GSC to uncover high-value keywords in clear and simple language, without the technical fog.

How to Use Google Search Console for Keyword Research

Step 1: Find the Keywords You’re Already Ranking For

Go to the Performance tab in Google Search Console and filter by “Queries.” This shows you the exact search terms bringing people to your site.

Now sort by Impressions. Look for keywords with high impressions but low clicks. These are your missed opportunities—your site is showing up, but not standing out. Strengthen that by refining your title and meta description on the page that is ranking. Make it more concise, more precise, and more in tune with what people are actually looking for.

This is not guesswork; you’re building on real search data. And that’s where smart keyword strategy starts

Step 2: Spot Hidden Keyword Opportunities

Google Search Console is more than a performance tracker—it’s a window into long-tail keywords you’re already starting to rank for.

Sort your Queries by Impressions. Look for low clicks with specific phrases/keywords/topics you haven’t written about yet. They are also long-tail opportunities — lower-volume, way less competitive, targeted, and often overlooked by others. For instance, if you’re ranking for “digital marketing,” you could discover a more specific and detailed version, such as “digital marketing tips for small clothing brands.” Yes, it might have less volume, but anybody searching for it happens to know exactly what they’re looking for, and you can speak to them directly.

And search intent matters too. If most of the queries suggest that people are seeking information, consider producing helpful content, such as how-to guides or frequently asked questions, to meet that demand. This sort of low competition, high intent keywords work wonders in driving traffic that can actually convert.

Step 3: Find Easy-to-Rank Keywords

Not every keyword needs to be in a battle. Google Search Console helps you find the ones you’re already close to winning.

Go to the Performance tab and click on “Average CTR.” This shows you how often people click when your page appears in search results. Now look for keywords with low CTR but decent impressions. These are the ones where you already show up, but it’s just not compelling enough to get someone to click.

That usually means that the title or meta description isn’t accurately representing what the searcher is asking for. A quick adjustment, such as a clear, specific, or benefit-oriented title can send you flying to the top without having to chase rankings. You’re not starting from scratch; You’re just tweaking what Google already believes to be significant.

Step 4: Identify Underperforming Pages Quickly

Underperforming pages aren’t always easy to spot—but Google Search Console makes it simple to identify them.

Click the Performance tab, select the Date filter, and set it to Compare: Last 28 days vs. previous period. Hit Apply. Now go back to the Pages view and sort by Click Difference or Impression Difference. Pages with a negative drop are your weakness — they are losing visibility or clicks.

These deserve a second update. Perhaps they need fresher content, a more sharply directed title or better internal linking. Either way, GSC will inform you where to concentrate next.

Don’t Let Google Data Go to Waste

Most businesses have GSC installed but don’t check it beyond performance drops. That’s like owning a mirror and never looking into it. Google is literally telling you what people want. And how close you are to giving it to them.

Use that. Write better content. Create smarter titles. Meet the searcher halfway.And if you’d rather not DIY this month after month—that’s where Biztalbox steps in. We turn search data into content that actually converts. Ready when you are.

FAQs

Also Read:- How to Do Keyword Research for SEO