If you’ve ever tried doing keyword research and ended up buried under spreadsheets, SEO tools, and jargon like “search intent” or “SERP volatility”… You’re not alone.
I’ve been there—poking around in tools I didn’t understand, second-guessing myself the whole time, wondering if any of it actually mattered. So if you’re trying to figure this keyword stuff out for your blog, YouTube channel, or side hustle website, this one’s for you.
This isn’t going to be some fancy-pants “SEO expert” guide filled with buzzwords. This is a plain-English breakdown. Something you can use with a cuppa in hand and no marketing degree required.
Let’s get into it.
What Is Keyword Research, Really?
At its core, keyword research just means figuring out what people are typing into Google (or YouTube, or wherever) before they find content like yours.
That’s it.
You’re not trying to game the system. You’re just trying to meet people where they already are—using the same words they use—so your content shows up when they search.
If you’re building a blog, side hustle website, or online service, this is one of the easiest ways to start getting traffic without spending a cent on ads.
Why Bother With It?
Good question.
If you’re running a hustle like dog walking, pressure washing, selling car parts, or starting a blog about it, you want to know how people actually search for that stuff.
For example:
You might call it “car detailing,” but locals might be searching for “mobile car wash near me.”
You might write about “financial freedom,” but folks are typing “how to make extra money each week.”
If you don’t use the words people are typing, your site won’t show up. Simple as that.
Tools That Make Keyword Research Easier!
You don’t need to spend big. Start with free or cheap tools.
Here are some beginner-friendly ones I’ve used myself:
1. Google Search + Autofill.
Start typing something in the search bar, and Google will show suggestions. That’s real-time data based on what people are typing.
Great for quick ideas.
2. Ubersuggest (Free + Paid)
Pop in a word like “lawn mowing,” and it’ll give you related keywords, traffic numbers, and ideas for articles. The free version is limited but handy.
3. AnswerThePublic (Free Limited Use)
This one shows you the actual questions people ask. It’s brilliant for content ideas.
Type in “junk removal,” and you’ll get questions like “how much does junk removal cost?” and “What will junk haulers not take?”
4. Google Trends.
This helps you see if interest in a topic is rising or dying. Seasonal side hustles (like snow shoveling or lawn care) show clear patterns.
5. Keywords Everywhere (Browser Add-On)
Shows keyword volume and competition while you search on Google. Saves time. A few bucks can go a long way with this one.
How to Actually Do Keyword Research (Without Frying Your Brain)
Let’s walk through the steps in a way that won’t make your eyes glaze over:
Step 1: Brain Dump Some Ideas.
Think like your customer or reader. What would you type into Google if you needed your service?
Example:
If you do pressure washing, you might start with:
- driveway cleaning
- deck washing
- mold removal outside
- clean oil stains concrete
Just write down whatever comes to mind.
Step 2: Check What Google Suggests.
Start typing your terms into Google. Let it autofill the rest.
So if you type “deck cleaning,” you might see:
- deck cleaning before staining
- deck cleaning solutions
- deck cleaning service near me
These are real searches people are making. That’s what you want.
Step 3: Plug the Good Ones Into a Tool.
Use Ubersuggest, AnswerThePublic, or Keywords Everywhere to get:
- monthly search volume (how many people search it)
- SEO difficulty (how tough it is to rank)
- other variations or long-tail versions
Focus on phrases with low-to-medium difficulty and decent volume (even 100+ searches/month is enough when you’re small).
Step 4: Pick One Keyword per Page or Post.
Each blog post or service page should be built around one main keyword.
That doesn’t mean you only use that one phrase. You’ll naturally include other related words. But you want to stay focused.
Example:
Main keyword: “cheap end of lease cleaning Melbourne”
Now you’d write a blog post or landing page that answers all the common questions someone searching that would have—price, inclusions, how long it takes, etc.
Step 5: Don’t Overthink It!
Look, you could spend weeks obsessing over keyword stats.
But if you’re just getting started, here’s the rule of thumb:
If a real person would search it, and it makes sense to your content—use it.
Even low-traffic keywords (like “dog walker Cranbourne after 5pm”) can bring targeted traffic. That’s someone ready to hire. Not just browsing.
Some Handy Tips From Experience
Avoid super broad keywords.
Don’t go after “money” or “cleaning” or “fitness.” Way too competitive. Aim for specific phrases like “how to clean pet stains from couch.”
Think location.
If your service is local, add your suburb, city, or region.
(“mobile dog wash Shepparton” > “dog wash”)
Use common sense.
If your keyword sounds like something only an SEO nerd would say, it probably won’t get real searches.
Make your content match the intent.
If the keyword is “how to pressure wash a deck,” don’t try to sell a pressure washing service. They’re looking to DIY. Instead, teach them, then offer help if they’d rather hire someone.
Wrapping Up (Without the Fluff)
Keyword research doesn’t have to be a full-time job or a techy maze.
You just need a bit of curiosity, some free tools, and a good feel for how people talk. If you’ve worked with your hands, dealt with customers, or even just listened to folks at the pub—guess what? You already have the skills. You just need to apply them online.
Don’t stress trying to get it perfect. Just get it working.
Start small. One keyword. One page. One bit of useful content.
Then build from there.
Catch you next time —
Kim from Side Hustle Quest 👊
