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If you’re a content marketer or business owner, you know the value of keyword research. But the tools can be expensive! Thankfully, I stumbled upon an SEO hack that’s easy, free, and takes less than a minute to set up—all within Google Sheets. This method has transformed my keyword research process, and it’s about to do the same for you.
Why Google Sheets for Keyword Research?
Google Sheets may seem like a simple spreadsheet tool, but with the right add-ons and formulas, it becomes a powerful resource for SEO. By using the ImportFromWeb add-on, you can generate keyword ideas quickly without ever opening a paid SEO tool. Plus, since Google Sheets is cloud-based and collaborative, you can easily share your keyword research with team members.
Ready to get started? Here’s the full breakdown:
Step 1: Open Google Sheets
The first step is as simple as it gets. Just open up a new Google Sheet. If you don’t have Google Sheets, you can create a Google account for free.
Step 2: Install the “ImportFromWeb” Add-on
To make Google Sheets a powerful keyword research tool, we’re going to use the ImportFromWeb add-on. It’s a free tool that allows you to pull data from websites directly into your spreadsheet, which can include keyword suggestions.
Here’s how to install it:
- In your Google Sheet, go to Extensions at the top.
- Select Add-ons and then click Get add-ons.
- In the Google Workspace Marketplace, type in “ImportFromWeb” and click Install.
Once installed, you’ll be able to use this add-on to quickly find keyword ideas related to any topic!
Step 3: Use the ImportFromWeb Formula
Now that the add-on is installed, it’s time to put it to work. This formula allows you to pull data from various sites (like Google, Bing, or other sites where people are actively searching for topics) and see what keywords are popular. You’ll input a base keyword, and the formula will return a list of related search terms people actually use.
Here’s an example formula to try:
excelCopy code=IMPORTFROMWEB("https://www.google.com/search?q=your+keyword", "results")
Replace your+keyword with the term you’re interested in. For example, if you’re exploring content ideas for “digital marketing tips,” your formula might look like this:
excelCopy code=IMPORTFROMWEB("https://www.google.com/search?q=digital+marketing+tips", "results")
Step 4: Analyze the Results
Once you input the formula, ImportFromWeb will display a list of keywords related to your initial term. You’ll get suggestions based on actual search terms, which is incredibly valuable.
In my case, I used “digital marketing tips” as a starting keyword and discovered 50+ related keywords I would never have thought of on my own. This kind of insight allows you to tailor content to what people are genuinely searching for, which can improve traffic and engagement.
Bonus Tip: Keep Digging with Related Keywords
Here’s where this method gets even better. Take one of the suggested keywords from your initial search and plug it back into the formula. Each new keyword will generate even more specific results, helping you go down the “keyword rabbit hole” to uncover highly targeted, less competitive keywords that can give your content an edge.
For instance, after finding “digital marketing tips,” I plugged in “digital marketing strategy for beginners” and got a whole new list of related terms. This layered approach can save hours on keyword research and make your SEO strategy more effective.
Why This Hack Works (and Why It’s Better Than Paid Tools)
Most paid SEO tools charge a premium for data on keyword volume, competition, and related terms. And while they offer valuable insights, sometimes the most useful keywords are those that come up naturally in actual searches. ImportFromWeb taps directly into this, helping you discover long-tail keywords that people actually use.
Advantages of This Google Sheets Hack
- It’s Free: No subscription, no hidden costs. Just Google Sheets and ImportFromWeb.
- It’s Fast: What used to take me hours now takes minutes.
- Data is Always Fresh: You’re pulling directly from live search results, so the data is as current as it gets.
- You Own the Process: Unlike paid tools, which often have limits, you can run as many queries as you want.
Wrapping Up
Keyword research doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. With Google Sheets and the ImportFromWeb add-on, you have a powerful, efficient, and free tool right at your fingertips. This hack has completely changed my content marketing strategy, giving me insights I never would have found otherwise.
If you’re serious about improving your content’s reach and SEO performance, give this method a try. You may just find it’s the only keyword research tool you need.
Ready to dive deeper?
By making use of this quick hack, you can streamline your keyword research and find terms that will truly resonate with your audience—without breaking the bank. Let me know if this method worked for you, or share your own favorite free SEO tools!