Keyword Research Tutorial: 3 Step Process (2026 Update)

Why It Matters

Effective keyword research underpins organic growth and ad spend efficiency, giving agencies a scalable advantage in the increasingly AI‑centric search landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Use a structured template to prioritize keywords by metrics.
• Combine Google Ads, Search Console, and manual SERP scraping for data.
• Cluster keywords to reveal gaps and low‑hanging SEO opportunities.
• Leverage CPC as a proxy for keyword commercial value.
• Tools like Rankability automate multi‑source research in minutes.

Summary

The video presents an updated 2026 keyword‑research framework, walking viewers through a three‑step process that starts with a comprehensive spreadsheet template designed for agencies or solo marketers.

Gotch explains each column—priority, source, cluster, SER‑features, volume, keyword difficulty, CPC, current position, intent, and opportunity—showing how they collectively score and rank keywords. He distinguishes between extracting existing top‑100 queries and uncovering entirely new terms, then categorizes opportunities as low‑hanging fruit (positions 2‑15), existing (16‑50) or clustering (51+).

He demonstrates practical techniques: pulling data from Google Ads Keyword Planner, Google Search Console, manual SERP suggestions, People‑Also‑Ask, Reddit, YouTube, and finally the Rankability tool that aggregates all sources in minutes. A live example using “St. Louis SEO consultant” illustrates seed generation and multi‑source aggregation.

By systematizing research and automating data collection, marketers can prioritize high‑value keywords, allocate link‑building budgets efficiently, and stay ahead of AI‑driven search trends—delivering faster, measurable traffic gains for clients.

Original Description

Here's how to do keyword research like an SEO pro. Try Rankability: https://www.rankability.com/