How I Found My First SEO Keyword (And How You Can Too)

Introduction

When I started exploring how to grow as a writer, I kept hearing one phrase over and over: “Use the right keywords if you want people to find your work.” At first, I had no clear idea what that really meant. Were keywords just random words? How do people even know which ones to use?

Here’s the simple truth: SEO keywords are the exact words or phrases people type into Google (or any search engine) when they’re looking for something online. For example, if someone wants to learn how to start writing online, they might type “content writing tips for beginners.” If your blog post includes that phrase naturally, Google is more likely to show your content to them.

For writers and content creators, keywords act like a bridge between your content and your audience. You could write the most valuable article in the world, but without the right keywords, it might never appear in front of the people who need it. Keywords are not about tricking the system, they help you speak your audience’s language so they can actually discover your work.

Recently, I decided to stop guessing and finally learn how to find the right keyword for my content. After experimenting with a tool called Ubersuggest, I found my very first SEO keyword and it changed the way I plan my writing. In this article, I’m going to share exactly how I found it, step by step, so you can do the same without feeling overwhelmed.

What Are SEO Keywords (in Simple Words)

Before I found my first keyword, I used to write articles based on what I thought people wanted to read. But here’s the thing: search engines like Google don’t magically know what your article is about; they rely on keywords to figure that out.

An SEO keyword is a specific word or phrase that tells search engines the main topic of your content. When someone types a question or phrase into Google, let’s say, “content writing tips for beginners” Google scans through billions of pages online looking for content that matches those exact words or closely related ones.

Think of it like a digital matchmaking system:

✔ The searcher tells Google what they want (their keyword).

✔ Google looks for articles, blogs, or guides that use those words naturally.

✔ If your content includes that keyword in the right places (title, headings, introduction, and throughout the article), it stands a much better chance of appearing in search results.

Here’s a simple example:

Imagine you write a blog post titled “Easy Content Writing Tips for Beginners.” When someone types that exact phrase into Google, your post has a higher chance of being shown because it matches their search intent. Without that keyword, Google may not even know your article answers their question even if it does.

Keywords don’t just help search engines; they also help your readers find you. They’re like signposts on a busy road, guiding the right audience to your work instead of leaving your content hidden in the dark.

My Journey to Finding My First SEO Keyword

When I first started creating content, I had one big challenge: people weren’t finding my work. I was writing, publishing, and sharing posts, but the visibility was low. That’s when I learned that keywords play a major role in helping your content reach the right audience.

I decided to take a practical step to find my very first SEO keyword so I could write a post that people were already searching for. Instead of guessing what readers might want, I wanted real data to guide me.

I used a tool called Ubersuggest, which is designed for beginners and professionals alike. It’s simple: you type in a broad term related to your niche, and it shows you real phrases people are searching for online.

Here’s exactly how I started:

I went to Ubersuggest.
In the search box, I typed a broad word: “content writing” because that’s my area of interest.
I set the location to Nigeria (since that’s where my primary audience is).
I clicked Search and waited for the results.

Within seconds, Ubersuggest displayed a list of keyword suggestions real searches people make every month. Each keyword had details: how many people searched for it, and how difficult or easy it was to rank for that keyword.

I was amazed to see that some keywords had thousands of searches but were still considered “low difficulty.” That meant even beginners like me had a fair chance of ranking with them.

Step-by-Step: How You Can Find Yours Too

Finding your first SEO keyword doesn’t need to be complicated or technical. Here’s the exact process I followed and you can use the same steps to discover yours.

Step 1: Pick a Broad Topic

Start with a topic that matches your niche or what you enjoy writing about.

For me, it was “content writing” because I want to help beginners learn how to write online.

Step 2: Use a Free Keyword Tool

Go to Ubersuggest (you can also use Google Keyword Planner).

These tools show you what people are really searching for, not just what you think they’re searching for.

Step 3: Enter Your Topic

Type your broad topic into the search bar.

I typed in: “content writing”

Then I selected Nigeria as my location (you can choose your target country).

Step 4: Explore Keyword Ideas

Once you click Search, the tool will show

✔ Search volume – how many people search for each keyword monthly.

✔ SEO difficulty – how hard it is to rank for that keyword (low, medium, or high).

Look for keywords with 100–3,000 searches/month and low or medium difficulty..1

Step 5: Choose Your Keyword

Select a keyword that:

Matches your audience’s needs,
Has a decent search volume, and
Isn’t too competitive.

I chose “content writing tips for beginners” because it had a healthy number of searches and was easy enough for a beginner to target.

Step 6: Plan Your Content Around It

Now, write an article or blog post that answers the exact question behind your keyword.

If people search for “content writing tips for beginners,” give them clear, actionable tips.

This step-by-step process helps you avoid guessing and start writing with purpose. Instead of hoping your audience finds you, you create content they’re already looking for.

Quick Tips for Beginners

Starting with SEO keywords can feel overwhelming at first, but here are a few practical tips I learned while finding my first keyword:

1. Start Small and Simple

Don’t go after keywords that big websites are already dominating. For example, targeting a broad term like “content writing” alone is too competitive. Instead, look for longer, more specific phrases, called long-tail keywords like “content writing tips for beginners.” They’re easier to rank for and often bring in the right audience.

2. Focus on Search Intent

Ask yourself: What is the person searching this keyword really looking for?

For my keyword, people want tips to get started in content writing not advanced strategies. Matching your content to their real intent makes it more valuable.

3. Use the Keyword Naturally

Once you choose your keyword, use it:

In your title,
In the introduction,
In at least one heading, and
A few times naturally in your content.

Don’t force it into every sentence Google values helpful, natural writing over keyword stuffing.

4. Keep Testing and Learning

Your first keyword won’t make your blog go viral overnight, and that’s okay. The goal is to learn the process, create useful content, and gradually attract readers who are already looking for what you write.

Conclusion

Finding my first SEO keyword felt like opening a door to a new level of content creation. Before this, I used to write based on guesswork, hoping people would stumble upon my posts. But after choosing “content writing tips for beginners,” I realized how powerful it is to write content people are already searching for.

The process wasn’t complicated: just a few steps, a simple tool, and a willingness to start small. And that’s exactly what I encourage you to do: pick one topic, use a free keyword tool like Ubersuggest, and find your first keyword today.

Don’t wait until you “know everything” about SEO. Start with one keyword, one article, and one audience in mind. Over time, each keyword you choose will act as a small gateway, bringing more of the right readers to your content.

Your first keyword might not make your blog explode overnight, but it will help you take that important first step: writing with purpose, not guesswork.