Keyword Research Services for AI and Google Search

Traditional keyword research usually centres on Google search datasets like volume, difficulty, intent and SERP competition, without dedicated tracking of AI citation visibility. AI-optimised research also analyses sources appearing in AI search experiences (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews) for buyer queries. Built on this research, one executed campaign earned 138 AI citations across platforms.

Your research analyses thousands of potential keywords, often beyond 5,000, where the market supports it, before filtering the 500 - 2,000 most valuable for your business. The final volume depends on your industry breadth and service offerings, with the focus on actionable quality over overwhelming quantity. One client increased indexed organic keywords from 162 to 4,947 by executing on strategically selected terms.

Keyword research is delivered as part of a complete AI SEO Strategy, including topical clusters, content briefs and a 12-month publishing roadmap. For clients wanting hands-free execution, ongoing AI SEO Growth Campaigns handle content creation, publishing and optimisation. Research without implementation wastes potential.

Keywords are scored across four dimensions: commercial intent, competition difficulty, search volume and AI citation potential. High-intent terms with achievable competition and strong opportunities for AI visibility rank highest. This prioritisation model supported a broader execution program that helped one of our SaaS clients grow their monthly revenue from organic search to $135,000.

Comprehensive keyword research typically requires 3-4 weeks including competitor analysis, topical clustering and content strategy development. The timeline reflects thorough analysis, not rushed delivery. Speed sacrifices the strategic depth that separates effective research from generic keyword lists.

Research combines Google Search Console data for actual performance insights, Google Ads keyword data when available and current, and Ahrefs for search volume metrics and competitor analysis. Manual SERP analysis validates intent classification. Multiple data sources prevent the blind spots that single-tool approaches create, and cross-referencing real performance data with third-party estimates improves accuracy.

Competitive markets require finding gaps that competitors have overlooked, rather than attacking their strongest positions first. Your research reveals underserved keyword clusters where you can establish authority before expanding into more contested territory. This approach informed the execution plan that helped one client grow the organic share of voice by 933% through systematically filling in keyword gaps.

Keyword research helps identify the topics and question formats most likely to trigger AI Overviews. But AI Overviews don’t work like a traditional ranking position. Your pages may be included as supporting links when they’re eligible and genuinely useful. That’s why our research also validates eligibility and content gaps, and maps the topical authority framework needed to earn both Google rankings and AI Overview citations.

Primary keyword research should be conducted annually with quarterly reviews to identify emerging opportunities and shifting search patterns. Search behaviour evolves as your market changes. Clients on ongoing campaigns receive continuous keyword monitoring and strategy adjustments included in their monthly retainers.

Initial ranking improvements appear within 3-4 months, with a significant revenue impact by month 6-9. Returns compound over time as the content authority builds. One client achieved 13,926% ROI within 11 months by systematically executing a keyword strategy. Patient implementation delivers exponential returns.