Good keyword research is vital for SEO success. Most powerful keyword tools cost a lot of money.So, How to Find Keywords Using Google Search Suggestions
Google Search Suggestions offers a completely free solution right at your fingertips. This built-in feature helps you find high-medium search volume keywords that matter to your target audience.
You can make the most of Google Search Suggestions regardless of your experience level in SEO and digital marketing. We’ll guide you through the algorithm’s workings and show you advanced search techniques. This step-by-step approach will help you find valuable keywords without any cost.
Want to become skilled at free keyword research? Let’s take a closer look!
Understanding Google Search Suggestions
Google Search Suggestions, also called Google Autocomplete, helps users save time during searches. The system shows a dropdown menu of predictions that match what you type, based on actual searches from users worldwide1.
What are Search Suggestions?
You’ll find Search Suggestions anywhere there’s a Google search box – from Google’s homepage to the Google app on iOS and Android, and Chrome’s address bar (Omnibox)21. These predictions cut down typing effort by about 25% and save roughly 200 years of typing time each day21.
Google doesn’t call them “suggestions” but “predictions” because they aim to complete searches people want to make, not suggest new ones3. The predictions come from analyzing common search patterns and trending topics that match what users type22.
How the Algorithm Works
Google Search Suggestions uses a smart mix of factors to work:
- Search Patterns and Frequency
- Looks at how people search terms together
- Tracks how often word combinations follow each other
- Checks what’s relevant and trending now23
- Personalization Elements
- Your location shapes predictions [link_2]
- Past searches (if Web & App Activity is on)
- Language settings in your browser
- Whether you’re logged into Google1
The predictions update live as you type. Let’s say you change from “san f” to “san fe” – the system quickly switches from San Francisco suggestions to San Fernando options21.
The algorithm keeps an eye on what’s trending too. Sometimes it shows a prediction that’s suddenly popular, even if it’s not usually common22. Take celebrity weddings – related searches might pop up in predictions just because they’re hot news, even without long-term popularity24.
Your location makes a big difference in what predictions you see. Someone in a different country, state, or city might get completely different suggestions24. The system also looks at your language settings – both what you’ve chosen and what your browser uses24.
Privacy-conscious users have options too. You can switch off Search personalization to stop getting predictions based on your past searches1. The Google app lets you turn off trending searches separately1. These options help you control your search experience while still saving time with this handy tool.
Setting Up Your Browser for Research
Your browser setup plays a vital role in getting accurate, unbiased results when researching keywords with Google Search Suggestions. The right browser configuration helps you avoid personalized suggestions that could affect your keyword research quality.
Clearing Previous Search History
Start with a clean slate by clearing your Google search history. Head to your Google Account’s My Activity page](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/6096136?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop) and pick the time range you want to delete7. Next, select which Google products need clearing – focus on Search activity. Google will start removing this data from their systems once you confirm7.
Chrome users can follow this simple process:
- Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner
- Go to History
- Select “Clear browsing data”
- Pick “All time” from the time range dropdown
- Make sure “Browsing history” is checked8
Managing Google Search Suggestions Settings
Google’s search suggestions settings let you customize your keyword research process better. Look for the “Search personalization” option in your Google Account settings. Switch this off to stop getting predictions based on your previous searches1.
Here are some helpful setting changes:
- Switch off “Web & App Activity” to prevent Google from recording your search patterns
- Disable “Autocomplete searches and URLs” in Chrome settings
- Turn off “Show suggestions for similar pages” to get cleaner results9
Using Incognito Mode
Incognito mode becomes your best friend during unbiased keyword research. While it won’t make you completely anonymous, it creates a cleaner environment by:
- Blocking cookie and site data storage
- Not keeping your browsing history
- Showing search results without your search pattern influence10
Keep in mind that Google still sees:
- Your IP address
- Current location
- Browser language settings10
Launch an incognito window in Chrome:
- Click the three-dot menu icon
- Pick “New Incognito Window”
- Start your keyword research11
Incognito mode shows more accurate search rankings because it ignores your search history and cookies11. Your keyword research will yield better results if you combine incognito mode with cleared browser history and the right search settings.
Finding Keywords Step by Step
Becoming skilled at Google Search Suggestions requires exploring search techniques systematically. Understanding these methods helps you find valuable keywords your competitors might miss.
Simple Search Techniques
Your search journey should start with descriptive searches about your topic or industry. Complex phrases aren’t needed – stick to simple terms your potential customers might use12. To name just one example, local service searches work best when you combine your main term with location, like “bakery seattle”12.
The best approach is to use terms that websites in your industry commonly use. Medical websites use “headache” rather than “my head hurts”12. This helps you find keywords that line up with industry standards.
Using Wildcards (*) in Searches
The asterisk (*) symbol works as a powerful wildcard operator that holds the place of unknown words in search queries13. Quotes around asterisks let each one stand for one or more words, which helps you find different versions of common phrases13.
Here’s how to get the most from wildcard searches:
- Put the asterisk between known terms to find connecting words
- Multiple asterisks help identify longer phrase variations
- Wildcards and quotes work together for exact-match searching
To name just one example, a search for “Google * my life” might show variations like “Google changed my life,” “Google runs my life,” or “Google is my life”13.
Geographic Targeting Methods
Location-based keyword research needs careful attention to geographical details. Google finds user locations through several methods:
- Wi-Fi network IP addresses
- Mobile carrier proxy servers
- GPS signals (when available)4
Your geographic targeting can improve with these approaches:
- Use country-specific domain extensions for specific regions
- Add location modifiers in searches
- Study location-based search patterns4
Google often shows results from nearby, related areas that wouldn’t normally get targeted due to small populations or limited data4. A search for Manchester-related terms might include suggestions from Manchester suburbs4.
Question-Based Searches
Question-based keywords make up about 14.1% of Google searches5. These searches typically begin with words like who, what, when, where, why, or how5. Complex questions work better than simple ones that Wikipedia or Google might answer directly14.
Your question-based keyword research should:
- Focus on specific, industry-related questions
- Look for questions that need detailed answers
- Target queries that show clear user intent
People Also Ask (PAA) sections appear in about 86% of question keyword searches15. This feature helps you find related questions and grow your keyword list naturally.
The search intent behind each question keyword matters a lot. These terms might show lower search volume, but they often indicate higher user engagement and clearer intent15. This focused approach attracts visitors who actively seek specific information or solutions15.
Organizing Your Keyword Findings
The real value comes from organizing your Google Search Suggestions keywords in a systematic way. A well-laid-out system will help you spot patterns and opportunities you might have missed.
Creating a Simple Spreadsheet
Your first step is to set up a spreadsheet that tracks the key metrics for each keyword. Add columns for search volume, keyword difficulty, and cost per click (CPC)6. This setup lets you review keywords using multiple factors at once.
The spreadsheet should have these distinct sections:
- Primary opportunities: Keywords with high conversion potential and substantial search volume
- Secondary opportunities: Long-tail variations offering targeted reach
- Tertiary opportunities: Alternative terms with medium to low conversion intent16
The quickest way to track everything is to add these metrics:
- Monthly search volume trends
- Competition levels
- Relevance to your business goals
- Growth opportunities17
Categorizing Keywords by Intent
Search intent is the foundation of organizing your findings. So create separate categories based on these main intent types:
Navigational Queries These searches show users looking for specific websites or vendors. You should flag these keywords with high conversion intent, particularly for your brand-specific terms16.
Informational Queries People seeking information use phrases like “how to,” “best way to,” or “why.” These keywords get higher search volumes but show lower immediate conversion potential18.
Transactional Queries You can spot purchase-ready searches through words like:
- “buy”
- “deal”
- “discount”
- “product names”18
The spreadsheet needs an extra column to mark conversion intent levels:
- High: Direct match with core products/services
- Medium: Potential interest without immediate conversion likelihood
- Low: Audience-relevant but early-stage queries16
Note that each keyword needs its own relevance score. High CPC might point to valuable keywords, but they might not fit your specific business needs6. Search volume trends will help you find growing opportunities instead of just focusing on current popularity6.
This organized system will give you a clear picture of which keywords deserve your attention first. The process will boost your content creation and keep your SEO work focused on the most promising opportunities17.
Advanced Search Suggestion Tricks
Advanced techniques in Google Search Suggestions will help you learn about deeper keyword opportunities. These methods can refine your search process and help you find valuable keywords that others often miss.
Combining Letters and Numbers
Users create unique patterns and opportunities through alphanumeric combinations in search queries. Google’s algorithm handles queries with letters and numbers differently from text-only searches. To cite an instance, see how searching for product codes or model numbers with descriptive terms gives you specific results.
These alphanumeric patterns work well:
- Single character combinations (A1, B2)
- Mixed formats (A1B2C3)
- Product identifiers (SKU12345)
- Variable combinations (item2, user3Name)
The algorithm gives special treatment to these combinations and prioritizes exact matches over partial ones. This precision becomes valuable especially when you have technical products or services where model numbers are vital.
Using Negative Keywords
Negative keywords filter search suggestions and remove irrelevant results. These exclusionary terms keep your ads away from unrelated sites or videos2. You can apply negative keywords at three levels to get the best results:
Account Level
- Works across all eligible search inventory
- Maximum limit of 1,000 negative keywords2
- Creates a global, account-wide exclusion list
Campaign Level
- Changes all ads within specific campaigns
- Works best for broad terms irrelevant to entire campaigns
- Keeps campaign-specific focus
Ad Group Level
- Changes specific ad groups within campaigns
- Gives detailed control over keyword exclusions
- Suits niche-specific refinements
Negative keywords work differently from positive ones. You need to add synonyms, plural versions, and misspellings to exclude variations2.
Mobile vs Desktop Differences
Search suggestions show clear variations between mobile and desktop platforms. Mobile results highlight visuals with larger text results19. The main differences include:
Layout Variations
- Mobile shows 2-3 listings per screen
- Desktop displays up to 5 text results at once19
- Mobile results appear as distinct cards with borders
Click-through Rates
- Mobile: First position gets 24% CTR
- Second position drops to 14%
- Unusual jump from position 4 (6.8%) to position 5 (9%)19
Desktop Performance
- First position reaches 31% CTR
- Second position falls to 15%19
- Positions decline more steadily
Mobile search has unique elements that desktop results don’t show. Knowledge panels move from desktop’s right side to mobile’s top20. Mobile also shows website names with favicons instead of full URLs20.
Platform-specific differences help target keywords better. Mobile users prefer shorter queries and quick answers. Your keyword strategy needs these variations to achieve complete search visibility.
Conclusion
Google Search Suggestions is a free and powerful alternative to expensive keyword research tools. The right browser setup, research techniques, and smart organization methods make this built-in feature a great way to get SEO success.
Note that keyword research demands close attention to detail. You should clear your browser history, use incognito mode and apply advanced search techniques like wildcards and negative keywords. These steps help you find valuable search terms that your competitors might overlook.
Your findings need proper organization. Track metrics that matter, group keywords by intent and spot the differences between mobile and desktop results. Google Search Suggestions may look simple initially, but these techniques will help you find high-quality keywords without paying for premium tools.
FAQs
Q1. How can I use Google Search Suggestions for keyword research? To use Google Search Suggestions for keyword research, start typing relevant terms in the Google search box. As you type, a dropdown menu will appear with predictions based on popular searches. These suggestions can provide valuable keyword ideas related to your topic.
Q2. What’s the best way to set up my browser for unbiased keyword research? For unbiased keyword research, clear your search history, disable personalized search settings, and use incognito mode in your browser. This helps eliminate personalized suggestions that might skew your results and provides a cleaner environment for keyword discovery.
Q3. How effective are wildcard searches in finding keywords? Wildcard searches using the asterisk (*) symbol are highly effective for discovering keyword variations. Place the asterisk between known terms to find connecting words or use multiple asterisks to identify longer phrase variations. This technique can reveal valuable long-tail keywords you might otherwise miss.
Q4. What’s the difference between mobile and desktop search suggestions? Mobile search suggestions tend to emphasize visuals and display fewer results per screen compared to desktop. Mobile results often appear as distinct cards with borders, while desktop results show more text listings simultaneously. Additionally, click-through rates and result layouts differ between the two platforms.
Q5. How should I organize the keywords I find through Google Search Suggestions? Create a spreadsheet to organize your keyword findings. Include columns for search volume, keyword difficulty, and cost per click. Categorize keywords based on search intent (navigational, informational, transactional) and assign relevance scores. This structured approach helps identify patterns and prioritize the most promising keyword opportunities.
References
[1] – https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/106230?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid
[2] – https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/2453972?hl=en
[3] – https://ahrefs.com/seo/glossary/google-autocomplete
[4] – https://support.google.com/sa360/answer/9333728?hl=en-GB
[5] – https://victorious.com/blog/question-keywords/
[6] – https://backlinko.com/templates/marketing/keyword-research
[7] – https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/6096136?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
[8] – https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-clear-google-search-history-4175947
[9] – https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/google-chrome-how-to-turn-off-search-recommendations-on-phone-or-computer/articleshow/98065114.cms
[10] – https://www.searchenginejournal.com/do-incognito-searches-affect-seo-or-rankings/391769/
[11] – https://www.7boats.com/academy/use-chrome-incognito-window-check-keyword-search-ranks/
[12] – https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/134479?hl=en
[13] – https://www.googleguide.com/wildcard_operator.html
[14] – https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2016/08/09/question-keywords
[15] – https://www.semrush.com/blog/question-keywords/
[16] – https://www.jellyfish.com/en-us/training/blog/free-keyword-research-template-us
[17] – https://offers.hubspot.com/keyword-research-template
[18] – https://yoast.com/search-intent/
[19] – https://www.webfx.com/blog/seo/whats-the-difference-between-mobile-seo-and-desktop-seo/
[20] – https://www.bluehost.in/tutorials/how-mobile-seo-and-desktop-seo-are-different
[21] – https://blog.google/products/search/how-google-autocomplete-works-search/
[22] – https://blog.google/products/search/how-google-autocomplete-predictions-work/
[23] – https://en.ryte.com/wiki/Google_Suggest
[24] – https://searchengineland.com/how-google-autocomplete-works-390257