How to do a proper ecommerce keyword research is one of the most critical skills every online business owner must master. Without the right keywords, your products won’t be found, your ads won’t convert, and your traffic will struggle to grow. This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from definitions to strategies, tools, mistakes, and actionable steps you can implement today.
Introduction
If you’re running an online store, learning how to do a proper ecommerce keyword research can mean the difference between success and failure. Your customers are searching for products every day, and the keywords they use are your roadmap to capturing that demand.
In this blog, we’ll explore what ecommerce keyword research is, why it matters, and how to perform it step by step. You’ll also find real-world case studies, common mistakes to avoid, and powerful tools to make the process easier.
Definition / What Is How to Do a Proper Ecommerce Keyword Research?
Ecommerce keyword research is the process of finding and analyzing the exact search terms your potential customers use when looking for products online.
This involves:
- Identifying product-focused keywords (e.g., buy running shoes online).
- Discovering category-level keywords (e.g., best men’s sportswear).
- Targeting long-tail keywords with buyer intent (e.g., affordable waterproof Bluetooth speakers).
In simple terms, ecommerce keyword research is about matching your products with the exact words your customers type into search engines.
Why It Matters / Core Concept Explanation
Doing proper ecommerce keyword research matters because:
- Visibility Drives Sales – Without targeting the right keywords, your products may never show up in search results.
- Better ROI – You avoid wasting ad spend on irrelevant keywords that don’t convert.
- Understanding Customer Intent – Keywords reveal what buyers want, helping you tailor product descriptions and categories.
- Competitive Advantage – With the right keyword strategy, you can outrank bigger competitors in search engines.
Example: Imagine selling “handmade leather wallets.” If you target a generic keyword like wallets, you’ll compete with big brands. But if you go for handmade brown leather wallet for men, you target a smaller but highly converting audience.
Step-by-Step Guide / How It Works
Here’s a step-by-step approach to how to do a proper ecommerce keyword research:
Step 1: Start with Brainstorming
List down your product categories and potential search terms customers might use. Think like a buyer.
Step 2: Use Keyword Research Tools
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Ubersuggest to find search volumes and competition.
Step 3: Analyze Search Intent
Classify keywords into:
- Informational (e.g., what are vegan shoes?)
- Commercial (e.g., best vegan shoes 2025)
- Transactional (e.g., buy vegan shoes online)
Step 4: Check Competitors
Look at top competitors in your niche. Which keywords are they ranking for? Use Ahrefs’ “Site Explorer” to reveal their winning keywords.
Step 5: Focus on Long-Tail Keywords
These have lower competition but higher intent. Example: Instead of Bluetooth speakers, go for affordable waterproof Bluetooth speakers under $50.
Step 6: Organize Keywords by Categories
Group keywords by:
- Product type
- Category
- Buyer intent
This helps in structuring product pages, blog content, and category pages.
Step 7: Apply Keywords to Your Store’s Content
- Product Titles → “Women’s Waterproof Hiking Boots – Affordable & Durable”
- Meta Descriptions → Natural keyword-rich copy
- Alt Text → Descriptive keywords in images
- Blog Posts → Use informational keywords for SEO blogs
Accounting or Technical Entries (if applicable)
Think of keyword research like budgeting for your ecommerce store:
- High-volume keywords = big-ticket items (more visibility but higher cost).
- Long-tail keywords = smaller, targeted transactions that consistently add up.
- Keyword categories = budget allocations (ensuring every product niche is covered).
Just like accounting ensures financial accuracy, keyword research ensures your SEO and ads budget is allocated to the right opportunities.
Impact on Business / Cash Flow / Reporting
Proper ecommerce keyword research directly impacts your business:
- Improved Cash Flow – Better targeting reduces ad wastage.
- Higher ROI – Converting keywords lead to more sales per dollar spent.
- Enhanced Reporting – Tools like Google Analytics show clearer ROI when keywords are structured correctly.
Detailed Examples & Mini-Case Studies
Case Study 1 – Jewelry Brand
A small handmade jewelry brand targeted “custom silver engagement rings” instead of just rings. Within 4 months, organic traffic increased by 42%, and sales doubled.
Case Study 2 – Electronics Store
An ecommerce site selling headphones optimized category pages for “noise cancelling headphones for travel”. Result: 30% increase in sales with a significant drop in PPC spend.
Industry-Specific Practices / Examples
- Fashion – Seasonal keywords like summer dresses online or winter jackets sale.
- Tech – Product-focused specs like gaming laptop under $1000.
- Beauty – Long-tail terms like best organic face cream for dry skin.
- Sports & Fitness – Intent keywords like buy yoga mats near me.
Common Mistakes & Solutions
❌ Focusing only on high-volume keywords
✅ Solution: Mix high-volume with long-tail keywords for balance.
❌ Ignoring search intent
✅ Solution: Always match keywords with customer buying stages.
❌ Keyword stuffing
✅ Solution: Place keywords naturally in product descriptions and titles.
❌ Copying competitors blindly
✅ Solution: Use competitor research as inspiration, not a final strategy.
Best Practices / Strategies / Tips
- Focus on transactional keywords for product pages.
- Use informational keywords in blogs to support SEO.
- Regularly update your keyword list based on trends.
- Don’t forget voice search queries like “where can I buy…”.
- Track performance with Google Search Console.
Tools, Software, Resources
- Ahrefs – In-depth competitor keyword analysis.
- SEMrush – Keyword difficulty and PPC insights.
- Google Keyword Planner – Free keyword suggestions.
- Ubersuggest – Affordable tool for keyword ideas.
- Jungle Scout – Product-specific research for Amazon sellers.
FAQs – 5–7 Detailed Q&As
Q1: How often should I update my ecommerce keyword research?
A: At least quarterly, since trends and search behaviors change rapidly.
Q2: Should I target high-competition keywords?
A: Yes, but balance them with long-tail, low-competition terms to get quicker wins.
Q3: Can I use the same keywords for ads and SEO?
A: Yes, but adjust based on performance. Sometimes paid keywords perform differently from organic ones.
Q4: How do I know if my keywords are working?
A: Track impressions, CTR, and conversions in Google Search Console and Analytics.
Q5: Do I need different keywords for each product?
A: Yes. Each product should have unique focus keywords to avoid keyword cannibalization.
Q6: Is keyword research still important with AI search tools?
A: Absolutely. Even with AI, users search using natural language — and keywords remain the foundation of SEO.
Conclusion with Topic-Relevant Call-to-Action
Mastering how to do a proper ecommerce keyword research is not just an SEO tactic — it’s the foundation of your online business growth. With the right keywords, you’ll attract buyers, increase conversions, and maximize ROI.
