Validating AI Keyword Suggestions for Better SEO
TL;DR:
- AI tools generate keyword lists quickly but don't always provide search volume or competition data
- Validate suggestions using tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Google Keyword Planner
- Check search volume, competition levels, and keyword trends before committing
- Look for keywords with decent search volume but lower competition
- Cross-reference similar keyword variations to find the best opportunities
AI keyword tools can pump out hundreds of suggestions in seconds. The problem is they often miss the crucial bit – whether anyone actually searches for those terms, and how hard they'd be to rank for.
Here's why validation matters and how to do it properly.
Why AI Keywords Need a Reality Check
AI tools excel at generating keyword variations and spotting patterns you might miss. They're brilliant for brainstorming and finding long-tail opportunities, especially for niche markets.
But most AI tools work from pattern recognition rather than live search data. They might suggest keywords that sound logical but have zero search volume, or terms that are impossibly competitive.
What Good Validation Gets You
Better targeting decisions – You'll know which keywords actually get searched for and how often.
Less wasted effort – Skip the keywords where you'd be fighting giants with unlimited budgets.
Smarter content planning – Focus your time on terms where you can actually make progress.
How to Validate AI Keyword Suggestions
Step 1: Check the Numbers
Feed your AI suggestions into a proper keyword research tool:
- SEMrush – Shows search volume, keyword difficulty, and related terms
- Ahrefs – Good for competition analysis and click-through data
- Google Keyword Planner – Free option with decent volume estimates
Look for keywords with enough monthly searches to matter (usually 100+ for smaller sites) but competition levels you can handle.
Step 2: Compare Variations
AI tools often suggest similar keywords with wildly different metrics. A small tweak in phrasing might cut the competition in half while keeping similar search volume.
Check variations like:
- Singular vs plural forms
- Different word orders
- With and without modifiers ("best," "top," "2024")
Step 3: Check the Trends
Google Trends shows whether keywords are growing, stable, or declining. No point optimising for something that peaked three years ago.
Look at:
- 12-month trends to spot seasonal patterns
- 5-year trends to see the bigger picture
- Related queries that might be better targets
Step 4: Sense-Check the Intent
Does the keyword actually match what you're offering? AI might suggest terms that get searches but attract the wrong audience.
If you're selling premium services, keywords focused on "free" or "cheap" alternatives probably aren't worth your time.
Making the Final Cut
Once you've got the data, prioritise based on:
- Search volume vs competition balance – Sweet spot varies by your domain authority
- Relevance to your content – Can you create something genuinely useful for that search?
- Commercial intent – Will these searches lead to your desired outcomes?
Start with 5-10 validated keywords rather than 50 unverified ones. You can always expand once you see what works.
FAQs
Can AI tools suggest good long-tail keywords?
Yes, they're actually quite good at this. AI can spot patterns in longer phrases that you might miss. Just make sure to validate the volume – some long-tail suggestions get zero searches.
How often should I re-validate keywords?
Check your main keywords quarterly. Search volumes and competition levels shift, especially in fast-moving industries. Set calendar reminders.
What if AI suggests keywords with no search volume data?
Either the keyword is too new/niche for tools to track, or genuinely gets no searches. Try broader variations or related terms that do have data.
Should I ignore high-competition keywords completely?
Not always. If it's highly relevant to your business, consider targeting it with your best content. Just don't expect quick results, and balance it with easier wins.
Jargon Buster
Search Volume – How many times per month people search for a specific keyword, usually averaged over 12 months.
Keyword Difficulty – A metric (usually 0-100) showing how hard it would be to rank on page one for that keyword.
Long-tail Keywords – Longer, more specific search phrases (usually 3+ words) that typically have lower search volume but less competition.
Search Intent – What someone actually wants when they search for a keyword – information, to buy something, to find a specific website, etc.
Wrap-up
AI keyword tools are brilliant starting points, but they're not finish lines. The suggestions they generate need real-world validation before you build your content strategy around them.
Spend the extra time checking search volumes, competition levels, and trends. Your future self will thank you when you're ranking for keywords that actually drive traffic and conversions, instead of optimising for terms nobody searches for.
The validation step separates SEO strategies that work from those that waste months of effort. Make it part of your standard process.
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