How to Use ChatGPT for Keyword Research

Keyword research is the foundation of any SEO strategy. Choosing the right search terms determines whether a site attracts the target audience, ranks in search results, and gains traffic. Mistakes in this process often lead to wasted time, resources, and publishing content no one needs. Traditional tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Keyword Planner offer plenty of data but don't always help with structure, logic, or actual user behavior.

ChatGPT offers a fresh take on keyword research — flexible, fast, and free from data overload. With the right prompts, you can automate many steps and get structured, meaningful suggestions.

Below are several prompt examples, each solving a specific task and explained in terms of what it does and when to use it.

Main Keywords

Main keywords are the core of any content. They cover the primary topic and reflect general search interest. Often used in titles, URLs, and H1s, they provide a foundation for SEO structure.

Prompt:

You are an SEO keyword research expert. Create a comprehensive list of core keywords for a blog about [topic]. The keywords should be highly relevant and popular with your target audience. Use SEO tools to identify the most searched terms related to the topic. Include both short and long-tail keywords, and consider keyword competitiveness to ensure a balance between search volume and ranking difficulty. Give a brief explanation for each keyword choice, detailing why it’s a good fit for the blog and audience.

Finding Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are more specific phrases. While they have lower search volumes, they often attract users who are ready to act — buy, subscribe, or read to the end. They're especially useful for new sites or competitive niches.

Prompt:

You are an expert in SEO and keyword research. Your task is to compile a detailed list of long-tail keywords for the topic [topic]. Look for low-competition queries that accurately reflect the topic and can bring organic traffic. Use reliable SEO tools and methods to find them. For each keyword, provide search volume, competition level, and estimated ranking difficulty. This list will help optimize content and strengthen the SEO strategy.

Question-Based Keywords

Question queries like “what is...”, “how does...”, or “why…” are ideal for informational content, FAQ pages, and featured snippets. They also perform well in voice search.

Prompt:

You are an SEO and keyword research specialist. Create a detailed list of question-based keywords for the topic [topic]. Focus on the phrases people frequently search to find information. Include both broad and niche questions that cover different aspects of the topic. Use reliable tools to assess search volume and competition. Organize the list to highlight opportunities for content that answers real user questions and attracts organic traffic.

Local Keywords

Local keywords help small and medium businesses attract nearby customers. Geo-targeted queries are especially important for services, delivery, local events, and brick-and-mortar businesses.

Prompt:

You are an SEO expert focused on local keyword research. Your task is to create a detailed list of keyword queries for a business in the [niche] sector located in [location]. Tailor the list to the company’s local market to strengthen online visibility and reach the target audience. Include both high-volume and long-tail phrases, considering local SEO characteristics and keyword competitiveness. Use trusted SEO tools for analysis. Finish with a summary of your method and recommendations for using the keywords effectively.

Keyword Clustering

Clustering groups related keywords into logical structures — site sections, internal links, and content hubs. It prevents duplicate topics and supports comprehensive content planning.

Prompt:

You are an SEO and keyword analysis expert. Your task is to gather and cluster keyword queries around the topic [topic]. Identify all relevant keywords, including short and long-tail phrases with organic traffic potential. Organize them into clusters based on their relationship to the core topic and promotion potential. Consider search volume, competition, and relevance in your grouping. The final result should be a structured list of clusters to help with content planning and SEO optimization.

Finding Popular Subtopics

Subtopics add depth and freshness to content. They allow for expanding coverage and generating a series instead of one-off content. Ideal for blogs, YouTube channels, and content hubs.

Prompt:

You are an SEO keyword research expert. Your task is to identify trending subtopics related to [topic]. Use current SEO tools to find high-volume queries directly connected to the main topic. The goal is to find in-demand or evergreen subtopics. Deliver a list of keywords and phrases suitable for content ideation. For each keyword, provide search volume, ranking difficulty, and inferred user intent.

Competitor Keyword Analysis

Analyzing competitors reveals what’s already working in your niche. It’s a great shortcut when time and budget are limited — ChatGPT can quickly outline the basics.

Prompt:

You are an SEO keyword research specialist. Your task is to analyze the top five competitors in the [niche] space. Study which keywords they use in their SEO strategies. Use tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Moz to gather full keyword data. Summarize your findings with lists of shared and unique keywords for each competitor. Then provide a shortlist of promising keyword opportunities to gain an edge.

Finding Content Gaps

Content gaps are SEO gold. If competitors ignore or poorly cover important questions, you can fill those gaps and gain visibility. It also helps improve existing content.

Prompt:

You are an SEO and keyword research expert. Your task is to identify content gaps on the topic [topic] across existing online resources. Conduct a full keyword and competitor analysis to find unaddressed areas and valuable opportunities. Also audit existing content to see what can be improved or expanded. The goal is to strengthen your content strategy, improve search rankings, and attract more organic traffic.