How to Run Keyword Research in Semrush
Step-by-step guide to keyword research in Semrush. Use Keyword Magic Tool, analyze difficulty, and build a keyword strategy.
Step-by-step
How to Run Keyword Research in Semrush
Start with the Keyword Magic Tool
Go to Keyword Research → Keyword Magic Tool. Enter a broad seed keyword related to your niche (e.g., 'email marketing'). Semrush returns thousands of related keywords organized by topic groups.
Filter and sort results
Filter by search volume (minimum 100+), keyword difficulty (start with KD under 40 for easier wins), and search intent (informational for blog content, commercial/transactional for product pages).
Analyze keyword difficulty
Click any keyword to see the SERP analysis — who ranks in the top 10, their domain authority, backlink count, and content type. This tells you what it takes to rank.
Build and export your keyword list
Add promising keywords to a keyword list using the checkbox + 'Add to list' button. Organize lists by topic or content type. Export to CSV for your content calendar.
Tips
Pro tips
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Start with long-tail keywords (3-5 words) — they're easier to rank for and often have higher conversion intent
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Use the 'Questions' filter to find FAQ and 'how to' keywords perfect for blog content
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Check the 'Keyword Gap' tool to find keywords competitors rank for that you're missing
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