How to Do Keyword Research for eCommerce Products

Are you struggling to get your products found online? Learning how to do keyword research for eCommerce products can be the game-changer you need. Whether you run a Shopify store, sell on Amazon, or manage your own online shop, the right keywords can skyrocket your visibility and sales.

Let’s walk through a simple, practical guide that shows you how to find the exact words your customers are typing into Google—and how to use them the smart way.

Why Keyword Research Matters in eCommerce

Keyword research helps your products show up in search results when people look for what you sell. Without it, your listings might be invisible—no matter how great your products are.

Here’s why it's so important:

• Boosts organic traffic: More people can discover your site through Google and other search engines.

• Targets buyer intent: You attract people who are ready to purchase, not just browse.

• Reduces ad costs: Smart keyword targeting in paid campaigns means less waste and more ROI.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Do Keyword Research for eCommerce Products

Step 1: Start With Brainstorming

Think about what your customers would type to find your product. Put yourself in their shoes.

• What problems are they solving?

• What features or benefits are they looking for?

• Are there slang or industry-specific terms?

Example: If you sell eco-friendly yoga mats, think beyond just “yoga mat.” Terms like “non-toxic yoga mat” or “organic workout mat” could bring in highly targeted traffic.

Step 2: Use Keyword Research Tools

To go deeper, use tools that give you real data. These platforms show what people are searching for, how often, and how hard it is to rank.

Free Tools

• Google Keyword Planner

• Ubersuggest

• AnswerThePublic

• Google Search (Autocomplete + People Also Ask)

Paid Tools

• Ahrefs

• SEMrush

• KWFinder

• Helium 10 (for Amazon sellers)

These tools will help you discover long-tail keywords, search volume, competition level, and even trending phrases.

Step 3: Focus on Long-Tail Keywords

In Ecommerce Seo Service Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases. They may have lower search volume but often show high buying intent.

Examples:

• “Best running shoes for flat feet”

• “Leather laptop bag for women”

• “Gluten-free pancake mix online”

These phrases are gold because they speak directly to what someone wants to buy.

Step 4: Analyze Your Competitors

Check which keywords your top competitors are using on their product pages, blogs, and ads.

Here’s how:

• Look at their product titles and meta descriptions

• Use a tool like Ahrefs or SEMrush to spy on their keyword rankings

• Check Amazon listings for common terms and patterns

This gives you ideas and helps you spot gaps you can fill.

Step 5: Understand Search Intent

Every keyword has an intent behind it—informational, navigational, or transactional.

For eCommerce, you want to focus on transactional and commercial keywords like:

• Buy

• Shop

• Discount

• Free shipping

• Affordable

These keywords attract shoppers, not just information seekers.

Step 6: Group and Organize Your Keywords

Once you have a big list, group similar keywords together. This helps you:

• Create relevant product pages

• Build SEO-friendly categories

• Write targeted content (like blog posts or buying guides)

Example Grouping for a Store Selling Pet Accessories:

• Dog collars: "leather dog collar", "custom dog collars", "dog collar with name tag"

• Pet grooming tools: "dog grooming brush", "deshedding tool for cats"

Step 7: Optimize Product Pages

Now that you have the right keywords, use them naturally in these places:

• Product titles

• Meta descriptions

• Product descriptions

• Image alt text

• URL slugs

Pro tip: Avoid keyword stuffing. Google’s RankBrain understands natural language, so write for humans, not just bots.

Step 8: Track Performance and Refine

Keyword research isn’t one-and-done. Keep monitoring what’s working and make adjustments.

• Use Google Search Console to track clicks and impressions

• Update your content with better-performing keywords

• Keep an eye on trends and seasonal shifts

Voice Search and NLP: The New SEO Frontier

More users are speaking their searches aloud using Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. That’s why natural language and question-based queries are key.

Focus on:

• Conversational phrases

• Questions like “Where can I buy...?”

• Local search terms (“near me” or “in [city]”)

My Experience With eCommerce Keyword Research

I’ve helped dozens of online stores increase their traffic by focusing on keyword relevance and buyer intent. The truth is, it’s not about chasing high search volume—it’s about meeting customers where they are and giving them exactly what they need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best tool for eCommerce keyword research?

If you’re just starting out, Google Keyword Planner is free and solid. For Amazon sellers, Helium 10 is a top choice.

How often should I update my keywords?

Check in every 3–6 months. Trends shift, and staying updated keeps your content relevant.

Should I target short-tail or long-tail keywords?

Use a mix, but prioritize long-tail keywords. They attract more targeted traffic and are easier to rank for.

How many keywords should I use on a product page?

Stick to 1–2 main keywords and sprinkle in a few related ones naturally. Focus on quality, not quantity.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to do keyword research for eCommerce products is a skill that sets your store apart. When you speak your customer’s language and deliver exactly what they’re searching for, your chances of ranking—and making sales—go way up.

Start simple, stay consistent, and focus on real people, not just algorithms. That’s the secret to lasting eCommerce success.