Lesson Three In SEO Basics
How To Choose A Focus Keyword For Your Blog Post
If you’ve ever stared at a blinking cursor wondering how on earth your blog post will get found in the big wide world of the internet, you’re not alone. One simple thing you can do to give your blog post a helping hand is to choose a focus keyword. But you have to know how to choose a keyword for your blog post.
This lesson is for total beginners—no jargon, no pressure. Just a calm, step-by-step explanation of what a focus keyword is, why it matters, and three easy (free!) ways to find one.
What is a Focus Keyword?
A focus keyword is simply the main phrase or question someone might type into Google—and that your blog post aims to answer.
Think of it like this: if your blog post is a letter, your focus keyword is the name on the envelope. It tells search engines (and people!) what your content is about.
Example:
If you’re writing a blog post about choosing a niche, your focus keyword might be:
“How to choose a niche”
It doesn’t need to be one word. It can be a whole phrase—in fact, for beginners, it often is.
And no, this isn’t about stuffing your blog with keywords. It’s about helping your post be found by the right people—people who are already looking for the kind of help you’re offering.
Why Focus Keywords Matter
Three Beginner-Friendly Ways to Find a Focus Keyword
1. Think Like Your Reader
Ask yourself: What would I type into Google if I were looking for this?
If you’re writing about blog ideas, you might think:
- “What should I blog about as a beginner?”
That whole sentence becomes your focus keyword.
If you’re writing about knitting, a beginner might ask:
- “How do you cast on?”
That, too, is a focus keyword.
The goal here is to imagine what your reader would genuinely ask—not what an expert might write.
2. Use Google Search Suggestions
Google is surprisingly helpful.
Go to Google, start typing your blog topic (like “how to cast on in knitting”), and see what pops up. You’ll notice suggestions like:
- “how to cast on in knitting for beginners”
- “how to cast on using the thumb method”
These are actual searches people are making—which means they can inspire your blog title, focus keyword, or both.
Try other examples too, like “fishing for beginners” or “how to start a blog in the UK”. You’ll quickly spot patterns.
3. Use Pinterest (With Caution!)
Pinterest is another great place to spot focus keywords. Just be warned—it’s a bit of a rabbit hole!
Type your topic into the Pinterest search bar (e.g., “cast on knitting”) and see what comes up. You’ll find:
- Phrase suggestions
- Blog title inspiration
- Related topics (with pictures!)
It’s especially helpful for creative or lifestyle topics. Just set a timer—you may get pleasantly distracted!
Where to Use Your Focus Keyword
Once you’ve chosen your keyword, gently weave it into your blog post in a few key places:
- In the title
- In the first paragraph
- In one subheading
- A few times in the body of the post (where it feels natural)
A helpful image: think of your blog post as a welcome mat. If your keyword is woven into the start, middle, and just a few cosy corners, both readers and search engines will feel right at home.
Just don’t overdo it. If it starts to feel forced, that’s a sign to ease off.
Do You Know How To Choose A Focus Keyword
If you’re not sure you’ve picked the perfect keyword, that’s completely fine.
Like everything in blogging, this gets easier with practice. You can always tweak things later. And tools like RankMath (which I use on my own site) can give you friendly prompts as you go.
I’ve also written a beginner’s guide to SEO which you’ll find HERE if you’d like to go a little deeper.
And Finally...
I’ve created a video to accompany this lesson. You can access it HERE
What focus keyword are you working on right now? I’d love to hear. Leave a comment below or come and say hello on Facebook.
Thanks for being here. You’re doing brilliantly.