Before starting keyword research, what is the first thing you should do?

The first step before diving into keyword research is to clarify your objectives. Understanding what you are trying to achieve sets the foundation for your entire keyword strategy. This includes defining your target audience, identifying the goals of your content or campaign (such as increasing traffic, generating leads, or improving conversions), and establishing the context in which the keywords will be used.

This preliminary step ensures that the keywords you ultimately choose align with your overall business goals, making the research more focused and effective. If your objectives are clear, it becomes easier to identify relevant keywords that not only attract traffic but also lead to the desired actions from your audience.

Other options may appear useful, but they miss the crucial aspect of having a clear goal that drives the keyword selection process. Simply purchasing a tool or writing content without understanding your objectives can lead to misdirected efforts, whereas starting with a goal in mind directs your research and optimizes your results.