If you are running a SaaS product and want more trials, demos, or paying customers, keyword research is one of the most useful skills you can learn.
Many guides make this topic confusing by using heavy jargon and complex ideas. This guide is different. It is written in simple English, explains everything step by step, and helps even complete beginners do SaaS keyword research the right way.
Keyword research works best when it follows a clear SaaS SEO strategy
Why SaaS Keyword Research Matters (Backed by Real Data)
Let’s look at real facts to understand why keyword research is worth your time.
Why SEO Matters for SaaS Growth
Around 68% of online experiences start with a search engine
59% of B2B marketers say SEO brings their highest-quality leads
SaaS companies targeting buyer-intent keywords often see 50%–200% growth in organic traffic within one year
Strong keyword research boosts not just traffic, but also demo requests and free trial signups
The main point is simple. People are already searching for solutions like yours. Keyword research helps your product appear when they are ready to take action.
Many SaaS founders struggle to turn traffic into trials. This is where a SaaS SEO agency
What Is SaaS Keyword Research? (Simple Explanation)
SaaS keyword research means finding the exact words and phrases people type into Google when they are looking for software like yours.
The goal is not to bring random traffic.
The goal is to attract
People who actually need your product
People actively comparing different tools
People ready to start a free trial or make a purchase
This is why search intent matters more than search volume . You should focus on why someone is searching, not just how many people search.
How SaaS Buyers Search (Important Insights)
Most SaaS buyers move through three stages when searching online. Understanding these stages helps you choose the right keywords.
Problem Stage (Awareness)
At this stage, people recognize they have a problem but are still seeking a solution.
Examples
How to manage customer support emails
Why customers complain about slow replies
How to track support requests
These keywords are best for blog posts that educate users and explain the problem.
Solution Stage (Comparison)
Now they understand that software can help and are exploring various tools.
Examples
Best help desk software
Customer support tools for small business
Zendesk alternatives
These searches are very valuable because users are actively comparing options.
Decision Stage (Buying)
Here, users are close to making a decision.
Examples
Help desk software pricing
Free help desk software trial
Freshdesk vs Zendesk
These keywords usually bring the highest number of trials, demos, and sales.
Step-by-Step SaaS Keyword Research (Beginner-Friendly Process) Follow these steps in order. You do not need advanced tools at the beginning. Free resources are enough.
Step 1: Define Your SaaS Basics Before using any tool, be clear about your product.
Ask yourself:
What does my software do?
Who is it for?
What problem does it solve?
Example
Product: Help desk softwareAudience: Small businessesProblem: Missed customer emailsSolution: Ticket system with live chat
This helps you think like your customer and use the same words they use.
Research from Google shows that most online journeys begin with a search. This explains why SEO continues to be one of the most dependable growth channels for SaaS businesses.
Step 2: Create a Seed Keyword List Seed keywords are basic terms related to your product. Start with 10 to 15 simple keywords.
Examples
Help desk software
Customer support software
Ticketing system
Live chat software
Step 3: Expand Keywords Using Free Sources Now grow your list using real user searches from Google, Reddit, and Quora.
Google Search
Type your seed keyword
Note Google autocomplete suggestions
Check the “People Also Ask” section
These are real questions people search for every day.
Reddit
Help desk software Reddit
Best customer support tool on Reddit
People openly share experiences such as:
What help desk is best for a small team?
Is Zendesk worth the price?
Write down the exact wording.
Quora
Which help desk software is good for startups?
Is free help desk software reliable?
These questions can become blog posts or landing pages.
Tip
Think of this like a tree. Seed keywords are the trunk.
Google, Reddit, and Quora help you grow branches and leaves.
Step 4: Check Keyword Intent (Most Important Step) Do not chase traffic only. Always ask why someone is searching.
Intent Examples
Low Intent Example: What is customer service
High Intent Example: Best help desk software for small businesses
High-intent keywords bring fewer visitors, but better customers.
Step 5: Group Keywords into Clusters Group similar keywords together. This makes content planning easy.
Example Clusters
Help Desk Software
Help desk software
Best help desk software
Help desk software for small businesses
High-Intent Keyword Types
Comparison
Zendesk alternatives
Freshdesk vs Zendesk
Pricing
Help desk software pricing
Free help desk software
Each cluster should have:
One main page
Two to four supporting pages
Think of it like a wheel. The main page is the center. Supporting pages connect to it.
Step 6: Match Keywords with Content Types Use the right content format for each keyword type.
Keyword Strategy
Keyword Type
Best Content Type
Why It Works
How-to
Blog post
Educates and builds trust
Comparison
Comparison page
Helps users decide
Pricing
Landing page
Drives signups
Alternatives
Dedicated page
Positions your product clearly
This helps move users from reading to signing up.
Real Case Study: SaaS Growth Through Keyword Research Company: Bloom (customer engagement SaaS)
Problem: Low organic traffic and weak free trial signups
What They Did
Focused on buyer-intent keywords
Created comparison and alternative pages
Answered real user questions through blogs
Results
Organic traffic increased by almost 100%
Free trial signups grew by more than 80%
Why It Worked
Why Reddit Is So Powerful for SaaS Keyword Research Reddit is where people say what they actually mean, not what they think Google wants to hear. Users speak in raw, honest language and describe real problems without filters. This is exactly why marketers use Reddit to find keywords that convert , not just rank.
When someone asks on Reddit, “Is Zendesk worth the price for a small team?” or says, “We outgrew our help desk in six months,” they are revealing real buying thoughts. These phrases often become high-intent keywords that perform extremely well in SaaS content.
When you learn how to read Reddit threads carefully, you start seeing patterns. The same complaints, questions, and comparisons appear again and again. At that point, Reddit becomes more than a forum. It becomes a live keyword research engine showing you exactly how your potential customers think and speak.
FAQs
1. What does a mobile SEO agency do?
They optimize websites for mobile performance, speed, and usability, ensuring better Google rankings on smartphones.
2. How much does mobile SEO cost in 2025?
Most agencies charge between $1,000 and $5,000/month depending on site size and goals.
3. Is mobile SEO different from regular SEO?
Yes. It focuses on responsive design, Core Web Vitals, and mobile UX, not just keywords.
4. Can AI improve mobile SEO?
Absolutely. AI tools automate audits, intent analysis, and content recommendations.
5. How long until results appear?
Typically 3–6 months for measurable ranking gains.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Focusing on traffic instead of intent
Writing content without a keyword plan
Ignoring comparison and pricing pages
Expecting fast results
Never updating old content
Final Thoughts SaaS keyword research is not about tricks or shortcuts.
It works when you:
Understand your users
Use the same words they use
Create helpful content
Stay patient and consistent
If you follow this guide step by step, you can grow steady organic traffic, attract the right users, and increase trials and sales without depending on paid ads
