Moz Q&A is closed.
After more than 13 years, and tens of thousands of questions, Moz Q&A closed on 12th December 2024. Whilst we’re not completely removing the content - many posts will still be possible to view - we have locked both new posts and new replies. More details here.
How Do You Find the Total Search Volume for an Industry?
-
Currently my company is working on trying to find the total search volume (read: search potential) for our industry, but aren't sure how best to go about it. Obviously GWT data and Keyword Planner data came to mind, but those are not all encompassing (at least we don't think they are) -- GWT only has data for terms you rank for and the Keyword Planner only gives you volume if you already know the queries. Is there some quick and easy way to go about finding this that we haven't thought of?
One thing to note is that our business is nationwide, meaning that all our terms will have a geo-identifier associated with them for each location i.e. [city] + search term -- this just makes things even more complicated. Any advice on to approach would be much appreciated!
-
Right you are Keri, there's no fooling you
I have not read that post you mentioned but I'll be sure to take a look.
What you mentioned is exactly the problem we are facing -- how can we go about finding all the ways people are searching for and finding us organically? Where are all the places we can be in SERPs? Not sure if we will ever get a complete answer but we are trying our best. Thanks for the reference!
-
No worries Monica it's definitely a tough one, thanks anyways. We are going with GWT tools right now but just wanted to see if there was another option. Fingers crossed!
-
To add to Ryan's good answer here, I'm going to assume that you're asking about the storage industry, based on your profile URL. I wrote a post about finding negative keywords and used the examples of moving and storage companies, and highlighted some of the many alternate intents people could have when they search for storage (such as storage containers for their flour and sugar). If you need some other examples, check out the post at http://moz.com/blog/negative-keywords-for-positive-roi.
-
Getting precise numbers on such a broad topic will likely be a bridge too far, plus they start to move and oscillate into the future so some projection factor is going to have to be used for any sort of planning as you make them. For example, look at Google Trends analysis of the topic LEGO: http://www.google.com/trends/explore#q=LEGO&cmpt=q. And look at some of the ways it begins to get messy: Is it just the industry of toys? What about the movies LEGO is now producing? Or are Legoland searches at the core of it?
The broader net you cast the more odd intersections you're going to come across...
It sounds like you're trying to use these numbers not as an industry report but for actionable budgeting and tactical planning for the nationwide business. Or maybe I'm mis-reading your question. The point being, your existing business should have some reliable numbers on current conversion rates and traffic that are much more applicable to scale into other locations. Why not use those and first apply some level of market penetration based on demographics and populations?
TL;DR: I'd project some simple trends for the industry, but then be tactical on the small scale. Work where you can move the needle most. Cheers!
-
I can't think of anything specifically. In my industry, the manufacturer provides search volume information for us.
In GWT, total impressions for the week or month might give you some kind of idea. I know that it is only impressions attached to the search queries listed on the page, but this is the only place I can think of to find high level data like that without looking for search volume on every key word individually.
Sorry!
Got a burning SEO question?
Subscribe to Moz Pro to gain full access to Q&A, answer questions, and ask your own.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
Finding less competitive keywords
Hello, How Moz can help me in finding less competitive keywords for a site based on omega masticating juicer. I had tried other tools but i am not satisfied with it. Kindly tell me the process to find it. Thanks.
Keyword Research | | romanjames0 -
How to Find a Competitor's Target Keyword for a Particular Webpage
I understand how to do basic keyword research and how to review a competitor's code (meta tags, etc.). But what is the best method for finding out what a competitor's target keyword is for a particular web page? For example, the URL www.example.com/about-us, what is the best method for finding out what their target keyword is? I have been using a keyword density tool to run the URLs and find the keyword or phase that appears most often but would think there is a better way?
Keyword Research | | rx3000 -
What tools can show me seasonal peaks in search volume?
HI, I am wanting to see when search volume "peaks" for specific keywords. Is there a good way to view search volume over an historical timeline? See the best month, weeks? Thanks! Kevin
Keyword Research | | yandl0 -
Why does this keyword have much greater volume in Bing Keyword Research Tool than Google AdWords Keyword Planner?
I'm using the Google AdWords keyword planner and Bing Webmaster Keyword Research tool. For both, I'm trying to get accurate search volume for the exact term "advertising sales". Over the last thirty days, Bing reports a volume of 5,988. Google's average monthly search volume is 880. Given the market share Google has, I would expect a much higher volume, especially when compared to Bing. Can you offer some ideas of why this might be happening?
Keyword Research | | Kevin_P0 -
What is the best tool for finding what people are using as search phrases for my product
what is the best tool for finding what people are using as search phrases for my product? i used to use the google adwords keyword suggestion tool but that tool is gone now. Is the google keyword planner now the best tool to use? Thanks, Ron
Keyword Research | | Ron101 -
How can a keyword has very low search volume (<10) and high competition?
Sometimes I notice in Google keyword tool that a keyword has very low search volume (<10) and high competition? Why would anyone go for a keyword with very less search volume ?? (note: If Checked in Google keywords tool with Exact match) Though I understand this tool doesn't always have exact data but still any explanation to that question?
Keyword Research | | Personnel_Concept0 -
Search Volume vs. CTR
Is it better to optimize based on search volume or click through rate? For example: If a keyword has a CTR of 19% and only 3,000 monthly searches, while another keyword that is relevant to that page has a CTR of 0.7% and 20,000 monthly searches, which keyword should that page be optimized for for better natural results and the bottom line?
Keyword Research | | Motivators0