Mobile keyword research is essential because 59.4% of global web traffic now comes from mobile devices. Mobile searches are shorter, often local, and increasingly voice-driven. Here's how you can optimize for mobile search:
- Shorter Queries: Focus on concise keywords (1-3 words).
- Local Intent: Add location-specific terms.
- Voice Search: Use conversational, natural language.
- Immediate Needs: Prioritize action-oriented keywords.
To succeed, follow these 4 steps:
- Understand Mobile Search Intent: Analyze mobile user behavior and landing page performance.
- Gather Mobile-Specific Data: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to filter for mobile trends.
- Analyze Competitors: Study their mobile keywords, SERP features, and local strategies.
- Target Mobile Search Features: Optimize for voice search, local packs, and mobile SERPs.
Quick Comparison:
| Mobile Search Trend | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Voice Search Queries | Optimize for natural language |
| Location-Based Searches | Prioritize hyperlocal targeting |
| Featured Snippets | Format content for mobile SERPs |
Use tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and AnswerThePublic to refine your strategy. Mobile search is evolving - stay ahead by tracking trends and optimizing for mobile-first behaviors.
Keyword Research Tutorial: From Start to Finish
How Users Search on Mobile Devices
The way people search on mobile devices is quite different from desktop behavior, which means keywords need to be approached differently.
Mobile vs Desktop Search Patterns
Mobile searches tend to be shorter, averaging 2.9 words per query compared to 3.2 words on desktop [1]. This reflects how mobile users often search quickly and deal with smaller screens.
Another key difference is urgency. Mobile users typically look for quick answers or immediate solutions, while desktop users might spend more time researching. Here's how the two compare:
| Search Characteristic | Mobile | Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Average Query Length | 2.9 words [1] | 3.2 words [1] |
| Local Intent | High | Moderate |
| Action Orientation | Very High | Moderate |
Voice Search and Keywords
Voice search is changing the way keywords are used, especially with younger users. For example, 55% of people aged 18-24 use voice search daily [3]. This requires keywords that sound natural and conversational. Focus on:
- Questions (e.g., "Where is the nearest coffee shop?")
- Everyday language that mirrors how people speak
- Casual, conversational terms
Location-Based Search Trends
Mobile users often search for nearby services or businesses. In fact, 76% of people performing local searches visit a business within 24 hours [5].
This behavior aligns with "micro-moments", where users need immediate, location-specific answers. To capture these users, prioritize keywords tied to specific locations and actions. These trends will shape the strategies discussed in the next section.
4 Steps to Find Mobile Keywords
To tap into mobile-specific user behaviors, follow this streamlined four-step process:
Step 1: Understand Mobile Search Intent
Dive into how mobile users engage with your content. Pay attention to:
- Performance of mobile landing pages
- Bounce rates and user behavior patterns
- Conversion paths unique to mobile visitors
Step 2: Gather Mobile-Specific Search Data
Use Google Keyword Planner to focus on mobile search trends. Here's how:
| Action | Focus Areas | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Choose Mobile Targeting | Device preferences | Filters out desktop traffic |
| Review Search Volume | Mobile trends column | Highlights demand from mobile users |
| Analyze Competition | Mobile bid suggestions | Shows potential commercial value |
| Check Seasonal Trends | Monthly patterns | Identifies timing opportunities |
Step 3: Analyze Competitor Mobile Keywords
Competitor analysis tools like SEMrush or BrightSide SEO can uncover opportunities. Focus on:
- Their top-performing mobile keywords
- Page structures optimized for mobile
- SERP features they rank for
- Local strategies they use effectively
Incorporate local intent insights when evaluating their approach to location-based optimizations.
Step 4: Explore Mobile Search Features
Mobile search results often include unique features. Target keywords that align with:
- Voice search results that trigger featured snippets
- Local packs for "near me" searches
- People Also Ask sections
- App pack results, if applicable
- AMP carousel placements
Tailor your content to align with these features for better visibility.
These steps provide a solid base for leveraging mobile keyword tools, which will be discussed further in the next section.
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Best Tools for Mobile Keyword Research
Once you've identified mobile keyword opportunities using the four-step process, it's time to put them into action with these specialized tools:
Keyword Research Tools
Both SEMrush and Ahrefs offer features tailored for mobile keyword analysis. SEMrush includes mobile keyword difficulty scores and tracks SERP features, boasting a 4.6/5 rating on G2 [6]. Ahrefs, known for its Content Gap tool, shines in competitor analysis and holds a 4.7/5 rating on Capterra [2].
| Tool Feature | SEMrush | Ahrefs |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Keyword Filter | Yes - Direct filter | Yes - Through advanced search |
| SERP Feature Analysis | Comprehensive | In-depth with position tracking |
| Mobile Difficulty Score | Dedicated mobile score | Universal score with mobile insights |
Voice Search Tools
For conversational keywords and question patterns, AnswerThePublic is a go-to tool. It organizes queries into categories like:
- Question words (e.g., who, what, where)
- Prepositions and comparisons
- Related terms and phrases
AlsoAsked.com is another helpful resource, offering visual maps of how questions are related. This makes it easier to identify natural language trends in mobile voice searches.
Local Search Tools
BrightSide SEO's Local Add-On focuses on location-specific keywords, providing features like:
- Local search grid analysis
- Tracking "near me" search volumes
- Monitoring mobile local pack results
Google My Business Insights adds another layer by tracking how mobile users interact with your business listing. Together, these tools help you effectively target location-based mobile searches.
Using these tools equips you with the insights needed for tracking and optimizing your mobile keyword strategy.
Track and Improve Mobile Keywords
Once you've identified your mobile keywords and set up the necessary tools, it's time to focus on maintaining and improving their performance. This involves working on three areas: content, rankings, and seasonal trends.
Mobile Content Setup
Creating content that works well on mobile devices is all about structure and usability. Here's what to focus on:
- Short paragraphs with clear, easy-to-read headings
- Fast-loading images and media elements
- Navigation that’s mobile-friendly
- Using schema markup for better search visibility
Schema in Action:
| Schema Type | Mobile Benefit |
|---|---|
| LocalBusiness | Increases visibility for "near me" searches |
For example, Airbnb saw a 23% jump in mobile bookings by using neighborhood-specific schema markup and creating localized landing pages.
Mobile Rank Tracking
Google Search Console is a great tool for keeping tabs on your mobile keyword performance [7]. Pay attention to:
- Differences in rankings between mobile and desktop
- Click-through rates (CTR) specifically from mobile devices
- How quickly your pages load on mobile
- Any usability issues flagged for mobile users
Seasonal Mobile Search Trends
Mobile search behavior often changes with the seasons, and staying on top of these trends is key. Local "near me" searches have skyrocketed by over 900% in the last two years [4], with clear seasonal peaks.
How to Stay Ahead During Seasonal Shifts:
- Use Google Trends to spot search patterns
- Optimize landing pages for mobile during peak seasons
- Adjust schema markup for seasonal promotions
- Monitor competitor activity during high-traffic periods
During these times, voice search often becomes more prominent, so make sure your content is optimized for that as well.
Mobile Keyword Research Summary
Mobile search continues to change how people find information online. Three key shifts in mobile search behavior stand out:
Voice search now makes up 20% of mobile queries [2], highlighting the need for conversational keywords and natural language. Location-based searches are also a major factor, reshaping how businesses optimize their online presence.
Key Steps for Mobile Optimization:
To align your keyword strategy with mobile user behavior, consider these steps:
- Use schema markup to target mobile-first SERP features.
- Keep an eye on mobile-specific SERP features.
- Track mobile metrics separately from desktop data.
For help with this, BrightSide SEO offers keyword tracking packages focused on voice and local search, covering 10-30 keywords monthly.
Staying Ahead in Mobile Search:
Mobile search trends are driven by voice assistants and hyperlocal features [8]. Use the mobile rank tracking methods mentioned earlier to stay updated on these changes.
| Mobile Search Trend | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Voice Search Queries | Optimize for natural language |
| Location-Based Searches | Prioritize hyperlocal targeting |
| Featured Snippets | Format content for mobile SERPs |
Regularly refine your mobile keyword strategy using tools like Google Search Console and SEMrush to keep your site visible in mobile search results.
