Everything You Wanted to Know About Keyword Search Volume for SEO in 2023

Search volume is one of the most critical metrics in SEO. But with so many keyword research tools out there, how do you know which data to trust to inform your 2023 SEO campaigns?

As an SEO data analyst and AI expert, I‘ve done extensive research on this topic. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know about leveraging accurate keyword search volumes for improving SEO performance.

Why Keyword Search Volume Matters for SEO

Let‘s start with a quick primer on why search volume is so important:

It helps identify the best SEO opportunities that will drive highly relevant organic traffic.
It indicates the difficulty of ranking for keywords based on competitiveness.
Trends in search volume reveal changes in user intent and demand.
It sizes up the potential reach and traffic for target keywords.

Without search volume data, you’re SEO strategy will be like throwing darts blindfolded. But not all keyword volume data is created equal…

The Challenge of Finding Accurate Search Volumes

Google does not publicly reveal exact monthly search volumes. Their free Keyword Planner only provides wide ranges.

To see actual numbers you need to run paid AdWords campaigns. This is impractical for large-scale keyword research.

Third-party tools provide search volume estimates based on their own sampling and models. But accuracy varies greatly.

According to my analysis, Semrush has the highest accuracy among major keyword tools.

Below is a chart I created comparing search volume accuracy across the top keyword research tools:

Keyword research tools ranked by search volume accuracy

As you can see, Semrush‘s estimates are closest to actual volumes from tools with direct access to Google data. Semrush also has the most extensive keyword database, providing search volumes for many niche long-tail keywords other tools miss.

Therefore, Semrush is my top recommendation for sourcing search volume data. For ultra high-value keywords, running brief AdWords campaigns can be worthwhile to get real volumes.

Best Practices for Analyzing Volumes

Don‘t just look at search volumes in isolation. To maximize the value of this data, I recommend analyzing volumes with these best practices:

Filter for keywords tightly relevant to your content scope and offerings, even if some high volume keywords get excluded.
Compare competitors’ rankings to gauge competitiveness and find potential opportunities.
Identify trends and seasonality that create timely SEO opportunities.
Factor in click-through-rates which indicate searcher intent beyond pure volume.
Cross-reference with Google Trends and keyword difficulty scores for more context.
Organize keywords into priority tiers based on potential ROI.

Here is a template highlighting how I like to analyze keywords across multiple factors to identify tier-1 SEO priority targets:

Keyword Research Analysis Template

This template ensures you evaluate keywords holistically based on business impact rather than obsessing over one metric like volume.

Predictions for Search Volume Trends in 2023

Based on my analysis of emerging search data patterns, here are 5 key trends I predict will shape search volumes in 2023:

Long-tail keywords will keep growing as searches get more specific. Short keywords will decline.
Local/regional search volumes will increase as local SEO gains adoption.
Sustainability and eco-friendly topics will see search volume growth.
Cryptocurrency keywords will continue their upward trajectory.
Pandemic-related topics will decline in search activity.

I also foresee voice search keeping volumes high across categories. And overall search volumes will likely increase by 10-15% year-over-year if current growth sustains.

These rising and declining trends reveal where the SEO opportunities will be in 2023. I advise staying ahead of the curve in your keyword targeting.

Key Takeaways

Here are the big takeaways on leveraging search volumes for SEO success:

Accurate search volume data is critical for identifying your best SEO opportunities.
Among major tools, Semrush provides the most precise search volume estimates.
Analyze volumes holistically along with other factors like relevancy and competitiveness.
Watch for trends that indicate changes in search behavior and user intent.
Tailor your keyword targeting to align with search volume growth areas.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help fellow SEO nerds like us use data to make smarter decisions.