How to Do YouTube Keyword Research for a Solo Business (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re running a solo business or a one-person online business, one of the best ways to grow is by creating content that lasts — not content that disappears in 24 hours. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are great for quick engagement, but the content there fades fast.

That’s why YouTube and Google are still the most powerful platforms to build your online presence. When you post the right type of content with the right keyword suggestions right keywords, your videos stay searchable and continue bringing you traffic for years. That’s the power of SEO and effective YouTube keyword research.

Why Evergreen YouTube Content Wins

I’ve personally built two successful language-based YouTube channels — one teaching English to Lithuanian speakers, and another teaching Lithuanian to English speakers. Completely different audiences, but both grew using the same keyword strategy.

The key? Creating evergreen videos around keywords that people actually search for on YouTube and Google. Once your video ranks, it keeps working for you long after you hit publish.

What Are YouTube Keywords?

YouTube keywords are the words and phrases that people type into the YouTube search bar when they’re looking for something. For example, if someone types in a popular search “English lessons for beginners” — that’s a keyword.

The better you understand what your audience is searching for, the easier it becomes to create videos that show up in YouTube search results can be enhanced with a keyword planner and even on Google search.

That’s why keyword research for YouTube is crucial — it helps YouTube understand what your content is about and match it with people who are looking for it.

Step 1: Start With YouTube Autocomplete

One of the best ways to find keywords using a youtube keyword research tool for your YouTube videos is to use the YouTube autocomplete feature.

Just go to the YouTube search bar, type in a word or phrase (like “English lessons” or “gardening tutorial”), and see what suggestions pop up. Those suggestions are popular keywords that people are currently searching for on YouTube.

This gives you a list of keywords that you can start targeting — and because these come directly from user behavior, they’re reliable and up-to-date.

Step 2: Use a YouTube Keyword Tool (Like VidIQ)

If you want to dig deeper, you can use keyword tools like VidIQ — one of the best YouTube keyword tools available.

VidIQ helps you find related keywords, analyze search volume, and check competition levels. You can even see keyword ideas can be generated using a youtube keyword research tool, monthly search volume can indicate high search volume for certain keywords, and the search volume and competition score for each keyword.

The platform has both free and paid plans. Even if you only use it for one month, you can collect a full keyword list for the year to maximize your high search volume potential. That’s how I did it — I paid for one month, exported all my relevant keywords, and built a year’s worth of video ideas.

Step 3: Focus on Long-Tail Keywords

In the beginning, target long-tail keywords — these are more specific search terms with lower competition.

For example:
Instead of just “gardening,” go for something like “how to improve mental health with gardening” is a popular search topic on YouTube.

This is a keyword with a medium search volume but low competition, which makes it easier for new or small channels to rank. Even if you have fewer than 1,000 subscribers, you can still rank for these kinds of specific keywords.

Step 4: Check YouTube Search Results

Once you find a keyword, search for it on YouTube and see what kind of videos show up.

If you notice that large channels dominate, it might be harder to rank. But if smaller channels appear in the search results, that’s a good sign. It means the keyword is still open and you can create a video on YouTube that has a chance to show up on the first page.

You can use tools like VidIQ’s youtube studio keyword research tool to export all related keywords and search volume data into a spreadsheet. This helps you build a solid strategy for youtube keyword ideas keyword strategy for your entire content plan.

Step 5: Optimize Your Videos for SEO

Once you have your primary keyword, make sure to use video SEO techniques use the keyword on YouTube in your video title, description, and tags. Include a few relevant keywords naturally in your script and on-screen text as well.

This helps with keyword optimization and improves your visibility on both YouTube and Google search. The goal is to make it easy for the search engine to understand what your content is about.

When you optimize your videos, you’ll notice your channel slowly building momentum — more impressions, higher watch time, and consistent growth over time.

Bonus: Free YouTube Keyword Research Strategy

If you’re just getting started, here’s a simple process to follow:

1. Use the YouTube search bar and autocomplete to find the right keywords.

2. Check search results for competition.

3. Use a tool for YouTube like VidIQ or TubeBuddy to expand your keyword list.

4. Create a keyword strategy and plan your content around it.

5. Keep posting and optimizing — YouTube SEO is a long game.

Remember: keyword research is the process that powers everything. Once you find the right keywords, you’ll create videos that people actually search for — and that’s how you get more views and build a sustainable online business.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about building a solo business online, start with content and keyword research. Focus on YouTube keywords with manageable competition and good keyword suggestions search volume, and you’ll quickly see results.

Your videos will rank not just on YouTube, but also on Google and YouTube search — giving your business visibility for months or even years.

If you want to learn more, check out my free 3-step workshop where I teach how to create content, get leads, and make your first $100 online.

It’s not about luck — it’s about strategy. Start today and let YouTube keyword research work for you. 🚀