Google Ads Keyword Planner: How to Use It for SEO & GEO in 2026
Google Ads Keyword Planner: The Free Tool That Powers Your SEO, GEO, and Paid Strategy
Google Ads Keyword Planner is one of the most powerful free keyword research tools available — and most businesses are barely scratching the surface of what it can do. In 2026, it’s not just useful for Google Ads campaigns. It’s a core part of any smart SEO and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) strategy. This guide walks you through how to set it up, how to find the right keywords for your business, and how to use that data to show up in Google Search and in AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity.
Common Questions About Google Ads Keyword Planner
- How do I access Google Ads Keyword Planner?
- Is Google Ads Keyword Planner free to use?
- What does the Keyword Planner actually do?
- How do I use it for SEO — not just Google Ads?
- Can I use keyword data to show up in AI search results (GEO)?
How to Set Up and Use Google Ads Keyword Planner
Step 1: Access Keyword Planner
To use Keyword Planner, you need a Google Ads account. You can sign up with a Gmail account — we recommend using a business Gmail so your team can access it without using your personal login. Once you’re in Google Ads, click the Tools icon (the wrench) in the top navigation, then select Keyword Planner under the Planning section.
Step 2: Choose Your Research Mode
You’ll see two options: Discover new keywords and Get search volume and forecasts. For most businesses doing SEO or GEO research, start with “Discover new keywords.” Enter a topic, product, or service — and Google will return keyword ideas with monthly search volume, competition level, and bid range data.
Step 3: Filter and Prioritize Your Keywords
Don’t just grab the highest-volume keywords. Look for keywords that match what your ideal client is actually searching for. Filter by location (e.g., Canada, Vancouver Island) and language. Pay attention to low competition + moderate volume keywords — these are often the fastest path to ranking.
Step 4: Use Keywords for SEO and GEO
Once you have your keyword list, use it across your website content, blog posts, page titles, and meta descriptions. For GEO (getting cited by AI tools), focus on keywords that represent questions your audience asks — then write comprehensive answers to those questions. AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini pull from pages that clearly answer specific queries.
Using Google Ads Keyword Planner for GEO in 2026
GEO — Generative Engine Optimization — is about getting your content cited by AI tools, not just ranked by Google. Keyword Planner helps with GEO because it shows you the exact language your audience uses. When you build content around those phrases and answer the underlying questions thoroughly, you increase the chance that AI tools will reference your page when someone asks a related question. Think of it as keyword research for the AI era.
Quick Steps to Get Started
- Create a Google Ads account (free — you don’t need to run ads to use Keyword Planner)
- Navigate to Tools → Keyword Planner
- Enter your core service or product topic
- Filter results by your target location
- Export your keyword list and sort by relevance to your audience
- Map keywords to existing pages or create new content to target gaps
Have questions about keyword research or want help building a strategy? Book a free consultation — we’ll walk you through it.
Google Ads Keyword Planner: This Not That
How smart businesses use Keyword Planner vs. how most businesses use it.
| ❌ Old Way | ✅ The SDM Way |
|---|---|
| Only use Keyword Planner when setting up a Google Ads campaign | Use it as the foundation for your entire keyword strategy — SEO, GEO, blog content, and paid ads all from one tool |
| Chase the highest-volume keywords | Target keywords with the right intent for your audience — volume means nothing if the wrong people are clicking |
| Set national targeting and ignore location data | Filter by your actual service area (e.g., Vancouver Island, BC) to find keywords your local competitors are missing |
| Do keyword research once and forget about it | Revisit keyword data quarterly — search behaviour shifts, and your content strategy should shift with it |
Want Us to Handle Your Keyword Research?
Keyword research is the foundation of every SEO, GEO, and Google Ads strategy we build at SDM. If you’d rather skip the learning curve and get a keyword strategy built specifically for your business, we’re here for it. Book a free strategy call and we’ll show you exactly what keywords your ideal clients are searching for — and how to show up for them.
Book a Free Strategy Call →Don’t let your competitors get further ahead
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Book a free consultation. We’ll review your current marketing, identify your biggest opportunities, and show you a clear path forward—no pressure, just practical advice you can use right away.