Picture this: you’re brainstorming content ideas, and suddenly, you have access to a magical crystal ball that shows you exactly what your audience is curious about.
Essentially, that’s what AnswerThePublic does! This nifty tool is a goldmine for content creators and marketers, providing insights into the questions, prepositions, and comparisons people are searching for around any given topic. We love to suggest it as a free resource to business owners who don’t have the budget to afford an SEO tool like SEMRush or AHREFS.
In this mini-guide, we’ll walk you through how to use AnswerThePublic effectively to target great keywords and generate content ideas without breaking the bank.
What is AnswerThePublic?
Unlike traditional keyword research tools that focus on search volume and competition, AnswerThePublic zeroes in on the actual queries people are typing into search engines.
AnswerThePublic taps into the autocomplete data from search engines like Google and Bing. When you start typing a query, those helpful suggestions are the exact data AnswerThePublic is using to feed you content ideas for your blog.
The tool’s algorithm takes your seed keyword and combines it with questions (who, what, where, when, why, how), prepositions (for, to, with, without), and comparisons (versus, and, or, like) to generate a comprehensive list of related queries.
Many people’s favorite part is how it presents this data: in a visually appealing “search cloud” that’s not only informative but also pretty fun to explore!
Benefits for Content Creators
By seeing the actual questions people are asking, you can create content that directly addresses their needs and curiosities. Plus, this tool is great for uncovering content gaps and opportunities.
You might discover questions you’ve never thought to answer before, giving you a competitive edge in your content strategy. Plus, when you’re staring at a blank page, wondering what to write next, AnswerThePublic can help you spark ideas for your blog posts, as well as videos, infographics, and even social media content.
Getting Started with AnswerThePublic.com
Creating an Account
Head over to AnswerThePublic.com and click on the “Create Free Account” button. What’s great is that you can start using the tool right away.
The AnswerThePublic free version offers a robust set of features for most users, including a limited number of daily searches, making it an excellent starting point for content creators on a budget.
Once you’re in, you’ll see a search bar front and center. Type in your seed keyword, select your language and region (if applicable), and hit “Search.”
The results page is where things get interesting. You’ll see several sections: Questions, Prepositions, Comparisons, Alphabetical, and Related. Each section presents the data in a different way, giving you a comprehensive view of the search landscape around your topic.
The visual search cloud is the star of the show. It’s a circular diagram that displays questions radiating out from your central keyword.
Understanding Search Limits
Here’s the deal with the free version: you get a limited number of searches per day. As of now, it’s 3 searches per day, but this can change, so always check the current limits.
To make the most of your free searches, make a list of your core topics and prioritize them. When you do search, be sure to download or save your results so you can refer back to them later.
If you find yourself consistently maxing out your daily searches, it might be time to consider upgrading to a paid account. But for many users, the free version provides plenty of value to get started and create an awesome content calendar.
Conducting Effective Searches
Now that you’re familiar with AnswerThePublic, let’s dive a little more into how to make the most of your searches. Trust me, with these tips, you’ll be uncovering content gold in no time!
Choosing the Right Keywords
Picking the right keywords is crucial for getting valuable results. When it comes to broad vs. specific keywords, think of it like fishing. Broad keywords are like casting a wide net – you’ll catch a lot, but not everything will be useful. Specific keywords are like using a fishing rod – you’re more targeted, but might miss some opportunities.
Our advice? Start broad and then narrow down. For example, if you’re in the fitness industry, you might start with “workout” and then refine to “home workout” or “HIIT workout” based on the results.
Remember to use industry-relevant terms. If you’re in tech, don’t shy away from jargon your audience might use. “Cloud computing” will give you different results than “online storage,” even though they’re related.
Tip: use seed keywords to expand your content ideas. Start with your main topic, then use the results to inspire searches for related subtopics. It’s like following a trail of breadcrumbs to content opportunities!
Interpreting Search Results
When you first see the question wheel, it might look a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry! Start from the center and work your way out. The innermost ring usually contains the most common questions, while the outer rings get more specific.
Pay special attention to the preposition and comparison data. Prepositions like “for,” “with,” or “without” can reveal how people intend to use a product or service. Comparisons show what alternatives your audience is considering.
Don’t overlook the alphabetical lists! They might seem less exciting, but they can reveal patterns in how people phrase their searches. Sometimes, the most valuable insights are hiding in plain sight.
Utilizing Advanced Search Features
While the free version of AnswerThePublic is powerful, there are some nifty features that can help you dig deeper. Use the filters to focus on specific types of queries – questions, prepositions, or comparisons. You can also sort results alphabetically or by search volume (in the paid version).
Always, always download or save your results. You never know when inspiration will strike, and having these results on hand can be a lifesaver when you’re planning content down the line.
If you’re considering the paid version, some cool additional features include: higher search limits, the ability to compare data over time, and access to search volumes.
Transforming Search Results into Content Ideas
Analyzing Question-Based Results
Start by grouping similar questions together. You might notice themes emerging — these can form the basis for comprehensive guides or a series of related posts.
When addressing multiple questions in one piece of content, consider using a FAQ format or creating sections that flow logically from one question to the next. This not only makes your content more user-friendly but also increases the chances of appearing in featured snippets on search engines.
Questions make fantastic headlines or subheadings. For example, “How to lose weight fast” could become “The Ultimate Guide: How to Lose Weight Fast (And Keep It Off)”. See how that question instantly creates an engaging headline?
Exploring Preposition-Based Results
Prepositions are secret weapons for understanding user intent. “Workout for beginners” suggests a different need than “workout without equipment”. Use these insights to tailor your content to specific audience segments.
Preposition results can also help structure your content. “Workout with dumbbells” could inspire a listicle of dumbbell exercises, while “workout without gym” might lead to a guide on home workouts.
Here’s an idea: use preposition results to create a series of “How To” guides. “Workout for weight loss”, “Workout for muscle gain”, and “Workout for flexibility” could become a comprehensive fitness series.
Leveraging Comparison Results
Comparison queries are gold for understanding what choices your audience is weighing. “Yoga vs Pilates” shows that your audience is considering both for their fitness routine.
Use these insights to create in-depth comparison content or buyer’s guides. A “Yoga vs Pilates: Which is Right for You?” article could be incredibly valuable for your audience.
These results can also inform how you position your products or services. If you see a lot of comparisons between your brand and a competitor, you know what features or benefits to highlight in your marketing.
Integrating AnswerThePublic with Other Marketing Efforts
Aligning Content with SEO Strategy
AnswerThePublic is a goldmine for SEO-friendly content ideas. These longer, more specific phrases typically have lower competition but higher conversion rates.
When you’re planning your content, look for patterns in the questions. If you see multiple variations of “how to start a blog for beginners”, you know there’s significant interest there. Create a comprehensive guide that answers all those related questions, and you’re well on your way to ranking for a valuable keyword cluster.
Tip:: use the questions from AnswerThePublic as subheadings in your content. This not only helps with readability but also increases your chances of appearing in featured snippets.
Take a popular question from your results and turn it into a poll on Twitter or an Instagram story. “What’s your biggest challenge with home workouts?” not only engages your audience but also provides valuable insights for future content.
You can also use the comparison results to create fun, interactive content. “Yoga vs Pilates: Which do you prefer and why?” could spark a lively discussion in your comments section.
And don’t forget about educational content! Use the questions to create mini-infographics or carousel posts that provide quick, valuable information to your followers. These types of posts are often highly shareable, expanding your reach organically.
Enhancing Email Marketing Content
Email marketing is all about delivering value to your subscribers’ inboxes, and AnswerThePublic can help you do just that!
First up, subject lines. Questions make for irresistible subject lines because they pique curiosity. “Do you know the #1 mistake beginners make when starting a blog?” is much more likely to get opened than a generic “Blogging tips inside”.
When it comes to newsletter content, use the questions to create themed editions. If you’re in the fitness niche, you could have a “Workout Q&A” newsletter where you answer the top questions you found on AnswerThePublic.
Cheers to finding some great content ideas so you’re never staring at a blank Google Doc again. You should have dozens of ideas to pepper your blog with so you can ensure you’re creating consistent content and driving more traffic to your site!
Plus, if you want to explore how your site is doing beyond brainstorming content, explore our content audit tool to see what else you can do to optimize your site!
Originally published . Last updated .
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