How to Do Keyword Research for eCommerce with SEMrush

Keyword research is the foundation of any successful eCommerce SEO strategy. If you want your online store to attract organic traffic and convert visitors into customers, you need to target the right keywords. SEMrush is one of the best tools for this job. It offers powerful features that help you discover, analyze, and track keywords that matter to your business.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to do keyword research for eCommerce using SEMrush. Whether you’re launching a new store or optimizing existing product pages, this article will help you find keywords that drive results.

Why Keyword Research Matters for eCommerce?

Keyword research helps you understand what your potential customers are searching for. It reveals the language they use, their intent, and the competition you face. For eCommerce, this means:

Finding product-related keywords
Targeting buyer intent
Identifying seasonal trends
Discovering niche opportunities

Without keyword research, your product pages may never show up in search results. SEMrush helps you avoid that mistake by guiding your SEO strategy.

Getting Started with SEMrush

First, sign up for a SEMrush account. You can start with a free trial. Once inside, go to the Keyword Magic Tool. This is where your research begins.

Start by entering a broad keyword related to your product. For example, if you sell running shoes, type “running shoes.” SEMrush will generate thousands of related keywords.

Use filters to narrow down your list:

Search volume: Shows how often the keyword is searched
Keyword difficulty: Estimates how hard it is to rank
Intent: Helps you find commercial or transactional keywords
SERP features: Shows if the keyword triggers rich results

Save promising keywords to a list for later use.

Focus on Buyer Intent

Not all keywords are equal. Some people search to learn, others to buy. For eCommerce, you want keywords with commercial or transactional intent.

Examples include:

“Buy running shoes online”
“Best waterproof hiking boots”
“Nike Air Max size 10”

SEMrush helps you identify these keywords. Use the Intent filter in the Keyword Magic Tool. Choose “Commercial” or “Transactional” to find keywords that lead to sales.

Avoid purely informational keywords unless you’re creating blog content. Product pages should target keywords that match buying behavior.

Target Product-Specific Keywords

Generic keywords are often too competitive. Instead, focus on specific product keywords. These include:

Brand names (e.g., “Adidas Ultraboost”)
Product types (e.g., “leather laptop backpack”)
Features (e.g., “wireless noise-canceling headphones”)
Sizes and colors (e.g., “black yoga pants medium”)

SEMrush helps you find these by expanding your seed keyword. Use the Broad Match and Phrase Match filters to explore variations.

You can also use the Keyword Gap Tool to compare your site with competitors. It shows keywords they rank for that you don’t. This reveals product-specific opportunities.

Use Categories and Tags

If your store has multiple categories, organize your keyword research accordingly. For example:

Shoes → running shoes, hiking boots, sandals
Electronics → headphones, smartwatches, chargers
Home decor → rugs, lamps, curtains

Create separate keyword lists for each category. SEMrush lets you tag and group keywords. This helps you stay organized and optimize each section of your site.

Analyze Keyword Difficulty

Ranking for keywords takes effort. SEMrush assigns a Keyword Difficulty (KD) score to each term. It ranges from 0 to 100. The higher the score, the harder it is to rank.

For new eCommerce stores, aim for KD below 50. These keywords are easier to target and still bring traffic. As your site grows, you can go after more competitive terms.

Use the KD filter to find low-difficulty keywords. Combine this with decent search volume for the best results.

Explore Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases. They usually have lower competition and higher conversion rates. Examples include:

“Best running shoes for flat feet”
“Bluetooth speaker under $50”
“Organic cotton baby clothes”

SEMrush helps you find these easily. In the Keyword Magic Tool, sort by word count. Look for keywords with 4+ words. These are often long-tail.

Long-tail keywords are perfect for product descriptions, blog posts, and category pages.

Use Keyword Gap to Beat Competitors

Want to know what your competitors are doing? Use the Keyword Gap Tool. Enter your domain and up to four competitors. SEMrush will show:

Keywords they rank for that you don’t
Shared keywords
Unique keywords

This helps you find gaps in your strategy. You can target keywords your competitors missed or improve on their content.

Focus on keywords with high intent and low difficulty. These are your best chances to outrank them.

Local Keyword Research for eCommerce

If you sell locally or offer pickup options, local SEO matters. SEMrush lets you research keywords by location. Use the Location filter in the Keyword Magic Tool.

Examples of local keywords:

“Buy running shoes in Dhaka”
“Best electronics store near me”
“Furniture delivery in New York”

Local keywords help you attract nearby customers. Combine them with Google Business Profile optimization for best results.

Apply Keywords to Your Store

Once you have your keyword list, it’s time to use them. Here’s where to place keywords:

Product titles: Include brand, type, and key features
Meta descriptions: Write compelling summaries with keywords
Product descriptions: Use keywords naturally in the text
Image alt tags: Describe the product using keywords
URLs: Keep them short and keyword-rich
Category pages: Optimize with relevant keyword groups

Avoid keyword stuffing. Focus on clarity and user experience. SEMrush’s SEO Writing Assistant can help you optimize content in real time.

Track Keyword Performance

Keyword research doesn’t end after publishing. Use SEMrush’s Position Tracking Tool to monitor your rankings. You can track:

Keyword positions over time
Desktop vs. mobile rankings
Local search results
SERP features

Set up tracking for your most important keywords. Check weekly or monthly. Use the data to adjust your strategy and improve pages that aren’t performing.

SEMrush Tools for eCommerce Keyword Research

Here’s a quick overview of the SEMrush tools you’ll use:

Tool Name	Purpose
Keyword Magic Tool	Discover keyword ideas
Keyword Gap Tool	Compare keywords with competitors
Position Tracking	Monitor keyword rankings
SEO Writing Assistant	Optimize product and category content
Keyword Manager	Save and organize keyword lists

Sources: SEMrush Ecommerce Keyword Guide, Exploding Topics Keyword Guide, Demand Sage SEMrush Guide

Final Tips for eCommerce Keyword Success

Here are some final tips to make your keyword research more effective:

Start with broad keywords, then narrow down
Focus on buyer intent and product relevance
Use long-tail keywords for better conversions
Track performance and update regularly
Don’t ignore local SEO if it applies
Use competitor insights to find new opportunities

Keyword research is not a one-time task. It’s an ongoing process. SEMrush gives you the tools to stay ahead and grow your store’s visibility.

Final Thoughts

Doing keyword research for eCommerce with SEMrush is a smart move. It helps you understand your audience, find the right keywords, and optimize your store for search engines. With the right strategy, you’ll attract more traffic, increase sales, and build a strong online presence.

Start with the Keyword Magic Tool. Explore buyer intent. Analyze difficulty. Track your progress. And always look for new opportunities. SEMrush makes it easy, even for beginners.

Ready to grow your eCommerce store? Dive into SEMrush and start your keyword journey today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is keyword research important for eCommerce?

Keyword research helps eCommerce businesses understand what customers are searching for, target high-intent keywords, and optimize product pages to improve visibility and sales.

2. How does SEMrush help with eCommerce keyword research?

SEMrush offers tools like Keyword Magic Tool, Keyword Gap, and Position Tracking to find, analyze, and monitor keywords that drive traffic and conversions.

3. What types of keywords should eCommerce stores target?

Stores should focus on long-tail, product-specific, and transactional keywords that reflect buyer intent and match their inventory.

4. Can SEMrush identify competitor keywords?

Yes, SEMrush’s Keyword Gap Tool compares your site with competitors to reveal keywords they rank for that you don’t.

5. How do I apply keywords to my eCommerce site?

Use keywords in product titles, descriptions, meta tags, URLs, and category pages. SEMrush’s SEO Writing Assistant helps optimize content effectively.