# Keyword Research

> Performs SEO keyword research using DataForSEO API. Use when user asks about keyword ideas, search volume, CPC, competition data, or needs keywords for blog posts, landing pages, or content strategy. Use when this capability is needed.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/keyword-research` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/keyword-research`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/keyword-research/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Marketing & Growth
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/keyword-research

---


# Keyword Research

Research keywords for SEO, content planning, and paid search using the DataForSEO API.

## When to Use

- User asks for keyword ideas or suggestions
- User needs search volume, CPC, or competition data
- User is planning blog posts, articles, or landing pages
- User wants to analyze keyword opportunities
- User mentions SEO keyword research

## Requirements

Environment variables must be set:
- `DATAFORSEO_USERNAME` - DataForSEO login email
- `DATAFORSEO_PASSWORD` - DataForSEO API password

## Commands

### Get Keyword Suggestions

Returns keywords containing the seed term with metrics:

```bash
./scripts/keyword_research suggestions "seed keyword" -n 20
```

### Get Related Keywords

Returns semantically related keywords:

```bash
./scripts/keyword_research related "seed keyword" -n 20
```

## Options

| Option | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| `-n, --limit` | Max results per seed (default: 50) |
| `-f, --format` | Output format: `json` (default) or `table` |

## Output Format

Default JSON output for easy parsing:

```json
[
  {
    "seed": "ai seo",
    "keywords": [
      {
        "keyword": "ai seo tools",
        "search_volume": 2900,
        "cpc": 25.48,
        "competition": 0.09,
        "competition_level": "LOW"
      }
    ]
  }
]
```

## Examples

Research keywords for a blog post:
```bash
./scripts/keyword_research suggestions "python tutorial" -n 30
```

Compare multiple seed keywords:
```bash
./scripts/keyword_research suggestions "react hooks" "vue composition api" -n 20
```

Get table output for human review:
```bash
./scripts/keyword_research suggestions "ai tools" -f table
```

## Interpreting Results

| Field | Meaning |
|-------|---------|
| `search_volume` | Monthly searches (Google US) |
| `cpc` | Cost per click in USD |
| `competition` | 0-1 scale (higher = more competitive) |
| `competition_level` | LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH |

---
> Source: [nc9/skills](https://github.com/nc9/skills) — distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io).
<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-05-30 -->