In the highly competitive world of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), ranking at the top of search engine results is crucial for attracting potential customers. With Google’s algorithms evolving rapidly, SaaS companies need to adopt cutting-edge keyword research methods to stay ahead.

SEO in 2025 is more than just stuffing keywords—it’s about search intent, AI-driven insights, and personalized content. Whether you’re a startup or an established SaaS brand, mastering keyword research is essential for driving organic traffic and boosting conversions. In this guide, we’ll dive into 15 powerful SaaS keyword research methods to help you rank #1 in 2025.

Understanding SaaS Keyword Research

Difference Between SaaS and Traditional Keyword Research

Unlike traditional businesses, SaaS companies often target highly niche audiences with specific pain points. Instead of generic keywords like “best CRM software,” a SaaS company might need to rank for “best CRM for small businesses with automation features.”

Additionally, SaaS keyword research needs to focus on:

• Educational content (guides, tutorials, and comparisons)
• Problem-solving queries (how-to searches)
• Commercial and transactional intent (free trial, pricing, demo)

Challenges in SaaS Keyword Research

• High competition – Big players dominate SERPs with huge marketing budgets.
• Ever-changing trends – New tech innovations mean keywords become outdated quickly.
• Intent-based searches – Users search for solutions rather than brand names.

Now, let’s dive into the 15 best keyword research methods for SaaS companies in 2025.

Method 1: Competitor Analysis for SaaS Keywords

One of the fastest ways to discover profitable keywords is by analyzing what’s already working for your competitors.

How to Analyze Competitors’ Keyword Strategies

1. Identify your top 3-5 competitors in the SaaS space.
2. Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz to extract their top-ranking keywords.
3. Look for gaps—keywords they rank for but you don’t.
4. Check which keywords drive traffic to their landing pages and blog content.

Best Tools for Competitor Keyword Research

• Ahrefs Site Explorer – See competitors’ keyword rankings.
• SEMrush Keyword Gap Tool – Find missing opportunities.
• SpyFu – Uncover competitor PPC and organic strategies.

By leveraging competitor analysis, you can steal high-performing keywords and craft better content around them.

Method 2: Customer-Centric Keyword Research

Instead of relying solely on tools, talking to your customers can provide valuable keyword insights.

Using Customer Feedback and Surveys

• Analyze customer support tickets for recurring pain points.
• Send surveys asking customers what problems they need to solve.
• Read product reviews on platforms like G2 and Capterra for common phrases.

Identifying Pain Points and Solutions

For example, if multiple customers say “I struggle with CRM data migration,” you can target keywords like:

• “How to migrate CRM data”
• “Easy CRM migration guide”
• “Best CRM for seamless data transfer”

This method helps you align your keywords with real user needs, increasing your chances of ranking.

Method 3: Search Intent Optimization

Search intent is Google’s #1 ranking factor in 2025. If your content doesn’t match user intent, it won’t rank.

Importance of Intent-Driven Keywords

• Informational – “What is SaaS marketing?”
• Navigational – “HubSpot pricing”
• Transactional – “Buy AI-powered CRM software”

How to Target Different Search Intents

1. Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to analyze search intent.
2. Match each keyword to the right content type (blog, landing page, or product page).
3. Structure content to answer queries directly (FAQs, bullet points, and step-by-step guides).

By optimizing for search intent, your SaaS content will rank higher and convert better.

Why Long-Tail Keywords Matter

Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that have lower competition but higher conversion rates. For SaaS companies, they are essential because:

• They target niche audiences looking for specific solutions.
• They reduce competition by focusing on detailed queries.
• They increase conversion rates since users searching for long-tail queries have a higher purchase intent.

For example, instead of using a broad keyword like “CRM software,” a long-tail alternative could be:
✅ “Best CRM software for small business automation”
✅ “Affordable CRM for startups with AI features”

How to Find Profitable Long-Tail SaaS Keywords

1. Use Google Autocomplete – Start typing a keyword in Google and note the suggested phrases.
2. Check Google’s “People Also Ask” Section – This provides real questions users are searching for.
3. Leverage AnswerThePublic – This tool generates common user queries.
4. Analyze Competitor Blog Titles – Competitors often use long-tail keywords in blog posts.

By focusing on long-tail keywords, you can attract highly targeted traffic with a greater chance of conversion.

Method 5: Using Google Autocomplete and Related Searches

How to Use Google’s Suggestions for Keyword Research

Google’s autocomplete feature provides valuable keyword suggestions based on real user searches. Here’s how to leverage it:

1. Type a seed keyword in Google’s search bar and note the suggestions.
2. Use an underscore (_) in the middle of your search query to get different variations (e.g., “best _ software for startups”).
3. Scroll to the bottom of the search results page and check the “Related searches” section for more ideas.

Extracting Data for Keyword Ideas

To organize this data effectively:

• List the most relevant queries for your SaaS niche.
• Identify high-value questions that can be turned into blog topics.
• Combine suggestions with long-tail keywords for more targeted content.

Google’s built-in tools can streamline your keyword research without relying solely on third-party platforms.

Method 6: Leveraging SEO Tools for SaaS Keyword Research

Best SEO Tools for SaaS Keyword Research

There are several powerful SEO tools to help uncover high-ranking keywords:

• Ahrefs – Great for competitor keyword analysis and search intent research.
• SEMrush – Provides keyword difficulty, volume, and SERP features.
• Ubersuggest – Ideal for beginners, offering keyword ideas and trend analysis.

How to Extract Relevant Keywords

1. Identify seed keywords related to your SaaS product.
2. Use filters to find keywords with high search volume but low difficulty.
3. Analyze keyword clusters and create content that ranks for multiple terms.
4. Monitor trends and update content regularly to stay relevant.

Using SEO tools effectively, SaaS businesses can optimize content for higher search visibility and conversions.

Method 7: Exploring Industry-Specific Forums and Communities

How Forums Help with SaaS Keyword Research

Forums like Reddit, Quora, and industry-specific platforms are goldmines for discovering real user pain points. They provide raw, unfiltered insights into what potential customers are looking for.

How to Identify User Queries from Forums

1. Search for your niche on Reddit (e.g., “Best CRM software for small teams”).
2. Look at top-voted questions on Quora related to your industry.
3. Use niche-specific forums like Indie Hackers or SaaStr to see what SaaS founders are discussing.
4. Extract commonly asked questions and turn them into SEO-focused blog topics.

By tapping into real conversations, you can find keywords that directly resonate with your audience.

Method 8: Analyzing SaaS Trends with Google Trends

Why Google Trends is Important for SaaS SEO

Google Trends helps you:
✅ Identify rising keyword trends before competitors.
✅ Determine seasonal fluctuations in search interest.
✅ Compare search volume trends across different regions.

How to Use Google Trends for SaaS Keyword Research

1. Enter your main keyword into Google Trends.
2. Filter by country, time range, and category for deeper insights.
3. Compare multiple keywords to see which ones are gaining traction.
4. Identify related rising search queries to optimize your content for emerging trends.

By staying ahead of keyword trends, SaaS businesses can capitalize on new opportunities and maintain a competitive edge.

Method 9: Leveraging Question-Based Keywords

How “People Also Ask” and AnswerThePublic Help

Google’s “People Also Ask” (PAA) section provides direct insights into user queries. Similarly, AnswerThePublic generates question-based keyword ideas from search engines.

Steps to Use Question-Based Keywords

1. Search for a primary SaaS keyword in Google.
2. Analyze the “People Also Ask” box and extract key questions.
3. Use AnswerThePublic to generate more related questions.
4. Create content that answers these questions directly to rank for featured snippets.

Question-based keywords improve content visibility by directly addressing user needs.

Method 10: Analyzing Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs)

Why SERP Analysis is Crucial for SaaS SEO

SERP analysis helps you understand:

• Which competitors are ranking for your target keywords.
• What type of content ranks best (blogs, videos, FAQs, etc.).
• How Google structures search results (featured snippets, top stories, etc.).

How to Conduct a SERP Analysis

1. Search your target keyword and examine the top 10 results.
2. Note common content formats (e.g., listicles, how-to guides, comparisons).
3. Identify gaps in competitor content that you can improve upon.
4. Optimize your page for rich snippets, images, and structured data.

Understanding SERP behavior allows SaaS brands to align their content strategy for maximum visibility.