Back to Blog

ChatGPT Keyword Research: Faster SEO Keyword Brainstorming in 2025

845 words
4 min read
published on June 14, 2025

Table of Contents

ChatGPT cuts keyword research time

Keyword research takes hours when you start from a blank sheet. AI fixes that first mile. One SEO pro notes that ChatGPT can "generate lists of related keywords and topics… a big time saver."

Why use ChatGPT for the brainstorm step

ChatGPT works fast. It can spin hundreds of fresh angles in seconds. It keeps you from missing long‑tail gems. Backlinko calls it perfect for the brainstorming part of keyword research.

flowchart TD A[Seed Topic] --> B[Write Prompt] B --> C[ChatGPT List] C --> D[Manual Trim] D --> E[Volume Check in SEO Tool] E --> F[Final Keyword Set]

Step‑by‑step workflow

1–Define seed topics

Start with three to five broad ideas pulled from client goals, product names, or buyer pain points.

2–Craft the first prompt

Use a tight frame. Example:

Act as an SEO. Give me 30 search queries people type when they plan to buy "budget e‑bikes". Skip duplicates. Output as one column list.

3–Expand the list

Ask for variations by region or by user intent. Keep lists short enough to scan.

4–Cluster

Tell ChatGPT to group the list by common intent: "Group these queries by topic in three buckets." This surfaces themes fast.

flowchart TD A[List From GPT] --> B[Ask For Grouping] B --> C[Three Topic Buckets] C --> D[Review For Relevance]

5–Validate every term

ChatGPT lacks live search volume. Always push the short list into Ahrefs, Semrush, or Google Search Console. Search Engine Land warns that volume and trend checks stay manual.

flowchart TD A[Bucketed List] --> B[Paste Into SEO Tool] B --> C[Pull Volume & KD] C --> D[Drop Low Value Terms] D --> E[Export CSV]

6–Move into content planning

Once numbers look solid, pull each bucket into your brief or content calendar.

flowchart TD A[Final CSV] --> B[Content Brief] B --> C[Draft Outline] C --> D[Publish & Measure]

Prompt templates that work in 2025

  • Give 20 question keywords parents ask when buying first car seat. Output single column.
  • Create long‑tail variants of "solar panel cost" for UK searchers. Limit to 25.
  • Cluster these queries by purchase stage: awareness, consideration, decision.

Common mistakes and quick fixes

  • Taking volumes at face value. ChatGPT guesses. Always cross‑check.
  • Too big a list. Keep prompts small. Ten to thirty lines are easy to vet.
  • No intent check. Read the SERP for each top term. Cut news or academic phrases.
  • Ignoring seasonality. Use Google Trends after ChatGPT to confirm spikes.

Advanced tips

Power users link the OpenAI API to Sheets so every seed term spins a tab of suggestions, which then auto‑pulls volume via the SEO tool API. This trims the whole pipeline to minutes.

Takeaways

ChatGPT shines when you need ideas, fast. It still needs guardrails from real data tools and human sense. Follow the six steps above and you keep speed and trust in balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can ChatGPT give exact search volumes?

No. It has no live data. Always verify in an SEO platform.

2. How many keywords should I pull in one go?

Thirty or less. Small lists stay readable and easy to check.

3. Do I trust ChatGPT for keyword difficulty?

No. Get KD from tools like Ahrefs or Semrush.

4. What prompt length works best?

One to three lines. Include role, task, and limit.

5. How do I group keywords fast?

Ask ChatGPT to cluster by topic or intent, then skim for errors.

6. Can I automate the full pipeline?

Yes. Use the OpenAI API plus your SEO tool API in Sheets.

7. What is the biggest risk?

Publishing keywords that lack traffic or have the wrong intent.

About The Author

Ayodesk Publishing Team led by Eugene Mi

Ayodesk Publishing Team led by Eugene Mi

Expert editorial collective at Ayodesk, directed by Eugene Mi, a seasoned software industry professional with deep expertise in AI and business automation. We create content that empowers businesses to harness AI technologies for competitive advantage and operational transformation.