Here’s a step-by-step method to find profitable keywords and create content that brings qualified leads to service businesses. Using IT services as an example, I’ll show you exactly how to identify keywords with high revenue potential.
Note: this article refers to Semrush, a product for which we are an affiliate. If you click the affiliate link, we may earn revenue from Semrush at no additional cost to you. You can see how we use Semrush ourselves in the video below.
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How to Find Profitable Keywords Using Semrush
Start by using Semrush (free 7-day trial available via our affiliate link: Semrush) and typing in a broad term like “IT services.” You’ll see many high-volume results: managed services, managed IT services, and similar variations. But these terms are too competitive for most businesses.
The key metric to watch is keyword difficulty (KD), which ranges from 0-100. For newer websites, target terms under 20. Most broad terms score well above that mark, making them impractical targets.
Here’s the strategy to find profitable keywords:
Tweak your keyword search by adding one word, “for”, as follows:
- “IT Services for”
Semrush immediately suggests new keyword possibilities, which typically have a lot lower keyword difficulty.
When you look at these results, two specific niches show very low competition: “IT services for law firms” and “IT services for manufacturing.”
The manufacturing sector analysis reveals 71 related keywords. The standout term “Managed IT services for manufacturing” gets 320 monthly searches with zero keyword difficulty. Combined with related terms, the monthly search volume hits 450.
These are what I call “Goldilocks” numbers – low difficulty, sufficient search volume.
This video shows you everything you need to know about finding profitable keywords using Semrush, plus it explains how to quickly make articles that will get you top rankings:
Converting Keyword Data to Revenue
These search numbers can lead to substantial revenue:
- Monthly searches: 450, totaling 5,000+ yearly searches
- Website traffic: Top-three Google ranking captures 500 visitors (10% of searches)
- Lead generation: 50 qualified leads (10% conversion rate)
- New clients: 10 (20% close rate)
- Revenue per client: $2,500 monthly ($30,000 yearly)
- Total potential revenue: $300,000 annual recurring revenue
Creating Content That Actually Ranks
ChatGPT and other AI-only tools won’t get you the rich content Google looks for in high rankings. That’s where MakeMEDIA comes in. This tool changes your expertise into powerful content in about 10 minutes, and I’ll show you exactly how it works.
The process starts with smart persona creation. When you begin a new project, MakeMEDIA builds a complete profile of your target customer. Let’s say you’re targeting a manufacturing CEO. The system creates a full picture of this person – what matters to them, what problems they face, and how they make decisions. You’ll see both a quick summary and a detailed profile that helps you understand exactly who you’re writing for.
Creating your article becomes straightforward with this foundation. You’ll pick your target reader and where they are in their buying process. Maybe they’re just starting to look for solutions, or perhaps they’re ready to make a choice. Make Media adjusts its approach based on these factors.
What makes this system different is how it handles the writing process. Instead of staring at a blank page, you’ll see a “What should I say?” button that gives you talking points.
You simply click ‘start’ and share your knowledge. The system guides your conversation, making it natural to include your real experiences and client stories.
As you talk, MakeMEDIA organizes your thoughts into a clear structure. Want to focus more on showing the return on investment? Just tell the system, and it adjusts the outline. Your expertise flows into a format that both Google and your readers will appreciate.
From Conversation to Complete Marketing Asset
The real value comes when MakeMEDIA changes your conversation. Your casual discussion becomes a properly formatted article with your keywords naturally placed throughout. But it doesn’t stop there. The system also creates LinkedIn posts to share your insights with your network.
This approach works because it keeps your authentic expertise while adding the technical elements search engines want to see. You’re not just creating content – you’re building a resource that answers real questions from manufacturing CEOs or other industry leaders you’re targeting.
The system helps you focus on specific industry needs. When you talk about manufacturing, you can address the actual challenges these companies face. Your content shows you understand their business goals, day-to-day problems, and what they need to see before making a decision.
Putting It All Together
Every piece of content becomes more valuable because it serves multiple purposes. Your main article ranks well in search results. Your social media posts reach decision-makers on LinkedIn. Each element works together to bring the right people to your business.
The best part? This entire process takes about 10 minutes. You don’t need writing experience or technical SEO knowledge. You just need to know your business and be ready to share that knowledge.
I’ve created a detailed video showing every step of this process. In my latest podcast, you’ll watch me use SEMrush to find these hidden keyword opportunities. Then I’ll show you how Make Media turns industry expertise into content that ranks and converts.
Ready to try it yourself? Visit makemedia.ai and click “try it free” at the top. You’ll see firsthand how the platform turns your knowledge into powerful content that brings in leads and builds revenue.
