How it works
keyword_research.py queries Google Autocomplete — the dropdown predictions you see when typing into Google’s search bar. These reflect real, current search behavior.
No API key needed — Google Autocomplete is the same public endpoint your browser uses. No authentication, no rate limits to worry about, no cost.
Basic usage
python3 -m zens_ink keyword_research "seo"seo optimizer
seo meaning
seo agency
seo tools free
seo writing
seo backlinks
seo audit
seo software
seo checker
seo servicesThe --expand flag
Google Autocomplete only returns ~10 suggestions per query. To get more, pass --expand:
python3 -m zens_ink keyword_research "seo" --expandThis appends a, b, c… z after your seed, triggering 26 separate autocomplete queries.
Without --expand
~10 keywords
With --expand
150–300 keywords
Time
~10 seconds
Multiple seeds
Chain several seeds to build a broader list:
python3 -m zens_ink keyword_research "seo" --expand > seo.txt
python3 -m zens_ink keyword_research "content marketing" --expand >> seo.txt
python3 -m zens_ink keyword_research "backlinks" --expand >> seo.txtTips for good seed keywords
Seed selection playbook
- Start broad, then narrow:
"ai tools"→"ai writing tools"→"ai tools for bloggers" - Use your audience’s language:
"cheap vps"works better than"affordable virtual private server" - Include modifiers:
"best","free","vs","alternative to","for beginners" - Question seeds:
"how to","why does","what is"— great for blog post titles
Interpreting the output
Each line is a keyword that Google’s autocomplete algorithm considers relevant. This means:
- Real humans type these queries — Google wouldn’t suggest them otherwise
- They’re current — autocomplete updates frequently based on trends
- They’re localized — suggestions vary by region (use
--countryto target)
What’s next?
You now have a raw keyword list. Two things matter next:
keyword_research
→
keyword_volume
↘
competitor_gap
- Which keywords have search volume? → Search Volume Guide
- Which keywords can you actually rank for? → Competitor Analysis