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Overview

The Keyword Overview block retrieves key SEO metrics for a specific keyword from Semrush. Use it to analyze search volume, difficulty, CPC, and competition for keyword research and content planning.

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Configuration

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Keyword (Required)

The keyword or phrase you want to analyze. Example: 
crm software
You can reference placeholders from previous steps: {{step_1.output}} Tips:
  • Use exact match keywords for precise data
  • Include long-tail phrases for more specific insights
  • Test variations to compare metrics

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Region

Select the regional database for keyword data. Default: United States Choose the region that matches your target audience or market. Different regions return different metrics based on local search behavior and competition. Available Regions:
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • And 100+ other regional databases
Region affects all metrics including search volume, CPC, and competition levels.

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Error Handling

Define what happens if the block fails to retrieve data. Options:
  1. Terminate Workflow: Stop execution immediately
  2. Continue Execution: Proceed to next step despite error
Select based on whether subsequent steps require the keyword data.

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Output Data

The block returns the following metrics in JSON format:

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Keyword

The exact keyword phrase analyzed. Example: "crm software"

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Search Volume

Monthly average search volume for the keyword. Example: "74000" (74,000 searches per month) Higher numbers indicate more popular keywords with larger potential reach.

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Keyword Difficulty Index

SEO difficulty score from 0-100. Example: "76" (Hard difficulty) Scale:
  • 0-29: Easy - New sites can rank
  • 30-49: Possible - Moderate effort needed
  • 50-69: Difficult - Requires strong SEO
  • 70-84: Hard - Very competitive
  • 85-100: Very Hard - Extremely competitive

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CPC (Cost Per Click)

Average cost per click for paid ads in USD. Example: "14.24" ($14.24 per click) Higher CPC often indicates commercial intent and value. Useful for:
  • Estimating paid search costs
  • Identifying high-value keywords
  • Understanding commercial competition

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Competition

Paid search competition density from 0-1. Example: "0.27" (Low to medium competition) Scale:
  • 0.00-0.33: Low competition
  • 0.34-0.66: Medium competition
  • 0.67-1.00: High competition
This metric shows how many advertisers bid on this keyword.

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Number of Results

Total search results for the keyword. Example: "236000000" (236 million results) Indicates how many pages compete for organic rankings. Higher numbers mean more content competition.

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Sample Output

{
  "Keyword": "crm software",
  "Search Volume": "74000",
  "Keyword Difficulty Index": "76",
  "CPC": "14.24",
  "Competition": "0.27",
  "Number of Results": "236000000"
}

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Best Practices

  • Start with seed keywords and use related keyword blocks to expand
  • Compare multiple keyword variations to find the best targets
  • Use search volume and difficulty together to prioritize keywords
  • High CPC often signals valuable commercial keywords worth targeting
  • Check multiple regions if you serve international audiences
  • Save output to sheets for keyword research documentation
  • Combine with Domain Overview to analyze competitor keywords
  • Use loops to analyze multiple keywords in a single workflow
  • Reference keyword data in subsequent LLM blocks for content briefs
  • Monitor seasonal keywords by running workflows on a schedule

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Common Use Cases

Use CaseConfigurationNext Steps
Keyword researchSingle keyword analysisCompare metrics, select targets
Content planningBlog topic keywordGenerate content brief with LLM
SEO auditExisting content keywordsCheck if targeting right difficulty
PPC campaign researchProduct/service keywordsBudget estimation using CPC data
Competitor analysisCompetitor target keywordsCompare with your keyword strategy
Market researchIndustry termsUnderstand search demand and trends
Long-tail discoverySpecific phrasesFind lower difficulty opportunities
International SEOSame keyword, multiple regionsIdentify best markets for expansion

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Understanding the Metrics

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Search Volume + Difficulty

  • High volume + Low difficulty: Rare opportunities, act fast
  • High volume + High difficulty: Competitive keywords, long-term investment
  • Low volume + Low difficulty: Quick wins, niche topics
  • Low volume + High difficulty: Avoid unless highly strategic

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CPC as an Indicator

  • High CPC + High search volume: Valuable commercial keywords
  • High CPC + Low search volume: Niche but profitable
  • Low CPC: Informational intent or low commercial value
  • No CPC data: Very little paid search activity

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Competition Level

  • Measures paid search density, not organic difficulty
  • High competition = many advertisers = commercial value
  • Use with CPC to understand paid search landscape
  • Different from Keyword Difficulty (organic metric)

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Workflow Examples

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Example 1: Content Brief Generator

  1. Keyword Overview: Get metrics for target keyword
  2. Related Keywords: Find related terms
  3. LLM Block: Generate content brief using keyword data
  4. Google Sheets: Save brief for writers

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Example 2: Keyword Prioritization

  1. Loop Block: Iterate through keyword list
  2. Keyword Overview: Get metrics for each keyword
  3. Code Block: Score keywords (volume/difficulty ratio)
  4. Google Sheets: Export prioritized list

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Example 3: Regional Analysis

  1. Keyword Overview (US): Get US metrics
  2. Keyword Overview (UK): Get UK metrics
  3. Keyword Overview (AU): Get AU metrics
  4. LLM Block: Compare and recommend target region

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What’s Next

Now that you understand the Keyword Overview block: