Ask What is the role of keyword research in a broader SEO strategy?

[Newman]

Keyword research is the starting point of almost every SEO decision. It tells you what people are actually searching for, how competitive those searches are, and whether a topic is worth creating content around. Without it, you are guessing what your audience wants instead of knowing. Good keyword research helps you pick the right topics, write content that matches what people need, and find gaps that your competitors have missed. It connects directly to content planning, on-page optimization, and link building goals. How important do you think keyword research is compared to other parts of an SEO strategy?