German Keyword Research

Are You Entering the German Market?

The first thing you need to understand is how your product or service is referred to in German.

And no, I don’t mean a simple Google Translate – because that alone won’t cut it.

I mean in-depth, professional research that reveals exactly how people in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland search for your offering.

This is where Keyword Research in German comes into play.

It lays the foundation for your SEO strategy in German and is essential for a successful market entry.

Even the Big Players Get It Wrong

It’s funny, but also shocking, how often big international companies get it wrong when entering the German-speaking market.

Take this as an example:
A client once told me their main competitor was a massive company from the U.S., like Atlassian. So, I started researching, and what did I find?

Even a company as big as Atlassian is failing at localization.

They don’t use localized terms; they just use translations.

Let me show you what I mean:

• In German, we don’t say: “IT Vorfallsmanagement” – We say: “IT Incident Management.”
• In German, we don’t say: “IT-Änderungsmanagement” – We literally use: “IT Change Management.”

But Atlassian does use the translation.

Why? Because they didn’t do their homework. They relied on translations instead of a proper keyword research and localization process.

When users land on their German page now, they don’t even understand what Atlassian is talking about. That’s a lost opportunity for them – and a win for my client.

Don’t Make the Same Mistake

You might not be in IT, but the lesson applies to every industry.

I’ve seen countless websites where translated terms are used that no one would ever say – let alone search for online.

This is the difference between guessing and succeeding:

• Guessing means using translations and hoping for the best.
• Succeeding means understanding what your audience is actually searching for in their language.

So, What’s Your Choice?

Would you rather have a solid, localized understanding of how your services are called in German?

Or would you prefer to guess and risk a flop when entering the market?

The choice is yours.

And maybe one day, I might just end up working with your local competition – and then I am very happy to see that you didnt involve a native in your SEO strategy.

Why You Need German Keyword Research

Entering a new market is a challenge, and the first step is understanding the language your potential customers actually use.

This isn’t about direct translations or assumptions. It’s about getting to the core of how people in German-speaking countries think, talk, and search online.

Here’s why this matters:

1. Localized Insights

Words matter. A single product can have different names depending on the region or country. And yes, the German language varies significantly between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Just ask someone from northern Germany if they understand Swiss German – chances are, they don’t. The same applies to the words people use in daily life and, more importantly, in search.

Without native expertise, you’re likely to miss these nuances – and your customers.

2. Real Search Behavior Data – Not Guesswork

Using tools like Google Translate or relying on generic translations doesn’t reflect how real people search.

A professional German keyword research process includes:

• Identifying the right terms: Pinpointing the words your audience uses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
• Understanding intent: Tailoring your strategy to whether people are looking to buy, learn, or compare.
• Spotting opportunities: Discovering trends and gaps unique to each German-speaking market.

With this data, you gain a clear understanding of your audience and can craft a strategy that truly resonates.

3. A Strong Foundation for Your SEO Strategy

Keyword research isn’t just about finding words – it’s about aligning your content with the right audience.

Poorly translated or generic keyword lists can lead to:

• Wasted efforts on irrelevant terms.
• Poor visibility in search engines.
• A disconnect between your content and your audience.

With precise keyword research tailored to each German-speaking market, you ensure every piece of content works harder for your goals.

Why You Need a Native Expert – Why Me?

Localization is about more than fluency – it’s about understanding cultural nuances, regional differences, and search behavior.

Here’s why I’m the perfect fit:

1. A Native With International SEO Experience

I’m Austrian, living in Switzerland, and I started my SEO journey with the German market.

• I understand the subtle linguistic and cultural differences between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
• I know how people in these countries think, search, and make decisions online.

2. Specialized in the DACH Region

My focus is on helping businesses succeed in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Whether it’s a specific Swiss term like “chüeligurt” or Austrian search habits, I know how to tailor your strategy to resonate with local audiences.

3. Tailored Strategies, Not One-Size-Fits-All

With me, your keyword research goes beyond generic terms. I don’t just find keywords – I connect them to your business strategy.