🎯 Overview
Question-type keywords (those starting with who, what, when, where, why, and how) are some of the most valuable long-tail keywords for capturing informational search intent. Search Atlas gives you two reliable ways to find them: the Keyword Research Tool and Topical Maps. This article walks you through both methods step by step.
Important note: The question-type filter is not available in the Keyword Magic Tool. Use the methods below to access this feature.
🛠️ Method 1: Keyword Research Tool (Questions Section)
The Keyword Research Tool has a dedicated Questions section that surfaces question-based keyword variations directly from your seed keyword. Follow these steps:
- From the left sidebar, navigate to Keywords → Keyword Research (Keyword result page).
- Enter your seed keyword in the search bar and run the search.
- Once results load, open the Keyword Details panel and scroll to the Questions section (located after Keyword Variations). This shows only question-type variations of your seed term.
- Review the list of question keywords. Each entry includes key metrics such as search volume, keyword difficulty, and CPC.
- To narrow results further, use the available filters — for example, set a maximum keyword difficulty score or a minimum search volume — to surface the most actionable long-tail opportunities.
- Select the keywords you want to target and click Add to List or Export to save them for use in your content strategy.
This method is the fastest way to get a focused list of question keywords tied to a specific topic or seed term.
🗺️ Method 2: Topical Maps
Topical Maps generate a comprehensive content structure for any topic, and they naturally surface question-type keywords as subtopic and article title suggestions. This method is ideal when you want to build out an entire content cluster around a subject.
- From the left sidebar, navigate to Content → Topical Maps (Topical Map).
- Click Create Topical Map and enter your main topic or seed keyword.
- Search Atlas will generate a topical map with a hierarchy of subtopics and suggested article titles. Many of these suggestions are phrased as questions, reflecting real informational search queries.
- Browse through the generated map to identify question-type keyword opportunities. Look for nodes or article suggestions that begin with how, what, why, when, where, or who.
- Click on any node or title to see additional keyword data and related terms associated with that question topic.
- Add the question-type titles or keywords you want to target directly to your content plan or keyword list from within the map view.
Topical Maps are especially useful when you want to ensure full topical coverage and discover question keywords you may not have thought to search for manually.
🚫 Why Keyword Magic Tool Is Not the Right Place
The Keyword Magic Tool (found at Left sidebar → Keywords → Keyword Magic) is designed for broad keyword exploration and competitive research. It does not include a dedicated question filter or Questions tab. If you try to find question-type long-tail keywords there, you will not get the targeted results you need. Always use the Keyword Research Tool or Topical Maps for this workflow.
💡 Tips for Better Results
- Start broad, then filter: Use a general seed keyword first, then apply difficulty and volume filters to isolate the best long-tail question opportunities.
- Combine both methods: Use the Keyword Research Tool for quick, data-driven lists and Topical Maps for strategic content planning — they complement each other well.
- Target low-difficulty questions: Question keywords with low difficulty and moderate search volume are ideal for new or growing websites looking for quick ranking wins.
- Match intent to content format: Question keywords perform best when matched to FAQ sections, how-to guides, or dedicated blog posts that directly answer the query.
📞 Need Help?
If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type human teammate to be connected with a member of our team.