How to build a powerful keyword research tool using Airtable and DataForSEO in under an hour

This guide will show you how to set up an Airtable database, integrate DataForSEO's API, and start generating valuable keyword insights at a fraction of typical costs.

Step 1. Copy a pre-configured Airtable database

This database is designed to work with the DataForSEO Labs API. It will be the backbone of your tool, storing and organizing all your keyword data

​​ Open the pre-configured database and click on the “Copy base” button.

Then log in to your Airtable account.

When you see a pop-up window, select the workspace to which you’d like to install the base and click “Add base”.​

Step 2. Integrate the Google Keyword Ideas endpoint of DataForSEO Labs API with Airtable Automations

This endpoint provides access to the database of over 6.7B keywords and helps you find hidden keyword opportunities using your seed keyword's category. ​​Navigate to the “Automations” menu in Airtable.

​1. Click “Add trigger” and select “When a record is created”.

​​2. In the right-hand panel, choose the “Search requests” table and click “Use suggested record”.​

1. Now, click on “Add advanced logic or action”, and in the dropdown menu, select “Run script.”

​​4. Here, click “Add input variable” on the left panel.​

1. Enter “id” in the “Name” field and select “Airtable Record Id” in the “Value” field.​

2. Now, visit DataForSEO’s Help Center, and copy this code from step 6​​

3. Paste it into the “Code” field in Airtable, replace DFS_API_LOGIN and DFS_API_PASSWORD with your DataForSEO API login and password. You can find it the "API Access" section in your dashboard.

​8. Finally, click “Finish editing” and turn on the switch to enable the automation.

Step 3: Navigate to the “Interfaces” menu in Airtable & test your Keyword Research Tool

Begin by clicking “Search Keyword Ideas” to set up your search. Enter a target keyword, along with the desired location and language. You can also customize your results by applying sorting rules, limits, or filters.

For the most relevant keyword suggestions, try this filter: keyword,regex,(best |movies)

If you’re looking for question-based keywords, use this filter: keyword,regex,^(how |what |when |who)

Apply these filters. After clicking “Search,” you’ll see keyword suggestions along with detailed data such as intent, search volume, keyword difficulty, CPC, and SERP features.

DONE!

The best thing about this is that it makes keyword research simple, powerful, and affordable.

Here’s how:

• In Airtable’s free plan, you can create unlimited bases with up to 1,000 records (in this case, keywords) per base and run up to 100 automations = the only real cost is for the data you use. NCF members also have access to $500 Airtable credits.

• DataForSEO has a pay-as-you-go pricing model: a single keyword search costs $0.01, and each suggested keyword is only $0.0001. So, if you run one keyword search and receive 1,000 suggestions, the total cost comes to $0.11.

Ready to build?

Links to help you get started:

1. ​Copy Airtable database​

2. ​Full step-by-step video tutorial​

3. Try Labs API with a $20 bonus from DataForSEO