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N-gram Analysis Guide
Discover hidden patterns in your search queries using n-gram analysis. Transform your Google Search Console data into actionable content insights and identify opportunities you never knew existed.
What are N-grams?
N-grams are sequences of words extracted from your search queries. They help you understand the language patterns your audience uses when searching for your content, revealing content opportunities and keyword insights.
1-gram (Single Words)
Individual words that appear most frequently in your search queries.
2-gram (Word Pairs)
Two-word phrases that commonly appear together in searches.
3-gram (Three Words)
Three-word phrases that reveal specific search intents.
4-gram & 5-gram (Long Phrases)
Longer phrases that show complete search intents and questions.
Key Features
Multi-level Analysis
Analyze 1-gram through 5-gram patterns to understand search behavior at different levels of specificity.
- 1-gram: Individual keyword frequency
- 2-gram: Common word combinations
- 3-gram: Specific search intents
- 4-5-gram: Complete search questions
Trend Analysis
Track how n-gram patterns change over time to identify emerging topics and seasonal trends.
- Volume trends over time
- Seasonal pattern detection
- Emerging topic identification
- Declining interest tracking
Content Opportunities
Identify content gaps and opportunities based on search patterns your audience is using.
- High-volume, low-competition terms
- Question-based content ideas
- Topic cluster identification
- Content expansion opportunities
Advanced Filtering
Filter n-gram data by date ranges, search types, devices, and countries for targeted analysis.
- Date range filtering
- Device-specific analysis
- Geographic filtering
- Search type filtering
How to Use N-gram Analysis
Follow this step-by-step process to get the most value from your n-gram analysis. Each step builds your understanding of search patterns and content opportunities.
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Start with 1-grams
Begin by analyzing single words to understand the core topics your audience searches for.
What to look for:
- High-frequency words that appear across many queries
- Branded vs non-branded terms
- Core topic identification
- Unexpected or surprising terms
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Explore 2-grams and 3-grams
Move to word pairs and triplets to understand how your audience combines terms in their searches.
What to look for:
- Common modifier words (best, how to, what is)
- Industry-specific terminology
- Problem-solution patterns
- Content type indicators (guide, tips, tutorial)
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Analyze 4-grams and 5-grams
Examine longer phrases to identify complete search intents and question patterns.
What to look for:
- Complete questions your audience asks
- Specific problem statements
- Comparison queries
- Step-by-step process searches
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Identify Content Opportunities
Use the patterns you've discovered to identify specific content opportunities and gaps.
What to look for:
- High-volume n-grams you haven't covered
- Question-based content ideas
- Topic clusters for content series
- Long-tail keyword opportunities
Understanding the Dashboard
The N-gram Analysis dashboard presents your data in an easy-to-understand format with multiple views and filtering options. Learn how to interpret each section for maximum insight.
N-gram Size Selector
Choose the n-gram size (1-5) to analyze different levels of search patterns:
1-gram Analysis
Best for understanding core topics and keyword frequency. Use this to identify your main content themes.
2-gram Analysis
Ideal for discovering common word combinations and modifier patterns. Great for content planning.
3-gram Analysis
Perfect for identifying specific search intents and content types your audience seeks.
4-5-gram Analysis
Excellent for finding complete questions and detailed search intents for comprehensive content.
Data Table Columns
Each n-gram entry shows key metrics to help you prioritize opportunities:
N-gram
The actual word sequence being analyzed (e.g., "seo tips", "content marketing strategy")
Clicks
Total clicks generated by queries containing this n-gram pattern
Impressions
Total impressions from queries containing this n-gram pattern
CTR
Click-through rate for queries containing this n-gram pattern
Position
Average ranking position for queries containing this n-gram pattern
Export Options
Export your n-gram analysis data in multiple formats for further analysis, content planning, and reporting. Choose the format that best suits your workflow and analysis needs.
Common Use Cases
Here are practical ways to use n-gram analysis in your SEO and content strategy. These use cases will help you get maximum value from your search query data.
Content Gap Analysis
Identify high-volume n-grams that you haven't created content for yet. Look for 2-3-gram patterns with good search volume but no corresponding content on your site.
Keyword Research
Use n-gram analysis to discover long-tail keyword opportunities. Look for 4-5-gram patterns that represent specific search intents you can target.
Content Series Planning
Identify topic clusters by grouping related n-grams. Create content series around popular 2-3-gram patterns that appear frequently in your data.
Question-Based Content
Find 4-5-gram patterns that represent questions your audience asks. Create FAQ pages, how-to guides, and comprehensive answer content.
Seasonal Content Planning
Track n-gram patterns over time to identify seasonal trends and plan content calendars around peak search periods.
Competitive Analysis
Compare your n-gram patterns with competitor analysis to identify opportunities they're targeting that you might be missing.
Pro Tips for N-gram Analysis
Start Broad, Then Narrow
Begin with 1-grams to understand your core topics, then drill down to 2-3-grams for specific opportunities.
Track Trends Over Time
Regularly analyze n-gram patterns to identify emerging topics and declining interests in your niche.
Use Filters Strategically
Filter by device, country, or search type to understand how different audiences search for your content.
Focus on High-Volume, Low-Competition
Prioritize n-grams with good search volume but lower competition for easier ranking opportunities.
Troubleshooting
Having issues with your N-gram Analysis? Check these frequently asked questions for quick solutions to common problems and questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some n-grams showing very low numbers?
Low numbers can occur when:
- You're analyzing a very specific n-gram size with limited data
- Your date range is too narrow
- Filters are too restrictive
- Your site is new and hasn't accumulated enough search data
Try expanding your date range or using a smaller n-gram size to see more data.
What's the difference between 1-gram and 2-gram analysis?
1-gram analysis shows individual words that appear most frequently in your search queries, helping you identify core topics. 2-gram analysis shows word pairs, revealing how your audience combines terms and what modifiers they use most often.
How often should I run n-gram analysis?
We recommend running n-gram analysis monthly to track trends and identify new opportunities. For seasonal businesses, consider running it more frequently during peak periods.
Can I use n-gram data for competitor analysis?
N-gram analysis is based on your own search console data, so it shows patterns from searches that led to your site. For competitor analysis, you'd need to use other tools that analyze competitor search data.