Search volume is a fundamental SEO metric that represents the average number of times users search for a specific keyword in a search engine over a set period, typically a month.
Marketers use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Keyword Planner to find the search volume of keywords. A keyword with a high search volume represents a large potential audience but is usually highly competitive to rank for. Conversely, low search volume keywords are easier to rank for but drive less traffic. Finding the sweet spot between decent volume and achievable competition is the art of keyword research.