21 replies to this topic

[Scottie]

Keyword research is a critical function for search engine optimization. The tools below can help you find the the best keyphrases for your site.

Wordtracker
This is the 800-lb gorilla in the keyword research world. You can test it out using their demo mode (which gives you Alta Vista-based research only) but sign up for a subscription for the full features.

See Jill's article, Tips on Using Wordtracker to Find the Best Keyword Phrases for more info.

Free tools:

Overture's Search Term Inventory Tool

Good Keywords

Even Better Keywords

Google Adwords
Sign up for an account to be able to use the keyword selection tools.

AltaVista Prisma
Searching AltaVista won't give you search volume, but it can help you come up with related terms you may want to target

If you've got a other suggestions for keyword research, post them below!

[ImVickieB]

Thanks for the great resources! I am a great fan of Word Tracker and the cost of joining has already been paid back in increased revenue from our ecommerce websites.

[Jill]

Welcome, ImVickieB!

Jill

[Webmaster-Toolkit.com]

*shameless self promotion*
Webmaster Toolkit Keyword Research Tool
*end shameless self promotion*

[RisaBB]

Scottie,

Thanks for the list. I just downloaded Good Keywords, and it doesn't come with detailed instructions, so I have a few questions.


What does SINo mean and what does Count mean? The number of people who have searched for the term that day? or in their database?

Thanks,
Risa

[Scottie]

Hi Risa-

Did you check the Good Keywords Support page? I'll have to admit, I haven't used it much lately...

[RisaBB]

Scottie,

Thanks. I'll check it out.

Risa

[awall19]

There are also a couple free keyword tools from the two largest price per click search providers.

Overture considers the internets searches as its inventory. To properly sell this inventory they offer a tool to show what searches were done on Overture (and some of its partners) in the last month. Keep in mind that this in no way accounts for seasonal shifts or things like that. The biggest problems with the Overture tool are that
1.) it combines singular and plural versions
2.) it is only a percentage of the web. the numbers vary based on the search term and who you ask, but the ballpark I generally hear is that multiplying the Overture search term occurance by a multiple of 5 to 20 will give overall web traffic. Please note that the exact # is hard to calculate and the general idea is what you should be looking for anyway.

Overture Search Term Suggestion Tool

Googles keyword sandbox suggests similar keywords to those typed into the suggestion box.

Google Keyword Sandbox

for the record, both tools are inferior to WordTracker, but if you are affraid to spend money they are a good place to start. WordTracker does have a free trial though

[neyne]

*shameless self promotion*
Webmaster Toolkit Keyword Research Tool
*end shameless self promotion*

Hi everyone,

I have a question for Webmaster-Toolkit. What is the meaning of the results that your tool provides ? Where does it get them from ?

It can be a great tool for locating keyphrases to be checked further more (since none of the stated tools are reliable by themselves) but i don't know how to relate to the results.

Thanx.

My 5c is that i wouldn't reccomend using Overture tool due to the following reasons:

1. The results are SERIOUSLY skewed by advertisers.
2. There are plenty of cases where the machine adds up the results for plural and singular forms, which can be misleading.
3. You can never know what is the meaning of the high numbers presented. Does it give the number of searches performed on Overture only or Overture and all the sites that feature Overture sponsored listings ?


From my experience, the best practice is to use Google sandbox and Wordtracker in order to locate the relevant keyphrases. Once you have a long list of phrases, you can establish a relation between them through Wordtracker or through Google Adwords (great idea Dan, going to try it ).

My 5 cents.

[Webmaster-Toolkit.com]

I have a question for Webmaster-Toolkit. What is the meaning of the results that your tool provides ? Where does it get them from ?

The tool actually gets the top 10 results for the phrase you specified and extracts the meta keywords used on these pages. Therefore it can produce some interesting results, but these results to not equate to any popularity of searches.

[Jill]

Welcome, Chris!

Thanks for adding your valuable perspective!

Jill

[TBroadfoot3rd]

Well I do not have to post my email between Chris and I about factor and the way it is arrived at since Chris is here as a member you can get any info about Good Keywords or Even Better Keywords just let Chris know.

Not a shameless plug but was impressed with the response time of Chris' answers to my questions.

Welcome to the board Chris.

[Denyse]

Anyone know of a keyword tool for foreign language? Specifically French?

Denyse

[DanThies]

Just throwing one more tool into the mix... using a "keyword density analyzer" on competing sites (and your own site) can be very enlightening, in terms of what search terms you may be overlooking.

I like the way this one reports, but it doesn't allow URLs with question marks:
http://www.ranks.nl/tools/spider.html