One of the most challenging and crucial tasks for any SEO is what keyword suggestion tool to use. Each one is based on each vendor’s keyword database, therefore there is no “perfect” tool and is wise not to rely on a single one only but try to combine a few ones as each one can provide very different results for the same set of keywords (as they pull data from different sources).

There is a vast choice between paid and free keyword suggestion tools. Three of the most commonly used ones, along with their advantages and disadvantages, are the following:

Google AdWords External Keyword Tool (free)
(+) They have a huge database of search activity so they offer great keyword depth
(+) Handy for seasonal products as it provides search history results for the past 12-months
(+) A good starting point for your niche as it will generate a large number of keywords (ideal for brainstorming)
(+) Returns country specific results depending on your location
(-) Does not give exact numbers search volumes of searches but bars
(-) It is very likely that your competitors are using it too so it doesn’t give you any strategic advantage.
(-) The most competitive keywords are usually the most expensive ones (Although not always the ones that will increase your traffic)

Word Tracker (Paid, Free)
(+) Separate UK-based research database which is really handy for UK businesses
(+) More useful features than most keyword research tools
(+) Offers a 7-day free trial as well as a limited free keyword suggestion tool
(+) Ideal for newcomers to keyword research as it comes with great resources (articles, case studies, guides etc)
(+) Ideal for deep long tail keyword indentification if your niche is big enough
(-) Sometimes the results seem a bit spammy and irrelevant
(-) Their database is much smaller than Google’s.
(-) A bit steep learning curve for beginners as its functionlity is not always strightforward.
(-) Keyword Discovery data is not always accurate as they are based on estimates

Keyword Discovery (Paid)
(+) Search activity results are based on over 200 search engines worldwide
(+) Built-in a keyword density tool that measures the density of any given page
(+) Shows seasonal trends throughout the year so it is handy for seasonal producs
(+) Enables you to identify the market share held by individual engines for each keyword
(-) Quite expensive
(-) Sometimes it is a bit slow
(-) No avaialble PPC data

This entry was posted on Monday, February 15th, 2010 at 17:45 and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.