Keyword Research Tools – SEO Tip Week 2
In hind sight, I should have put this SEO Tip first but better late than never. You must do keyword research before you start optimizing your site, that much is obvious, but what tools should you use?
There are two excellent keyword research tools that I can recommend as professional tools. They are Wordtracker and Keyword Discovery. Both are great and both are different. At Big Oak we started with Wordtracker and move over to Keyword Discovery after a year or so. We felt KD had an easier interface and liked they way it worked us. This is not to say Wordtracker didn’t do a fine job for us, because it did. It was really just a matter of preference. You may find Wordtracker better for your method of research.
If you are just getting into the game you may want to try something else that is free to do your initial research. You can use Overture’s keyword search tool, but it is limited to one month of keyword searches and often isn’t working because too many people are trying to use it. You’ll want to move to the pay-for-use programs quickly if you are truly serious.
In any case, do not overlook this important step and don’t assume you know how people are searching for your product or service. If you optimize a site with the wrong keywords you may end up with a high ranking site but won’t convert your traffic! Correctly identifying the best keywords and search terms using a keyword search tool will help your odds of success and give you a fighting chance to target prospects who are more likely to turn into clients.
My colleague, Holly Rodriguez has written about choosing keyword research tools on her SEO copywriting blog, SEOScribe.com. Check it out if you would like more information.
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2 Responses to “Keyword Research Tools – SEO Tip Week 2”
By fivekitten (3 comments.) on Jul 27, 2008 | Reply
I just want you to know that I tried Holly’s links (http://www.seoscribe.com/?p=18,http://www.seoscribe.com/, and http://www.seoscribe.com/) and the showed this error message(being a copywriter I was very interested in what she had to say)
“The specified CGI application misbehaved by not returning a complete set of HTTP headers.”
I may be a copywriter, but I am not a Programmer..I have no idea what that means..but thought you should know in case it can be fixed…BUT it could very well be my computer because it’s been a little wacky today..(like it’s owner).
Just a note to others that all you have to do is a search for “free SEO keyword tools” and you’ll come up with a ton. I have a bunch bookmarked..haven’t found a favorite yet though. I have heard critical remarks about Overture though and I think they are undergoing some sort of business reformation but not sure what.
Anyhow, have to get back to work..just wanted to let you know about those links!
Nice site! Glad I found it!
By Shell Harris (164 comments.) on Jul 28, 2008 | Reply
five kitten – thanks for the error notification. This is a problem with our host and we are having them look into it.
Thank you for visiting and all your comments so far!