How To Research Keywords Without Buying Software (Part One)
A lot of people, including myself, are not very eager to whip out their wallets and purchase things online. I guess it might all stem back from the early days when the whole persona about the Internet was that everything was supposed to be free. Ironically, I still feel that way today. But, when it comes things that I really need, I do feel less reluctant to make those purchases. Majority of the time though, my aim is to find what I need online for free.
There are a lot of different programs available for researching keywords. You can find many of these programs for sale, stocked in the virtual shelves of ClickBank. While others can be found by searching Google and various blogs and websites. In the past, I have purchased and used a few of these different programs including Micro Niche Finder and Keyword Elite. These paid programs do work, and they do serve their purpose.
But, what about the people who don’t like to purchase software? Times are tough, a lot of people might not have money to invest into software. Believe me, I have been there myself. Sadly, too many times for my own taste. The great news is that there are ways to research keywords without buying software. Amusingly, the method I want to share with you is actually my preferred method, above and beyond using paid software.
I use –and if you’ve been reading my articles for awhile you already know– Google AdWords to research keywords. The program is intended for business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals who want to instantly promote their products, services, and general advertisements to highly targeted audiences. As you may know, the program allows for people to bid on the keywords they want to rank for. Within that, there are tools that offer people ways to find keywords that have certain levels of popularity and competition.
Now for me, I am an online publisher who builds various blogs and websites for the purpose of targeting researched keywords for profit. I build helpful sites that provide information based on these topics and monetize the content with AdSense ads. My goal is to discover keywords that yield a high level of profit, while also having a manageable level of competition. In other words, there’s no point in building a site that triggers low paying ads, and it’s not worth my time building sites that fails to gain top ten rankings in the SERPS. And that’s where the Google AdWords program kicks in.
That said, I encourage you to stay tuned because in my next few articles, I am going to show you exactly how to effectively research keywords using two free tools available within the “Opportunities” section of Google AdWords (the Keyword Tool and Traffic Estimator) and two advanced search tools (related searches and wonder wheel) found on the left sidebar in the SERPS. Sorry to hype it up, but I think it’s best that we do this in bite site and managable pieces. So again, I invite you to stay tuned in. One of the best ways to do that is by subscribing to our blog.
April 22nd, 2010 at 5:56 pm
[...] show you how to research keywords the same way I do. The best part is that I want to teach you is how to research keywords without buying software. So please join me and read my first [...]
April 22nd, 2010 at 11:17 pm
I also use Google Adwords for keyword research, but I can definitely use pointers in getting better at it.
I use Google Adwords to target SEO phrases and for potential PPC campaigns.
Fire away!
April 22nd, 2010 at 11:51 pm
Great post. I've been looking for effective ways to find "golden keywords." I too have bought keyword software that works, but being able to locate profitable, moneymaking, keywords without relying on a software that may or may not work in the future is an invaluable skill that every marketer should own.
Thanks!
April 23rd, 2010 at 12:35 am
Hey G man,
This is a topic I have had some interest in for quite some time. Unfortunately, I have always felt I needed to know a little more than I do to pull it off and actually make some money. My personal goal was to manage as many sites as needed to produce a 3 to 5K a month income.
I can provide the linking that would be needed to rank the sites. I can also do the other research needed to make the sites/topics that would be needed. My biggest concern is spending all of that time to find that there really is no money to be made with AdSense sites.
Maybe I am wrong, but I have never been able to find anyone who can prove that level of income is realistically possible.
I look forward to your articles on this subject.
April 23rd, 2010 at 4:12 am
Thank you for the information. Actually, that is one of my struggle, to find the right keywords. I'll stay in tune.
April 23rd, 2010 at 5:34 am
Yes we are on the same boat. I can also not afford expensive softwares to do keyword research. Till date I am using google adwords keyword tool to do keyword research. Also I analyze competitors keywords to get some idea on how to beat them!
Also adword keyword tool is really smooth and easy to understand not like some other tool which are not the level of the beginner.
April 23rd, 2010 at 9:36 am
I’m looking forward to the next article. Thanks for this valuable info. I really want to see my adsense income rise even without spending money on some keyword research tools.
April 23rd, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Hey, Gary ~
Thanks for staying in touch. This is good info about a procedure that I can't seem to master. Look forward to your next posts.
Your friend,
Brennan
April 23rd, 2010 at 5:10 pm
Hi John,
Nice to meet you. I like your blog a lot. Excellent topic to be covering. I'm pleased to hear that you'll gain a few pointers from my tutorials. How would you describe your experiences using AdWords to taget SEO phrases and PPC campaigns so far (i.e. successes, pitfalls, opportunities)?
April 23rd, 2010 at 5:26 pm
Hi Tegs,
You're welcome. This will be a lot of fun. And I agree 100%. Knowing how to research keywords without depending on software is as valuable as knowing how to survive stranded in the jungle. I think using software is great; however, knowing the inner-workings of "how" and "why" things work is the key. Back many years ago, I used to manufacture eyeglasses. I was taught how to fabricate ophthalmic lenses using manually operated machinery. Years later –just like everything else in manufacturing– old machines were replaced with automated ones that required absolutely no skill to operate.
While it's "okay" to have machines and systems to automate fabrications and processes, it's kind of a "loss" for the people who use them because they get cheated from having the opportunity to understand the actions that take place in order to complete the process. The same applies with using software to perform keyword research. Basically, what I would like people to take from these tutorials is gaining a general understanding of "why" and "how" certain keywords will work or not.
April 23rd, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Hey Gary, I can't wait to read more… being a new guy to markeitng online this is my main areas of study. My ultimate goal is to bring in about 10k a month with adsense sites. I too have been using google's keyword tool for keyword research and am following Josh Spaulding's PR formula. I have not quite got it down pat yet but am still learning. Can't wait for your next post
April 23rd, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Hi Terry,
It's great to touch base with you again. Describe the attempts have you made in the past and the results. If your previous attempts resulted in failure, what were the down falls (i.e. Low CTR, low CPC, low ranking, traffic, etc.)?
Also, what kind of time have you been investing? It doesn't take me long to research topics. Once I decide on a topic to push forward on, writing the content, building the site, submitting it into Google and other search engines, promoting it in social networks, link building, etc… doesn't take a lot of time at all. Also, I have the choice on outsourcing everything, minus the keyword research. I will always do that myself. But everything else can be passed down to someone else.
In all honesty Terry, you have a better understanding of SEO than myself and most others. I think you might be having trouble with "having a nose" for the keywords. And that part is going to be the biggest challenge for me to teach. I don't know if it has to do with me being left-handed, having adult ADHD, or just being overly creative. But when I dig in the sand for keyword treasures, I just find them. My aim is to provide support with this aspect of keyword research for sure.
April 23rd, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Hi WillBill,
Excellent to hear and I am glad that you'll gain something from these tutorials. Be sure to ask questions if you have them. I'll help you as much as I can.
April 23rd, 2010 at 5:48 pm
Hi there!
First, I really would like to know your name or handle, rather than addressing you as a keyword phrase you're targeting. It just doesn't feel very personable. That said, I am glad to hear that there is appreciation for those who have challenges with purchasing software. It's "okay" to purchase software if you can afford it; however, for those who can't afford software, it sure is great to have options available. You said that you have been using the tools in AdWords already. How's that been working for you so far?
April 23rd, 2010 at 5:50 pm
Hi Brennan,
It's great to connect with you again. I am pleased to hear that I have captured your interest on a topic that you're struggling with and that I will be able to help you. What are some specifics that you need help with?
April 23rd, 2010 at 5:53 pm
Hi Sammy,
I would like to see that happen too. We have talked on and off for close to three years now. I think it's time that you really start earn some excellent profits from your efforts. Let me know details on the things that you're having trouble with and I'll try my best to address your needs.
April 23rd, 2010 at 11:30 pm
Hello Gary. Nice to meet you, too, and thanks for the kind words about my blog.
As an example, I used Google AdWords to help me determine good keywords for the domain name of one of my sites:http://www.sellinginformationproducts.net. I started getting search engine traffic in the first few days the site was up.
April 24th, 2010 at 12:24 am
Hi Shawn,
Glad to hear that you have discovered an interest with AdSense earnings. There's a lot to learn, but it seems that you have aligned yourself with great people. If you have specific things related to this tutorial that you need help with, feel free to ask questions.
April 23rd, 2010 at 10:23 pm
[...] How To Research Keywords Without Buying Software (Part One) [...]
April 23rd, 2010 at 11:04 pm
[...] mentioned yesterday, I am publishing a multiple post series that will teach you how to research keywords without having to purchase software. There’s a two things that I’d like to mention before I publish the second article in [...]
September 9th, 2010 at 11:10 am
Hi Gary,
?
My challenge is understanding the numbers. What are reasonable numbers to aim for as a novice, who wants to eventually build an empire
Also, when I use tools such as the keyword tool and wonder wheel, the further along the search the numbers should get smaller (meaning less competition), but instead some get larger or then there are no more options. What should I do in these cases?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
September 9th, 2010 at 11:15 am
I forgot to mention that I'm currently stuck on choosing a topic matter due to not being able to narrow down my general topic of holistic health.
thanks