Keyword research tools

[SSFCU]

So I went to a panel a while back that said Wordtracker is basically useless. I'm not using it as an end-all, be-all, but more for insights and context. Do you agree with that statement? The hosting company provides a keyword research tool, so I wasn't sure how seriously to take it.

Have you guys been using Bing for the search data previously provided by Google's Keyword Research Tool? Do you find that to be a viable resource?

Thanks.

[crackingmedia]

Hi Sarah

I would always be concerned at hearing a company dissing another company in a public event. I have never used Wordtracker personally, but with a long track record as it has I wouldn't dismiss it. Also, in the latest search environment I think information giving you insight and context would probably be quite useful.

What examples did the company who hosted the event give that their tool was better?

The problem with any keyword research tool for search now, the data is not going to be as rich as it was. Also, with personalised search how do you measure what is 'normal'? Bing will give you search data yes, and most tools I think use that data. So if you keep in mind that the numbers are not the same as you will get with Google they will at least give you an idea of the higher volume keywords in proportion to those that are likely to be less. By using that data alongside other metrics and competitive analysis, you have a better chance than having none.

If there is a silver bullet tool out there I would be delighted to know about it.

I hope that helps,
Peter

[SSFCU]

He didn't even mention the tool. I just connected the dots. It's a component of their overall suite of tools. Aside from hosting the event, there was no self-promotion.

As for the rest of your response, my sentiments exactly. I feel reassured that I'm thinking about this correctly. I came up with a system using a variety of sources, including common sense, looking at competitors, Google Keyword Planner, Wordtracker, and Bing. I still need to tweak my process, but when I heard that it kinda deflated me because I really like the tool.

Our internal data isn't really helpful because we don't have much traffic now for what I'll be optimizing for. I'm basically on the ground level of what's going to be a re-launch. Presumably over time afterward, I'll have better insight.

And yes, that definitely helps. Thanks!

[WhiteboardCreations]

Hey Sarah,I can't speak for everyone, but I know and am hearing a lot of frustrations in using the new Google Keyword Planner. It's arduous and doesn't seem as flexible compared to the old Keyword Tool you mention, and we're all become so used to. Per Bings Keyword Tool, we have used it before, but I agree with Peter and his comments in that search is now going to be continuing this new direction of "relevance" for personalized search. Yes, keywords are still very important, but the data being provided these days is creating more headaches than solutions.

We look at Google Keyword Planner (still getting used to it) and Bing as well. We haven't used WordTracker in over a year, so per how they are working these days is a bit beyond me. They have been around a long time, so as long as they can update their platform to support the new Google search shifts, then keep with them. If they are not, then that is an issue and the data then becomes tainted. Google will be our go-to keyword research tool unless something else emerges.

Cheers! - Patrick

PS - We've been trying out a new approach where we are comparing sites' anchor text link profile for the competitors of the clients we work for. This somewhat helps us understand what they are wanting to rank for and then we go from there.

[Ron_McCabe]

Sarah,

I have been using this tool: www.spyfu.com , specifically their recon files application to do competitive key word research.  Once I extract key words form this report I use their Keyword smart search tool.

Hope this helps,

Ron