Best Free Keyword Research Tool 2016

Effective keyword research is the cornerstone of any successful online content strategy. In 2016, while several robust keyword research tools were available, many came with significant price tags. This article focuses on a leading free keyword research tool that provided valuable insights without requiring a financial investment. We will delve into its functionalities, illustrating how it can be employed to identify and analyze relevant keywords.

Google Keyword Planner: A Powerful Free Tool

Google Keyword Planner (GKP) was, and remains, a pivotal resource for individuals engaged in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising. Initially designed to assist advertisers in choosing keywords for their campaigns, it can also be leveraged effectively for organic search optimization. Although accessing GKP requires a Google Ads account, you do not need to run active campaigns to utilize its keyword research capabilities.

Step 1: Accessing Google Keyword Planner

The first step involves navigating to the Google Ads platform. You will need to either create a new account or log in to an existing one. Once logged in, locate the "Tools & Settings" menu, typically found in the top navigation. From the dropdown menu, select "Keyword Planner."

Step 2: Exploring the Two Primary Options

Keyword Planner presents two primary options:

1. Discover new keywords: This option allows you to input general terms, phrases, or even a website URL to generate a list of related keyword ideas. This is particularly useful for brainstorming and expanding your keyword pool.

2. Get search volume and forecasts: This option enables you to input a list of keywords and retrieve historical search volume data, along with forecasts for future performance. This is invaluable for assessing the popularity and potential of specific keywords.

Step 3: Using "Discover New Keywords"

Let's illustrate the usage of the "Discover new keywords" option with an example. Suppose you are running a blog about "home gardening." You would enter this phrase into the search bar and click "Get Results."

The tool will generate a list of keyword ideas related to "home gardening." These might include keywords like "vegetable gardening," "flower gardening," "container gardening," "organic gardening," and various other related terms. Alongside each keyword, you will see data points like:

• Average monthly searches: An estimate of the average number of times the keyword is searched for each month.
• Competition: An indication of the level of competition for the keyword in paid search (high, medium, or low). While this reflects paid search competition, it can sometimes offer a general indication of organic competition as well.
• Suggested bid: The estimated cost-per-click (CPC) for the keyword in Google Ads.

You can refine your results by specifying location targeting (e.g., United States, United Kingdom), language, and search network (Google or Google and search partners).

Step 4: Using "Get Search Volume and Forecasts"

Now, let's examine the "Get search volume and forecasts" option. Imagine you have compiled a list of potential keywords, such as "easy to grow vegetables," "best flowers for beginners," and "small space gardening." You would enter these keywords into the tool and click "Get Started."

This option provides you with historical search volume data for the entered keywords, allowing you to assess their popularity over time. It also provides forecasts, predicting the potential number of clicks and impressions you might receive if you were to bid on these keywords in Google Ads. While the forecast is primarily geared towards paid advertising, the search volume data is highly relevant for organic SEO. The tool presents data in graphical format, allowing for visual analysis of trends.

Step 5: Analyzing and Filtering Keyword Data

Once you have generated keyword ideas and retrieved search volume data, it's crucial to analyze and filter the results to identify the most promising keywords for your content strategy. Consider the following factors:

• Search volume: Prioritize keywords with a significant level of search volume. However, be mindful that high-volume keywords often have higher competition.
• Competition: Assess the level of competition. Targeting low-competition keywords can be a good strategy, especially when starting out, as they offer a higher chance of ranking well.
• Relevance: Ensure the keywords are highly relevant to your content and target audience. Using irrelevant keywords can lead to poor user experience and lower search engine rankings.
• Keyword intent: Understand the intent behind the keywords. Are users searching for information, products, or services? Tailor your content to match the user's intent.

Google Keyword Planner allows you to filter and sort keyword data based on these factors. You can also download the data in a CSV file for further analysis in a spreadsheet program.

Step 6: Incorporating Keywords into Your Content

After identifying relevant keywords, the next step is to strategically incorporate them into your content. This involves:

• Title tags: Include your primary keyword in the title tag of your web page.
• Meta descriptions: Craft compelling meta descriptions that include relevant keywords.
• Headings (H1, H2, H3): Use keywords in your headings to structure your content and improve readability.
• Body text: Incorporate keywords naturally throughout your body text. Avoid keyword stuffing, which can harm your rankings.
• Image alt text: Use descriptive alt text for your images, including relevant keywords.

Remember to prioritize creating high-quality, informative, and engaging content that satisfies user intent. Keyword optimization is just one aspect of a comprehensive SEO strategy.

Beyond Google Keyword Planner

While Google Keyword Planner was a solid option in 2016, several other free (or freemium) tools offered complementary features. These included:

• Google Trends: To identify trending topics and seasonal keywords.
• Ubersuggest: A tool offering keyword suggestions, content ideas, and backlink analysis. While Ubersuggest has evolved since 2016, its core functionalities remained useful.
• AnswerThePublic: A tool specializing in question-based keyword research, helping you understand what questions people are asking related to your topic.

Conclusion

Google Keyword Planner, in 2016, provided a powerful and accessible starting point for keyword research. Its capabilities extended beyond paid advertising, offering valuable insights for organic SEO strategies. By understanding how to effectively utilize the tool, individuals could identify relevant keywords, analyze search volume data, and optimize their content for improved search engine rankings. While the SEO landscape has continuously evolved, the fundamental principles of keyword research remain crucial for driving organic traffic and achieving online success.

Practical Advice: Regularly revisit your keyword research and update your content accordingly. Search trends change, and new keywords emerge. By staying informed and adapting your strategy, you can maintain a competitive edge and ensure your content remains relevant to your target audience.