Tips for using Google?s free keyword tool

[djbaxter]

Quick Steps to Accurate Keyword Research
by Eric Gesinski
September 11, 2009

When using Google?s free keyword tool:

1. Make sure to show all columns. To do this, select the ?Show/hide columns? drop down list, and choose ?Show all?. The reason to do this is to check trending and to see what the average CPC (cost per click) is for top ranking on the paid results for these keywords.
2. Under ?Match Type? in the right-most column, select ?Exact?. This will show a much more accurate count for the keywords you are researching, since it gives a monthly count for that exact keyword (as opposed to all phrases containing that keyword in addition to phrases Google considers related to that keyword).

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[ArizonaJay]

Thanks for that reminder, Minstrel. Is there any place that you could suggest I review that would give me some insight as to how many searches are required to make a niche potentially profitable (I know ROI has to be considered)? And, how many searches are too many and indicate that the market is too saturated/competitive?

When one is a newbie, it's really hard to decipher what all these numbers mean in REAL terms.

 

[djbaxter]

I think there are others here including Linda who could provide better answers to that question, Jay...

 

[Linda Buquet]

There are not really any definitive numbers because how much competition you can handle to some degree depends on how good you are at SEO.

But this thread will give you lots of good info.

<a href="http://affiliate-marketing-forums.5staraffiliateprograms.com/search-engine-marketing-seo-forum/7112-need-help-search-engine-optimization-numbers-keyword-popularity-vs-competing-pages.html#post21070">Need help with SEO numbers - KeyWord Popularity vs Competing Pages?</a>

Look for my post a few down about the 30 day challenge, they give a number of competing pages you should stay under for low competition.