How to Use The Google Keyword Planner
In case you haven't heard, the Google AdWords keyword tool is dying.
Well, I guess you could argue that it's not really going away completely.
It's just moving and getting a slight revamp and will be called The Keyword Planner.
So if you've relied on the GAKT for keyword research when planning your website and searching for keywords to target, you'll have to get acclimated to this new tool.
Check out my video below that shows how to use it. And if you'd rather read, I have details below the video.
What's The Difference?
While there are a handful of differences between the two tools, the three major differences are:
1) You Must Create an AdWords Account
Google is no dummy. AdWords is how the company makes its money.
Forcing people to sign up for AdWords gets people one step closer to buying advertising. From a business perspective, it just makes sense.
The good news is, you will not be forced to buy ads -- at least not now. Let's hope that doesn't change.
2) Exact Match Default
With the GAKT, you got to choose between Broad, Phrase and Exact matches.
Most people will tell you that using Exact Match is best for keyword research because it shows you how many times people searched for that exact phrase instead of related or phrases that include that keyword.
Now the Keyword Planner shows Exact Match results by default.
3) No More Local and Global Monthly Searches
The GAKT used to show you how many times a specific phrase was searched for globally and locally.
The Keyword Planner now shows the Average Monthly searches, a number that is derived from the 12-month average of Exact Match searches.
If you want to learn more about the major differences between the tools, check out Google's article.
Understanding The Numbers
If you're just starting your website, I would recommend looking for topics that get searched for at least 2,000 times per month at the very minimum.
Obviously higher numbers are ideal, but if they are too high, it probably means the competition is thick and the top 10 results are going to be filled with brand name sites that are often harder to outrank.
Don't just use keyword tools alone, do physical research and examine the sites in the top 10. If you see too many well-known brands ranking for the keyword you want to target, that may be a sign you need to narrow down your phrase.
You may also want to check into premium tools like Market Samurai or Long Tail Pro.
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