How trustworthy is Google's Keyword Tool for organic search research?
-
Can anyone (not Google affliated) explain to me where Google's data really comes from in their Keyword Tool?
Is it at all based on organic search? Or only on Google Ads related data?
I know there was some controversy back in June '10 and the Google remedied the return of suggested keywords but I can't seem to get a clear answer (other than from the Google blog itself) whether the search volumes returned are truly indicative of organic search.
Am I relying on the wrong tool? Do those more savvy than I only rely on the keyword tool for PPC research.
Please help! I'm obsessing over my numbers here.
-
Yeah I wouldn't trust Wordtracker as far as I could throw a lead donkey. Not on its own anyway. I've seen it turn up some pretty weird stuff before, long tail phrases that you wouldn't imagine anyone searching, but it seems to think has loads of searches. Embarrassing if you're showing a client something at the time.
-
I too agree with Steve. Googles numbers do seem a bit "off" especially when you try to use local terms with it. Although I like Wordtracker and Keyword Discovery too, i think their data is also "off" (my opinion). I think its just a matter of utilizing multiple tools and looking for a common theme. I've also found keyword spy to be helpful as well. Even their free tool is pretty nice in comparison.
-
Thanks for the quick answer. This totally makes sense. I'll look into the tools you mentioned.
-
I would have to agree with Steve. It's good for a rough estimate. I would look at more in a ratio scenario. So they might say 100 for the 1st result and 10 for the 2nd. If they are using similar math to hide their numbers then you are looking at a 10 to 1 ratio.
-
Don't use it on it's own. I use it a lot but never use it for any more than a rough guide. It's based on searches performed in Google... not specific to ads or organic. It throws up numbers that you know are wrong for a start. When you use it, don't use broad match, watch for keyword phrases that are in reverse, and just don't take it as gospel. With the search volumes, use it more as a measure of how popular one keyword is over another. I do use it loads more than other keyword software and despite how volatile and deceitful it is I still think it lies a lot less than any of the others. But once you've got somewhere with your keyword research try then in one or two other tools too i.e. Wordtracker and/or Keyword Discovery
Got a burning SEO question?
Subscribe to Moz Pro to gain full access to Q&A, answer questions, and ask your own.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
Keywords problems
Hello,
Keyword Research | | Gabijaurbs
I am having a problem while I am searching for keywords - it just says "Getting serp analysis failed. Please retry your search or refresh this page" on all browsers I try it on. Hard reloaded too and still not working. Could you help me with this?
Best regards, Gabija0 -
Google and connector words
Hello and straight to the point, How does google treat connector words (the, in, on etc) in relation to keywords ? For example if people are searching for "hardware sydney" but the content on the page uses the phrase "hardware in sydney" does this make a difference to the way Google views the page content? Cheers David.
Keyword Research | | techdesign0 -
What is the best tool for finding what people are using as search phrases for my product
what is the best tool for finding what people are using as search phrases for my product? i used to use the google adwords keyword suggestion tool but that tool is gone now. Is the google keyword planner now the best tool to use? Thanks, Ron
Keyword Research | | Ron101 -
Changes at Raven Tools!
I received notification today that Raven tools will lose it's Adwords API, see below: "Raven received notice from Google late last week that we would lose access to its AdWords API. Without API access, Raven can't provide Google AdWords research, management and reporting to our customers" This is a massive blow as we use Raven to track progress for clients and also to run keyword research etc. Does anybody that knows Raven have a suitable alternative? Thanks...
Keyword Research | | JonathanSmith0 -
Any thoughts as to the best keyword tool about today?
I have found similar questions on the forum but is there a best keyword tool to use or is it a case of using a few and cross referecing them?
Keyword Research | | bunac10 -
Keyword domain names
My two best key words are "gps tracking" and "vehicle tracking". For the Irish market I have got the two domain names: www.vehicletracking.ie www.gpstracking.ie Have a very poor landing page on www.vehicletracking.ie and just redirecting www.gpstracking.ie to our site. I am wondering what I should do thie these two assets? Should I be running them as micro sites? re directing them? Or something else? Let me know what you think. Andrew
Keyword Research | | fleurya0 -
Does keyword arrangement matter?
If I choose: Blue Wide Widgets vs. Wide Blue Widgets vs. Widgets Wide Blue Are these considered 3 different keywords that show up on 3 different SERPs?
Keyword Research | | 13375auc30 -
Keyword Dulication in Tags
As I mostly work with Belgian/Dutch customers, my keywords are often in Dutch. We have a lot of composite words such as "hooikoortsklachten" or "hooikoortverwachting". If i were to create a Page Title with content: Hooikoortsklachten | hooikoortsverwachting Is this parly duplicated (because of the word hooikoorts x2)? or does Google only consider the entire word? Insights would be much appreciated! Thanks
Keyword Research | | Jacobe0