Is KEI metric still commonly used by SEOs

[Yaddly]

I'd like to ask about the KEI, is it used by now? and is it really matters ? I guess # of results by Google is not a good metric to decide if the keyword is good or not? I'd really appreciate your inputs

[Yaddly]

Thank you so much for the informative answer, alankoen123

I just want to know, if it's still being used by others SEOs here on MOZ?

[alankoen123]

According to the KEI definition, the best keywords are those that have many searches and that don’t have much competition in the search results. A low KEI is therefore preferable.

I agree with Brian Ostergaard at http://keeyword.com/keyword-effectiveness-index-kei-2/ who says: the KEI makes no statement about the quality of the competition. "While there might only be a few competitors in the search results, these competitors could be big players with big SEO teams and thousands of back links."

The most important tool for SEOs are the tools they are comfortable with -- they may stick with or move away from certain tools over time.

You ask a great question because tools have arguably evolved in sophistication and ease of use from the early days of SEO when KEI and similar tools were the predominant tools. Taking a close look at the analytical tools available in Moz.com you find the important aspects covered -- keyword analysis, on-page, link and competitor analysis, analytics and social. In Moz, you can dig deeper very easily to investigate why a keyword is not appearing higher in search engine page ranking. Simply click on an icon and you're there.

So, again great question. My advice -- don't abandon what's working -- search and use additional tools that work for you and your company or clients. And one type of analysis such as KEI should not be relied upon entirely. Keep improving and evolving as new tools and techniques get added to Moz. If you're using other tools, do the same.

Keep those questions coming -- this is a great community for dialogue and the most insightful answers to a variety of different types of questions.