Free Keyword Research Tools - My Four Favorite

Keyword research is the first step in SEO to drive website traffic. Free keyword research tools used in combination with web analytics can be just as good as using paid tools. Not implementing website analytics to measure and optimize your SEO efforts is a big mistake.

Here are my four favorite free keyword research tools that I use (I used them to research this very post):

1. Spacky

The Spacky Keyword Research Tool is the one I use most often. Its main advantage over other keyword tools is it shows results from all the major search engines (Google, Yahoo/Overture, MSN). It is also the fastest and simplest to use. It does not have as strong a brand other other keyword tools, but I find it suits my requirements best.

2. Google Adwords Keyword Tools

This Google Keyword Tool is my second favorite keyword tool after Spacky. You can generate keyword ideas through descriptive keywords and phrases you enter, or let it automatically extract keywords from a target website. It also has filtering options not available on other free keyword tools.
https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal

3. Quintura

The Quintura visual keyword suggestion tool is unique and useful. It lets you visually drill down from a keyword and phrase and see all other associated keywords and phrases. This is quite a useful way of keyword brainstorming, and offers a different way to approach keyword research.

4. Yahoo Search Marketing

Yahoo’s Free Keyword Tool has the advantage of being able to enter multiple keywords and phrases per search (like Google). It has an attractive interface and functionality. The key drawback to it is that it takes longer to use than the other free tools since you have to click through screens. Not a big hassle, you can always buy the paid version to avoid it, but it can get annoying on the free version which is why it is fourth on this list.

Conclusion

It goes without saying that your own brainstorming is the first keyword research tool you should use. Then use several of these tools together to use each of their strengths. Make sure you use website analytics to monitor your results, and explore what search terms people are using to find you. This will help you continually optimize your SEO efforts.

Was this list useful? Which keyword research tools do you use the most? Do you use paid keyword search tools? Would like to hear what you have to say.

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