Keyword Research Tools that Make My Short List
Confused about all the keyword research tool and service options available to you?
No small wonder — it seems like there is a new piece of keyword research software or a new service on the market every other day.
So, I’m going to help make choosing the right market research (or PPC campaign helper) simpler for you with my ’short list’ of keyword software and services… those that I’ve used and recommend.
But first, a quick blurb about keyword research…
Keyword research is essential for determining market size, competition in the marketplace and zeroing in on the specific products that your target market is searching for. To gather all that information, internet and affiliate marketers use keyword research tools.
Note: The following keyword research software and services are listed in alphabetical order, so you’ll have to check through each summary description to learn which is my personal favorite. 
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Google Cash Detective
Returns real-time information FAST unlike other tools for which you can wait days (sometimes WEEKS) for competitive intelligence. GCD is powered by vast server clusters capable of tracking millions of keywords, advertisements, landing pages and dozens of other pay per click metrics.
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Google Keyword Tools
For those quick keyword and keyword checks, I usually go first to Google’s Keyword Tool to glean some basic insights into my target market. However, for more indepth information, I tend to use one of the tools below, preferable Wordtracker. To find out why, read my | Google vs. Wordtracker article.
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Keyword Country Software
A comprehensive and complete keyword research tool, Keyword Country connects to major search engines for keyword research (including Google, Yahoo, MSN, ASK) and also connects to the industry by performing a deep analysis of the competitor websites. It also steals the niche keywords that competitors in your industry are using.
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Keyword Elite
Keyword Elite (updated) lets you build long tail keyword lists with lightning speed to generate the largest, most diversified keyword lists imaginable and uncover keyword phrases I guarantee you had absolutely no idea people actually searched on!
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Keyword Spy
KeywordSpy really does spy on top affiliate marketers and then gives you a list of all the keywords that make money for them. So you can let all those smart Super Affiliates do the hard work of researching and testing to find the most lucrative keywords – and then you can turn around and use them in your own PPC ad campaigns.
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Speed PPC
Developed by Jay Stockwell – a qualified AdWords Professional – Speed PPC is a keyword research tool for more advanced Internet and affiliate marketers who want to lower their bid costs, increase CTR (click-through-rates), CR (conversion rates) and increase their Adwords quality scores.
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Wordtracker
Wordtracker is my personal favorite amongst all the keyword research tools available and perhaps the most popular keyword analysis tools being used today. From a massive 340 million keyword database you can learn exactly which terms your target audience are search for and how many times each keyword has been entered.
Note: Most of the paid services listed above also offer a free trial version.
Want more info?
Rosalind Gardner is a Super Affiliate blogger, author, speaker, and Internet marketing consultant.
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Related Posts
- Keyword Tools: Google vs. Wordtracker
- New Keyword Research Tool Available at Wordtracker
- Review: Keyword Country
- Niche Market and Keyword Research Process
- DinerDave Does Market Research
It’s a bit depressing WT is still your fave after all the new ones that have come out. I’ve got a list over at mine too and it’s actually called alternatives to Wordtracker. I’ve had some intersting results from Google Insights, you obviously know it and I’m surprised you don’t mention it. Each to their own I guess. SEMrush can be very useful too for competition research.
See ya
BB
Hi BB,
Excellent point about Google Insights. I’ll add the link within the Google section now. Thanks for reminding me.
As to Wordtracker still being my favorite, that could have something to do with familiarity… been using it for years and years and I’m an old dog.
BTW, I really like GCD too.
Cheers,
Ros
Google Keyword tool is my favorite.
You have post about some nice keyword research tool. I use wordrtacker for choose my keyword.
Hi Rosalind,
Thanks for sharing this article.
Really appreciate it.
Actually I want to ask you about keywords tools above, from your opinion which is THE BEST?
And all those tools are free?
Thanks,
JoeRevod
Hello Joe,
I’m glad you appreciate the article.
It’s hard to say which is best — that depends on what you want to achieve with your research and your budget as most of these are paid keyword research services and tool — most with free trials.
Cheers,
Ros
What is your opinion of Google Cash Detective? Is it worth the money? More importantly, are there ways to “clone” a campaign that will work on Google?
Hi Larry,
I knew the list was missing something — have added Google Cash Detective now. You might also want to read my review of GCD at http://www.netprofitstoday.com/blog/google-cash-detective-unveiling-your-competition/. Love the competitive intelligence and there’s a $1 trial offer available.
Cheers,
Ros
I seriously need to use keyword tools more often. The problem is I’m still marketing what I love
Rick
Hi Rick,
No problem at all in marketing what you love… that’s the way to do it!
Cheers,
Ros
Hi Ros,
Thanks for these reviews. Very helpful at my stage of the game.
Regards, Barry
Hey Rosalind,
Just wanted to mention another Great tool, which also applies to PPC, but especially for SEO, and that is Market Samurai. I got a chance to use it (free offer) when I took the Thirty Day Challenge, and holy guacamole, this is much more than a one trick pony. I’ve tried most of the tools that you listed above (except for Speed PPC) and for casting a wider net in both SEO and PPC, the Noble Samurai team have created a monster winner, and it’s still in beta! Another plus is the low price… oh yeah, the other must-use tool is of course, the Google Keyword Tool. Put these together and watch out!
Cheers,
-Sid (hi from Vancouver!)
Hi Sid,
Thanks much for sharing! I’ll try to get a look at it soon.
Cheers,
Ros
Thank you Ms. Gardner.
I am using Keyword Elite and Speed PPC tool because of this article.
Its really very helpful to and I am intended to use all that are listed here.
Hope to find more articles from you
I personally like Google keyword tool and Wordtracker. The kei feature of Wordtracker is really useful.
Cool list Rosalind. These are very useful and i love most all the tools.
Nice post. Keep it up!
Thats very good to know… thanks
thank you for this nice and informative post.
Wordtracker is my favourite tool too. And the company is extremely generous – you can use the full account for 7 days free – no questions asked, before the 7 days expire you simply cancel the account. If you are like me (I know that’s not best practice), and you do extensive keyword research only once a year – you can use Wordtracker completely free (!!)
cheers
Charlie
still using google keyword tool..
Wow, thank for the tools..just right on time..I’ve been searching on popular keyword for my blog..thank you so much…
Off topic: Anyone here know’s what are the best or popular Adsense nowadays?
Thank you so much for a reply..
Hi,
Not sure exactly what you mean. If you’re looking for the most lucrative Adsense terms, I doubt anyone will share those with you.
But to help you along, you might want to read this:
http://www.netprofitstoday.com/blog/7-sins-niche-market-research/
Cheers,
Ros
google keywords tool is my favourite