Google’s Keyword Planner Tool is a valuable resource for finding and researching keywords for use in SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns. It allows users to discover new keyword ideas, see how often specific terms are searched, analyze competition, and estimate the cost of running paid campaigns.
Here’s a quick guide on how to use it effectively:
Step 1: Accessing Keyword Planner
- Sign in to Google Ads: To access the tool, you need to have a Google Ads account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create an account.
- Find Keyword Planner: Once logged in, click on the wrench icon at the top right corner and select “Keyword Planner” under the “Planning” section.
Step 2: Discover New Keywords
- Click “Discover new keywords”: This allows you to search for keyword ideas related to a specific product, service, or topic.
- Enter your product or service: Type in the relevant keywords for your niche, or provide your website to receive suggestions.
- Location and language: Adjust settings for specific geographic regions and languages to target.
- Generate keyword ideas: Google will return a list of keyword suggestions along with important metrics.
Step 3: Analyzing Keyword Metrics
Once you have the list, you can sort and filter the keywords based on:
- Average Monthly Searches: Shows how frequently the keyword is searched in a month.
- Competition: Ranges from low to high, indicating how competitive the keyword is for paid ads.
- Top of page bid (low range & high range): Gives you an estimate of what advertisers are paying for each click.
Step 4: Plan Your Campaign
- Choose keywords: Select the keywords you want to use for your SEO or PPC campaigns.
- Get bid estimates: If you’re running a PPC campaign, this feature helps you estimate how much budget you should allocate.
- Add to your campaign: You can directly add keywords to your Google Ads campaign if you’re using the tool for paid advertising.
Step 5: Download Keyword Data
You can download your list of keywords along with metrics in formats like CSV for further analysis.
Tips for Success:
- Filter by competition: Use low-competition keywords if you’re just starting, as they may be easier to rank for.
- Look for long-tail keywords: These are often more specific and can attract targeted traffic with less competition.
- Monitor trends: Use keywords with steady or increasing search volumes over time.