Everyone knows that content is most important for driving conversions and boosting sales revenues. Content, therefore, must necessarily be created as per user requirements to deliver the maximum level of engagement. However, even the best of content cannot deliver any results if it is not found by the search engines and ranked at the top of the search results page. For this to happen, the content needs to have the right keywords infused in it. Keyword research is the process of finding out which keywords will deliver the best results keeping in mind the competitive environment.

The Need to Look Beyond Google Keyword Planner

With Google being the dominant search engine, one would assume that the Google AdWords Keyword Planner would be more than adequate. While it remains popular, its tendency to throw up a broad range dilutes its efficiency when you are trying to be specific. Also, one is consistently hearing that the product may either be killed by Google or its access restricted to owners of AdWords campaigns. If this is a pointer to restrictions in the use of the Google tool, one need not worry as there are plenty more tools that are not only good but also free. Some options:

Answer the Public

If you really dislike reading loads of text, Answer the Public delivers a fun and engaging visual representation of keywords that are most relevant to the search terms that you have entered. The minute you hit the enter button, you get more than 40 keyword suggestions that are essentially the most popular terms that people are actually using on various search engines; these are grouped by who, where, what, why, etc. Remember, it is not necessary for you to use any of the suggestions as is but you can and should use them as a reference to develop your own original content for specific needs and audiences. However, for e-commerce merchants, especially sellers on Amazon, keyword inspector for Amazon could work better.

Keyhole

Using Keyhole for keyword research can be helpful in planning content for the social media because apart from the keyword, you can also use it to identify hashtags and other references. By taking a look at the hashtags that are trending, you will also be in a position to refine or alter your keywords to point towards a trending issue. Additionally, you can use the tool to identify high-engagement influencers who have used your keyword recently or frequently.

SEO Book

Even though it is free, to use SEO Book, you need to first register yourself. The tool delivers specific analytics pertaining to the daily and monthly search volumes in actual numbers, breaking down the entire data by geographical locations of searchers.

Conclusion

By using any or even all the above keyword research tools, you will be in a better position to discover what actual users of search engines are typing to discover content. Armed with this information, you can execute your content development and management process better and also carry out more precise SEO.