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Of course you need to bear in mind that results from keyword tools are not an exact science. The results are estimates so you will find a variation between the keyword tools. However let this not distract from the value of these tools as your endeavour to register a domain name.
Google Keyword Tool
The Google keyword tool is a great tool for giving you ideas on potential domain names to register.
So how do you use the Google keyword tool
Firstly you need to select an option either enter a few descriptive words or phrases, or type in your website's URL. For the purposes of registering domain names, we recommend that you sue the first option. Once you have entered your keyword or phrase you will need to type in the random letters that are a security feature for the external AdWords Keyword Tool. Then click ‘Get keyword ideas’.
The results page will give you the keywords related to term(s)
you entered. The results are displayed in 5 default column, these are; keywords, advertiser competition, local search volume, global monthly search volume and match type.
The first 4 columns are self explanatory, however column 5 needs further explanation. Match type has a drop down menu which is default as ‘Broad’. Further options available are phrase, exact and negative match.
Here’s a summary of the keyword data given when the option is selected:
Broad match: keyword (no punctuation)
Search results shows data on similar phrases and relevant variations
Phrase match: "keyword"
Search results shows data for searches that match the exact phrase
Exact match: [keyword]
Search results shows data for the exact phrase exclusively
Negative match: -keyword
Search results shows data that does not include the keyword phrased you searched for.
The Google keyword tool also has a clever down drop named
‘Choose columns to display’ this allows you to further analyse the keywords. For example you can get information on estimated average cost-per-click (CPC), volume trends over a one year period and the month that the highest volume occurred in.
All this makes the Google keyword tool valuable when it comes to investigating possible domain names.
Google Keyword Tool advantages
- Great as a research tool
- Because the tool is closely related to the biggest search engine in the world, there is synergy by association.
- Easy to use
- It is free
Google Keyword Tool disadvantages
- To be honest it is hard to fault the Google Keyword Tool, the only thing that I might say is that size sometimes makes companies sluggish and unfortunately Google is no exception.
The Yahoo Overture popular known as Overture is a legendary tool. And it is a must have for registering domain names.
On the onset we say Overture takes some getting used to. The homepage of overture is very confusing and initially you might actually think that you are on the wrong site. Well that’s because that Yahoo's Search Marketing which is the official name of Overture has a quite different end use. Okay a bit of background Overture is now officially used to create adverts for businesses which appear in search results on Yahoo. This involves choosing keywords related to the products or services the business sells and then writing a text ad to promote the business in search results. The business then decides on the maximum amount it wants to pay each time their advert is clicked. So when a searcher types one of the business keywords into a Yahoo search box, their ad appears. And they pay when the searcher clicks on the advert. In a nutshell this is Overture.
For the purposes of registering domain names we will use the choosing keywords part of Overture. You simply type your keywords and presto; Overture tells you how many times they where searched for.
You need to follow these straightforward steps to get to the keyword screen;
1) First you need to go to the overture home page which is http://sem.smallbusiness.yahoo.com/searchenginemarketing/
2) Then click the sign up button
3) You will get a screen that says… Start Advertising with Yahoo! Search Marketing in 5 Simple Steps… click Get Started at the bottom of the screen.
4) The next screen is… Target Customers by Geographic Location…click Next Keywords button
5) You will then get the… Choose keywords screen. This is where you want to be!
6) Type in your keywords in the left hand box
7) Then click the button that says; Next related keywords
8) You will get the screen named 2) Choose Keywords, which gives you the estimated monthly searches for your keywords
Okay admitted this is a bit long winded but this tool is paramount to your research and will definitely define the quality of the domain names you eventually register or buy. So practise, practise and practise until you get the hang of it.
Overture advantages
- Backed by the trusted name of Yahoo.
- It is free
- A well respected tool within the industry
Overture disadvantages
- Results are not very precise
- Results may not necessarily be current
- It is rather long winded to get to the results page which is not very Web 2.0!
Wordtracker
Wordtracker is a paid for keyword research tool at an annual subscription of US$329 it does appear rather steep. However it is money well spent. Wordtracker takes keyword research to the next level with it’s simplicity and user friendly interface.
Wordtracker uses an formula is called the KEI or Keyword Effectiveness Index. So when you type in your keyword and then hit the search button, the number next to the keyword results give you an indication of keyword strength.
Numbers close to zero indicate a poor keyword.
Numbers over 100 indicate a good keyword.
Numbers over 400 indicated an excellent keyword.
Wordtracker advantages
- Has an impressive database of over 330 million search terms which is updated on a weekly basis.
- Great for researching online markets
- Wordtracker can be used for SEO, using the keyword results to tweak your website for potentially better search engine ranking.
- Wordtracker can help when writing content for your website. The keywords will allow to write articles that have an inherent demand from the users.
- You can also use Wordtracker for domain names registration of course.
Wordtracker disadvantages
- Price tag, it is very expensive for the average internet user.
- Data from Wordtracker results comes from limited sources.
- The Keyword Effectiveness Index formula used may appear to be subjective.
Wordtracker has a FREE keyword suggestion tool, which you can use to generate up to 100 related keywords.
After you have done your research with the above key word tools the next step is understanding the guidelines of Choosing a suitable domain name before you register.
Keywords are the sizzle that sells the steak. It is important to investigate the keywords in the industry you would like to register your domain name. This means getting a combination of words and phrases that are used in your niche market.
Research is very important first step when it comes to registering a domain name. The quality of keyword research determines the
value and relevance of your domain name.
You should bookmark the following keyword research tools as you be using them often on your journey to register a great domain name;
- Google Keyword Tool
- Overture
- Wordtracker