Keyword Research After The Keyword Tool, (Not Provided) & Hummingbird Apocalypse

How To Research Keywords In The Apocalypse

The apocalypse is here to stay, and several of our beloved keyword data sources are gone. What’s an SEO to do? Let’s start by looking at what our options are.

Where Do You Go For Keyword Data?

If your first answer was server logs, I’m sorry, you just haven’t been paying attention. Google nixed keyword data from being passed through to your server logs or analytics tool on August 27, 2013. Remember that whole [not provided] thing? Yeah, that was this. Server logs are gone and dead, and you’re lucky to squeeze enough keyword juice out of them to provide water for a horsefly.
Who said Google’s keyword tool? Was that you, skimmer? Again, I’m sorry, you need to go back to the top and reread. The keyword tool previously provided by Google is gone. They killed that like a zombie on an overweight guy with a gunshot wound to the leg.
But the good news is keywords are, literally, everywhere. There are still plenty of tools, options and opportunities out there for you to get relevant and great keyword data.

Seriously, Where Do You Go For Keyword Data?

• PPC Campaign Planner: When Google killed their old keyword tool, they migrated to a new one. It’s not the same tool, and you actually have to have an AdWords account in order to use it, but it’s a pretty good tool, nonetheless. The good news is, you don’t actually have to create or run any AdWords campaigns, just set up your account and you get free access to the tool.
• Wordtracker: I’ve been using Wordtracker for almost as long as I’ve been on the web. At this point, I’m not entirely sure which came first, keywords or Wordtracker! Of course, there are a lot of other great keyword tools out there, so take your pick. Figure out which one gives you the data the way you like it, and then go merrily on your way.
• Keyword Cloud Tools: There are a number of different keyword cloud tools you can use, and each gives you some very good data. You can see more about this, and how and why you use these tools, in the SlideShare below.
• Everyday Conversation: Yes, keywords can be found in everyday conversations. Listen to how people talk about your product or service, and you get a pretty good idea as to how they search for them, as well. Don’t discount external sources. Tools are great, but look at the questions people ask, comments they make and the needs they have. This is all great keyword fodder.