If you’re starting a PPC campaign, the last thing you want to do is use the wrong keywords.
While you don’t have to pay for slots where you don’t actually get any clicks (that’s the very nature of Pay-Per-Click), you will waste your time trying to write copy for and implementing keywords that ultimately will not bring you the traffic or the conversion you need.
You want keywords that don’t just put your add in front of a lot of people—you want keywords that will allow that add to reach people that will actually care about what you’re selling or offering and are likely to convert into clients, customers, or patients.
If you are looking for new ways to find keywords, here are ten of the best keyword research tools you can use to step up your PPC game.
1. WordStream
As told by WordStream’s loyal users, this tool is one of the best in the business.
It doesn’t just provide you with a list of nonsensical keywords that include your root keyword, it actually looks for synonyms and related, relevant words that might not have crossed your mind.
You can even group your words into themes that you can use to split test divergently themed ads or ad copy.
They’ll even tell you what niche your keyword is showing up in, so you can make sure that word aligns with your needs.
2. Soovle
With such a funny name, it has to work, right?
Though this tool is usually favored by those who advertise across many different channels and not those looking specifically for PPC keywords, the words that show up in those other channels can be just as effective as the ones that actually show up for Google AdWords and other PPC channels.
3. Query Reports
This tool starts out free, which is great, but you will have to pay if you want to use some of the more advanced features.
This tool is especially great for those whose PPC campaigns need to be cleaned up. If your net has some holes in it, Query Reports will fill it.
There is no better way to cover your bases than by using this tool.
4. Keyword Planner
This is the planner that everyone who has an AdWords account gets to use for free.
You do have to have an AdWords account to use it, but that doesn’t mean you actually have to have an active AdWords campaign, if Google isn’t your primary target.
The benefits of this tool include some very useful statistics, like how often a certain keyword is searched, what your competition looks like, and what you can expect to pay per click, along with giving you suggestions about what other keywords you might want to consider.
5. Competitor Source Code
Knowing what keywords your competition is using can be a great way to plan your attack.
Though this tool won’t tell you what keywords to use, it can tell you what keywords you should definitely stay away from. If your competition, for example, is already topping the “shoe store” search results, you’ll know that you either have to plan a very aggressive SEO campaign to top them or pick a keyword that doesn’t have as much competition and may actually bring you more targeted traffic.
6. YouTube’s Keyword Tool
Five years ago, no YouTuber would have ever been caught dead using a keyword tool.
Now, most of the big channels use it to get their videos in front of interested parties.
What does that have to do with you and your PPC campaign?
You can use this tool for free to help you research your keywords, see what the search metrics look like, and choose keywords that people are actually looking for.
They’ll show you the stats on your keyword and a whole list of related keywords to select from.
7. Wordtracker
If you’re looking for a tool that will present you with low-competition, high-search-frequency keywords without too much other data or information to get in your way, this is the tool for you.
It will provide you with a huge variety of keyword suggestion, as well as the most relevant information about them.
This makes it easy to pick the keywords you need and want to use, without having to sift through a bunch of meaningless data.
8. SEO Book Keyword Tool
One of the favorites among keyword researchers, this tool is a great way to see how a keyword will perform across many different markets.
It doesn’t just use Google, it also scans Yahoo and Bing, and even databases like Del.icio.us.
It really doesn’t get more comprehensive than that.
While this tool isn’t PPC specific, if you’re just looking for keywords that see a lot of traffic, this one is one of the best to use.
9. SEMrush
You will have to pay for the privilege of using this tool, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth your time.
One of the biggest bonuses of using this tool, in addition to getting keyword suggestions and seeing search volumes, is to see what keywords your competitors are using.
Getting an insight into what they’re doing and how you can top them or at least near their success is invaluable.
10. Advanced Web Ranking
This tool is kind of the keyword research tool to rule them all.
It sucks data from many of the most popular research tools, including many on this list, and presents it all to you in a way that is both easy to understand and informative.
You’ll easily be able to see which keywords are right for you and even see what keywords your competition is using.
