by Zakary Venturo

Created on: September 14, 2010

Keywords, a topic that always comes up when discussing Search Engine Optimization. Content is king, but the right keywords can propel a page towards solid page ranking, or put an ad on top. The web is literally stuffed with billions of pages and even a niche topic can return thousands of results. The question is how to find the most useful keywords to gain the competitive edge.

* SEOQuake*

The best tool for the job is SEOQuake, a free extension for both Google Chrome and Firefox. SEOQuake literally combines every SEO statistic into one powerful weapon. While it does not just focus on keywords alone, every result in search listing can be analyzed for the keywords that put them in their respective position.

From there, a user can surf a high ranking web page and analyze the competition even deeper. Keywords and Keyword Phrases can be sorted by their density. Other important parts of SEO can also be taken into account, like backlinks and pages indexed. Combined, it helps clarify what keywords are important and what else still needs to be done.

Use this tool with caution. Turn it off when doing anything besides SEO work. SEOQuake is utilizing a multiple of various API calls and a search engine like Google will block an IP address for short period of times when the API limit is exceeded. SEOQuake is a bit daunting at first, but once it is understood, no other tool can give so much insight so quick.

*Keyword tool*

Ad Words is a marketing old faithful. While its importance to advertisers almost goes without saying, there is no need to be an advertiser to make great use of the tools Google provides for Keyword research.  You can find the Keyword Tool under the opportunity tab in Ad Words.

Simply provide the Keyword(s) and/or phrase, even a particular website, and Google will produce a list of results. These results can be sorted by the number of searches being performed, the competition level, and can even quickly be connected to Google Insights for Search, which a way to gain a perspective on the trends behind what is being searched. After all, who wants to use a Keyword in decline?

*Google Analytics*

Google Analytics can provide invaluable insight on the effectiveness of keywords and how well a website puts them in play. Unlike the previous tools, Analytics is best used in fine tuning a web page. Sometimes providing surprising results which can lead to an even better keyword selection for running ads or strengthening page rank.

There are the tools, now go out and conquer the world!

Learn more about this author, Zakary Venturo.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.