Google Keyword Planner is a free keyword research tool provided by Google Ads. While it is primarily designed for advertisers running Google Ads campaigns, it can be useful for general keyword research purposes as well. Here are some key features and benefits of Google Keyword Planner:
1. Keyword Ideas: You can enter a keyword or multiple keywords related to your topic or industry, and Google Keyword Planner will generate a list of keyword ideas based on those terms. It provides suggestions for both broad and specific keywords, allowing you to explore different keyword variations.
2. Search Volume Data: Google Keyword Planner provides insights into the average monthly search volume for each keyword. This data helps you understand the popularity and potential reach of specific keywords. It also allows you to compare search volumes between different keywords to identify high-volume or low-competition keywords.
3. Competition Analysis: While Google Keyword Planner doesn't provide an exact competition metric, it offers a general indicator of keyword competitiveness. It categorizes keywords into low, medium, or high competition levels based on the number of advertisers bidding on those keywords in Google Ads.
4. Keyword Trends: Google Keyword Planner displays historical search volume trends for specific keywords over time. This feature can help you identify seasonal trends or fluctuations in search behavior, allowing you to optimize your content or marketing strategies accordingly.
5. Bid Estimates: As an advertising-focused tool, Google Keyword Planner provides bid estimates for keywords in Google Ads. This data helps advertisers understand the potential cost-per-click (CPC) for specific keywords and plan their advertising budgets accordingly. However, this feature might be less relevant if you're primarily using the tool for organic keyword research.
It's important to note that Google Keyword Planner requires a Google Ads account to access its full functionality. However, you can create a Google Ads account for free without actively running ad campaigns. This allows you to leverage the keyword research capabilities of Google Keyword Planner.