Keyword search volumes since recent Google keyword planner changes

[Ideaswise]

Hi,

The Google keyword planner tool has recently changed to give only very broad ranges of search volumes for given terms. For example "100 - 1k" searches per month where it used to say "140". Which is almost useless.

Are there are any free alternatives which will give me this kind of information? If not, what is the lowest cost, reasonably good alternative? This something that I will only use on a basic level and occasionally, so not keen on paying high monthly subs.

 

[fisicx]

Which is almost useless.

It's always been almost useless. It's only been of limited use as a rough comparison tool and never much use for identifying useful keywords (because it's an Adwords tool).

There might be a free tool out there somewhere but not even the paid tools can tell you if your chosen keyword is going to make you rich - it's how you implement the keyword that matters not the keyword itself.

As an aside, you can make a lot of money going for niche and longtail. And these keywords rarely show up in the keyword tools.

 

[Carl76]

Just set up an adwords account, spend £25 (and get the free £75 credit) and you would have access again to the more detailed stats.

 

[justinaldridge]

I think people often get too obsessed with stated search volumes which have often never been very accurate anyway.

Search Analytics data in Search Console is now much more valuable and realistic data, but of course, you need to be ranking for some terms to get this data.

Use the Google suggest terms and the "people also search for" at the bottom of search results for an idea of the terms you should be targeting. 20 hugely targeted visitors can be worth much more than 200 less targeted ones.

Focus on the terms that are relevant and don't worry so much about stated volumes.

 

[Brixx Business Planning]

I noticed this change recently too. It's annoying but as Justin says - place targeting above volume in important anyway.

 

[Spock]

I prefer the keyword tool on SerpWoo https://www.serpwoo.com/keyword-research/

 

[NedSTARk]

keyword planner still working
but for new acc's (just add your new gmail account google . com/adwords/manager-accounts /)
than you can go to keyword planner, will see full data

 

[StevePoster]

I never use these keyword tools as a basis but as a guide for my keyword research analysis. Usually i tend to hang out in an active online community where my target audience are assembled.

 

[StephenSumner]

HI All,

I'm new here so can't post a link, but this Grepwords tools is working well I hear from some respected SEO people in my circles.

 

[StephenSumner]

As mentioned above, Grepwords is probably one of your best bets.

 

[Jacob Smart]

Google’s latest attempt in eliminating the many bots that plague their search engine is unfortunately at the cost of the user. Google Adwords is now a watered down version of the masterpiece it used to be. Now requiring a certain amount of money to be invested in the software before certain features can be accessed.

SEO is a very critical part of any business’s SEO campaign, so it’s unfortunate that Google is changing the way people can observe their data. On the Aumcore blog post explaining the future of the Google Keyword Planner, it states:

“This update is simply a very toned down version of a service that many rely on. There has been much conversation about this tool being available to all under a more open platform, and this change is leaving a sour taste in many mouths. We can expect new services to be popping up soon and new challenges arising from this change in the near future. Google may have been attacking bots but they also indirectly attacked those who need them the most.”

The verdict? It’s going to be tough to find an alternative that offers the capabilities close to what Google presents, even after the update. The best solution is to try in stick with the service and focus your search strategy on other elements that need work.

 

[fisicx]

Your post doesn't make any sense. The keyword planner has always been an Adwords tool, Google has never suggested otherwise. The fact many people used it as an SEO tool shows how little they understood what they were doing. And if you read the T&C of use, Google makes it very clear that the use of any software to access the services is not permitted.

If you want to do keyword research you need to invest in the necessary tools or pay someone else to do it for you.

 

[Gordon McNevin]

I think people often get too obsessed with stated search volumes which have often never been very accurate anyway.

Search Analytics data in Search Console is now much more valuable and realistic data, but of course, you need to be ranking for some terms to get this data.

Use the Google suggest terms and the "people also search for" at the bottom of search results for an idea of the terms you should be targeting. 20 hugely targeted visitors can be worth much more than 200 less targeted ones.

Focus on the terms that are relevant and don't worry so much about stated volumes.

What he said!

There is a wealth of information in there when you have a good look through it. You can find some killer phrases that convert in these lists. It's all about converting keywords, not how many times they are searched.

Also the GAKT is a very condensed version of what people search for. Take it as a very broad overview. To get to the best keywords, use Webmaster Tools, narrow down the pages!

 

[ChrisRM]

I have found a few of the SEO tools useful in its absence.

Semrush, kwfinder and Moz's keyword explorer have been useful. They each have a certain amount of uses free per day.

Not definitive but indicative.