In-depth keyword research has been the name of the game for Wordtracker since 1998.
Online marketers can use this convenient tool to discover prime keywords that people are using in searches, along with a rundown on the number of websites that are stocked with those particular words. Such information is a boon for marketers looking to optimize content in the hopes of increasing search engine traffic.
You can type in any word or phrase and then view lists of related search queries. If you own a website that specializes in duct tape, for instance, you might enter the phrase “duct tape.”
Wordtracker jumps into action, revealing related searches such as “duct tape wallet design” and “duct tape Christmas gifts.” In addition to revealing search volume, Wordtracker fills you in on how many Web pages use a keyword or have inbound links with the term in their anchor text.
Pros
One of Wordtracker’s top benefits is serving up detailed global search data collected from multiple sources. It calculates and lists a keyword effectiveness rating for each query, which can help you quickly identify phrases that will give you the most bang for your buck.
For most queries, it can provide more than 200 related terms and their rankings, opening the door to options you may not have even considered. You can access the data on either the Wordtracker website or via a Chrome browser extension, and new users get a free trial to give the tool a whirl.
The free trial lasts seven days and includes all features provided in a paid subscription. You can also get a quick sample of Wordtracker data by entering a keyword in the search box on its homepage.
Cons
Make the most of the free trial, as paid subscriptions come with a substantial monthly or annual fee. But the comprehensive data Wordtracker provides is far superior to free alternatives, and it does charge lower rates than similar tools, such as Keyword Discovery.
Occasional complaints about downtime and other problems pop up on forums, and technical support is only offered during normal U.K. business hours. The overall accuracy of Wordtracker statistics is another sticking point.
Automated computer software and small groups still have the potential to skew this data. For example, an obscure keyword could end up appearing to be fairly popular just because three individuals tirelessly search for it every day.