Free Stuff 4: Google Tools

Google's Search-Based Keyword Tool provides keyword ideas based on actual Google search queries. You can enter details of your own website, and words that you're already concentrating on, and the tool gives you more ideas of what people are searching for.

If you click on "see top keywords across all categories" and then choose a niche to examine, you'll see which words are used in searches most often (make sure your browser isn't squashed up or the keywords won't be visible!). Then click on one of the magnifying glasses for other search terms and a whole lot more information in "Google Insights".

Use Google's Keyword Tool to get new keyword ideas. Enter all your key phrases, hit "get keyword ideas" and be amazed by the huge number of variations that come up.

Find the search volume for the latest hot topics and news stories. They show information about trends by region, city and language, as well as about who is doing the searching.

Google's Traffic Estimator Tool will give you an idea of the search volume associated with each key phrase - in other words, how many clicks it could generate. Don't forget to specify relevant countries. You'll also see how much it would cost to use each phrase in a PPC campaign.

Google Alerts are e-mail updates that can keep you informed of activity on the web concerning your own niche. Use key phrases in the form of questions which people might ask, and you'll be alerted by e-mail whenever those exact words are used. You can set up an alert for as many key phrases as you want.

Searching in Blogs and Forums
After you've done a Google search, click on "show options" (just above any sponsored links) and find "blogs" or "forums" in the list. Choose from the time options and have fun with the "wonder wheel".

Get detailed reports and graphs showing how people find your site, how they navigate through it (or away from it) and how they become customers. they also show you how to use the information to improve your site's performance.

See how Google crawls and indexes your site, find out all about your links and your traffic, help Google to create a sitemap.

Test and optimize your site content and design. Increase visitor satisfaction, traffic flow and conversion rates.

An easy-to-use free and flexible blogging service with customizable templates.