The Keyword Toolbox. What a big subject this is. I am not going to waffle on about the importance of Keywords. It is.

Before we get started my suggestion is to open your browser and set up a folder called 'keyword research'

This is the Overture Tool that gives you the monthly term search results for the previous month. It got dropped from the www not so long ago. Rumours ran rife that it was all over for theis very useful tool. It was back within a few days but it has one other feature missing. That gave you an indication of the Pay Per Click pricing that advertisers were paying - supposedly. It is no great loss. It's a great tool.

This next tool is one of my favourite freebies. When you enter a keyword it provides you with a 'tail' of keywords. This can help you come up with excellent alternatives and niche words that you may not have considered on your own.It also has an alphabetical list of alternatives. Add this to your toolbox.

This is the Google version of the overture tool. It's handy but it doesn't give you monthly figures as such. It works on a bar graph which is limiting but true to form for Google. Give as little information away as possible. It does compare search volume to the advertisers competition. It's main purpose is keyword listing for PPC. It's worth having it even if you don't run Pay Per Click advertising.

Good Keywords is a fantastic keyword tool. It has a comprehensive list of features and functions which go way beyond just keywords. It has a phrase builder and even has a site and link poularity checking tool. I love this one as well. The basic version is FREE. You can upgrade to the Gold version at anytime.

This one is not a feebie and has an incredible reputation. The author is Brad Callen who is well respected in the industry. I actually have this software but I haven't had much of a chance to use it. My issue is time, nothing else. I have a friend who has it, uses it, loves it and does recommend it. It is a very comprehensive tool, it's actually a flipping toolshed in itself it has that many features. Check it out. He also has a sister program which deals with SEO specifically. The two together are a great addition to your arsenal.

KEYWORD ELITE