How would you suggest researching keywords now?

Hi Justin, I'm using the new 'Google keyword planner tool' which has replaced the 'Google keyword research tool' home landing page here (you need to login with your ad words account)
https://adwords.google.com/keywordtool.

Its free and gives me a rough idea what to go after (its a little different now and will take some time getting used to). Then I just use the keyword suggestion drop down that appears in the Google search bar which tells me exactly the long tail or variations people are using. To research my competition, I just have the seoMoz toolbar that shows their backlinks, PR and authority ranking. SEO Toolbar for Firefox & Chrome | Download the Free MozBar SEO Plugin - Moz. I reccommend moz.com for everything to do with research. I hope this helps.

Yeah JT, Gary is right. They just replaced the tool added more historical data, so You can"predict" the future of the keyword popularity or just look at the history. Either way this new tool gives you a ton more info for more indepth research.

As to your outsourcing question I have one thing to say. I like to do research myself. I know what I'm searching for, or even if I don't, sometimes I get a light bulb moment at the most unexpected moments. I trust myself and my judgment. I cannot say it hasn't failed me in the past, but then there is no regrets. You can be the only one to blame, and every mistake, problem or hurdle, is just another lesson in life.
So RESEARCH yourself!

As to other "drone" work, (setting up websites, links, article writing, blog commenting, other posting) I use Freelancer.com or ELance.com. You can find VERY affordable workers there. Some do not know what they can do, but if you can create a video or a screen capture of what you want them to do, they can usually follow directions pretty well.

That is my secret, teach others by doing it yourself (at least once ).!!!

You guys are both amazing....

Thanks. I had recently heard something about the suggestion tool but was under the impression that it wasn't as helpful as the keyword tool. You guys gave me everything I need to "upgrade" and try it out, thanks!

Is it pretty self explanatory for the most part or do I have to do some research on using it?

Thanks again,

JT

Google adwords keyword planner, competitor research, search results behavior, paid compaign of competitors and good understanding of target industry are some tricks to research keywords.