Keyword newbie question

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I'm in the process of doing keyword research to set up some niche blogs.

Here are some numbers: monthly search 9900, when I search the keyword in double quotes in google i see 1910 results. The keyword tutorials I have gone through recommend less than 20000 results. Does this mean it's a great keyword when there are so few results and high monthly search?

Also, what is the recommended stats for good long tail keywords? Min monthly searches, max double quote results? Thanks in advance!
#search engine optimization #keyword #newbie #question
  • I doubt the keyword research tool you are using. What tool you are using for doing keyword research? Also what keyword you are talking about. Please share so that we can help you.
    • [1] reply
  • I use google keyword tool for acne related keywords (long tail). Don't have my notes handy right now but some of those had 200.000 sites when you search with quotes, some had even less than 2000 (with huge monthly search) and google keyword tool is pretty solid IMHO.
    • [2] replies
    • Generally, if lots are people are searching but there are a proportionately small number of webpages to meet their needs, you're in a good niche.

      Of course, if there are 1900 webpages with that same phrase, well, you're still competing with 1900 webpages.

      Before making any decisions, it's important to evaluate the competition to see if you can really compete. You may be up against a bunch of authority sites... or 1890 of those 1900 webpages might be blogs where people are complaining about their own (or their boyfriends') acne.

      Start with numbers that look good, and then evaluate the competition. It's a two-step process, at least.
    • Hi dremora,

      The Google AdWords Keyword Tool shows you actual data which is great. Unfortunately the data for some terms are polluted with search queries performed by webmasters and SEOs that use automated tools and test query results like they have an OCD affliction.

      The numbers are usually reliable but you may want to test with PPC to verify before sinking a tremendous amout of resources into target keyword.
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
  • I would trust Google's data over most others. However, I'd say to use a combination of keyword/trend research methods to find the best/optimal keywords and phrases.

    There are plenty of good, reliable tools out there that are freely available. Although I have heard interesting comments about that Samarai one.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Are you choosing "exact" searches in the google keyword tool? I suspect you are looking at the default "broad" searches
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    • I used only exact seraches with quotes, btw.
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  • PPC is a good way to go, one you have the funds to invest in it. I usually judge a keyword based on the top 10 competing webpages.

    I've come across quite a few number of keywords that get over 5000 searches according to Google keyword tool an the strenght of the competiton in the top ten most times have less than 400 Backlinks.

    Once your willing to put in a little bit of effort, building quality links, your website will eventually control one of the coveted top 3 spots from that targeted keyword.
  • I agree with Kerron in terms of the top 10 competition. Having a low number of competing pages is one thing but you really need to see how strong the top 10 competition is. To do this i use Market Samurai as it tells all the necessary data of the top 10 competition so i can make a good decision before I spend time and money to attack the niche.
    • [1] reply
    • I totally agree. If you are not looking at the top 10, then you might be having to do way more work to get your site up there then the final result would produce. But if the competition is not too bad, then go for it.

      I also think that doing the PPC to see what the true search results of a keyword is. Doing a PPC ad for a couple of weeks can give you real and actual data on the amount it is searched and if the keyword is a money keyword.
  • Market Samurai is probably the best keyword tool out there. You have to look for a few things, one is the amount of searches per day or month for both exact and broad. Next you need to look at how many sites have your keyword in their title, and how many sites have your keyword in their description. As was mentioned in some of the posts, the top 10 competition is also important since this is ultimately where you want to land. Market Samurai shows you all the stats for your keyword as well as all the information you need for your top 10 competitors.
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    Keyword newbie question

    I'm in the process of doing keyword research to set up some niche blogs. Here are some numbers: monthly search 9900, when I search the keyword in double quotes in google i see 1910 results. The keyword tutorials I have gone through recommend less than 20000 results. Does this mean it's a great keyword when there are so few results and high monthly search?