Proper Way To Analyze a Keyword?

No doubt, researching on keywords is one of the most important and often under-estimated process. (since its rather boring).

What are some ways you guys use to analyze and research keywords. I understand that with tools like market samuari, google keyword tool etc, they do speed things up a little and makes things easier, but how do you folks define if that keyword is 'competitive' or 'easy' etc.?

What do you look at mostly?
Whats your blueprint when researching?

Any inputs will be appreciated. Thanks.

I use this method: http://www.blackhatworld.com/blackh...ethod-step-step-keyword-research-newbies.html only I use MS instead of the suggestion tool.

for me wordtracker always been a fantastic investment.

...and don't forget the common mistakes to avoid while doing keyword research http://www.blackhatworld.com/blackh...7-common-mistakes-avoid-keyword-research.html

To estimate traffic -

- Go to Google keyword tool
- Use exact option
- Focus on local numbers only
- Take that number and divide is by 3
- If you rank top 3, you can expect around 50% CTR
- After they land on your page, your conversion will depend on your how optimized your site is.

So, lets say 50,000 searches per month

50,000 / 3 = 16000

If ranking top 3, 16000 x 0.50 = 8333

Your site conversion rate around 10 % = 8333 x 0.10 = 833 SALES

Why divide by 3?

clin407 said:

Why divide by 3?

Click to expand...

You can pick 2 if you want. I just don't see the exact amount that google states in their keyword tools. I have yet to see anyone getting close to the number that google provides when they are ranking on first page.

Many times people are inflating the numbers when they check for ranking. Imagine 1000+ people competing for page 1 spot and checking their ranking every day for that specific keyword.