What are the Different Types of Keyword Tool?

A keyword tool is a program that analyzes Internet keyword usage. By using the tool, users can determine the most popular keywords to help promote their website, advertisement campaigns or other online project. Keyword tools can be used to spy on competitors' keyword usage, determine the way that keywords are used in searched phrases or to find other information, such as how the keyword is used in a specific geographic region. The type of keyword tool that one chooses to use likely will depend on his or her objectives, because keyword programs can function differently.

One type of tool that allows website owners to determine which keywords they should use in their marketing efforts are those that facilitate "spying" on competitors. These tools assess competitors' campaigns by analyzing the keywords used in them and their success rate of pulling in revenue. These tools might come equipped with extensive keyword databases that can provide insight into competitors' keyword-optimizing habits and choices, but many of these tools provide only historical data. If a website owner wishes to invest in a spy tool that gives information about competitors' current keyword choices, he or she likely will have to invest in a more comprehensive and expensive tool.

Another popular keyword tool used by website owners is one that operates on a single keyword. After entering a single keyword, similar keywords and related long-tail results are yielded, thus giving the user the ability to see how a keyword is used both within its searched context and its tense. For example, if a user were to enter "typing" into the keyword tool, the results would show which other words are used by searchers in conjunction with the word "typing" when entering queries; it might also show results for the words "type", "typed" and "typist."

A keyword tool also can combine many functions. It's not uncommon to come across a keyword program that acts a spy tool, can operate on a single keyword and do much more. In addition to letting users know how advertisers employ the terms, they might be advised of data that has been compiled locally, regionally, nationally or globally. Any of this information can viewed and studied to determine trends so that website owners can begin designing a suitable campaign.

A keyword tool might be able to be downloaded for free or be purchased. Many of the free tools will have to be used in conjunction if they are to yield the same caliber of results that a single, paid keyword tool does. A paid keyword tool might offer subscription services that ensure that keyword data is kept up to date.