Missing Overture bid tool? Try our essential keyword research links!

February 12th, 2007

It seems as if the tool has been very shakey in the last couple of weeks but is now down for good.

I have compiled a list of alternate keyword research tools to ease the pain:


Google based tools:

    Google Keyword Tool
    Provided free by Google AdWords. Shows basic search volumes and related terms.
    Google Suggest
    As you type, Google will offer suggestions. Good related keywood search.
    Google Trends
    provides useful insights into broad search patterns across the world.



Yahoo! based tools:

    Yahoo! Buzz
    Statistics of Top Searched Terms on Yahoo! by Category.



MSN based tools:

    MS AdLabs Search Funnels
    You can use the adCenter search funnel tool to help you visualize how people search by entering related keywords in certain sequrences and analyze these search behaviors.



Other keyword research tools:

    Nichebot Classic
    A 3 in 1 keyword suggestion tool: keyword discovery, overture and wordtracker.
    NicheWatch.com
    Find exactly which competitors there are in your niche.
    GoLexa Search Tool
    The Search Tool with Complete Page Analysis for each Result and much more.
Posted by ChrisZZ
Filed in Research & Trends, Search Engine Optimisation
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GAAC - Google Analytics Authorized Consultant program

February 12th, 2007

I was doing the usual rounds in Google Anaytics last week and spotted a little thumbnail with the text “Analytics, authorised consultant“.home_3b3.gif Clicking on the image produced a page of Authorised Google Analytics consultants and a short description of the scheme. The page invites you to “locate a partner” and displays the company’s information including a text link to their website (which happens to be on a PR7 page from the domain www.google.com!). Naturally my instant reaction was, “I want me some of that!!”

Anyway after rummaging through the help and FAQs, I couldn’t find any information on how to apply to become a GAAC so I dropped Google an email. This is the (very prompt) reply:

Hello Chris,

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Google Analytics Authorized Consultant. The following is an overview of the requirements of the Google Analytics Authorized Consultant program; other conditions may apply.

* Proven background in Analytics and Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
* In business for 1 year
* At least one dedicated person for Google Analytics support
* Must provide full service i.e. setup, support, training, and consultation for Google Analytics
* Must have an online ticketing system that Google can access
* Must provide support for both Google Analytics and Urchin software
* Must have a web site of sufficient Google Analytics/Urchin content and quality
* Must have at least one Google AdWords Certified employee
* Must attend training sessions at a Google office - usually once per year.

As expected, I didn’t think it was going to be a walk in the park to get on the home page of Google anayltics and it certainly is not! Although we satisfy most of the requirements there are some which may prove to be interesting such as, “Must have an online ticketing system that Google can access” and “Must attend training sessions at a Google office - usually once per year.” The second point is very interesting seeing as our “local” Google office is about 400 miles away in Ireland!!

There are only three authorised partners in the UK it seems, so hopefully there will be room for one more! Watch this space!

Posted by ChrisZZ
Filed in Research & Trends, Search Engine Optimisation
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