New comment by le_didil in "Ask HN: Who wants to be hired? (February 2024)"

SEEKING WORK | REMOTE ONLY | Freelancer/Contractor Only | Backend Developer – Location: Lisbon, Portugal (Currently UTC+1 timezone) – Hourly rate: 60 EUR / hour (65 USD / hour) – Availability: up to 40 hours/week – Programming languages: Go / Typescript / Node.js / Ruby / Python – Databases: PostgreSQL / MySQL / Dynamodb / … Continue reading New comment by le_didil in "Ask HN: Who wants to be hired? (February 2024)"

How To Use Google Keyword Planner

Worried about your first steps into SEO? There’s a lot to think about, that’s for sure.

For example, you may be thinking keyword research is essential, but a drag on your workflow.

You’re not entirely wrong, but I can make sure you have the tools to speed the research time up.

The Google Keyword Planner (you probably remember it as the Google Keyword Tool) is a fantastic optimization option that you may not be making the most out of.

Trying to reach the front page in Google searches? Understanding the Keyword Planner is essential.

Most people don’t use a tool without looking at a manual.

But it’s even better if someone can explain it to you.

I want to make sure you know how to use Google Keyword Planner to its full potential.

Let me give you that insight, starting with the basics.

What is Google Keyword Planner?

Google Keyword Planner (GKP) is an SEO tool designed to find keywords with sufficient search volume. Finding keywords with enough search volume allows a website to be indexed and ranked.

Whether you are in charge of an active website, blog, or e-commerce site, you can use GKP to

generate more traffic, promote apps, and create paid campaigns, among other uses.

Why is Google Keyword Planner Useful?

The main attraction of Google Keyword Planner is that it is developed by Google itself. You can’t get much better than that in the search engine segment.

“But Neil, aren’t there other keyword planners that do the same?”

Of course, and with great features, but not as complete as Keyword Planner.

The more you explore the tool, the more value you find.

Here’s why it’s an above-average tool.

Accessing Google Keyword Planner

What’s great is you don’t have to spend a dime to gain access and get started.

But you do have to create a Google Ads account first.

Even if you’re not planning on exploring ads on Google, you’ll need to create an account to use Keyword Planner.

AdWords just takes a couple minutes to set up. Then, you’re ready to start planning.

Following the ‘Google Ads Account’ prompts, you’ll want to ‘Create a campaign without a goal’s guidance.’

Google Ads' New campaign screen.
Google Ads' new campaign page.
Google Ads' create a campaign page.

After you confirm your business details, find the ‘Tools & Settings’ icon to reveal the menu for ‘Keyword Planner.’

Google Ads overview page for a campaign.
Google Ads' all campaigns page.

Now that you’re ready to use the Keyword Planner, let’s put it to work.

How To Use Google Keyword Planner Step-By-Step

You’ll start from this screen and decide if you want to ‘Discover new keywords’ or “Get search volume and forecasts.”

Google Ad's keyword planner page.

Since I want to show you some new ideas, let’s click ‘Discover new keywords.’

When looking for new opportunities, you can gain insight into what your potential audience or customers are searching for.

Getting specific will help you hit your target audience in a way that feels natural.

These new terms make the start of your campaign.

These new terms will be the basis of your new content.

Step 1: Keyword Discovery

From “Discover new keywords,’ you have the option to ‘start with keywords’ or ‘start with a website.’

A keyword discovery feature of Google Ads.

Say you’re a sterling silver jewelry brand and want to compete for new keywords. Let’s see what new content you can rank for.

Step 2: Organic Keyword Search

Under ‘Enter products or services closely related to your business,’ let’s play around with keyword possibilities. You can change the language and location or choose not to include brand names in the results.

I would skip ‘Enter a domain to use as a filter’ so we’re not limited in our results.

Let’s test out some broad keywords.

Think of the key products or services in relation to your business. From here, we’ll see if they have some high-yielding opportunities.

The discovery feature in Google Ads with an example term of "Jewelry" highlighted.

Step 3: Analyze Keyword Results

Many keyword results will load. Based on what’s presented, here’s what we have:

Keywords results page of Google Ads.

Keep note of how being broad yet specific to your business offerings will show users’ search intent. You can even see which factors change over time. Maybe everyone is searching for jewelry near Christmas time. With this information, you can use these keyword variations to meet their needs.

The more insight you have, the more strategic you can be. You will know to order more of a certain item or see where you can expand your product offerings.

This is what everyone loves about GKP.

What To Do With Your Google Keyword Planner Results

How you use the Google Keyword Planner tool will depend on what you need to know.

Based on your inputs, let’s analyze the results together.

We can filter the list now, aiming for keywords best for you from the ‘Keywords Results Page.’

Keyword ideas for the term jewelry, provided by Google Ads.

You can break things down like this based on these features: locations, language, search networks, and desired date(s).

What does this mean?

‘Locations’ is easy. This pertains to which country or region(s) you consider your target market.

‘Language’ pertains to the native tongue of that country or region(s) you consider your target market. You’ll need to make sure the language and context you use in your content is accurate to the area.

‘Search networks’ pertains to where you want to have your ads displayed. I think Google is the option that makes the most sense. This also includes Google’s search partners, like YouTube.

‘Desired date(s)’ will depend on the period you want to review. The last 12 months is a good starting point unless you have a special search need.

Once you filter from here, you can analyze keyword ideas.

Using the Google Keyword Planner tool for desired keywords looks like this: keyword (by relevance), average monthly searches, and competition. A bonus is the top of page bid, which assesses that keyword’s potential for monetization. The higher the bid, the more likely heavy traffic it’s driving in.

But let’s break down these points.

Keyword (by relevance) results pertain to what Google says is most relevant in relation to the keyword or URL you input.

Average monthly searches pertain to the range of the search volume. Think of this as a rough estimate until you plan your campaign and review the impressions. Impressions will show you the exact number you will likely yield.

Competition pertains to those bidding on the same keyword(s) as you. Keep this number in mind when analyzing any user search intent. Your potential leads are within these results.

Get your technique together because these results will be how you beat your competition.

Ubersuggest vs Google Keyword Planner

Your SEO keyword planner options only get better.

There are many SEO tools that are just as effective and free like the Google Keyword Planner.

In fact, there are tools like Ubersuggest that have the same features ⁠— if not more.

But don’t take my word for it.

Let’s compare the two.

Every tool comes with pros and cons.

Some common downfalls of the GKP include average search volumes. Remember how I told you really have to look close at impressions for the exact number? This confuses users and makes them question the value of these results.

In comparison to the GKP, Ubersuggest is recommended for keyword results when generating content ideas. There’s a wide range of options within the features to find more and more ideas. This is something Google Keyword Planner couldn’t sustain, leading to the removal of the ‘Closely Related Ideas’ feature. Since this feature is no longer available, users are turning to website filtering through GKP. But it is lacking in delivering an array of keywords to create content topics from.

Ubersuggest picks up where GKP lacks ⁠⁠— offering keyword ideas. The keywords are formed from similar websites, packaged in content ideas, and even keyword clusters. From clusters of keywords, you can broaden your reach and still stick to one general keyword idea.

Keyword ideas for the term "pet groomer", provided by Ubersuggest.

I also enjoy the newest keyword feature, ‘Keyword Visualization.’ Meaning you can discover how people word things for their search and stem out to other options.

With Ubersuggest, you don’t have to miss these opportunities (which many have complained about with GKP). This happens because insights aren’t visible at the time of the search, or are based on the ads running.

When you have to make predictions, this isn’t helpful in your planning phase.

While Google Keyword Planner is a great tool, sometimes, you have to use one too many hacks for it to work in your favor.

I want to get you acting on your results faster.

Ubersuggest Free Features

You want a keyword planner that’s going to work with your goals.

It’s even better if the tool can expand on them.

That’s what Ubersuggest does.

Keyword and content ideas provided by Ubersuggest.

These results for ‘sterling silver jewelry’ are immediate and expansive.

GKP, by comparison, takes a little more time for you to get used to the tool in order to yield the information you need.

Use the results from Ubersuggest to generate traffic and ultimately form content strategies.

Use them wisely in headlines and articles and watch your audience grow with quality.

This is what makes Ubersuggest worth it.

Plus, if you need quick and accurate results, this tool gets the job done.

FAQs

Is Google Keyword Planner still free?

Yes, it is still free. All you need is a Google Ads account. If you don’t have one, sign up and follow the on-screen prompts. Go to “Tools” located at the top right of the screen to “Discover new keywords” or “Get search volume forecasts.” Now, you can get to work on your SEO-driven keywords search. 

Can you use Google Keyword Planner for SEO?

Yes, under “Discover new keywords,” you can start finding keywords that closely relate to your product or service. You can even enter a domain you want to review. You will then be able to filter and sort through the data you need to analyze which keyword ideas will benefit you.  

Conclusion

Google Keyword Planner is a fantastic tool, and it only gets better the more you master it.

Despite being tied to the ad platform, it remains a great choice for top- and middle-funnel content marketing strategies.

Although the tool has its drawbacks, other tools can assist you to get around them. Make sure you have the exact data you need to decide how to proceed with your efforts.

If you’re looking for that supplementary tool, Ubersuggest can help you extract exact data.

I want you to have a leg up on your competition. This will be possible with the new agent to draw the data points you need for success.

So, give Ubersuggest a try against or with Google Keyword Planner and tell me what you think.

What has your experience with Google Keyword Planner been like? Have you tried Ubersuggest’s free capabilities as well? Tell me which one you prefer.

Looking for an Online Business Loan? Read this Become.co Review Before You Do Anything Else

Become.co, once known as Lending Express, claims to help businesses get funding even when they have gotten denials elsewhere. But can they do what they say?

An All In Become.co Review

First as Lending Express, and now as Become, this is a company that claims to be able to help businesses get funding when they have not otherwise been able to do so.  What is their secret, and does it really work? We dug deep in order to find out.

Become.co Review: What is Become?

First things first. This is not a lender. Rather, they are more of a lender and borrower dating service.  They collect information from potential borrowers and send it to partner lenders. The lenders then decide whether or not they want to make a financing offer to the would-be borrower. The company spins it as lenders competing for the opportunity to fund the borrower’s business.  In some cases, this may well be how it turns out.

Find out why so many companies use our proven methods to get business loans.

Become.co Review: Types of Business Loans

The lenders that work with Become offer a broad range of lending products.  They include:

  • Startup business loans
  • Commercial vehicle loans
  • Asset based loans
  • SBA loans
  • Merchant cash advances
  • Lines of credit
  • Invoice financing
  • And unsecured business loans

Become.co Review: How Does it Work?

First, you fill out an application with Become.  Then, the company technology analyzes the application and matches you with the best lenders for your business from among their partners.

Application Process

  1. Select how much you need under “loan amount” and then “Get Loan Offer”’
  2. Fill out the information asked for, which includes time in business, industry, revenue etc.
  3. Select up to 3 different lenders.
  4. Then, you will have to connect your business’s checking account to be analyzed.
  5. After that, you wait for the offers to roll in.
  6. After reviewing offers, select the lender you wish to go with.
  7. Funds will be deposited into your business checking account.

The process takes about 15 minutes and involves a soft pull on your credit report.  It will not affect your credit.

Rates and Terms

Typically, the minimum amount available from partner lenders is $5,000.  The  maximum is up to $500,000.  Flexible repayment is available based on monthly turnover. Loan terms are from 3 to 36 months.

Also, repayments do not use “interest rates.”  Rather, you are given a payback amount, which is agreed on upfront. It is based on your business type and your loan term.

They claim this  structure is beneficial for your business cash flow, because you will know your total costs upfront.  While not untrue, it would be wise to calculate an effective interest rate for comparison purposes.  For example, if your loan amount is $5,000 and your repayment amount is $5,500, your effective interest rate is 10% over the life of the loan.

This is important information to know, so that you can make sure you are getting the best deal possible for your business.

Qualifying

Any business owner can apply.  If you do not qualify, you will still be assigned a dashboard explaining the reason why, along with tips to help you improve your chances. At a minimum, you should have an average revenue of $5,000 per month, ideally.  You also need to have been in business for at least 3 months if you are a U.S. business and at least 6 months if you are in Australia.

As for credit score, while it is important, some of their partners do not deny based on a low credit score.  Instead, their decision is based on the overall health of your business as determined by a number of factors. These may include revenue, time in businesses, average balance in business bank accounts, and more.

Clearly, the more of these factors you have in your favor, the better your chances are going to be for getting funding from Become.

Required Documents

You must have a business checking account.  Become will analyze the statements for the past 3 to 6 months. Other document requirements will be up to the lender you end up applying to.  Some examples of documents they may require include merchant statements, tax returns, and financing projections. It will never hurt to have a business plan.

Find out why so many companies use our proven methods to get business loans.

Become.co Review: How Are They Different?

Become uses technology and advanced algorithms to help match business borrowers to alternative lenders. The process is free, and unlike others, they do more than just match borrowers to lenders. They also function as a credit profiler.

Their proprietary technology renders a unique LendingScore™ for each business.  This is a financing profile that is intended to help the company improve funding possibilities, access new opportunities, and find the best funding solutions.

Find out why so many companies use our proven methods to get business loans.

Become.co Review: Reputation

They do not seem to have a  Better Business Bureau profile, at least not under the name Become. There is a company with the same name that uses the URL “Become.com.” Become.com appears to be an online shopping portal, wholly unrelated to Become. Co. Since both companies are in the state of California, this could be quite confusing.

They do, though, have a very good rating on Trustpilot. The rating is 4.8 stars.  There are over 500 reviews, and over 90% of them are excellent.

Become.co Review: Are They All That They Claim to Be?

It seems that they do a great job.  They have a lot of happy customers, and Trustpilot is a trusted review source. That said, it’s unfortunate that they chose a name that requires a .co URL.  This may make them hard for many to find when looking for small business loans.  Alos, the name “Become” doesn’t exactly reflect who they are or what they do, further complicating the ability of business owners to find them. It is a very generic word which most people would not relate to business funding.

Another potential area of concern is the fact that they want access to your business bank account. It sounds as if they want to access it electronically. Still, online lenders are doing this more and more these days.  Given the number of great reviews, it may not be an issue.  That is a decision you will have to make for yourself.

Is Become the End of the Road if You Do Not Qualify?

If you fill out an application with Become and you do not qualify for funding with any of their lenders, your dashboard will contain the reasons why and ideas to help you qualify in the future. This can be helpful in the long term. But, what if you need funding right now?

A business credit expert can help walk you through the process of building a business credit profile.  This is separate from your personal credit profile, and will open up new funding opportunities.  They can also analyze the current fundability of your business, and help you find ways to improve it.

In addition, they can help you find the funding you need right now with products like 401K financing and the Credit Line Hybrid.  Get a free consultation today.

The post Looking for an Online Business Loan? Read this Become.co Review Before You Do Anything Else appeared first on Credit Suite.