Producing a keyword estimate for a client is a 2 step process. (In this example I am referring specifically to AdWords tools - each engine has their own tools)

Step 1 – Find the Keywords

Visit this link: AdWords Keyword Research Tool (bookmark it!)

You have two ways to generate keywords. You will noticed that the left box is asking you how you want to generate keyword ideas.

Option 1 – Enter as many keywords as you can into the box (make sure “use synonyms” is checked) and enter the captcha code and click “get keyword ideas.”

Option 2 – Find out who your clients competitors are and choose “website content” as the option to generate keyword ideas. You may also use your clients site but keep in mind if it is not optimize and does not include keywords you will not get a good list. Make sure to check the box “include other pages on my site linked from this URL.”

(I use both)

What next?

In both cases, once you have clicked on “get keyword ideas” Google will present you with a list of keywords. You can manually add each keyword to a “bucket” by clicking “Add” or scroll to the bottom of each group if you like all the keywords and click “Add all …” (remember that this tool is designed to find keywords for AdWords so if you are generating a list for a client that you are creating a campaign in AdWords for, you have the option of adding each keyword as broad, phrase or exact match.)

Give your list a quick once over should you have forgotten some keywords and consider adding more keywords to the Google search box and searching again (don’t worry, your list will not be lost). Sometimes Google will not expand on keywords until you search them separately. You will also have the option to add your keywords manually on the right hand side of your keyword list.

Once you like your list, choose your preferred method of downloading (I use .csv for excel) and BOOM! You have your list! Once you have your keywords in a csv file sort them from a-z and give them a quick once over to make sure you don’t present your client with a bad keyword.

Step 2 – Get some estimates on CPC’s and volume

1.Visit this link: AdWords Traffic Estimator (bookmark it!)

2.Copy your keywords from your excel file into the box

3.Choose your currency and put in a max cpc of $20.00

4.Choose daily budget of $10,000

5.Choose your language and location targeting

6.Click “continue”

7.Click on the link at the top that says “Download as .csv.” or click the grey button at the bottom of your list that says the same

8.Sort and format the .csv file so it is presentable to your client

In short, you can utilize Google’s tools to get keyword ideas fast. Keep in mind that these are estimates and should not be used as exact #’s to quote to your clients. Nonetheless, this is a good way to give your client a better idea of what he/she can expect.