One of questions I’m most often asked is how I perform keyword research.

In this article, I will explain how I personally perform my own keyword research as well as some alternative methods.

Let’s begin with an explanation how most people do it and why this is a BAD idea.

First, most people use Overture suggestion tool. This is a free solution which does give some useful info… if you know how to find it. I will explain this in a moment.

I do want to stress why I don’t personally care for this.

Keyword research is foundation for your search engine optimization efforts. These are VERY WORDS you are trying to have engines rank you highly for. In my mind, this leaves little room for error, and by using Overture suggestion tool, you are certainly leaving room for error.

Let me explain…

Overture assigns a search count to each one of terms in their database. Unfortunately, these numbers are skewed. When ANY automated keyword search tool is used to query their DB for keywords, their numbers for that search term also increase. By inflating these numbers, it’s giving keyword searcher false data. You see, goal is to get data on searched terms from search engines, not by people researching them.

Another downfall to Overture system is that search terms are often mixed up from originally searched term. For instance, if I were to search for ’24 hour fitness’, I may actually get a result that shows ‘hour fitness 24’. If you optimized a page for mixed up term, and you wonder why you’re getting little traffic (but have a number 1 ranking on that term), it’s because that term is very rarely searched for, despite what Overture may show.

There are other negatives associated with Overture keyword search tool, but two I presented should be sufficient to warrant you to look for alternatives.

Before I proceed, I do want to tell you that some innovative entrepreneurs have come up with solutions that use Overture database in a fashion that’s MUCH better than using database directly.

Blogging is IN!

And it's here to stay!

Blogs are easy to set up and use.

And you can create a good blog by writing out thoughts that roam in your mind and presto - and you'll be blogging like a pro before you even know it!

Here are 7 essential habits you should develop if you want to be a highly effective blogger:

Blogging Habit #1 - Determine Your Purpose

Highly effective bloggers blog with a clear purpose in mind.

So decide on a purpose for your blog.

Blogs exist to filter information, organize business information, share news and profitable content, establish professional identities and bonds, discuss social issues, or muse about life in general.

Beginning in a focused manner is one of best ways to start a blog.

And knowing your 'mission' will help you accomplish more with your blog.

Blogging Habit #2 - Define Your Audience

Highly effective bloggers understand their target audience.

Their wants, needs, likes and dislikes, and possible reactions and responses.

So always reflect on your anticipated audience.

You conduct yourself differently with friends than you will with professional associates, strangers, customers, or family members.

Knowing who you're writing to beforehand, allows you to adopt acceptable and appropriate tones in your blog journals.

Blogging Habit #3 - Blog With Passion

Blog with passion!

And best way to achieve this is to write on a topic you are most passionate about.

And more you're passionate about a topic, more it'll show in your writing.

Remember, a blog is place for voicing opinions - Your Opinions!

So, engage your readers with a passion and make your writing interesting.

Blogging Habit #4 - Blog Frequently

Highly effective bloggers understand importance of blogging frequently.