Using the WA Keyword Tool with Slow or Unreliable Internet Connections

Trying to use the WA .keyword tool (or any keyword tool) with a slow or disruptive Internet connection can wreck havoc on your attitude and your results. I live and work in a rural area where the Internet connection often cannot be trusted. We pay for "up to" speeds which appear comparable to dial-up with an accelerator installed.

Affordable alternatives do not currently exist. Switching providers is not an option.

My Recent Research Experience

After spending two hours doing keyword research only to lose all results due to an Internet blip, I started over. I could save my efforts in small chunks or I could get the job done and save it all at once. I prefer the all at once method. I went for it. Another hour into research and the power went out. There went everything I had just done for the second time. Talk about time wasted!

I was NOT a happy camper.

I vented, a bit, then got ready to start again. The next time I tackled my keyword project, I took an entirely different approach - the old fashioned one.

• I ran my keyword search in the keyword tool.
• I printed out the entire list using "print selection" option.
• I then proceeded to manually write in the results beside each word.

The Manual Method

I now had 43 pages of keyword research results for my phrase. Granted, many of the words/phrases were in another atmosphere when it came to competition. Once I'd checked every word on the list, I went back and applied a highlighter. If the competition result was less than 100, I applied green. I repeated the procedure, changing colors as the competitive level increased. (I also included a color legend on my first page.)

The Result

My work resulted in an old-fashioned paper report. It's not as pretty (nor as electronically portable) as an excel file but it works. And I only had to check each word/phrase ONE time. Since I have access to a comb binder, I bound the results along with blank pages so I could track my use of each keyword.

I've got more than enough potential keywords to create content. I can access my keyword list without an Internet connection. Or an electrical one. While I prefer to do the actual content writing online, I can also do it the old fashioned way. (I might get writers cramp, but the job would get done.)

Results Matter

There are many ways to tackle projects. We all have our individual preferences when it comes to technology and to the creative process. What matters is that we get the job done. Since perseverance is THE key to success, we must do what it takes to reach the next step of the ladder. Although the manual process is a step back technology-wise, it still makes it possible for me to continue up the website creation ladder.

See you at the top!