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!
Recent Comments
19
I think I would have saved everything in my notepad on the computer or word press. I would have high lighted all my keywords then placed them in notepad n press save. Then print it if you wanted to for back up. I have to say your persistent.
In the future, I'll prob copy and paste to an open excel file and just keep adding to it. I just hate the interruption of doing so.
I was there when the internet became the internet. Gone were the old get/put sites, bulletin boards, oh happy day. I started with 300 baud modem, so yep I used to use pen and paper. Happy to give it up. I survived as you did.
Thanks for the reminder that I really don't have anything to complain about. Thanks for the much needed attitude adjustment!
Onward and upward!
Brenda
I remember those days. I have an old laptop sitting around here somewhere - one that runs dos and uses floppy discs. I don't miss them at all. I love today's technology.
OK, busted. I also remember DOS. Actually I remember dos fondly. I still hate windows as much as I did when it was forced on me.
You know the cool thing about floppies? You glue them to a piece of wood and sell them as ""bug swatters". I remember seeing that in a swap meet. No I didn't buy one, but only because I really had NO money.
Excue me. The brain cells kicked in. They were "debuggers". Wave them above the bug infested computer and all your problems are solved. I think it was an advertisement for Norton Utilities.
Oh,the junk that gets covered with the sands of time.
You taught me a lesson on tenacity and gratitude. I count my blessing with broadband internet speed and lament not getting things done! Thank you for sharing, keep it up!
I once rented a hotel room just for access to high speed internet. Now I just visit my kids in the big city. Enjoy your broadband!
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I agree with Michael would have save everything in notepad on PC, sure beats writing it all down
I'll be saving future searches by pasting them into excel. That way I can reorder by whatever term I want. As far as the writing, it was just the one column of numbers. I've dealt with far worse projects.
Of course, I've got plenty of writing to do for awhile before I need to do any more searching.