There are around 7 billion people on the face of this planet, and although not all of them speak English or have access to a computer, thinking about that huge number makes the concept of search engine optimization sound like a hopeless shot in the dark.  Be glad, then, that Google’s trying to help in yet another way by unveiling the Search-based Keyword Tool.

Don’t expect miracles, because the thing is in beta.  Google’s also not going so far as to compromise anyone’s privacy (”Hey, seller of folk medicine, Fred Mercer at 123 Fake Street searched for VD”).  But the new tool is interesting.

It works by “leveraging search query data relevant to your website’s content,” according to a post on the Inside AdWords blog.  “In other words, this new tool gives you keywords that are highly relevant to your site but are not part of your AdWords campaigns.  This helps you take advantage of missed opportunities.”

The post even notes, “The tool is also useful if you don’t currently advertise on AdWords.  For example, a shoe store could discover which footwear styles users are searching for, or a digital camera blog could decide which cameras to review by looking at which camera models attract the most queries.”

So get to work, and if you’re still thinking about that shot in the dark scenario, at least feel confident that you’ve been given a nightlight.

Share: del.icio.us Reddit Google Netscape StumbleUpon Technorati