If, like most other marketers, you have been using the Google AdWords Keyword Tool, then you need to jump on to the Keyword Planner before Google officially sinks its AdWords Keyword Tool in the coming weeks. Most users have already received notices to move to the Google Keyword Planner when they open their AdWords account.
Google had launched its Keyword Planner tool on May 20, 2013. The Keyword Planner has most features of the earlier Keyword Tool and in addition has been merged with Google’s Traffic Estimator. Google Advertisers can now view all suggested keywords and in addition also get traffic estimates along with much more in-depth data when they use the Keyword Planner.
On the other hand, some metrics including ad share statistics are no longer available on the new Keyword Planner, although the company has stated that they plan to provide a new column that will give ad impression share data. Furthermore, search share columns as well as local search trends are also no longer available with the new tool.
You can still access most of the data by opting for specific searches or visiting the historical statistics section. You only need to sign in to your Google AdWords account or create a new one to begin using the new and free Keyword Planner.
At the time of the launch of the Keyword Planner, Google had stated that they would sink the old Keyword Tool in the next 60 days or so. This translates to a mere few weeks for you to make that jump on to the new tool.
However, the current message available to all Google AdWords users that sign in mentions that Google will discontinue the old Keyword Tool in the coming months. So, that does provide a little more breathing time for users to try, test, and use the new Keyword Planner.