Competitive Edge

More and more the online research tools that costed agencies thousands and provided a small barrier to entry have become free or affordable. Here are a couple of great tools that you may or may not know.

Google Adwords Keyword Tool (FREE but you need to have a google account and have adwords set up)- Get keywords, cpc pricing and inventory estimates straight from the horses mouth (so to speak)
This has replaced the often used Overture Inventory Tool
https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal

Quantcast (FREE)- Estimates a site's traffic, demographics, top keywords, competitors etc
http://www.quantcast.com

Compete.com (FREE for basic but you have to pay for the goodstuff)- In depth analysis on a sites traffic sources, keywords and other highly coveted information
http://www.compete.com

More on how to use these tools later...