How to Set Up a Free Google Ads Account and Use Keyword Planner
When constructing an SEO plan or creating a pay-per-click campaign, the tool provides you with important data such as keyword search volume, competition, and bid estimates. But to take maximum benefit from it, you'll need to have a Google Ads account. This blog post has all your important questions answered and guides you through the whole process, right from account creation to using the Google Keyword Planner.

Getting to know your audience begins with the proper keywords. Of all the strong tools at hand to use for this reason, the Google Keyword Planner is among the best. When constructing an SEO plan or creating a pay-per-click campaign, the tool provides you with important data such as keyword search volume, competition, and bid estimates.
But to take maximum benefit from it, you'll need to have a Google Ads account. This blog post has all your important questions answered and guides you through the whole process, right from account creation to using the Google Keyword Planner.
What Is Google Keyword Planner and Why Should You Use It?
The Google Keyword Planner is a free keyword tool from Google available in the Google Ads platform. It assists SEO specialists and marketers in finding high-performing keywords through metrics like:
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Average monthly search volume
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Competition level (low, medium, high)
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Top-of-page bid ranges (low and high)
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Impression and click forecasts (for ad campaigns)
This information is needed to write successful SEO content, organize paid ad campaigns, and find content opportunities. As it's connected with Google Ads, it shows real-time data directly from the largest search engine in the world.
Can You Access Google Keyword Planner Without Paying?
Yes, indeed! Most people errantly assume that to use the Google Keyword Planner, you must have an active ad campaign running, but you can do otherwise. You can sign up for a Google Ads account without charge and utilize the keyword planner without ever activating a paid campaign.
By skipping over some of the ad setup processes or putting placeholder data into the fields, you can get full access to this tool for free, with no credit card fees incurred.
How Do You Set Up a Free Google Ads Account?
Setting up a free Google Ads account is easy, although it does take a few precise steps. Here's a step-by-step guide to the whole procedure:
Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Free Google Ads Account
Step 1: Go to the Google Ads Website
Visit https://ads.google.com and click on the "Start Now" button.
Step 2: Sign in With Your Google Account
Use a current Google account or create an account in order to continue.
Step 3: Skip Campaign Creation (Optional Mode)
When you are asked to create your first campaign, check for the link that reads "Switch to Expert Mode" at the base of the page. This will enable you to avoid creating a campaign directly.
Step 4: Select 'Create an Account Without a Campaign'
After entering Expert Mode, you’ll see an option to “Create an account without a campaign.” Click this to avoid entering payment or campaign details.
Step 5: Confirm Business Information
Enter your business country, time zone, and currency. Then click “Submit.”
Step 6: Welcome to Your Dashboard
Congratulations! You’ve now created a free Google Ads account. You’ll be redirected to the Google Ads dashboard.
Now that your account is created, you can go ahead and access the Google Keyword Planner.
How Do You Access Google Keyword Planner?
After logging into your Google Ads dashboard, follow the following steps:
Step 1: Click on "Tools & Settings"
This is on the top navigation bar. Under the "Planning" category, click on "Keyword Planner."
Step 2: Select an Option
You'll be presented with two options:
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Discover new keywords
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Get search volume and forecasts
Select according to your requirements. "Find new keywords" is perfect for searching for new ideas, while the second one is for researching a certain keyword.
From here, you can start your keyword research.
What Can You Do with Google Keyword Planner?
After getting into the Google Keyword Planner, there are several things that you can do:
1. Keyword Research
Discover new keyword ideas for your product, service, or website.
2. Search Volume Data
See average monthly searches, allowing you to rank keywords that consistently get traffic.
3. Competition Analysis
See how competitive a keyword is, allowing you to determine what terms are worth targeting in your campaigns or content strategy.
4. Bid Estimates
See the top-of-page bid range for the keyword. Even if you're not advertising, this information provides an idea of how valuable a keyword could be.
5. Location and Language Targeting
Tailor your research to specific locations and languages for better local SEO or international targeting.
What Are the Benefits of Using Google Keyword Planner?
There are many reasons why professionals prefer this tool over others:
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Free Access to real-time keyword data
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Direct Insights from Google Search traffic
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High Accuracy compared to third-party tools
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Simple Interface that suits beginners and pros alikE
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Forecast Tools to predict ad performance or interest trends
Such capabilities render the Google Keyword Planner an essential part of any digital marketing arsenal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Do I Have to Pay to Use Google Keyword Planner?
No. You can use the tool for free by signing up for a Google Ads account and opting to bypass campaign setup.
Q. Can I Use Google Keyword Planner Without a Website?
Yes. When asked for a website during the setup process, you can enter any stand-in URL or leave the field blank.
Q. Is Google Keyword Planner Helpful for SEO?
Absolutely. Even though it's designed for advertisers, the Google Keyword Planner provides useful SEO information such as search volume, competition, and trends.
Q. Can You Utilize Google Keyword Planner for YouTube or Other Websites?
Yes. You are able to filter your keyword research by platforms such as Google Search, YouTube, and others.
Q. Is the Keyword Forecasting Feature Accurate?
Forecasting makes projections based on past trends. Although not precise, it assists in forecasting ad budgets and keyword potential.
Final Thoughts: Why Use Google Keyword Planner?
Google Keyword Planner is a robust and trustworthy instrument for anyone intending to expand online,be it through SEO, PPC, or content promotion. Getting a free Google Ads account is an easy process, and even getting access to the planner does not require one to have live advertising campaigns or pay any fees.
With precise search data, competition metrics, and trend analysis, Google Keyword Planner is a vital asset for today's marketers. It does not matter whether you are new or a professional marketer; learning this tool will provide your online strategy with a sound foundation.
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