How to Use Google Wonder Wheel for Keyword Search

In May 2009, Google rolled out a new search feature called "Google Wonder Wheel." This application presents a visual algorithm of the word you searched for and all related words to that search. It is designed to present more relevant and broader results by displaying visual relationships between search terms. This has the opportunity to change the way people search on Google.

For marketers, this will be an invaluable tool to conduct research. For example, a marketer may want to do research on a product to determine how people search for this online. If you enter the product into the normal Google search box, it will list the highest ranked websites for this keyword. Here is where Wonder Wheel can help drill down into other keywords.

As an example, say the marketer wanted to find additional keywords for pet supplies. After enter pet supplies into the Google search, he will have a list of top ranked sites for the keyword pet supplies. The top two websites for this keyword is Petco and Petsmart. These are large companies that will be difficult to compete with online. The marketer can click on "show options" below the search box to open a new list on the left side of the page. Look to the last category on the left to find the link to Wonder Wheel.

Clicking this link displays a visual wheel with the keyword "pet supplies" in the center. The hubs coming off the wheel consist of a related keyword. These keywords include pet medications, bird supplies, dog creates, discount pet supplies, fish supplies, pet supplies wholesale and others. Click on any of the hub terms to watch then expand on a new wheel with related keywords. The marketer now has the option of selecting any of these keywords to drill down into other keyword channels.

In our example, let's click on discount pet supplies. This will create a new Wonder Wheel with discount pet supplies in the center and other keyword hubs. Also, your search results on the right side of the page are updated for the search term discount pet supplies. Now the leading website is discount-pet-superstore.com followed by cheappetstore.com. Would you rather compete with Cheap Pet Store or PetSmart?

If the marketer is now satisfied with the results, He can drill down on the second Wonder Wheel to get deeper into the keyword listing. For example, the new wheel has discount aquarium supplies, discount pet drugs and other keywords.

The marketer can look under results shown on the left to change the search listing to videos, forums or reviews. For example, by clicking forums in the results list on the left side you will get a new Google list of the top forums for discount pet supplies. Likewise, selecting video or reviews will do the same for those categories.

An additional feature allows you to select the time frame such as within the last 24 hours, past week or past year. This allows the user to determine what has happened in the marketplace within their chosen timeline.

Wonder Wheel actually shows you what the person using search is thinking within the heart of Google search. You will find that this tool is not only unique but it is addicting. You can spend hours drilling down into topics to find new business opportunities or niche markets. You can also use this tool to evaluate competitors, find joint venture partners and identify affiliate products.