Preforming efficient and proper keyword research is going to be one of your main keys to victory, we also know how time consuming and difficult it can be to sort all of this data. Doing a simple search for one phrase can bring hundreds of different keywords and while some of them might be worth researching or going after, it can be a difficult task to sort them out. This is where Microsoft Excel comes in quite handy with pivot tables. Pivot tables essentially allow you to sort keywords and easily re-arrange keywords.

Here are some of the short steps to creating a pivot table in Excel to sort keywords:

The Collection of Data and the Creation of a Master Table

One of the first things you’re going to want to do is collect all of your data first and then sort it all into a master table. The Google Keyword Tool has multiple options available for people to export their search and data and easily import this into excel. However, if you’re using several tools to export the data you found on keywords, you’re going to find yourself having an organizational nightmare which will require the use of extra tools. In order to avoid this, you’re going to want to combine all of the data into one single table which can be done with a VLOOKUP Query.

Once all of your data is collected and put into a table, you’re then going to want to create a pivot table on a brand new sheet. You can do this by going to insert then PivotTable then PivotChart. Choose your table appropriately. You’re going to add the following: Axis Fields, Values, Column Labels and Filters. You can easily sort, drag and drop with the PivotTable as it uses the drag and drop functionality for ease. You can also add values easily to little white squares in the table which will allow the table to begin to form.

The main goal of adding a pivot table is actually not to have all of the keywords right there in one place but to allow the data manipulation of many different keywords. Depending on the type of research that you need to have done, there’s a wide range of data manipulation tools available at your disposal.

How to Visualize Keyword Patterns with the Find and Replace Feature

A pivot table will let you arrange and re-arrange keywords and different data and will even allow you to create some nifty cool little charts. However, you can utilize these simple steps to enhance the charts and data in your file.

• You can use Control + F to find and replace different words. This will bring up the find and replace feature.
• Click the tab that’s labeled find and replace.
• Enter the word that you think will be used quite frequently.
• You can then click the options button.
• You can then choose the replace with option.
• Then you’re going to click on the patterns tab
• You can then choose whatever color you wish and highlight the cell that contains the word.
• Then simply click OK and then there’s an option that will say replace all.

So while there are many different functions and uses for using excel and pivot tables for sorting keywords and organizing them, it’s essential that you utilize the tools that are given to you to make your life much easier. Keyword research makes or breaks many people and is one of the most underdone things when people start internet marketing.

This article was written by Stuart McHenry who runs an Irvine SEO Company that specializes in Internet Marketing SEO.

Stuart has blogged 1 posts here.