Why pay for keyword tools?

[ZachGal]

I still don't understand why some of the well-thought-of subscription keyword tools (keyworddiscovery, wordtracker) are worth even their relatively modest monthly fees. Most people I know use the free Google keyword tool, and it works great for them.

Is it because some of these paid tools return more results? But is lack of usable keywords really a problem? Is it because they list the "KEI"?

In a thread from last week called "Google Keyword Tool Versus Wordtracker" the user named "mald" (wordtracker employee) claimed that their traffic numbers are more accurate than Google's. Even if this is true, does that justify the price? (Feel free to chime in mald!)

Anyway, I really would appreciate any insight you guys have.

[netmeg]

I don't subscribe to any keyword tools in and of themselves, but I do use the keyword tools that come with other subscription toolsets (i.e. I'm subscribing to an entire package of tools)

I take all traffic claims (Google's or anyone else's) with a grain of salt anyway; mostly I'm just looking for words or combinations I haven't thought of yet.

[ZachGal]

Netmeg, that's very interesting! How often would you say you use a keyword generator to come up with keywords you might not have thought of (in an existing campaign)? I feel like that's something people should do regularly, but is rarely done in practice.

[netmeg]

Impossible to gauge. I'm dealing with several clients with thousands of products, so I have to spend my time where it's likely to make the most money for the client. So I try to focus on the most profitable product lines.