How to do keyword research in a hurry/budget

What is good/fast way for keyword research

[danv]

I am trying to do a good but fast method of keyword research.

My proposal:
If you need to use a city / location in your keyword phrase, then simply find the top phrases people are using in search engines, regardless of # of competitors, and use the phrase plus your city/location.

Especially since I am targeting smallish cities in my area. I would use the top two tools: Overture and Google Suggest.

E.g.: If you are providing web design services: Basically use the roots: web, web site and website and find the most popular phrases that mean what I provide and use the popular phrases on your web page. (2 phrases per page max)

web design
web site design
website design
etc.

And use a header and footer on every page like: "'Servicing City1 and
City2"

And the location in the "About-Us.shtml" page.

[mona]

Hi, danv. Sounds like you've got a good start! You plan to use the footers for your locations, but I wasn't clear if that was the only place on the page you were going to put them? If so, make sure you use the keywords next to each in the copy, link text, and title as well.
"City1 widgets", etc.

[danv]

I was only going to put this message "Servicing City1, City2, City3 and City4" at the header and footer on each page.

Also the same sentence in the about-us.shtml page.

I heard that I then wouldn't have to worry about sticking the city keyword as part of every keyword phrase and making it so awkward to read.