How do you assess a new market?

Suggest metrics to determine the level of competition in a new keyword rang

[houseofsecrets]

Just wondering how folks assess the competiveness of a new market when you start planning to enter it.

I read a lot of people assessing the competitiveness based on the number of results G has in it's index. But, is that really the best way? Would anyone share their methodology for determining the level of competition they might face?

[SEOMike]

When I do a study for a client that is breaking ground in a niche, I judge competitiveness based not only on the number of sites in the indexes, but how on topic they are. I also look at the # of monthly searches on related key phrases, and the bid prices. (within context of potential ROI) As a last step to see how well my client will do in the SERPs, I look at the top results for any SEO qualities.

Hope that helps you develop a process for your survey. Everyone does it differently, and this works for me.

[Macbeth]

SEO Mike,

How do you find the number of searches made in the month for all 3 searches.

I have tried overture and #*$! and they seem to offer conflicting numbers.

Do you use the above, or do you have an alternative?

BTW THanks for your post it was very helpful.

[disgust]

I read a lot of people assessing the competitiveness based on the number of results G has in it's index. But, is that really the best way?

not even close. look at the top 10 spots in the big three (y, msn, google). check the numbers of backlinks on each- check the backlinks on more than one search engine, too.

the number of incoming links on the top sites will be a much better gauge of how competitive a term is.

[BrunoDillen]

I always look for publicly accessible statistics from what would become competitors. It's Trial and Error and oy might not find anything, but if you do you have stepped on a goldmine.