Accessing Google Keyword Planner for Free

How to Gain Access to Google Keyword Planner (for Free)

Google Keyword Planner is 100% free to use. You need not spend a penny on AdWords ads to gain access. You just need a Google account.

(SIDENOTE: You should already have a Google/Gmail account, but if you don’t have one, get one for free here.)

While the tool is free, sometimes Google will try to get you to start a paid ad campaign. While you don't have to, here’s what sometimes happens when you try to access the Keyword Planner tool:

You’re asked to set up a Google Ads campaign.

Google is so aggressive with this, in fact, that it can look like there’s no way to access the tool without first handing over some cash. Well, I have good news:

You CAN access the tool WITHOUT running an AdWords ad. You just have to jump through a few hoops.

To start, go here. Click “Go to Keyword Planner.”

SIDENOTE: You may then be asked to re-enter your password for verification. 

Now here’s the important part:

When you see the “What’s your main advertising goal” screen, don’t choose any of the three options. Hit the small “Experienced with Google Ads?” link below instead.

NOTE: THIS LINK BELOW MAY ALSO APPEAR WITH THE TEXT "Create an account without a campaign" or "Switch to expert mode"

NOTE: THIS LINK ABOVE MAY ALSO APPEAR WITH THE TEXT "Create an account without a campaign" or "Switch to expert mode"

NOT SEEING THIS LINK?

Here’s yet another quirk in Google Keyword Planner: Google only displays this link in browser windows of a certain width. If you don’t see the link, try resizing your browser window to make it wider.

On the next screen, hit the “Create an account without a campaign” link. (It’s another small one.)

Hit the “Submit” button on the next page. (Don’t worry; Google won’t ask for credit card details.)

You should then see this screen:

Hit the “Explore your account” link.

Next, click the “Tools” link on the menu bar and hit “Switch to expert mode.”

Follow the prompt to confirm the switch.

Finally, hit the “Tools” link on the menu again, and you should see a link to the Keyword Planner.

You should now have access! No need to enter billing info or run an AdWords ad.