https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal Is the Global amount on the above tool the number I should go by? Does it 100% mean that my Keyword gets searched (what ever amount it says) times monthly?
That's what it is supposed to mean, but Google is notorious for showing numbers that aren't really accurate, still, it's the best rule of thumb out there right now. Keep in mind if you are marketing to your local area you should look at the local number.
I think it is... Although could not be the best, it's free and it gives you an idea about the keywords..
Yes, it does mean the keywork is searched globally for this much number of times though you have to optimize your post according to that keyword. Also keep in mind that a certain keyword which you are targetting is not supposed to appear on the same search index as your local search on Google which effectively means that even if you get the top position for the keyword on local google search, the global traffic might not be effective for your post. The best way is to look at keywords which both have local as well as global traffic. I hope it helps.
Nothing is perfect, but I would trust Google over anyone else. Having said that I still love to use Micro Niche Finder and Market Samurai as keyword research tools. They have cut my research time x10. I've found some great niches using these tools.
Google Keyword Tool is only good for getting new keywords. It usually gives keywords other tools won't give you but I wouldn't make it my only keyword tool. Any number in GKT is completely inaccurate so just for keyword mining.
Go by the exact match - not the broad or phrase match. Remember it's principally an adwords tool - it uses those matches the way adwords does
Yes, if you are trying to estimate potential searches use the Exact match feature in the "G" KWT and you will see more realistic search numbers. Heck, you may even be pleasantly surprised if the traffic beats their estimate. They are almost always wrong on the "Broad" match when comparing to other paid tools.
yes ,this tool is very useful when you want to know what we are searching using SE, although I'm not sure whether the number is accurate.