Now that google has made the change to keyword planner, are there any alternatives? For example, keyword tools from other search engines that might help to get a general idea?
I think there is no alternative to keyword planner as it is based on Google search networks... And you don't need other keyword tool as well, if you are using keyword planner.
It's pretty much the same as it was as Google External KW Tool. Currently I base my whole keyword approach on Google Keyword Planner. I start with that, I then do 2 searches for each keyword phrase I like the look of - using the Google search operators allintitle and allinanchor. I describe how I do it in this video if you are interested. http://heymalc.com/the-best-how-to-keyword-research-tool-and-its-free Today I read a page with some great tutorials about how do use Scrapebox for keyword research – among other things. It's by a guy called Jacob King. I'm thinking of incorporating Scrapebox into my keyword research – as he describes very clearly here: http://www.jacobking.com/ultimate-guide-to-scrapebox These really are good tutorials and anyone who knows Scrapebox you know it's a complex beast. If you want to know ainbout Scrapebox (or about backlinking in general or how Google behaves) I recommend Jacob. I'm looking forward to spending some time going through his tutorial thoroughly so I can understand a bit more about this powerful software. Does anyone else use Scrapebox for keyword research?