Does anyone know how accurate Google AdWords is? For one of my "keywords" Google AdWords claims there is absolutely no competition & no searches for it. I assume that is what the "-" means in each column. Searching in Google for the "keywords" returns 325,000 search results & I know someone has to be searching for the keywords I've used. As a result I was just wondering if AdWords just couldn't find appropriate information or if it can be inaccurate at times?
Well, just to give you an idea, if you type a keyword Google will give you a Broad range of for example '100,000 monthly searches', and an exact range of '5,000 monthly searches'. Accuracy always depends on factors like what is happening in a city or in the world, that can boost searches for specific words.
I think you are referring to the keyword tool, not Adwords itself which of course reports accurate numbers of impressions and clicks you get. The keyword tool does report accurate numbers as well when I've compared actual results. Also, there is no such thing as "no competition". There is always a site out there that will mention your keywords. There is or surely has been Adwords advertisers using that keyword. If you've thought about that keyword, someone else has and if not, someone else will.