If you’re like me, the Keywords Everywhere Chrome extension (or Firefox add-on) is a tool I use on a regular basis.

Especially when writing blogs or website content for clients.

It’s just so easy to use and discover the best keywords for SEO purposes.

Up until 1 October 2019, it’s been completely free for four years. And that’s crazy if you think about all the value it offers. So when I recently found out Keywords Everywhere was becoming a paid browser extension, I wasn’t surprised.

However, the change hasn’t occurred because the founders are now seeking an enhanced bank account. There’s actually a very noble reason behind it, which I respect.

Why do we now need to pay for Keywords Everywhere?

In late 2015, Keywords Everywhere was created to provide “value to thousands of users by being a browser extension that gives you keywords data exactly where you need it the most.” Since then, it’s been used by more than a million users.

Unfortunately, a year ago the team started noticing bot activity where automated scripts were querying their API (Application Programming Interface) to get data for keywords. The calls made by bots soon far surpassed the calls made by real users. For a year, the team was forced to constantly upgrade hardware to keep the software functional for real users.

They tried everything, but nothing seemed to work.

The bots were always few steps ahead and ended up creating thousands of API keys – which the team was unable to control.

By making Keywords Everywhere a paid browser extension, it meant all bot activity would cease immediately. Their only other option would’ve been to shut everything down.

How much do we need to pay?

Thankfully, the team isn’t taking this opportunity to charge significant membership fees.

“We are keeping the price point as low as possible. There will be no monthly recurring plans. Keywords Everywhere will only have pay as you go plans. The credit based payment plan will cost just $1 for 10,000 keywords data. For most users, the cost per month would be less than $2.”

So we’re not going to be much out-of-pocket. Personally, I’m happy to invest in this minimal fee to ensure the software can keep going. I rely upon it too much.

Where will the money go?

The funds will enable the team to support other countries and build additional features. They can also bring back features previously blocked due to the bots, like import keywords and analyse pages.

How does the tool work now?

The Keywords Everywhere Chrome extension and Firefox add-on has stopped automatically retrieving volume, CPC, and competition data for all keywords.

However, it will continue to show “related” and “people also ask for” keywords in the widgets on the right-hand side of Google. To see the metrics, you’ll need to purchase credits for your account.

Where can I buy credits?

Click the “K” icon at the top right of your browser.  In the menu at the bottom you’ll see a link called “Purchase Credits”. This link takes you to a page where you can purchase credits.

How do credits work?

Every time the extension gets volume data for a single keyword, one credit will be used up. A credit will be used up irrespective of whether the keyword has any search volume.

For more information about the changes, visit the Keywords Everywhere News page.

My thoughts on the changes

So what do I think about paying for something I previously (and happily) used for free? 

I think it’s interesting how, as consumers, we value some things enough to pay for them. But for other things, we feel ripped off or annoyed if asked to pay.

Do you expect to receive free coffees from your local cafe? Probably not. (Unless you’re dating the owner. Or you ARE the owner)

Do you expect all your apps to be free? Probably. Hands up if you second-guess yourself when an app is $2.99? (*Hand up*) It’s cheaper than a coffee – and lasts a lot longer than 10 minutes – but we still seem to question it.

I’ve recently noticed CompressPDF / SmallPDF has gone down a similar path to Keywords Everywhere. But this is another useful tool I use regularly and see the value in.

As business owners, we all want to be valued for our efforts. Ultimately, we do what we do to make a living.

Pay our bills. Support our family.  Live a life we love.

Yes, I can’t pay for everything and next to consider my budget when it comes to monthly memberships or subscriptions.

But when it comes to something as useful and important to my business as Keywords Everywhere, I’m more than happy to support the change.

What do you think? I’m interested to hear your thoughts.

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.