Smart keyword research doesn't require expensive subscriptions. Here's how people are finding profitable keywords while keeping costs near zero.

Which browser extensions help with keyword research?
Keywords Everywhere has a free version showing basic metrics. Detailed adds related keywords in your search results. Both run while you browse normally, so you're researching passively.

How can I use competitors for keyword ideas?
View their page source and check title tags and meta descriptions. Look at their blog categories and product names. Free tools like Ubersuggest let you enter competitor URLs for limited keyword lists. Not comprehensive, but you're getting their strategy without their tool budget.

What's the Wikipedia trick?
Search your topic on Wikipedia and scan the table of contents. Those section headers are how people conceptualize your subject. Also check the "See also" section at the bottom for related terms you might have missed.

Should I bother with Google Trends?
Absolutely. It won't give you volume numbers, but it shows whether interest is growing or dying. Saves you from targeting keywords nobody will care about in six months. Plus, the "Related queries" section is surprisingly useful.