Google clarifies Keyword Planner doesn’t require an active campaign

There has been a lot of confusion about an error some users have received when trying to access Google AdWords’ Keyword Planner — a popular keyword research tool used by search marketers working on either advertising or organic optimization. The issue dates back at least a couple of weeks, to when Greg Gifford got a notice, “To use Keyword Planner, you need to have at least one active campaign.”

really, @adwords and @google?? REALLY??? Do you have any idea how many organic SEO people you just screwed over? pic.twitter.com/w0qQ6aujvh

— Greg Gifford (@GregGifford) June 16, 2016

Google had already made it harder for SEOs to access Keyword Planner a few years ago by requiring an AdWords account, but essentially saying only advertisers could have access caused an obvious stir. Google responded in the thread later that day that this was not true.

Not true, Joe! Setting up a campaign or ad group is not mandatory to use the keyword planner. -Jarett

— Google Ads (@GoogleAds) June 16, 2016

The issue came up again Monday with a report that more users were seeing the error message over the weekend. Google has responded Monday that there is a technical issue and again reiterated that an active campaign is not required, just an AdWords account.

The technical issue is affecting this. We'll keep you posted. -Jarett (3)

— Google Ads (@GoogleAds) June 27, 2016

Hey Mark – yes, you still need an account (even if it's inactive) to use the planner. -Ian

— Google Ads (@GoogleAds) June 27, 2016

In fact, it appears this bug is also affecting users with active campaigns as well.

Our technical teams are aware of the issue and are working on a resolution. We'll keep you updated as we learn more. -Jarett (2)

— Google Ads (@GoogleAds) June 24, 2016