Level: Basic
A simple alphabetical sort is one of the most underused first steps in reviewing a new keyword export, since it groups near-duplicates and related terms together for fast visual scanning.
The Excel Technique
Select your data range, go to Data > Sort, and choose your keyword column ascending or descending. For a table already converted with Insert > Table, the column header dropdown includes a one-click A-Z sort option without needing the full dialog.
Example Scenario
You're reviewing a fresh 1,500-keyword export before deciding what to research further. Sorting it alphabetically first immediately reveals dozens of near-identical variants — "running shoes for men" sitting right next to "running shoes men" — that would have been easy to miss scattered through an unsorted list.
Where This Fits in Your Keyword Research Process
Alphabetical sorting is a fast, free way to catch near-duplicate patterns before you invest time in deeper analysis, and it costs nothing to do as a first pass on any new list.
Next step: Use Sort A to Z from SeoWolf's Notepad to sort your raw export alphabetically before it even reaches Excel, so the near-duplicate patterns are already grouped together the moment you open the sheet.