A Google AdWords Help thread has complaints from some Google AdWords advertisers that the keyword tool is no longer exporting the "Local Search Trends" data for the past 12 months.
Google Keyword Tool Engineer, Scott confirmed the removal of this feature. He said that Google noticed people were not using it, so they are experimenting with removing it. If advertisers really want it, they should fill out this form to let Google know.
Scott said:
In an effort to provide the best experience for our Keyword Tool users, we often experiment with ways to offer statistics that are simpler to look at and interpret.When we noticed that most advertisers weren't using the "Local Search Trends" column in the Keyword Tool, we decided to experiment with removing the column.
If you do use the local search trends data, I'd ask that you please fill out the survey linked from the Keyword Tool and describe how you used the local search trend data. We use the survey to find ways to improve the tool and get a better idea of the type of statistics that are helpful from a wider range of users.
People simply want the prior month's data for better data analysis and prediction.
Hat tip to Steven Florey of intapeople.com for spotting this.
Forum discussion at Google AdWords Help.
