If you’re keen on boosting your search engine optimization strategy, you know that keyword research plays a pivotal role. However, delving into keyword research without the appropriate tools can be irritating and unproductive. That’s precisely why SEO experts rely on keyword research tools to assist them in compiling thorough lists of keywords and their respective monthly search volumes.
In this piece, we’ll walk you through 8 of the finest keyword research tools SEO professionals utilize. Whether you’re just starting in SEO or looking for fresh tools to experiment with, we’ll help you select the ideal one tailored to your requirements. By the time you reach the end of this article, you’ll possess the insights and assurance needed to elevate your keyword research efforts to new heights.
The Best Tools for Keyword Research
1. Semrush
When finding the right keywords for your online presence, Semrush stands out as a top choice. It’s widely known and trusted for its thoroughness and versatility in SEO tools, with a dedicated suite just for keyword research.
Semrush’s Keyword Overview lets you quickly glimpse essential metrics like search volume, difficulty, CPC, and variations for your chosen keywords. Then there’s the Keyword Magic Tool, which goes deeper, generating keyword suggestions in various matches (broad, exact, phrase) and related terms while also providing insights on search volume, search intent, and competitiveness.
For those with a paid Semrush subscription, the Keyword Manager tool offers advanced analysis options and the ability to export data for further examination. Plus, with daily monitoring, the Position Tracking feature keeps you updated on your site’s ranking compared to competitors.
To tie it all together, the Organic Traffic Insights feature merges Google Analytics and Search Console data with Semrush’s, helping you pinpoint the keywords bringing organic traffic to your site.
Semrush’s pricing ranges from $99.95 to $449.95 per month.
2. Ahrefs Keywords Explorer
Ahrefs is another all-in-one SEO toolkit with a Keyword Explorer providing in-depth keyword information. It uses data from 10 different search engines and provides more than keyword suggestions; it also includes search volume, ranking difficulty, and keyword movement information.
Ahrefs is particularly useful for identifying your competition and which keywords they’re ranking for that you are not. This information can then generate new content to target and capture that traffic.
Read Also: How to Remove Outdated Content From Your Website
Ahrefs’ pricing ranges from $83 to $999 per month.
3. Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is a free-to-use tool for anyone with a Google Ads account. It provides direct data from Google and is primarily intended for digital marketers advertising on Google.
Using Google Keyword Planner is straightforward – type in a keyword, and it will give you data on related keywords, approximate monthly searches, and bidding information.
4. Serpstat
Serpstat offers a comprehensive SEO suite, covering everything from link building and managing PPC campaigns to optimizing for local search. It boasts utilizing a vast database to aid in identifying keywords, analyzing their volume, popularity, and competition, and keeping tabs on your competitors.
One standout feature of Serpstat is its ability to present the site within the featured snippet as the primary result, allowing you to strive for that coveted spot. Additionally, it provides tools for tracking trending keywords, including regional search trends, monitoring your rankings, and analyzing content for optimization.
Serpstat’s pricing ranges from $59 to $499 per month.
5. KeywordTool.io
KeywordTool.io is known for providing a sheer volume of keyword suggestions. For example, a search for “pharmacy” returned 669 total keywords.
KeywordTool.io provides all the relevant data an SEO professional could want, including search volume, competition (both average and by specific keyword), and trend information. It also allows users to sift results based on their needs, such as region, language, platform, and type.
KeywordTool.io’s pricing ranges from $69 to $129 per month.
6. Moz Keyword Explorer
Moz is one of the most prominent players in the world of SEO tools and offers both a paid and free version (restricted to 10 queries per month) of its Keyword Explorer.
Moz Keyword Explorer has robust keyword suggestions, comprehensive analysis tools, and predictive metrics. It also gives you detailed information on tools for identifying long-tail keywords, SERPs, and search questions, with tips to help you rank internationally.
Read Also: Best SEO Practices to Dominate the SERPs
Moz’s pricing ranges from $79 to $599 per month.
7. Google Trends
Google Trends is an outstanding tool you can use for free! It helps you discover what people are searching for by letting you type keywords or phrases or check out related queries. Then, it gives you all sorts of excellent info, like where people are most interested, how that interest has changed over time, and what other topics or questions are connected. Plus, you can compare two keywords to see which one’s getting more buzz. So rad, right?
8. AnswerThePublic
AnswerThePublic is a “search listening tool” that taps into autocomplete data from search engines to determine practical search questions and phrases. It presents this information visually, making it easy to identify prepositions and search volume divided by questions, comparisons, and related searches.
AnswerThePublic has a free version valid for small amounts of research and a Pro plan that is better for regular SEO work. The Pro plan offers unlimited daily searches, priority customer support, and customization options.
AnswerThePublic’s pricing ranges from $9 to $199 per month.
Choosing The Right Keyword Research Tool
When picking the right keyword research tool, remember a couple of things. Firstly, your budget plays a significant role. While free tools might seem appealing, they often lack the depth and features of paid options. Thus, finding a tool that balances functionality and affordability is critical.
Another crucial aspect is aligning the tool with your overall SEO content strategy. Consider your primary objectives—are you aiming to boost your authority, attract new customers, or target specific local or international audiences? Since each keyword research platform has strengths and weaknesses, it is essential to select one that aligns well with your goals.
Making an informed decision involves careful assessment of your options. If you’re part of a team, gathering everyone’s input can be invaluable. They might have insights from past experiences with different platforms, which can provide valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t. This collaborative approach can help you choose the best tool for your needs.
Once you find the perfect tool, you can go after and land traffic from more queries and generate more conversions. Here are some more resources to help you in your keyword research journey:
- Google Keyword Planner: How To Use The Free Tool For SEO
- Keyword Research: An In-Depth Beginner’s Guide
- Rank Tracking: How To Do It The Right Way
Choosing the best keyword research tool for your needs can improve your SEO efforts and drive more traffic to your website.
Frequently Asked Questions
a) What are some of the top keyword research tools available?
Many keyword research tools are available in the market, but some top ones include Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz Keyword Explorer, and Keyword Tool. These tools offer features such as keyword suggestions, search volume data, competition analysis, and more.
b) How do you determine which keyword research tool is best for you?
The best keyword research tool depends on users’ specific needs and budget. Before deciding, consider factors such as ease of use, features offered, pricing, and customer support. You can also try demos or free trials to see which tool works best.
c) Can you recommend a free keyword research tool?
Some free keyword research tools include Google Keyword Planner, Keyword Tool, and Ubersuggest. While they may not offer all the features of paid tools, they can still provide valuable insights into keyword research.
d) What are the advantages of using keyword research tools?
Using a keyword research tool can help one identify relevant keywords for their website or business, understand search volume and competition for those keywords, and optimize their content for better search engine rankings. It can also save you time and effort in manually researching keywords.
e) How do you use a keyword research tool to improve your SEO strategy?
To use a keyword research tool effectively:
- Identify your target audience and the keywords they may use to search for your products or services.
- Use the tool to find related keywords, search volume data, and competition analysis.
- Use this information to optimize your website content, including titles, meta descriptions, and headings, for better search engine rankings.
f) Which keyword research tool is most commonly used by SEO professionals?
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, some of the most commonly used keyword research tools by SEO professionals include SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz Keyword Explorer. These tools offer advanced features and in-depth analysis for keyword research and SEO strategy.