Without a doubt, keywords are the most important factor of any SEO campaign. When launching a new site or developing an old blog, it’s only natural to implement strategies that will make your web pages rank on search engines. Keywords are not only a crucial element of modern SEO but are also essential for developing your content strategy. It is therefore important that keyword research is done effectively to get the best results. There are so many keyword search tools out there; however, choosing the right one(s) can be overwhelming. We have solved the problem of keyword research by introducing the best 7 keyword search tools.
7 Best Keyword Research Tools
Picking good keywords is like mining gold. When used the right way, good quality keywords can attract quality traffic to your site. And this is why you need keyword research. Keyword research can predict keywords that help you to stay ahead of your competitors. It could mean the difference between generating thousands of consistent traffic per month and a wasted marketing effort. The strength of keyword research lies in having the best keyword search volume tools and knowing how to utilize it. While keyword research sounds like something easy, it can be technical and dynamic. If you are looking to improve your content marketing strategy and make your site rank easily, then consider the following free keyword search tools.
1. Google AdWords: Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner, by Google, is the most popular and widely used free keyword research tool. Beginners opt for Google Keywords Planner because it is easy to use and can pull keyword data from the source. Those who want to optimize their website can get information directly from the most popular search engine in the world using Google Keyword Planner. Getting started with Google Keyword Planner is easy; all you need is to enter your keyword or keywords into the search box and wait for amazing results.
Unique features
· Locate commercial keywords using “top of page” bid range – if you’re using Adwords
· Displays result in a clear and coincide manner
· Displays thousands of result from user searches via Google search engine
· Displays average monthly searches
Pricing
Google Keyword Planner is available for free.
2. SEMRush
SEMRush is ideal for people looking for a more sophisticated and complete tool for SEO. SEMRush is not just produced a list of keywords, it can also track the keyword strategy that your competitors are using. Using the same keywords that work for your competitors is a smart move that will help you drive traffic and grow your business. What’s more, SEMRush can be used to run an audit of your blog, carry out an all-encompassing analysis of your keywords to get different reports on trends, organic, and paid search.
Unique features
· Uncover trends, paid and organic search keywords, and ad group ideas
· One of the best long tail Keyword research tools
· Get yearly keyword trends
· Provides competitor analysis
· Worldwide CPC distribution statistics
· Access to the complete keyword research toolkit
Pricing
SEMrush hosts a 7-day free trial of the service after which you can choose from the four different pricing plans.
Pro – $83 per month and gets billed annually.
Guru – $166 per month.
Business –$333 per month.
Enterprise – SEMRush can customize a plan for your needs.
3. AHREFS
For most content creators, Ahrefs is the only tool they need. It is one of the best keyword research tools available for so many reasons. The platform improves your SEO by revealing competitors' keywords, providing a broad keyword report to the user, and even unveiling tons of marketing opportunities to increase your traffic. When it comes to backlinks analysis, Ahrefs is second to none. If you’re looking for a revolutionary analytics tool and backlink authority checker, then look no further.
Unique features
· Over 1000 Keyword suggestions
· The best backlink authority checker
· Accurate keyword difficulty score
· Extensive SERP overview
· Click metrics for improving CTR
· Supported in over 171 countries
Pricing
Ahrefs has four pricing plans. Standard rates for all plans begin at $82. For $7, you can have a trial on their Lite and Standard subscription.
4. SPYFU
As the name implies, SpyFu is adept at exposing the search marketing secret formula used by your competitors. This powerful competitor Keyword research tool offers more useful data on more keywords, uncovering valuable keywords that can improve your SEO strategies and website performance. Over the years, SpyFu has proven to be an intelligent utility tool that makes a huge difference for digital marketers working in a highly saturated niche.
Standout features
· Search for keywords of different websites that have shown up on Google
· Discover ranking difficulty and historical rank changes
· More consistency and unlimited results
· Additional modules for in-depth domain analysis
Pricing
SpyFu offers $33 per month if you choose the annual billing option.
5. Wordtracker Scout
If you need a keyword suggestion tool that helps you generate in-depth keyword lists of what your competitors are doing, then Wordtracker Scout is your answer. Wordtracker Scout is a high-powered Chrome extension that ensures your web pages reach the top of the search engines and generate traffic. Using this free Chrome extension puts you in a position to analyze the target keywords of your website pages. All you need to do after installing the extension is to visit any webpage (probably that of your competitor) and then hit the “W” button to get competitors keywords.
Unique features
· Easy to use and understand
· Appropriate if you’re looking for a keyword search volume tool
· Can analyze your competitor’s SEO strategies
· Access to high-level keyword performance metrics
Pricing
Wordtracker Scout offers three plan types but with a week free trial.
6. KWFinder
KWFinder allows a handful of free searches. It is known for delivering the best keyword research across various categories. Content marketers use this free keyword research tool to find out what works for competitors. This intuitive keyword tool not only provides a handful of organic search results, but it also makes it easy to find keywords with low SEO difficulty.
Unique features
· Comes with unique and easy to navigate user interface
· Find keywords in any language target, anywhere
· In-depth SERP overview for hundreds of keywords
· One of the best competitor Keyword research tool
· Use filters to refine the list of keyword suggestions
Pricing
Basic – ideal for freelancers and small businesses; costs $30
Premium – ideal for blogs and new startups; costs $40
Agency – ideal for heavy sites and e-commerce stores; costs $80
Select an annual plan on any of the 3 packages to save up to 40%.
7. MOZ Keyword Explorer
If you’re looking to rank your site, the Moz Keyword Explorer will make your marketing effort a success. Moz’s SEO tool streamlines your workflow and helps to discover your competitors’ most important keywords. Moz Keyword explorer is easy to use and can provide more useful metrics for link building, Keyword research, as well as web page performance. It outperforms other Keyword research tools with organic CTR score and priority score. The former demonstrates the number of clicks you’re expected to attract on page 1 of Google while the latter combines data on CTR, search volume, and keyword difficulty to help you select the best terms for your project.
Unique features
· Get related keyword suggestions
· Offers organic CTR and Priority score for smart targeting
· One of the best long tail Keyword research tools
· Moz offers a one month trial period
Pricing
Unlike other Keyword tools, MOZ offers a one month free trial period. However, the free package doesn’t give you come with premium features. For $179 a month, you can enjoy the entire SEO suite.
Conclusion
So there you have it! The aforementioned keyword research tools are the best for SEO. They have great efficiency in terms of research and analysis, the ability to analyze what your competitors are doing, and can give you access to high-level keyword performance metrics. What’s more, they are easy-to-use and understand for beginners. Since you’ve learned something about what the keyword research tools are and why it is so important, why don’t you give it a trial today?