Overview
Choosing the right keywords is crucial for getting your website and content found online. With so many options to consider, keyword research can feel overwhelming for bloggers, marketers, and SEO beginners. The good news is that there are excellent keyword research tools available to make the process much easier. In this article, we will explore the 10 best keyword research tools that can significantly boost your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. From tracking keyword rankings over time to discovering long-tail keyword opportunities, these tools provide valuable data insights to inform your keyword strategy. Whether you need to perform initial broad keyword research or conduct ongoing monthly tracking, the tools featured in this article will help you identify your most profitable, low-competition keywords to target. Implementing these keyword tools into your workflow will set you on the path for SEO success and getting your content found by your ideal audience.
What Are the Benefits of Keyword Research Tools to Boost Your SEO?
Keyword research tools provide invaluable data to boost SEO. By uncovering new low-competition long-tail keywords, tracking rankings over time, analyzing competitor keywords, and understanding user search intent, these tools enable you to shape an effective keyword and content strategy. Their insights help target the right keywords to drive more organic traffic, increase visibility, and maximize your SEO impact in just 50 words.
Here are some of the key benefits that keyword research tools provide to boost SEO:
- Discover New Keyword Opportunities - The tools allow you to find untapped long-tail keywords and emerging search terms that you can target before others.
- Track Keyword Rankings - You can monitor your keyword rankings over time and see how they fluctuate. This helps focus SEO efforts on terms you're close to ranking for.
- Identify Low-Competition Keywords - The metrics show keyword difficulty scores and competition levels so you can target easier keywords.
- Understand Search Intent - By analyzing the questions and search terms people use, you can better optimize content for user intent.
- Find Profitable Keywords - Data on search volume and CPC shows which keywords get traffic and monetize best.
- Analyze Competitors - You can input domains to see the top keywords competitors are ranking for and opportunities for you.
- Inform Content Strategy - The tools provide data to help you shape topic and title optimization when creating content.
- Plan Link Building - You can find keywords to target for link building by looking for high difficulty score terms.
- Track SEO Progress - Monitoring rankings over time shows the impact of your SEO efforts.
Overall, leveraging keyword research tools provides the data insights needed to implement an effective SEO strategy. Their use leads to higher rankings, more traffic, and greater ROI.
List of Top 10 Keyword Research Tools
- Google Keyword Planner
- SEMrush
- Ahrefs' Keywords Explorer
- Ubersuggest
- Moz Keyword Explorer
- KWfinder
- Long Tail Pro
- SpyFu
- Keyword Tool
- Serpstat
Google Keyword Planner
About Us: Google Keyword Planner is a free tool embedded within the Google Ads interface. Initially designed for advertisers to find suitable keywords for their ad campaigns, it has become a go-to tool for SEO professionals. Google, being the world's leading search engine, possesses unparalleled data on user search queries, making its keyword planner incredibly precise.
Key Features:
- Data directly from Google.
- Search volume trends.
- Keyword ideas based on a root keyword.
- Historical search volume data.
- Mobile vs. desktop search volume.
- Location-based keyword refinement.
- Ad group ideas.
- Bid estimates for each keyword.
- Competition level for keywords.
- Ability to filter keywords by different criteria.
Benefits:
- Direct insights from the world's largest search engine.
- Precise search volume data.
- Helpful for both PPC campaigns and organic SEO.
How to Use it:
- Sign in to Google Ads.
- Navigate to "Tools & Settings."
- Click on "Keyword Planner."
- Select “Discover New Keywords.”
- Input your keyword or URL.
- Review keyword suggestions.
- Filter and sort by various criteria.
- Check historical metrics.
- Download keyword ideas for future reference.
- Integrate with your SEO strategy.
Pricing (INR):
- Basic: Free
- Google Ads spend can provide more detailed data.
SEMrush
About Us: SEMrush is a comprehensive digital marketing suite that offers a plethora of features, with keyword research being one of its primary functions. Lauded by many digital marketers and SEO professionals worldwide, SEMrush not only gives insights about keyword volume but also provides data on keyword difficulty, CPC, and more. The tool excels in competitive analysis, enabling users to see what keywords their competitors are ranking for and how they can compete.
Key Features:
- Organic research for competitor keywords.
- Keyword magic tool for extensive keyword suggestions.
- Keyword difficulty analysis.
- CPC and search volume data.
- SERP features and results.
- Keyword position tracking.
- Ad history for paid keywords.
- Traffic analytics for domains.
- Organic traffic insights.
- Backlink analysis.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive keyword and competitive analysis.
- Data on both organic and paid search strategies.
- Regularly updated keyword database.
How to Use it:
- Sign up or log into SEMrush.
- Enter your desired keyword or domain in the search bar.
- Navigate to the "Keyword Magic Tool" for keyword suggestions.
- Analyze search volume, trend, and keyword difficulty.
- Utilize the "Gap Analysis" tool to compare your domain with competitors.
- Check the "Keyword Overview" section for a detailed keyword report.
- Use the "Position Tracking" feature to monitor keyword rankings.
- Dive into "Organic Research" to view competitors' top keywords.
- Utilize "Traffic Analytics" to understand a domain's traffic sources.
- Export data for offline analysis and reporting.
Pricing (INR):
- Pro: 58,000/year
- Guru: 114,000/year
- Business: 228,000/year
- Enterprise: Contact for custom pricing.
(Note: Prices are approximations and can change based on current rates.)
Ahrefs' Keywords Explorer
About Us : Ahrefs is another heavyweight in the SEO tools landscape. With a massive database of backlinks and keywords, Ahrefs' Keywords Explorer is a dedicated tool within their suite that helps users discover new keyword opportunities. Known for its intuitive interface and detailed keyword metrics, it’s a favorite for many SEO practitioners.
Key Features:
- Keyword difficulty score.
- Click metrics to gauge keyword value.
- SERP overview and ranking history.
- Search volume with historical data.
- Keyword ideas, including questions, phrases, and newly discovered ones.
- Global volume for keywords across various countries.
- Parent topic for keywords.
- Advanced keyword filtering.
- Clickstream data for more accurate search volumes.
- SERP feature insights.
Benefits:
- Broad keyword data across multiple search engines.
- Detailed keyword metrics for informed decision-making.
- User-friendly interface with comprehensive insights.
How to Use it:
- Login to Ahrefs.
- Go to the "Keywords Explorer" tool.
- Enter your desired keyword or list of keywords.
- Choose your target search engine and region.
- Analyze keyword metrics in the overview section.
- Explore keyword ideas and variations.
- View the SERP overview for top-ranking pages.
- Use filters for specific keyword data.
- Check keywords your competitors rank for.
- Export your findings for further analysis.
Pricing (INR):
- Lite: 65,000/year
- Standard: 126,000/year
- Advanced: 240,000/year
- Agency: Contact for custom pricing.
(Note: Prices are approximations and can change based on current rates.)
Ubersuggest
About Us : Ubersuggest, a tool developed by Neil Patel, is designed to provide straightforward keyword insights and suggestions without overwhelming the user. Initially, Ubersuggest was a simple tool that expanded keyword lists, but it has now evolved into a comprehensive SEO suite offering a range of features, from keyword insights to site audit capabilities, all with a user-friendly interface.
Key Features:
- Keyword overview with search volume and competition.
- SEO difficulty and paid difficulty metrics.
- Keyword suggestion tool with related terms.
- Content ideas based on popular web pages.
- Historical search volume trends.
- Backlink data overview.
- SERP analysis with top-ranking domains.
- Domain overview with organic keywords and traffic.
- Site audit capabilities for SEO health.
- Social share data for top content.
Benefits:
- Simple interface for beginners.
- Comprehensive keyword and competitive analysis.
- Regularly updated data with valuable insights.
How to Use it:
- Visit Ubersuggest's website.
- Input your keyword in the search bar.
- Review the keyword overview for volume and competition.
- Navigate to keyword ideas for related suggestions.
- Analyze the content ideas for top-performing pages.
- Check backlink data for domains.
- View the SERP analysis for ranking insights.
- Conduct a domain overview for broader SEO insights.
- Use the site audit feature to gauge site health.
- Review social share data to assess content popularity.
Pricing (INR):
- Individual: 20,000/year
- Business: 40,000/year
- Enterprise/Agency: 80,000/year
(Note: Prices are approximations and can change based on current rates.)
Moz Keyword Explorer
About Us : Moz is a titan in the SEO industry, offering a suite of tools to assist digital marketers. The Moz Keyword Explorer is an integral part of this suite, ensuring users get the most out of their keyword research. The tool is known for its accuracy, comprehensive data, and its proprietary metric: Keyword Difficulty.
Key Features:
- Keyword priority score based on CTR, volume, and difficulty.
- SERP analysis with top-ranking pages.
- Organic CTR and priority metrics.
- Keyword suggestions with related and broadly matched terms.
- Saved lists to organize research.
- Exportable data in CSV format.
- Monthly search volume data.
- Keyword difficulty score for competitive analysis.
- Question-based keyword suggestions.
- SERP feature insights.
Benefits:
- Highly accurate and reliable data.
- Proprietary metrics to assist decision-making.
- User-friendly with a rich database.
How to Use it:
- Sign in to the Moz Keyword Explorer tool.
- Enter your target keyword.
- Review the overall keyword score and metrics.
- Analyze SERP results for top competitors.
- Explore keyword suggestions for related terms.
- Assess the keyword difficulty for competition level.
- Check the organic CTR metric.
- Create and save lists for organized keyword planning.
- Export keyword data for offline analysis.
- Integrate findings into your SEO strategy.
Pricing (INR):
- Standard: 70,000/year
- Medium: 140,000/year
- Large: 280,000/year
- Premium: Contact for custom pricing.
(Note: Prices are approximations and can change based on current rates.)
KWfinder
About Us : KWfinder, part of the Mangools suite, is a user-centric keyword research tool acclaimed for its simplicity and effectiveness. With an intuitive interface, KWfinder focuses on providing essential keyword data like search volume, trend, and keyword difficulty, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned professionals.
Key Features:
- Keyword difficulty metric.
- Real-time keyword search volume.
- Historical keyword volume trends.
- SERP overview with competitor analysis.
- Visual charts showcasing keyword data.
- Multiple keyword list management.
- Interactive world map for location-based search volume.
- Related keyword suggestions.
- Filtering and sorting options for precise results.
- Integration with other Mangools tools for comprehensive SEO insights.
Benefits:
- Intuitive and user-friendly design.
- Detailed keyword metrics for accurate analysis.
- Cost-effective with reliable data.
How to Use it:
- Go to KWfinder's website.
- Input your target keyword.
- Choose the desired location and language for tailored results.
- Analyze keyword difficulty and search volume.
- Review the SERP overview for competitor insights.
- Dive into related keyword suggestions for more opportunities.
- Use filters for targeted keyword research.
- Save keywords in lists for organized management.
- Explore the world map for global keyword insights.
- Integrate findings with other Mangools tools for a holistic SEO strategy.
Pricing (INR):
- Basic: 30,000/year
- Premium: 50,000/year
- Agency: 90,000/year
(Note: Prices are approximations and can change based on current rates.)
Long Tail Pro
About Us: Long Tail Pro is specifically tailored for discovering long-tail keywords, which often have lower competition and higher conversion rates. As the name suggests, its core strength lies in unearthing these niche-specific keywords, enabling businesses to tap into targeted traffic sources and improve their online visibility.
Key Features:
- Long-tail keyword suggestions.
- Keyword competitiveness score.
- SERP analysis for top-ranking sites.
- Rank value estimation for potential profitability.
- AdWords data integration.
- Detailed keyword metrics, including bid values.
- Multiple seed keyword input for varied suggestions.
- Domain availability checker for niche sites.
- Rank tracker for monitoring keyword positions.
- Backlink analysis for comprehensive SEO strategy.
Benefits:
- Specializes in long-tail keyword research.
- Detailed insights for informed decision-making.
- Useful for niche sites and targeted content strategies.
How to Use it:
- Open Long Tail Pro.
- Input seed keywords for suggestions.
- Analyze the keyword competitiveness for viability.
- Dive into SERP analysis for competitor insights.
- Evaluate the rank value for potential ROI.
- Integrate AdWords data for enhanced insights.
- Use the domain checker for niche site opportunities.
- Track keyword rankings over time.
- Explore backlink opportunities.
- Refine and implement your SEO strategy based on insights.
Pricing (INR):
- Starter: 45,000/year
- Pro: 80,000/year
- Agency: 150,000/year
(Note: Prices are approximations and can change based on current rates.)
SpyFu
About Us: SpyFu stands out for its competitor analysis capabilities. Beyond conventional keyword research, SpyFu offers insights into competitors' keyword strategies, both organic and paid. By understanding what keywords competitors are targeting, businesses can carve out their niche or compete more effectively in contested spaces.
Key Features:
- Competitor keyword research.
- Paid search (PPC) keywords data.
- Organic search keyword insights.
- SERP checker for organic keyword rankings.
- Ad history for competitors over the last 13 years.
- Domain comparisons for head-to-head analysis.
- Backlink analysis from top-ranking pages.
- Keyword grouping for organized research.
- Keyword rank tracking over time.
- SEO reports for comprehensive insights.
Benefits:
- Detailed competitor insights for informed strategies.
- Comprehensive keyword data for both organic and paid search.
- A holistic view of the online competitive landscape.
How to Use it:
- Visit SpyFu's website.
- Input a domain or keyword for analysis.
- Explore competitor organic and paid keyword strategies.
- Utilize the SERP checker for ranking insights.
- Dive deep into ad history for historical strategies.
- Compare multiple domains for competitive insights.
- Analyze backlink sources for link-building strategies.
- Group keywords for better organization.
- Track keyword rankings and trends.
- Generate and review SEO reports for a detailed overview.
Pricing (INR):
- Basic: 40,000/year
- Professional: 72,000/year
- Team: 110,000/year
(Note: Prices are approximations and can change based on current rates.)
Keyword Tool
About Us : Keyword Tool, renowned for its precision and extensive data, is a preferred alternative to Google's Keyword Planner for many SEO professionals. Capitalizing on Google's own autocomplete feature, Keyword Tool churns out hundreds of long-tail keyword suggestions for any given seed keyword. With support for various platforms including YouTube, Bing, Amazon, and more, it offers a broad spectrum of keyword insights.
Key Features:
- Uses Google Autocomplete for keyword suggestions.
- Supports multiple platforms, including YouTube, Bing, and Amazon.
- No need for a Google account.
- Generates up to 750+ long-tail keyword suggestions.
- Keyword trends to understand popularity over time.
- CPC data and AdWords competition metrics.
- Filters for refining keyword search.
- Keyword questions feature for content ideas.
- Supports numerous languages and countries.
- Easy-to-use interface.
Benefits:
- Extensive long-tail keyword suggestions.
- Diverse platform support broadens keyword horizons.
- User-friendly, especially for those wary of Google's native tools.
How to Use it:
- Navigate to Keyword Tool's homepage.
- Enter your desired keyword.
- Select the specific platform (e.g., Google, YouTube) for tailored suggestions.
- Browse the list of generated long-tail keywords.
- Examine keyword trends to identify emerging terms.
- Review CPC data for potential paid campaign insights.
- Utilize filters for precise results.
- Explore the keyword questions for content inspiration.
- Adjust language and region settings for localized results.
- Export keyword lists for further analysis.
Pricing (INR):
- Pro Basic: 50,000/year
- Pro Plus: 85,000/year
- Pro Business: 130,000/year
(Note: Prices are approximations and can change based on current rates.)
Serpstat
About Us: Serpstat is more than just a keyword research tool; it's a comprehensive SEO platform that provides insights into PPC, backlinks, and competitor strategies. Initially designed as an in-house tool for a digital agency, Serpstat soon gained prominence for its holistic approach to SEO, providing professionals with a one-stop-shop for their digital marketing needs.
Key Features:
- Keyword research with search questions.
- Competitor research for organic and paid keywords.
- Backlink analysis with linking domains and top pages.
- Site audit to identify SEO issues.
- Rank tracker for multiple domains.
- Keyword clustering and text analysis.
- Visual reports and infographics.
- PPC analysis for ad research.
- Domain vs. domain comparison.
- Keyword trend analysis.
Benefits:
- All-in-one SEO platform.
- Detailed competitor insights for strategic planning.
- Comprehensive backlink database for off-page strategies.
How to Use it:
- Access Serpstat and sign in.
- Enter a keyword or domain for analysis.
- Delve into keyword suggestions and related questions.
- Analyze competitor domains for keyword strategies.
- Explore backlink data for link-building opportunities.
- Run a site audit to detect and rectify SEO problems.
- Set up rank tracking for key terms.
- Use keyword clustering for on-page optimization.
- Compare domains for a competitive edge.
- Examine keyword trends to stay ahead of the curve.
Pricing (INR):
- Lite: 55,000/year
- Standard: 90,000/year
- Advanced: 140,000/year
- Enterprise: 250,000/year
(Note: Prices are approximations and can change based on current rates.)
Conclusion:
In today's digital age, navigating the intricate web of SEO can seem daunting. However, with the right set of tools, this journey not only becomes manageable but also incredibly rewarding. The keyword research tools we've spotlighted are more than just instruments; they are strategic allies, helping businesses, marketers, and content creators carve a niche in the expansive digital landscape.
Each tool, with its distinct features and capabilities, offers a unique lens through which to view and understand the ever-evolving search trends. Whether you're a startup looking to make its mark, a content creator aiming for virality, or a seasoned marketer strategizing for the next campaign, there's a tool tailored for your needs.
But remember, while tools provide invaluable data and insights, it's the human touch – our ability to interpret, adapt, and innovate – that makes the real difference. Use these tools as the foundation of your SEO strategy, but let your creativity and understanding of your audience guide the way. As the digital realm continues to evolve, staying adaptable, informed, and equipped with the best tools will ensure you not only keep up but lead the way.
In the world of SEO, knowledge truly is power. Equip yourself, dive deep, and let the vast ocean of opportunities unfold before you.