Keyword Research: Your Guide To The Best Tools For SEO

To effectively conduct keyword research, it is important to have access to the right tools and resources.

A variety of keyword research tools are available that can provide valuable insights and data to help businesses identify the most relevant and profitable keywords for their target audience.

These tools can offer a range of features, such as providing information on search volumes, competition levels, and keyword difficulty scores.

They can also generate a list of keyword suggestions and offer insights into related topics and queries that can help inform content strategy and optimize website copy.

Popular Keyword Research Tools

Final Thoughts

Popular Keyword Research Tools

Keyword research is an essential step in any successful SEO strategy. To identify the most relevant and profitable keywords for your target audience, you need the right tools and resources.

Fortunately, there are several popular keyword research tools available that can provide valuable insights and data to streamline your keyword research process.

Google Search Console
Moz's Keyword Explorer Tool
Ubersuggest's Keyword Tool
AnswerThePublic's Free Autocomplete Tool
SEMrush's Keyword Magic Tool

1. Google Search Console

Google Search Console (previously known as Google Webmaster Tools) is a free web service provided by Google to help website owners monitor and maintain their site's presence in search results.

It offers a wide range of features and benefits to enhance your SEO efforts. Here are the pros and cons of using Google Search Console:

Pros And Cons

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive Data: Google Search Console provides detailed insights into your website's performance in search results. It offers data on impressions, clicks, click-through rates, and average positions for your site's pages. Indexing and Crawl Data: It allows you to understand how Google indexes and crawls your website. You can identify crawling errors, index coverage issues, and submit sitemaps to ensure your website is properly indexed. Search Analytics: With Search Console, you can analyze which search queries are leading users to your website and identify opportunities for optimization. Mobile Optimization: The Mobile Usability report in Search Console helps you identify mobile issues affecting your site's ranking in mobile search results. Manual Actions: If your site violates Google's webmaster guidelines, Search Console will provide information on any manual actions taken against your site so that you can rectify the issues.	Limited Historical Data: Search Console only provides data from the point of verification and doesn't offer historical data. It's important to regularly download and save data for long-term analysis. Limited Insight into Organic Traffic: Search Console primarily focuses on search queries leading users to your website, but it doesn't provide comprehensive data on overall organic traffic to your site. Learning Curve: The interface and terminology in the Search Console can be overwhelming for beginners. It may take some time to familiarize yourself with the various features and understand how to utilize them effectively.

Pros

Cons

Comprehensive Data: Google Search Console provides detailed insights into your website's performance in search results. It offers data on impressions, clicks, click-through rates, and average positions for your site's pages.
Indexing and Crawl Data: It allows you to understand how Google indexes and crawls your website. You can identify crawling errors, index coverage issues, and submit sitemaps to ensure your website is properly indexed.
Search Analytics: With Search Console, you can analyze which search queries are leading users to your website and identify opportunities for optimization.
Mobile Optimization: The Mobile Usability report in Search Console helps you identify mobile issues affecting your site's ranking in mobile search results.
Manual Actions: If your site violates Google's webmaster guidelines, Search Console will provide information on any manual actions taken against your site so that you can rectify the issues.

Limited Historical Data: Search Console only provides data from the point of verification and doesn't offer historical data. It's important to regularly download and save data for long-term analysis.
Limited Insight into Organic Traffic: Search Console primarily focuses on search queries leading users to your website, but it doesn't provide comprehensive data on overall organic traffic to your site.
Learning Curve: The interface and terminology in the Search Console can be overwhelming for beginners. It may take some time to familiarize yourself with the various features and understand how to utilize them effectively.

Pricing

Google Search Console is free to use for all website owners. There are no subscription fees or premium plans associated with it.

2. Moz's Keyword Explorer Tool

Keyword research is the foundation of successful SEO and content marketing strategies. With Moz's Keyword Explorer Tool, you gain access to a comprehensive suite of features designed to revolutionize your approach to keyword research and planning.

Pros And Cons

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive Keyword Data: Moz's Keyword Explorer Tool provides in-depth data on keyword volume, difficulty, and opportunity. It gives you valuable insights into search demand and competition for specific keywords. Keyword Suggestions: The tool provides a wide range of keyword suggestions related to your primary keyword. This helps you discover new, relevant keywords and expand your content strategy. SERP Analysis: Keyword Explorer also displays the search engine results page (SERP) analysis for each keyword. It shows the organic results, featured snippets, and other SERP features, giving you a better understanding of the competition. Keyword Difficulty Score: Moz's tool assigns a difficulty score to each keyword, giving you an idea of how challenging it would be to rank for that keyword. This helps you prioritize your keyword targets and focus on those with higher potential. Competitive Analysis: The tool allows you to compare your website's domain authority against your competitors for specific keywords. This helps you identify keyword opportunities where you have a competitive advantage.	Pricing: Moz's Keyword Explorer Tool is not available for free. It is part of Moz's suite of SEO tools, and a subscription is required to access its features. Learning Curve: Like any comprehensive keyword research tool, there is a learning curve associated with Moz's Keyword Explorer. Users need to familiarize themselves with the tool's features and metrics to make the most out of it.

Pros

Cons

Comprehensive Keyword Data: Moz's Keyword Explorer Tool provides in-depth data on keyword volume, difficulty, and opportunity. It gives you valuable insights into search demand and competition for specific keywords.
Keyword Suggestions: The tool provides a wide range of keyword suggestions related to your primary keyword. This helps you discover new, relevant keywords and expand your content strategy.
SERP Analysis: Keyword Explorer also displays the search engine results page (SERP) analysis for each keyword. It shows the organic results, featured snippets, and other SERP features, giving you a better understanding of the competition.
Keyword Difficulty Score: Moz's tool assigns a difficulty score to each keyword, giving you an idea of how challenging it would be to rank for that keyword. This helps you prioritize your keyword targets and focus on those with higher potential.
Competitive Analysis: The tool allows you to compare your website's domain authority against your competitors for specific keywords. This helps you identify keyword opportunities where you have a competitive advantage.

Pricing: Moz's Keyword Explorer Tool is not available for free. It is part of Moz's suite of SEO tools, and a subscription is required to access its features.
Learning Curve: Like any comprehensive keyword research tool, there is a learning curve associated with Moz's Keyword Explorer. Users need to familiarize themselves with the tool's features and metrics to make the most out of it.

Pricing

Starts at $99 per month for the Standard plan.
Higher-tier plans with additional features and usage limits are available, including the Medium plan for $149 per month.
Large plan for $249 per month.
Moz also offers a free trial period for new users to explore the tool's capabilities.

3. Ubersuggest's Keyword Tool

Ubersuggest's Keyword Tool is a popular choice among content creators and SEO professionals, offering a range of features to streamline keyword research and analysis.

Pros And Cons

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive Keyword Data: Ubersuggest's Keyword Tool provides users with detailed keyword metrics, including search volume, cost per click (CPC), competition, and seasonal trends. Keyword Suggestions: The tool generates an extensive list of keyword suggestions related to the primary keyword, allowing users to discover new and relevant keywords. Competitive Analysis: Ubersuggest's Keyword Tool enables users to analyze their competitors' top-ranking keywords. Content Ideas: Alongside keyword suggestions, the tool provides content ideas based on popular topics and trending searches. User-Friendly Interface: Ubersuggest's Keyword Tool is intuitive and easy to use, making it accessible for users of all skill levels. The tool's straightforward interface allows for quick and efficient keyword research.	Limited Free Version: While Ubersuggest does offer a free version of their Keyword Tool, it comes with limitations. Users have access to a limited number of keyword suggestions and search volume data. To unlock the tool's full potential, a paid subscription is necessary. Accuracy of Metrics: Some users have reported inconsistencies and inaccuracies in Ubersuggest's keyword metrics. While the tool provides valuable data, it is always recommended to cross-reference with other reliable keyword research tools for the most accurate insights.

Pros

Cons

Comprehensive Keyword Data: Ubersuggest's Keyword Tool provides users with detailed keyword metrics, including search volume, cost per click (CPC), competition, and seasonal trends.
Keyword Suggestions: The tool generates an extensive list of keyword suggestions related to the primary keyword, allowing users to discover new and relevant keywords.
Competitive Analysis: Ubersuggest's Keyword Tool enables users to analyze their competitors' top-ranking keywords.
Content Ideas: Alongside keyword suggestions, the tool provides content ideas based on popular topics and trending searches.
User-Friendly Interface: Ubersuggest's Keyword Tool is intuitive and easy to use, making it accessible for users of all skill levels. The tool's straightforward interface allows for quick and efficient keyword research.

Limited Free Version: While Ubersuggest does offer a free version of their Keyword Tool, it comes with limitations. Users have access to a limited number of keyword suggestions and search volume data. To unlock the tool's full potential, a paid subscription is necessary.
Accuracy of Metrics: Some users have reported inconsistencies and inaccuracies in Ubersuggest's keyword metrics. While the tool provides valuable data, it is always recommended to cross-reference with other reliable keyword research tools for the most accurate insights.

Pricing

Free version
Ubersuggest PRO starts at $29 per month.

4. AnswerThePublic's Free Autocomplete Tool

AnswerThePublic's Free Autocomplete Tool is your gateway to understanding and leveraging the questions and phrases people are searching for online. This user-friendly and invaluable resource transforms the way you approach content strategy, keyword research, and audience engagement.

Pros And Cons

Pros	Cons
Abundant Content Ideas: AnswerThePublic's Free Autocomplete Tool provides users with an extensive list of content ideas based on popular search queries. Easy to Use: The tool features a user-friendly interface that makes it simple for users of all skill levels to navigate and quickly access the autocomplete suggestions. Valuable Insights: AnswerThePublic's Free Autocomplete Tool offers valuable insights into the questions, prepositions, comparisons, and related search terms that users frequently search for. Trend Monitoring: By showing trending search queries, the tool helps users stay updated with the latest industry trends. Free to Use: The Free Autocomplete Tool from AnswerThePublic is, as the name suggests, completely free to use.	Limited Search Volume Data: Unlike some paid keyword research tools, AnswerThePublic's Free Autocomplete Tool does not provide specific search volume data for each keyword suggestion. This may limit the tool's usefulness for users who rely heavily on this metric. Limited Access to Data: The free version of the tool offers limited access to data, including a restricted number of autocomplete suggestions and limited search queries per day. To unlock additional features and access more data, users need to upgrade to the paid version.

Pros

Cons

Abundant Content Ideas: AnswerThePublic's Free Autocomplete Tool provides users with an extensive list of content ideas based on popular search queries.
Easy to Use: The tool features a user-friendly interface that makes it simple for users of all skill levels to navigate and quickly access the autocomplete suggestions.
Valuable Insights: AnswerThePublic's Free Autocomplete Tool offers valuable insights into the questions, prepositions, comparisons, and related search terms that users frequently search for.
Trend Monitoring: By showing trending search queries, the tool helps users stay updated with the latest industry trends.
Free to Use: The Free Autocomplete Tool from AnswerThePublic is, as the name suggests, completely free to use.

Limited Search Volume Data: Unlike some paid keyword research tools, AnswerThePublic's Free Autocomplete Tool does not provide specific search volume data for each keyword suggestion. This may limit the tool's usefulness for users who rely heavily on this metric.
Limited Access to Data: The free version of the tool offers limited access to data, including a restricted number of autocomplete suggestions and limited search queries per day. To unlock additional features and access more data, users need to upgrade to the paid version.

Pricing

AnswerThePublic's Free Autocomplete Tool is completely free to use.
Pro version starts at $99 per month.

5. SEMrush's Keyword Magic Tool

Image Source: SEMrush Keyword Magic Tool

SEMrush's Keyword Magic Tool is a powerful and comprehensive keyword research tool that offers a wide range of benefits for businesses and content creators.

Pros And Cons

Pros	Cons
Extensive Keyword Database: The Keyword Magic Tool provides access to a massive database of over 20 billion keywords. Advanced Filtering Options: The tool offers advanced filtering options that enable users to refine their keyword research based on specific criteria such as search volume, keyword difficulty, and keyword trends. Keyword Gap Analysis: SEMrush's Keyword Magic Tool allows users to compare their keywords with those of their competitors. Related Keyword Suggestions: Along with providing a list of targeted keywords, the tool also offers relevant keyword suggestions, helping users expand their keyword list and discover alternative keywords that can drive more organic traffic. Multilingual Support: The Keyword Magic Tool supports multiple languages, making it highly beneficial for businesses targeting global or multilingual markets.	Pricing: SEMrush's Keyword Magic Tool is part of SEMrush's subscription plans, which can be quite expensive for small businesses or budget-conscious individuals. Learning Curve: Due to its extensive features and advanced functionality, the tool may have a learning curve for beginners or users who are not familiar with keyword research tools.

Pros

Cons

Extensive Keyword Database: The Keyword Magic Tool provides access to a massive database of over 20 billion keywords.
Advanced Filtering Options: The tool offers advanced filtering options that enable users to refine their keyword research based on specific criteria such as search volume, keyword difficulty, and keyword trends.
Keyword Gap Analysis: SEMrush's Keyword Magic Tool allows users to compare their keywords with those of their competitors.
Related Keyword Suggestions: Along with providing a list of targeted keywords, the tool also offers relevant keyword suggestions, helping users expand their keyword list and discover alternative keywords that can drive more organic traffic.
Multilingual Support: The Keyword Magic Tool supports multiple languages, making it highly beneficial for businesses targeting global or multilingual markets.

Pricing: SEMrush's Keyword Magic Tool is part of SEMrush's subscription plans, which can be quite expensive for small businesses or budget-conscious individuals.
Learning Curve: Due to its extensive features and advanced functionality, the tool may have a learning curve for beginners or users who are not familiar with keyword research tools.

Pricing

Starts at $119.95 per month for the Pro plan.
$229.95 per month for the Guru plan.
$449.95 per month for the Business plan.

Final Thoughts

Keyword research tools provide valuable insights into the most relevant and profitable keywords for content creators and SEO professionals.

Keyword research tools are essential for developing effective content strategies, improving search rankings, and driving organic traffic to websites.

Keyword Research Tools FAQ

What is a keyword research tool?

A keyword research tool is a software or online tool that helps users analyze and discover relevant keywords for their content or SEO strategy. It allows users to understand which keywords are popular, have high search volumes, and have low competition, helping them optimize their content to increase visibility on search engines.

Why is keyword research important for SEO?

Keyword research is crucial for SEO as it helps identify the terms and phrases that users are searching for. By targeting these keywords in your content and optimization efforts, you can improve your chances of ranking higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), driving more organic traffic to your website.

Are keyword research tools expensive?

The pricing of keyword research tools can vary depending on the provider and the features offered. Some tools may have free versions or limited free trials, while others require paid subscriptions. It's important to consider your budget and the specific features you need when choosing a keyword research tool.