When doing SEO (search engine optimization) for your business, the success of your SEO is based largely on the keywords you are targeting. You want to find keywords that bring in your target audience but are also in the middle ground of competitive – too competitive and you won’t rank easily, but not competitive at all means low searches and less website traffic.
Our SEO company uses a variety of keyword research tools for SEO for our clients. We’ve gathered our favorites and listed them below to help freelancers, small businesses, and more start their SEO process on their own.
Some of our keyword research tools are free to use but others require a monthly subscription base. Depending on how competitive your market is, the extra investment could be worth the results. Take a deep dive to see what will work best for your company.
Need more SEO help? Contact our SEO company today for a free consultation.
The Best Keyword Research Tools in 2024
1. Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is a free keyword research tool and easily accessible to all business owners and freelancers.
Offering insights into search volume, competition levels, and suggested bid prices for ad campaigns, Google Keyword Planner helps marketers make informed decisions when selecting keywords for their SEO.
The biggest pro to Google Keyword Planner is that it is free to use, so it’s a great entry level tool for any marketer. However, it does have its drawbacks. It does not provide precise volume search, search intent associated with the keyword, or keyword difficulty.
While these are not dealbreakers, it’s critical to know how competitive the market is for the keywords you are targeting, as this influences the content you create, the landing pages you design, and more.
2. Semrush
A personal favorite of our SEO company, Semrush is renowned for its versatility and depth of data. The keyword research is very in-depth, covering competitor usage and rankings, volume of search, and how competitive the keyword is. The Semrush keyword planner tool is a must-have if you work in a highly competitive space or are a large company with many products and services.
Beyond keyword research, Semrush offers a plethora of features, including site auditing, backlink analysis, topic research tools, and competitor research, making it a comprehensive solution for all aspects of digital marketing. Semrush does have a high price tag depending on what features you opt into, making it an investment you need to select wisely. However, with the right digital marketing experts using the tool, it can provide limitless growth opportunities.
3. Ahrefs
Ahrefs is a classic keyword research tool that is well known throughout the SEO space. With its extensive database of keywords spanning multiple search engines, Ahrefs remains a staple in the toolbox of SEO specialists worldwide.
Boasting advanced features such as keyword difficulty analysis and content gap identification, Ahrefs offers the tools needed to outrank the competition. It has additional features that integrate easily with Google and Chrome browsers to help highlight keyword usage and show real-time data on competitor websites.
Ahrefs is a paid keyword research tool that focuses primarily on keyword research. This is a great option for those managers and business owners focusing solely on keyword research and SEO strategy.
4. Moz Keyword Explorer
Recognized for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design, Moz Keyword Explorer simplifies the process of keyword research for marketers of all skill levels. Using metrics such as keyword difficulty, organic click-through rate, and priority score, Moz helps users identify high-value keywords with ease.
Moz is a popular and trusted name in the SEO space. Business owners and managers will find many useful tips from the Moz team and blog to help them learn more about SEO. If you intend to do SEO without the help of an SEO company, Moz could be the go-to place for you.
Choosing the Right Tool for Your SEO Strategy
While each keyword research tool offers its own set of advantages, selecting the right one for your SEO strategy hinges on factors such as budget, specific requirements, and desired outcomes.
Whether you prioritize in-depth analytics, user-friendly interface, or comprehensive keyword suggestions, conducting thorough research and experimentation can help you identify the tool that best aligns with your objectives.
Remember to reach out to each SEO software company and ask for a free trial of their services. Compare which dashboards make the most sense to your marketing team and what tools you will utilize the most. It is your investment, make sure it works for you above all else.
Time To Get Started on Your SEO Strategy
Keyword research serves as the cornerstone of success in online marketing. By using the power of keyword research tools such as Google Keyword Planner, Semrush, Ahrefs, and Moz Keyword Explorer, businesses can unlock valuable insights, identify lucrative opportunities, and push their websites to the top of online rankings.
Remember, the key to SEO success lies not only in selecting the right keywords but also in crafting high-quality content that resonates with your target audience. By combining the insights gleaned from keyword research with compelling, relevant content, you can establish your brand as a trusted authority in your industry and drive sustainable growth over time.
Are you ready to begin? Our SEO company can offer you keyword research, SEO strategies, and professional content writers to help elevate and push your brand further. You don’t have to go it alone – our SEO pricing is competitive in the DIY market, so take a load off and invest in a team you can trust with your company.