17 Best Free and Paid Keyword Research Tools for SEO

Keyword research is the backbone of successful SEO strategies. It’s the process that helps you understand what your target audience is searching for and enables you to create content that meets their needs. The good news? Keyword research doesn’t have to be hard. With the right tools, it can be a breeze.

In this article, we’ll explore 17 of the best free and paid keyword research tools for SEO. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, these tools will help you find the best keywords to rank for in search engines. Let's dive in!

17 Best Free and Paid Keyword Research Tools for SEO

1. Semrush

?? My Favorite Feature: Keyword Magic

This tool pulls keyword suggestions from Semrush’s massive database of over 25 billion terms. It’s a powerful resource for discovering high-value keywords that can boost your site’s visibility.

2. Free Keyword Tool by Backlinko

?? My Favorite Feature: Quick Keyword Research

This is our first free tool on Backlinko, and I love using it for quick keyword research. It’s perfect for those who need fast and reliable keyword suggestions without spending a dime.

3. Google Search Console

?? My Favorite Feature: Google Analytics + Google Search Console

Combine your Google Search Console and Google Analytics accounts for more in-depth keyword data. This integration helps you understand how your site is performing and where you can make improvements.

4. Soovle

?? My Favorite Feature: Saved Suggestions

Easily save your favorite keyword ideas with Soovle’s “drag & drop” saved suggestions feature. It’s a handy tool for gathering keywords from multiple sources in one place.

5. Jaaxy

?? My Favorite Feature: QSR (Quoted Search Result)

This feature shows how many other websites are trying to rank for the exact term, making it easier to target less competitive keywords. Jaaxy is ideal for those looking to find niche opportunities.

6. Ahrefs Keywords Explorer

?? My Favorite Feature: Keyword Difficulty

Ahrefs tells you exactly how many backlinks you’ll need to rank on the first page of Google. It’s an essential tool for assessing the competitiveness of keywords.

7. SECockpit

?? My Favorite Feature: Filtering

Use over 100 filters to find the keywords you want, such as terms with the best ratio of search volume and competition. SECockpit is a powerhouse for advanced keyword research.

8. Google Keyword Planner

?? My Favorite Feature: “Top of Page Bid”

This feature shows how much advertisers are bidding on a keyword, indicating the keyword's commercial intent. It’s a must-have tool for PPC campaigns.

9. KeywordTool.io

?? My Favorite Feature: Analyze Competitors

Generate keyword ideas based on a competitor’s site content. KeywordTool.io is great for spying on your competition and finding new keyword opportunities.

10. Moz Keyword Explorer

?? My Favorite Feature: “Organic CTR” and “Priority”

These features let you know how many clicks you can expect to get from your target keyword and provide an overall score for targeting the keyword. Moz’s tool is user-friendly and insightful.

11. Keywords Everywhere

?? My Favorite Feature: “People Also Search For”

Get a list of keywords related to your search term in the Google search results. Keywords Everywhere is a browser extension that provides keyword data on the go.

12. Keyword Snatcher

?? My Favorite Feature: Word Count

This sorting feature lets you focus on long-tail keywords, making it easier to find specific phrases. Keyword Snatcher is perfect for those targeting very niche markets.

13. Google Trends

?? My Favorite Feature: YouTube Search

See whether a given keyword is growing on YouTube, the world’s second most popular search engine. Google Trends is essential for spotting trending topics.

14. KWFinder

?? My Favorite Feature: Keyword Difficulty

KWFinder automatically shows a Keyword Difficulty score next to every keyword. It’s an intuitive tool that’s perfect for beginners.

15. QuestionDB

?? My Favorite Feature: Popularity

Sort the results by popularity to create content that answers burning questions. QuestionDB is a unique tool that helps you find content ideas based on actual user questions.

16. Serpstat

?? My Favorite Feature: Competitors Graph

Visualize the sites competing for a given keyword and related terms. Serpstat’s visual tools make it easier to understand your competition.

17. AlsoAsked

?? My Favorite Feature: Topic Cluster Research

Helps map out clusters and visualize how people ask questions on the topic, aiding in building authoritative topic clusters. AlsoAsked is perfect for creating content that ranks for multiple related keywords.

FAQs

Q1: What’s the best free keyword research tool?

A1: The best free keyword research tool depends on your needs. Google Search Console, Free Keyword Tool by Backlinko, and Keywords Everywhere are all excellent free options.

Q2: How do I choose the right keyword research tool?

A2: Consider your budget, the features you need, and the level of competition in your industry. Tools like Ahrefs and Semrush offer comprehensive features for a price, while free tools like Google Search Console provide valuable insights without any cost.

Q3: Can I use more than one keyword research tool?

A3: Absolutely! In fact, using multiple tools can provide a more comprehensive understanding of keyword opportunities and competition.

Conclusion

Keyword research doesn’t have to be difficult, especially with the wide range of tools available today. From comprehensive paid tools like Semrush and Ahrefs to powerful free options like Google Search Console, there’s something for everyone. So, what’s your favorite SEO tool? Give these 17 tools a try and see which one works best for your SEO strategy.