Ask any SEO pro and they will tell you that trying to do keyword research without a keyword research tool is a thankless task – and it’s pretty much impossible to build a comprehensive list of keywords with monthly search volumes.
As keyword research is one the most important parts of any search engine optimization strategy, the right keyword research tools are an essential part of your SEO tool stack.
If you’re new to SEO or just looking for new tools to try, we have the list for you.
We’re going to take a look at 16 of the best keyword research tools used by SEO professionals and help you choose the right one for your needs.
The Best Tools For Keyword Research
1. Semrush
One of the most popular keyword research tools on the market, Semrush offers a comprehensive suite of SEO tools.
Specifically for keyword research, it includes:
- Keyword Overview: Just like its name suggests, this provides an overview of keywords, including search volume, difficulty, CPC, and variations.
- Keyword Magic Tool: This tool gives you keywords by broad match, exact match, phrase match, and related words, alongside relevant metrics about search volume, intent, and competitiveness.
- Keyword Manager: Only available to paid Semrush users, this tool supports deep analysis and data export.
- Position Tracking: This feature allows you to monitor how your site is ranking alongside the competition on a daily basis.
- Organic Traffic Insights: Combining Google Analytics and Search Console with its own data, this helps you identify the keywords that are actually driving organic traffic to your site.
Price: $99.95-449.95/month
2. Ahrefs Keywords Explorer
Another all-in-one SEO toolkit, Ahrefs includes a Keyword Explorer that provides incredibly in-depth information on keywords.
Using data from 10 different search engines, it provides more than keyword suggestions; it also provides information about search volume, ranking difficulty, and keyword movement.
Particularly useful is the insight it provides into your competition, helping you identify which keywords they’re ranking for that you’re not.
This information can then be used to create new content to target and capture that traffic.
Price: $83-999/month
3. Google Keyword Planner
It’s only logical that the world’s most dominant search engine would provide a tool to help you identify useful keywords.
Google Keyword Planner doesn’t offer as much functionality as some of the other tools out there, but it does have something they don’t: direct data from Google.
Primarily intended for digital marketers who are advertising on Google, it’s a free-to-use tool for anyone with a Google Ads account.
Using it is simple – just type in a keyword and it will give you data on approximate monthly searches, related keywords, and bidding information.
Price: Free with a Google Ads account.
4. Serpstat
Another full-service SEO suite, Serpstat includes tools for link building, PPC campaign management, and local search optimization, as well as keyword research.
Claiming to use the biggest database, it can help you identify keywords, analyze volume, popularity, and competition, and track your competition.
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