Keyword research is an essential part of any successful SEO strategy. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your existing campaigns, using the right keyword research tool can help you identify high-potential keywords and phrases to target.
Here we'll explore some of the best free keyword research tools available, as well as their features and benefits, including:
- Google Keyword Planner
- Google Search Console
- Google Trends
- SEMrush
- WordStream Keyword Tool
- Answer The Public
- ChatGPT
- Ahrefs Webmaster Tools
- SERP Checker
- QuestionDB
- AlsoAsked
Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is a part of the online advertising platform Google Ads. It allows users to research keywords and place bids on them to show ads in search results, mobile apps, websites, and online videos. One of the main benefits of this tool is its accurate search volume data. It's also a great option for identifying new keyword opportunities for PPC campaigns.
Google Search Console
Google Search Console is a tool that can help you find declining keywords on your website. By identifying these keywords, you can optimise your content or create new content to keep your website's traffic on the rise.
Google Trends
Google Trends is a powerful tool for finding breakout keywords. It can help you identify trends and topics that are currently gaining traction based on sampled data and Google search queries, allowing you to create content that is relevant and timely. However, it does have some limitations, such as not providing search volume data and not allowing for in-depth keyword research.
SEMrush
SEMrush is a popular keyword research tool that provides data on organic and paid search traffic, backlinks, and more. It offers a variety of features such as competitor analysis and keyword tracking. While the free version of SEMrush has limitations, it still provides valuable insights for keyword research.
WordStream Keyword Tool
WordStream Keyword Tool is another popular keyword research tool that offers free keyword suggestions based on a seed keyword. It provides data on search volume, competition, and CPC, and allows you to filter and export your keyword list.
Answer The Public
Answer The Public is perfect for identifying long-tail keywords that people are searching for in the form of questions. It aggregates Google and Bing auto-complete suggestions from a number of countries to create word clouds that visually group related queries. The tool can help you uncover unique long-tail keyword ideas that your competitors may not have thought of. However, the free version of Answer The Public is limited, and you'll need to upgrade to the pro version to access some of the more advanced features.
ChatGPT
ChatGPT is an AI-based language model that can generate seed keywords to target in your content. It's a great option for those who are just starting with keyword research and want to generate ideas quickly and easily.
Ahrefs Webmaster Tools and SERP Checker
Ahrefs Webmaster Tools is another great option for finding low-hanging keyword opportunities. This tool analyses your website's organic search traffic and suggests keywords with low competition but high potential.
SERP Checker is another keyword research tool from Ahrefs. It analyses a keyword's traffic potential by examining the top 10 search results for that keyword to help you identify keywords that have a high potential for driving traffic to your website.
QuestionDB
QuestionDB shows you the questions people ask on websites and forums like Reddit and Stack Exchange. It's a great tool for identifying long-tail keywords and understanding your target audience's pain points. However, it offers limited keyword research options, no competitor analysis, and it doesn't provide data on search volume or keyword difficulty.
AlsoAsked
AlsoAsked aggregates Google's “People Also Ask” (PAA) data so you can analyse it to inform your strategy. The PAA box is a gold mine for related topics and questions surrounding your keyword of choice
Using free keyword research tools is a smart way to optimise your SEO strategy and achieve better search engine rankings. Each tool offers unique features and benefits, so it's worth trying out a few to see which ones work best for you.
Using free keyword research tools is a smart way to optimise your SEO strategy and achieve better search engine rankings. Each tool offers unique features and benefits, so it's worth trying out a few to see which ones work best for you.