You’re throwing keywords around like they’re magic beans, hoping one might grow into a page-one ranking. I hate to break it to ya… they won’t!
The amount of content floating about on the internet is estimated to be in the hundreds of zettabytes (before writing this we didn’t even know a zettabyte existed 🤯).
And before you click off this page thinking, “well what’s the point in creating then?” – here’s the point…
… yes, there’s a lot of content out there. But most of it is crap!
So if most of what’s out there is fluff, you’ve got a golden opportunity: stand out by being strategic. That’s where keyword research comes in – not just any keywords, but the ones that’ll drive clients to your page and actually convert them into paying clients.
But if all you’re doing is guessing and plucking keywords out of thin air, you’re just gonna blend into those endless zettabytes of content out there (not exactly a winning strategy, right?).
So let’s change that. In this blog, I’m breaking down some of the best keyword research tools out there to help you cut through the noise and actually get found on Google.
Let’s go…
Why Does Keyword Research Matter?
It doesn’t matter how good your content is if no one ever sees it. You could be crafting pure gold, but without the right keywords, you’re practically invisible.
And let’s be real for a sec… your competitors are already out there, taking up space, grabbing those searches, and talking directly to your ideal clients. So, if you’re serious about standing out, building authority, and getting that page-one visibility, keyword research is gonna be your new best friend 👋🏻.
Best Free Keyword Research Tools
Unless you’re a marketer or really into SEO, you probably don’t want to be shelling out for fancy tools – especially if you’re just starting out.
Luckily, there are plenty of free options that can still help you find the keywords that’ll bring people straight to your page.
Google Search Console
The OG of free keyword tools straight from Google (cheers, Google). Even though I’ve got paid tools, I use this one all the time. It shows you exactly which search terms people are using to find you and where you’re ranking.
- Head to “Performance” in the left menu.
- Click “Queries” to see what search terms are actually leading people to your site.
- Look for high-impression, low-click keywords – these are terms where people see you but don’t click. Optimise those pages more!
- Spot top performers – the keywords bringing in clicks. Double down on these to keep the momentum going.
Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest’s free account hooks you up with a mini SEO audit, lets you track 10 keywords, and gives you 3 free keyword searches a day. Not bad for a freebie, right? It’s perfect if you want keyword insights, a little competitor spying, and a quick SEO health check – all without paying a penny.
AnswerThePublic
AnswerThePublic, now owned by the SEO god himself, Neil Patel (who also owns Ubersuggest), gives you 3 free searches a day. I love how it shows data in a visual “mind map” style, so you can instantly see all the questions and search terms people are using.
Keyword Surfer (Chrome Extension)
Here’s a lazy SEO hack for ya… install Keyword Surfer, and it shows you search volume and cost-per-click data directly on the Google results page. No need to log into another tool or anything. Simple
Google Trends
Wondering what’s trending? Google Trends is like the Gossip Girl for search data. You can find out what’s hot right now, so you can jump on trending topics before everyone else does.
Because staying relevant? XOXO, it’s everything.
Moz Keyword Explorer (Free Version)
A bit like the other free keyword research tools Moz gives you 10 free searches a month with this tool – use them wisely! Or just set up accounts on all of them. Bit of a faff, but it’s free.
Moz gives you related keyword suggestions and looks at how competitive your terms are.
SEO Minion (Chrome Extension)
SEO Minion is more than just a keyword tool, you can also use it to check on-page SEO, scan for broken links, and spy on competitors.
Keyworddit
Straight from the rabbit hole that is Reddit, Keyworddit pulls popular terms from subreddits related to your industry. It’s great for finding raw, real-life language that your audience is actually using.
Bulk Keyword Generator
Designed for local businesses, Bulk Keyword Generator suggests keywords based on your industry and location, so you can focus on attracting local traffic.
Yoast Suggests
If your website is on WordPress, Yoast’s free keyword suggestions pop up as you type, helping you optimise your site content as you go.
ChatGPT
ChatGPT can’t give you the keyword data, but it can help you find relevant keywords so that you’re not wasting your free searches on some of the above tools.
Feed it a prompt like “suggest some keywords for [your niche],” and it’ll generate some ideas for you.
Ahrefs Free Keyword Generator
Limited but solid, Ahrefs’ free generator gives you search volumes, difficulty scores, and related terms. A great way to test the waters with a powerhouse SEO tool – for free.
Best Paid Keyword Research Tools
Most of these tools offer free versions (or trials) with limited features, so they’re still worth checking out even if you don’t have the budget for the pro versions just yet.
But if you’re ready to go HAM on your SEO and want the full power, these paid tools bring serious value to the table.
**Note: prices mentioned below are correct at the time of publishing this blog.
SEMrush
SEMrush is my personal go-to and is widely considered the GOAT of all SEO and keyword research tools.
It’s packed with features – keywords, competitor analysis, rank tracking, content optimisation, and even social media insights. It literally has EVERYTHING you need to execute a serious SEO strategy.
But heads up, it’s probably the most expensive on this list (even though I wanna cry a little cry when I see the fee leave account every month – it does BITS for our clients though so it stays).
*Monthly plans start at $117 p/m.
Ahrefs
Ahrefs is SEMrush’s biggest rival and has many of the same features.
This tool is a beast for backlink analysis and keyword data – so you get to see exactly where your competitors are ranking, how tough it’ll be to break in, and what search terms are actually worth your time.
*Monthly plans start at $83p/m.
SE Ranking
SE Ranking is a solid middle ground – great value with plenty of useful features. One of my team members uses it and swears by it.
You’ll get rank tracking, keyword suggestions, and competitor research, all at a more affordable price than some of the bigger names. Perfect if you want to start getting serious about your SEO without the serious price tag.
*Monthly plans start at $52 p/m.
Keysearch.co
This was the first paid keyword research tool I used back when I was still writing my travel blog. It’s affordable, super beginner-friendly, and focused mainly on keywords.
You won’t get all the extra features tools 1-3 have, but if you just need solid keyword insights, this does the job.
*Monthly plans start at $24 p/m.
Ubersuggest (Lifetime Deal)
Yep, Ubersuggest was mentioned in the “free keyword research tools” list. But the paid version removes the limits (you only get 3x free searches per day on the free one).
And if you have the cash upfront they do a lifetime offer (who doesn’t love one of those?) meaning you pay one and get it for life. Or you can just pay monthly – up to you!
*Lifetime deal = £290 or monthly plans start at £29 p/m.
Oh and a bit of an insider life/money hack – hopefully it’s still available when you’re reading this – if you do a free trial with ubersuggest and “cancel” at the end, they’ll give you a lifetime offer for just £99, it’s got a few less features than the official £290 one but it’s 1000% worth it, especially for small business owners.
BuzzSumo
BuzzSumo isn’t technically a keyword research tool. But it’s brill for spotting what’s trending and what content is actually getting shared online.
It helps you see what topics, headlines, and formats are resonating with your audience, so you can create content that has impact.
*Monthly plans start at $159 p/m.
Wincher
If you’re after affordable rank tracking that actually works, Wincher’s a solid shout. It’s all about tracking your keywords over time, so you can see exactly where you’re climbing (or slipping) on Google.
If I’m being honest, I’d just track rankings using Google Search Console – but if you’re not confident with that – this is a good easy option.
*Monthly plans start at €41 p/m.
Which Keyword Research Tool is Right for You?
Not every SEO tool is a match for every stage.
Here’s the no-BS breakdown:
- Just starting out? Stick to the freebies like Moz and Ubersuggest.
- Got a bit to spend? SE Ranking is a good middle-ground with some solid features.
- All-in on SEO? SEMrush and Ahrefs are the big guns if you’re ready to go pro and dive deep.
Pick what fits your goals, your wallet, and your time.
Ready to Start Ranking on Google?
I’m gonna be real with you now! Keywords and keyword research tools are just the start when it comes to search engine optimisation.
SEO’s got layers: on-page tweaks, off-page strategies, and a system to bring it all together.
If you’re ready to go beyond the basics, grab my FREE Ready to Rank Training.
In less than 25 minutes, you’ll get the exact SEO system I use to get my clients to page one – plus a cheeky free £497 gift at the end to kick things off.
See you on page one!
Sal
