Ask any SEO expert how difficult and confusing it is to do keyword research without a keyword research tool. It is difficult to build a comprehensive list of keywords with their monthly search volumes without using any keyword research tool.
Keyword research is vital to any successful SEO and content marketing strategy. With thorough research, you can identify the list of search terms people use to find the products and services related to your business. By understanding these search terms, you can optimize your content and improve your website’s visibility in the SERP (Search Engine Result Pages).
If you are new to SEO and looking for useful keyword research tools to help you get better results, you are at the right place. In this blog, we will help you explore the top keyword research tools used by SEO professionals that can help you uncover valuable keywords and achieve better results.
The Top 10 Keyword Research Tools
1. Google Keyword Planner
It is one of Google’s most powerful and widely used keyword research tools. The tool does not provide much data, but it is useful for advertisers using Google Ads as the data directly comes from Google itself. It is a free-to-use tool for users with Google Ads accounts and, hence, has become a go-to tool for many SEO professionals and digital marketers.
You can simply use it by entering a seed keyword or your website URL, and the tool will generate a list of keyword ideas based on actual search queries made on Google along with approximate monthly searches and bidding information.
Read What Is Keyword Research? And How Do You Use It For SEO? (A Beginner’s Guide)
2. SEMrush
SEMrush is one of the most popular keyword research tools on the market and offers powerful keyword research features. It helps businesses optimize their online presence. Some of its key features for keyword research include:
a. Keyword Overview: This feature provides a keyword overview, including search volume, CPC, and variations.
b. Keyword Magic Tool: This provides keywords categorized into broad match, exact match, phrase match, and related words, accompanied by pertinent metrics concerning search volume, intent, and competitiveness.
c. Keyword Manager: This provides deep keyword analysis and data export for paid SEMrush users.
3. Ahrefs Keywords Explorer: Ahrefs Keyword Explorer is another powerful keyword research tool that allows you to refine your keyword strategy. It provides an extensive keyword database, search volume metrics, and keyword difficulty scores. With the help of its competitor analysis feature, you can understand the keywords targeted by your competitors and create a refined keyword strategy.
4. Moz Keyword Explorer
Moz keyword explorer offers various features that can enhance your keyword research process. It provides valuable keyword suggestions, search volume data, and keyword difficulty scores. One standout feature is the organic click-through rate (CTR) estimation, which helps you prioritize keywords with higher click potential. Moz Keyword Explorer also includes SERP analysis, allowing you to understand the competition for specific keywords.
5. KeywordTool.io
This tool is valuable for identifying long-tail keyword ideas. The tool provides an extensive list of related keywords along with their search volume data and keyword competition analysis. You can also apply filters by language and country to get more accurate data.
6. SERPStat
It is a comprehensive SEO platform that includes a robust keyword research feature. With this keyword analysis tool, you can gain insights into your competitor’s keyword strategies. This tool also provides keyword suggestions along with their search volume data, keyword difficulty score, and competitor analysis. With the help of this tool, you can discover new keyword opportunities and make your content SEO-friendly.
7. Google Trends
Although not specifically a keyword research tool, it is the biggest name in keyword research because it enables users to search using specific words, phrases, or related queries. The tool presents search results in various informative formats, such as regional interest breakdowns and related topics and queries. You can also compare two keywords to identify which one is trending more than the other.
8. AnswerThePublic
This tool provides a unique approach to uncovering search queries and generating content ideas. AnswerThePublic takes a visual approach to keyword research by presenting search queries in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format.
It generates a visual map, or search cloud of questions and phrases related to your seed keyword, providing a comprehensive view of user queries.
9. QuestionDB
This tool helps you discover relevant keywords that other tools may not suggest. Enter a broad keyword, and this tool provides a list of specific questions related to that keyword, which can help you create content with high-potential words and low competition.
10. Long Tail Pro
This tool is designed specifically for SEO professionals looking for long-tail keywords. The keyword research tool offers a plethora of useful functionalities that marketers may find valuable. These include the ability to group keywords, track campaign metrics, and perform competitive analysis.
Conclusion
The top keyword research tools mentioned above offer valuable insights, ranging from keyword suggestions and search volume data to competition analysis and competitor research.
