Using Free Tools for Keyword Research, A Comprehensive Guide

Keyword research is a foundational element of SEO, and for those just starting out, free keyword research tools can be incredibly valuable. They allow you to find keywords, analyze search volumes, and understand search intent—all without breaking the bank. Here, we cover some of the top free keyword tools, their pros and cons, and tips on how to use them to build an effective keyword strategy.

1. Google Keyword Planner

Originally built for Google Ads, Google Keyword Planner is widely used by SEO beginners and professionals alike. It offers access to search volume data and provides keyword ideas based on your input.

Pros:
- Free and easy to use, with reliable data directly from Google.
- Allows you to see historical data on search volumes, which is useful for identifying keyword trends.
- Can help you find high-traffic keywords relevant to Google Ads and organic search alike.
Cons:
- Limited to search data on Google; does not provide comprehensive metrics like keyword difficulty.
- The search volume data can sometimes be vague, offering ranges rather than specific figures.
Best For: Beginners looking to understand basic keyword performance and find keywords for content ideas. If you’re new to keyword research, check out SEO 101: Essential Terms Every Beginner Should Know to get a grasp on essential concepts.

2. Ubersuggest

Developed by Neil Patel, Ubersuggest has gained popularity as a free tool offering keyword suggestions, content ideas, and competitor analysis. Ubersuggest is especially useful for those focusing on SEO for blogs and small businesses.

Pros:
- Provides search volume, keyword difficulty, and cost-per-click (CPC) data, giving a more comprehensive view than some other free tools.
- Includes competitor analysis features, so you can see which keywords competitors are ranking for.
- Offers keyword suggestions, content ideas, and even backlink data in the free version.
Cons:
- Daily limits on keyword searches in the free version, which can be restrictive if you need extensive data.
- Limited historical data and fewer advanced features compared to paid options.
Best For: Small businesses and bloggers who need basic keyword insights and competitor analysis without the high cost. For more advanced strategies, Analyzing Competitor Keywords: How to Get an Edge provides additional insights.

3. Answer the Public

Answer the Public is a unique tool that provides keyword ideas based on real search queries people enter into Google. It visualizes keywords in the form of a search cloud, organized by “who,” “what,” “where,” and other question-based terms.

Pros:
- Excellent for discovering long-tail keywords and understanding the questions your audience is asking.
- Helps you tap into the search intent behind keywords, which is invaluable for content creation.
- Free version offers limited daily searches but includes a substantial amount of data.
Cons:
- Limited in-depth metrics such as search volume or keyword difficulty.
- Restricted number of searches per day in the free version.
Best For: Content creators looking to discover questions and long-tail keywords for blog posts or educational articles.

4. Keyword Surfer

Keyword Surfer is a free Chrome extension that integrates keyword search volume and related keywords directly into Google search results. This tool is convenient if you want quick access to keyword metrics without leaving your browser.

Pros:
- Real-time keyword data directly within Google search results, saving time on separate keyword searches.
- Provides related keyword suggestions and their search volumes.
- Free and easy to install as a Chrome extension.
Cons:
- Limited to basic data and doesn’t provide keyword difficulty or competitive analysis.
- Only available on Google Chrome, which may limit accessibility for some users.
Best For: Quick, on-the-go keyword research within the Google search interface. It’s ideal for discovering keyword variations and search volumes in real time.

5. Google Trends

Google Trends is a free tool that provides insights into search interest over time. While it doesn’t give specific search volume, it’s excellent for identifying trending keywords and understanding seasonal changes in search demand.

Pros:
- Helps identify seasonal keywords and trending topics, which can be beneficial for planning content around high-interest periods.
- Offers comparative keyword data, allowing you to see how different terms perform over time.
- Useful for identifying regional differences in keyword interest.
Cons:
- Lacks specific volume data, so it’s best used as a supplementary tool rather than a primary keyword research tool.
- Limited in-depth insights for long-term SEO planning.
Best For: Analyzing trends over time and identifying seasonal keywords for content planning. For more details on seasonal strategies, Identifying Seasonal and Trending Keywords is a helpful guide.

6. Soovle

Soovle is a simple tool that aggregates keyword suggestions from multiple search engines, including Google, YouTube, Bing, Amazon, and more. It’s a valuable tool for those looking to diversify keywords across platforms.

Pros:
- Pulls keyword data from multiple sources, making it ideal for finding keywords beyond Google.
- Free and easy to use, providing immediate access to cross-platform keyword ideas.
- Great for discovering keywords that may have lower competition on alternative search engines.
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features like keyword difficulty, search volume, or competitive analysis.
- Limited to providing keyword suggestions only, without any additional SEO metrics.
Best For: E-commerce and content creators targeting multiple platforms like Amazon or YouTube. For e-commerce-specific SEO, see How to Find Keywords for Amazon.

7. SEMrush Free Plan

While SEMrush is typically a paid tool, it offers a free plan that provides limited access to its vast keyword and SEO data. This plan is ideal for those who want to explore SEMrush’s offerings before committing to a subscription.

Pros:
- Access to SEMrush’s robust keyword database and competitor data, even on the free plan.
- Provides basic keyword metrics such as search volume, CPC, and keyword difficulty.
- Great for exploring SEMrush’s capabilities without paying for the full version.
Cons:
- Highly restricted in terms of search volume, keyword tracking, and analysis capabilities.
- Not suitable for extensive keyword research due to daily limits on searches and results.
Best For: Users who want to explore SEMrush’s interface and capabilities before deciding on a paid subscription. For a full guide on using SEMrush, see How to Use SEMrush for Effective Keyword Research.

Maximizing the Use of Free Keyword Research Tools

Each free tool offers unique strengths, so combining a few of these tools can enhance your keyword research strategy. Here are some practical tips:

Use Google Trends with Google Keyword Planner: While Google Keyword Planner provides keyword volume, Google Trends can show you how interest in these keywords fluctuates over time. This is particularly useful for planning content around seasonal trends.
Cross-check with Ubersuggest: If you’re using Keyword Surfer or Answer the Public, double-check popular keywords on Ubersuggest to see their search volume and competition level. This can help you prioritize keywords with high traffic potential.
Explore multiple search engines with Soovle: For content creators targeting multiple platforms, Soovle can reveal keyword ideas from sites like Amazon and YouTube, helping you optimize for various user searches.
Analyze trends and competitor keywords: Using a combination of Google Trends and the free SEMrush plan, you can identify trending topics and see which keywords competitors are ranking for, helping you craft a more competitive strategy.