Keyword research plays a vital role in the success of search engine optimization (SEO).. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced marketer, finding the right keywords can help your website rank higher, drive traffic, and reach your target audience effectively. Luckily, there are plenty of free tools that make keyword research easy and efficient. In this blog, we will explore the 10 best free keyword research tools and how you can use them to improve your SEO strategy

1. Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner stands out as a widely trusted and highly favored tool for conducting keyword research. It’s free to use and offers valuable insights directly from Google’s database.

Key Features:

• Provides search volume data for keywords.

• Suggests related keywords.

• Allows you to filter results based on location, language, and device.

How to Use:

1. Go to Google Keyword Planner.

2. Sign in with your Google account.

3. Select “Discover new keywords” and type in your primary keyword or topic.

4. Review the list of suggested keywords and their search volumes.

Tip:

Use Google Keyword Planner to target long-tail keywords, which are less competitive but highly specific.

2. Ubersuggest

Ubersuggest, created by Neil Patel, is a beginner-friendly tool that offers keyword suggestions, search volume, and SEO difficulty.

Key Features:

• Keyword ideas based on your input.

• Data on search volume, CPC (Cost Per Click), and SEO difficulty.

• Content ideas based on popular articles.

How to Use:

1. Go to Ubersuggest.

2. Enter your keyword or domain.

3. View keyword ideas and related metrics.

Tip:

Use Ubersuggest’s “Content Ideas” section to find inspiration for blog posts.

3. AnswerThePublic

AnswerThePublic is a unique tool that generates keyword ideas in the form of questions, prepositions, and comparisons. It’s perfect for understanding what people are asking about your topic.

Key Features:

• Visual representation of keyword data.

• Questions and phrases related to your keyword.

• Free download of keyword lists.

How to Use:

1. Go to AnswerThePublic.

2. Enter your main keyword.

3. Browse the results for question-based keywords.

Tip

Target question-based keywords to create FAQ pages or blog posts that address common queries.

4. Keyword Surfer

Keyword Surfer is a free Chrome extension that displays keyword data directly on Google search results.

Key Features

• Search volume for keywords in real-time.

• Keyword suggestions.

• Content similarity analysis.

How to Use:

1. Install the Keyword Surfer Chrome Extension.

2. Perform a Google search.

3. View keyword data on the right-hand side of the search results.

Tip:

Use Keyword Surfer to optimize your content while searching for ideas.

5. Google Trends

Google Trends helps you explore trending topics and understand the popularity of keywords over time.

Key Features:

• Compare keyword trends.

• Discover regional interest for keywords.

• Explore related queries.

How to Use:

1. Visit Google Trends.

2. Enter a keyword or topic.

3. Analyze the trends and related queries.

Tip:

Use Google Trends to identify seasonal keywords and plan your content accordingly.

6. Keyword Sheeter

Keyword Sheeter is a simple tool that generates a massive list of keyword suggestions quickly.

Key Features:

• Pulls data from Google autocomplete.

• Allows unlimited keyword exports.

• Free and easy to use.

How to Use:

1. Visit Keyword Sheeter.

2. Enter your seed keyword.

3. Start “Sheeting” to generate keyword ideas.

Tip:

Use this tool for brainstorming and generating a long list of keyword ideas.

7. Soovle

Soovle aggregates keyword suggestions from multiple platforms, including Google, Bing, Amazon, YouTube, and more.

Key Features:

• Multi-platform keyword data.

• Easy to navigate.

• Download keyword suggestions.

How to Use:

1. Visit Soovle.

2. Enter your keyword.

3. Browse suggestions from various platforms.

Tip:

Use Soovle to find platform-specific keywords, such as those for YouTube or Amazon.

8. Moz Keyword Explorer

Moz Keyword Explorer offers free keyword research with limited features. It provides keyword suggestions, difficulty scores, and organic click-through rates.

Key Features:

• Keyword suggestions.

• Difficulty scores for SEO.

• SERP analysis.

How to Use:

1. Go to Moz Keyword Explorer.

2. Enter a keyword.

3. Review the suggestions and metrics

Tip:

Use Moz Keyword Explorer’s “Priority” score to focus on the most valuable keywords

9. WordStream’s Free Keyword Tool

WordStream’s Free Keyword Tool helps you find relevant keywords for your niche.

Key Features:

• Niche-specific keyword suggestions.

• Search volume and competition data.

• Industry filters.

How to Use:

1. Visit WordStream’s Free Keyword Tool.

2. Enter a keyword and select your industry.

3. Review the suggested keywords.

Tip:

Export the keyword list for further analysis and planning.

10. SEMrush Free Keyword Magic Tool

SEMrush offers a limited free version of its Keyword Magic Tool, which provides keyword suggestions and detailed metrics.

Key Features:

• Extensive keyword database.

• Advanced filters for keyword analysis.

• Related keyword groups.

How to Use:

1. Sign up for a free SEMrush account.

2. Go to the Keyword Magic Tool.

3. Enter a keyword and review the suggestions.

Tip:

Focus on related keyword groups to create clusters of content around your primary topic.