I Ranked 5 Free Keyword Research Tools: Worst to Best
Let’s Find the Best Free Tools for Crushing Keywords!
SEO tools can be quite pricey, starting at $99 per month for even the basic package. I’m aware that there’s an SEO tool offering its cheapest package at $12–15$.
However, this might still be relatively expensive for marketers in developing countries.
Considering the significant presence of digital marketers in India, which is possibly the one of the largest communities globally after the US. In that case, affordability becomes a crucial factor.
However, don’t worry, there are free alternatives available. Here are the top 5 free keyword research tools you should consider:
No need to wait. Let’s dive now and talk about each tool. I will cover their advantages and disadvantages. I’ll also share some helpful opinions and tips with you.
Before we dive in, don’t forget to save this article for future reference. Also, hit subscribe because you might not see me again.
Free SEO Tools from Worst to Best
Now, let’s start with the worst.
Who would have thought that chat AI could serve as a keyword research tool? Feel free to agree or disagree with this list. Simply leave a comment on this article to discuss with me.
1. ChatGPT and Bard
When it comes to finding keywords, ChatGPT and Bard offer a unique approach. They provide instant keyword suggestions based on your input. But if your prompt is bad, the results will also be bad.
Let’s start by using this prompt:
Generate a list of relevant and high performing keywords for [your specific topic or niche]. Consider factors such as search volume, user intent, and competitiveness. Provide a mix of short tail and long tail keywords. Also, offer suggestions for creating content around these keywords to improve organic search visibility. Please ensure that the generated keywords are suitable for [your target audience or geographic location].
Here’s the result from “selling motorbikes” keywords:
Bard provides similar results to ChatGPT. There’s nothing special about it. In fact, in my opinion, ChatGPT is currently much better than Google’s AI chat.
Disadvantages:
ChatGPT and bard lack of metrics, and even if it did, they wouldn’t be accurate. The generated keywords tend to be too generic. Overall, chat AI remains less effective for keyword research.
Tips:
Use Chat AI only for brainstorming blog post topics to find all keywords related to the seed keyword you are targeting.
Honestly, chat AI is very effective at doing this because it’s basically a “language model” technology. Then you can combine it with SEO tools from Ahrefs or Semrush.
Boomm!!! Search for all untapped keywords and create a bank of your keyword list.
2. Answer the Public
Answer the Public is good at finding longer and specific keywords. It gathers words in the form of questions. It helps you understand user intent and tailors your content accordingly.
It’s important to know that Answer the Public allows 1 free search per day and 3 free searches if you have an account.
Disadvantages:
I love the UI but….
The tool may lack the depth needed for comprehensive keyword research. It’s advisable to complement it with other tools to ensure a well rounded approach.
Tips:
Answer the Public’s advantage in focusing on long tail keywords addresses a critical aspect of modern SEO; Yes! it’s user intent.
As I’ve mentioned many times before, it’s not just about the content, it’s about understanding the user intent.
This tool is excellent if you want to discover the questions people have about your product. For example, if you’re selling shoes, you’d want to know all the questions related to your shoe products.
Additionally, it helps you identify the challenges your customers may encounter while using your product.
3. Google Free Tools
There are many Google features that you can use for keyword research. Just let me give you a list:
There are actually more tools like Google Search Console or Google Analytics. However, since the medium audience usually doesn’t have a website, I’ll focus on more general aspects.
I use all these Google features, but I’m not a huge fan. Why? Because when I use premium SEO tools, the difference is significant.
Disadvantages: A lot!
- Keyword Planner: Metrics are quite different from estimates. For instance, they may range from 100–1k or 1k-10k. It only offers a general idea without exact figures. This is similar to keyword difficulty, which is categorized as low, medium, or high without providing precise values.
- Google Trends: Google Trends doesn’t offer insights into user intent behind searches. Moreover, what people search for on Google represents trends. Do you know what the current top trends are in my country? People search for “DuckDuckGo” and “TikTok login”.
- Google Autocomplete: Lacks detailed metrics and provides a limited number of keyword ideas.
- Google PAA: It may not cover every aspect of a topic, potentially missing out on important keyword variations.
- Google Related Searches: The suggestions are closely tied to the initial search query.
Tips: Now hear me out!
- If you write as a hobby, keyword planner is sufficient.
- For a news website, Google Trends can be a valuable asset.
- Google PAA is highly useful for generating sub topics within your articles.
- Google Related Searches can be relied upon for creating cluster pages.
4. Ahrefs
Ahrefs is the best SEO tool available, and I’ve learned a lot about SEO from them. What I mean by a lot is literally A LOT!!
One standout feature for me is its user interface (UI). I love the choice of colors and fonts used by the brand. Also, Ahrefs provides numerous free tools that you can try.
Disadvantages: In my biased view, Ahrefs has no drawbacks whatsoever. Just imagine having access to a premium tools for lireally free.
While there might be drawbacks that other users perceive, it’s important to remember that these tools are FREE. It’s good not to expect more, as what we receive is already more than enough.
Tips: Combine all these free tools, and you’ll experience a level of functionality comparable to using paid tools.
For example, combine the keyword generator, SERP checker, and backlink checker to explore keyword ideas and assess competition in the SERP for your chosen keywords.
5. SEMrush
It’s a God of SEO tool. The almighty Semrush. I believe explaining it wouldn’t do justice. You simply have to try Semrush to discover all of its advantages.
You can use up to 10 credits in total per day across the following tools:
- Keyword Research (Keyword Overview, Keyword Magic Tool)
- Competitive Research (Domain Overview, Organic Research, Backlink Gap, Keyword Gap).
- Link Building (Backlink Analytics).
Disadvantages: You need to create an account and log in, unlike Ahrefs, which is publicly accessible.
But who cares? Just take my data and let me use these free tools.
Tips: Use the Keyword Magic Tool then you can refine your search to display keywords with low difficulty only, view only exact keywords, or explore related keywords.
Give it a try, and you’ll understand it easily.
Conclusion
In the end, choosing the right SEO tool depends on your needs.
If you’re just starting or writing as a hobby, free tools like Google’s can be enough.
For more advanced features, Ahrefs and SEMrush stand out, each with its own strengths. Experiment with these tools and find what suits you.
Note: Guys I just want you to know that I like making jokes. In this article I made a lot of jokes about feet pictures.
Don’t be offended or think I’m a weirdo. In reality I’m not into leg pictures at all, because armpits are wayyy better.
Of course this is also a joke (or is it?).
Bonus
Organic traffic is FREE and I’m going to show you everything you need to know about SEO. From keyword research to technical. In the end, you’ll be writing articles that rank #1 on Google. So let’s get started!
