Keywords. They play a key role in SEO processes and growth. A business looking to improve their SEO strategy can’t do without them, which is why having keyword research tools and keyword analysis platforms for SEO is pivotal.

Whether you are new to the world of researching keywords, want to investigate long-tail keyword research tools or want to expand your horizons to suit specific keyword goals, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of keyword research tool recommendations for you to use alongside the expert keyword research strategy to maximise your keyword research potential!

AHREFS is known for being used by some of the largest companies in the world such as Uber, Tripadvisor, and Shopify. It is clearly popular among the big leagues, but what makes it so? Ahrefs features encompasses keyword research, rank tracking, content analysis, and competitor audits.

Beyond the comprehensive features it also has a robust backlink index, granting unmatched clarity into competitor strategies, potentially valuable linking opportunities, and the overall health of a website’s backlink profile. This vast data set functions through pinpointing potential avenues for acquiring high-quality backlinks, effectively allowing sites to increase rank positions and organic traffic generation.

For those on a Budget: Google Keyword Planner

Google Keywords Planner is the keywords tool you want in your corner if you’re on a budget. It is a free service offered as part of Google Ads, which you need to set up an account for before getting Google Keyword Planner. This accessibility makes it an excellent choice for small businesses, startups, or individual marketers who may have limited funds for SEO tools.

The tool provides valuable insights directly from the powerhouse that is Google, with its vast database of search queries. Users can see data on search volume, competition level, and cost-per-click estimates for different keywords. This information is crucial for identifying keywords that are both relevant and achievable for their SEO or PPC ads campaigns.

Additionally, Google Keywords Planner is not just about finding high-volume keywords; it’s also a great addition to your list of long-tail keyword research tools. Long-tail keywords can be goldmines for attracting highly targeted traffic. These longer, more specific phrases often have less competition and can be easier to rank for.

As mentioned before, it is integrated with Google Ads which also means that users can seamlessly transition from keyword research to campaign creation. This makes it a convenient option for those managing both SEO and PPC efforts.

A Holistic Approach: Semrush

SEMrush is popular for good reason. It provides an extensive database with over 20 billion keywords, allowing users to delve deep into keyword research for any market or niche. This depth of data includes valuable insights on keyword difficulty, search volume, and CPC, which are essential for both SEO and PPC campaigns.

What sets SEMrush apart is its ability to offer competitive, holistic analysis. It integrates keyword trend analysis software with other SEO and SEM functionalities. SEMrush provides a holistic view of digital marketing efforts, combining keyword research with site audits, backlink analysis, and tracking of SERP positions. This allows users to not only find the right keywords but also to understand their website’s overall SEO health and performance.

Moreover, SEMrush keeps updating its features and databases to reflect the latest trends and changes in search engine algorithms, ensuring that users have access to the most current and relevant data. If you want an all-encompassing keyword research tool, this one’s for you.

For WordPress Users: WPBeginner Keyword Generator

If your business frequently uses WordPress, then this keyword research tool will prove handy. It has a user-friendly design and direct relevance to content creation within the WordPress ecosystem.

One of the key advantages of the WPBeginner Keyword Generator is its integration within WordPress. This integration allows for a smoother workflow, as users can conduct keyword research and apply insights directly within their content management system.

It is particularly good to add to your long-tail keyword research tools. This is particularly useful for WordPress users looking to target niche audiences or rank for specific topics. Long-tail keywords often lead to better conversion rates as they align more closely with user intent.

Additionally, WPBeginner Keyword Generator provides insights into search trends and keyword popularity, helping users stay up-to-date with what their target audience is searching for. This enables WordPress users to create more relevant and targeted content, which is key to attracting and retaining visitors.

For Those who want to Look Ahead: Moz Keyword Explorer

If you find yourself constantly speculating and looking ahead for future keyword trends, then you may want to try your hand at Moz Keyword Explorer. This tool excels in providing users with predictive insights about keywords, which are crucial for crafting forward-facing SEO strategies.

Moz’s Keyword Explorer uses a sophisticated algorithm to suggest related keywords and phrases, which might not be immediately obvious but have the potential to become popular in the future. This predictive capability is invaluable for staying ahead in SEO and content planning.

Furthermore, the tool provides detailed metrics on keyword potential, including monthly search volumes, difficulty scores, and organic click-through rates. These metrics help users to not only identify emerging keywords but also to gauge their viability and competitive landscape.

Another standout feature is Moz’s SERP Analysis, which gives insights into the current top-ranking pages for a given keyword. By analysing these pages, businesses can predict the kind of content that is likely to perform well for similar keywords in the future.

Long Tail Keywords Expertise: Long Tail Pro

It is important to spend time on long tail keywords, and as its name suggests, Long Tail Pro is important to have in your long-tail keyword research tools. It is a crucial aspect of SEO that targets more specific, often less competitive search queries. This tool is tailored to identify and leverage these longer, more detailed keywords, which are key for driving targeted traffic to a website.

The strength of Long Tail Pro lies in its ability to generate a high volume of long tail keyword suggestions quickly. It does so by taking a seed keyword and expanding it into numerous variations, providing businesses with a broad range of related phrases that users are searching for. This capability is invaluable for uncovering niche-specific keywords that might be overlooked by broader keyword research tools.

Long Tail Pro also integrates data on search volume and profitability, enabling users to not only find long tail keywords but also evaluate their potential effectiveness in driving traffic and conversions. This focus on the practical application of keywords in SEO campaigns makes Long Tail Pro a go-to solution for marketers and content creators aiming to tap into the power of long tail keyword strategies.

The AI Enthusiasts: ChatGPT

Keyword research can be done near instantaneously thanks to CHATGPT. The AI model is more than adept at spitting out keywords related to the topic of your choice. Simply type in a query such as ‘Can I have a list of keywords related to ‘x.’ To get more specific, include the location of your company so you can potentially tap into local SEO.

Right now, CHATGPT does not seem to include keyword volume in their keyword ideas. So if you would prefer to know this, it can be easily cross checked with another keyword planner.

Keyword Research Tool Recommendations for your SEO Strategy

Keyword research tools are absolutely essential for your overall SEO strategy. To cater to your specific keyword needs, it is important to have a list of keyword analysis platforms for SEO so you can pick and choose which ones will serve you best.