What are the Best Tools for Keyword Research

Understanding Your Needs Before Choosing a Keyword Tool

Before you dive into the world of keyword research tools, it’s important to think about what your business needs.

Budget Considerations

Are you looking for free keyword research tools or are you ready to invest in a paid keyword tool? Free keyword tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest can give you a solid start, while paid platforms offer more in-depth research and additional features.

Features That Matter

Think about what you need from your keyword research tool:

• Do you want to focus on local search volume for Australia?

• Are you interested in seeing what keywords your competitors rank for?

• Do you need help generating keyword ideas for content marketing?

• Would you like to see monthly search volume and keyword suggestions for long tail keywords?

Ease of Use

Look for a keyword research tool that is easy to use and offers clear instructions. If you’re new to SEO keyword research, a simple interface and helpful support can make a big difference.

Free Keyword Research Tools You Can Start Using Today

You don’t need a big budget to get started with keyword research. There are several free keyword research tools that can help you find keywords, check search volumes, and plan your content strategy.

Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner is one of the best free keyword research tools available. It’s part of the Google Ads platform, but you can use it to find keyword ideas and see average monthly searches even if you’re not running paid search campaigns. You’ll need a Google Ads account to access it.

Key Features:

• Get search volume data and keyword suggestions based on a seed keyword or your website URL

• Filter results by location, so you can focus on the Australian market

• See related keywords and monthly search volumes for each term

Pros:

• Reliable data straight from Google’s search engine

• Free to use with a Google Ads account

• Helps you find keywords for both organic keyword research and paid search

Cons:

• Search volume ranges can be broad (e.g., “1k–10k”)

• Some features are designed for paid search campaigns

Ubersuggest

Ubersuggest is a user-friendly free keyword tool that helps you generate keyword ideas, check keyword search volume, and see keyword difficulty. It also offers insights into what your competitors are ranking for.

Key Features:

• Find keywords, check search volume, and get keyword suggestions

• See how difficult it is to rank for a given keyword

• Discover long tail keyword variations and related keywords

Pros:

• Free searches available each day

• Includes competitor analysis and content ideas

• Easy to use for beginners

Cons:

• Daily search limits on the free plan

• Advanced features require a paid upgrade

AnswerThePublic

AnswerThePublic is a free keyword research tool that focuses on the questions people ask online. It’s great for finding keyword ideas based on real search intent.

Key Features:

• Visualises keyword ideas as questions, comparisons, and prepositions

• Helps you understand what people want to know about your topic

• Export keyword lists for your content planning

Pros:

• Excellent for brainstorming content topics

• Free searches each month

• No need for a Google Ads account

Cons:

• Limited number of free searches per month

• Doesn’t show exact search volumes

The Best Paid Keyword Research Tools for Deeper Insights

If you’re ready to invest in your SEO strategy, paid keyword research tools offer more data, advanced features, and support for larger keyword lists.

SEMrush

SEMrush is a popular keyword research tool with a wide range of features. Its Keyword Magic Tool helps you generate keyword ideas, group keywords, and find keyword opportunities for both organic and paid search.

Key Features:

• Access the largest keyword database with millions of keywords

• See search volume, keyword difficulty, and competition for each term

• Use the Keyword Magic Tool to organise and group keywords for your content strategy

• Identify keyword gaps by comparing your site with competitors

Pros:

• Detailed keyword data for Australia and other markets

• Helps you find niche keywords and long tail keyword variations

• Includes SERP analysis and competitor research

Cons:

• Premium pricing

• Can be overwhelming for beginners

Ahrefs Keywords Explorer

Ahrefs Keywords Explorer is a powerful keyword explorer tool that shows you search volume, keyword difficulty, and related keywords across multiple search engines.

Key Features:

• Get accurate search volume data and keyword metrics

• See SERP analysis for each keyword, including who’s ranking and why

• Find keywords for Google, YouTube, and other platforms

Pros:

• Reliable data and in-depth research tools

• Great for finding high search volume keywords and transactional keywords

• Easy to track competitors and keyword competition

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to some alternatives

• Some features require a learning curve

Moz Keyword Explorer

Moz Keyword Explorer offers a simple way to find keywords, see monthly searches, and prioritise the most relevant keywords for your business.

Key Features:

• See search volume, keyword difficulty, and organic click-through rates

• Get keyword suggestions and related keywords for each search

• Use the Priority Score to focus on the best keyword opportunities

Pros:

• Intuitive interface

• Helps you build a targeted keyword list

• Useful for both beginners and experienced marketers

Cons:

• Smaller keyword database than some competitors

• Some search volume data is less detailed

Mangools KWFinder

Mangools KWFinder is known for its easy-to-use design and focus on long tail keywords. It’s a great keyword research tool for finding niche keywords with lower competition.

Key Features:

• Discover long tail keyword variations with search volume and difficulty scores

• Filter results by location, including Australian cities and regions

• Integrates with other Mangools SEO tools for a complete research suite

Pros:

• Affordable entry plans

• Clear, visual keyword data

• Supports unlimited searches on higher plans

Cons:

• Fewer advanced features compared to larger platforms

• Search quotas on basic plans

Combining Tools for the Best Keyword Research Results

No single keyword research tool does it all. Using a mix of free keyword research tools and paid options can help you get the most accurate keyword data and keyword suggestions.

• Start with Google Keyword Planner for basic search volume and keyword ideas

• Use Ubersuggest or AnswerThePublic for content inspiration and long tail keywords

• Dive deeper with SEMrush or Ahrefs for competitor research and SERP analysis

• Organise your keyword list and prioritise with Moz or Mangools

This approach helps you find keywords that match your business goals, reach your target audience, and stay ahead of competitors.