Keyword research is the backbone of any successful SEO strategy. Whether running a blog, an eCommerce store, or a business website, finding the right keywords helps attract more traffic and improve search rankings. But what if you don’t want to spend money on premium tools?
Luckily, plenty of free keyword research tools provide valuable insights. In this guide, we’ll explore the best free keyword research tool options to help you identify high-ranking search terms, track trends, and optimise content effectively.
Let’s explore the list of free keyword research tools that can give you an edge without costing a cent.
1. Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is one of the most well-known free keyword research tools. It was initially designed for Google Ads campaigns, but it also provides valuable insights for organic SEO. This tool lets you discover keyword ideas, see search volume trends, and check competition levels. Since the data comes directly from Google, it is highly reliable.
However, remember that detailed metrics, such as exact search volume, may be limited unless you actively run an ad campaign.
2. Google Trends
Google Trends is not a traditional keyword research tool but is excellent for tracking keyword popularity over time. Instead of showing static search volume, it allows you to see whether interest in a keyword is increasing, stable, or declining.
This is useful for spotting seasonal trends or comparing multiple keywords to find the best-performing one. You can filter results by country, region, and even time range, making it an excellent tool for local SEO and long-term content planning.
3. Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest is a user-friendly keyword research tool created by digital marketing expert Neil Patel. It provides keyword suggestions, search volume, competition levels, and even domain analysis to help you understand what keywords your competitors are ranking for.
A key benefit of Ubersuggest is that it offers insights into paid and organic keyword opportunities. While the free version limits the number of daily searches, it remains an excellent option for beginner SEO research.
4. AnswerThePublic
AnswerThePublic generates keyword ideas based on actual questions people ask in search engines. When you enter a keyword, it creates a visual map of common queries, prepositions, and comparisons related to your topic. This makes it particularly useful for discovering long-tail keywords and brainstorming content ideas.
For instance, if you look for “digital marketing,” you’ll find questions like “How does digital marketing work?” or “What is the future of digital marketing?” Using these insights from the tool, you can create content that directly addresses what users are searching for.
5. Keyword Sheeter
Keyword Sheeter is a straightforward yet powerful tool that quickly scrapes Google Autocomplete suggestions to generate thousands of keyword ideas. Unlike other tools focusing on search volume, Keyword Sheeter is excellent for finding raw keyword ideas in bulk.
If you are looking for a way to brainstorm niche topics or expand your keyword list, this tool can help. However, it does not provide additional data, such as competition level or CPC, so it is best used with other keyword research tools.
6. Keyword Surfer
Keyword Surfer is a Chrome extension that displays keyword data directly within Google search results. Once installed, it shows search volume, CPC, and related keyword suggestions without opening a separate tool. This is particularly useful for those wanting quick keyword research while browsing.
Since it integrates seamlessly with Google, it helps users make real-time decisions about keyword targeting. It also provides insights into the word count of top-ranking pages, helping you determine the ideal content length for SEO success.
7. Soovle
Soovle is unique because it gathers keyword suggestions from multiple search engines, including Google, Bing, YouTube, Amazon, and Wikipedia. This is useful for businesses and content creators targeting keywords across different platforms. For example, if you are creating content for YouTube, Soovle can help you identify popular video topics.
If you run an eCommerce store, you can use it to find high-demand product keywords from Amazon. By providing multi-platform insights, Soovle ensures that you are optimising for Google and various search engines.
8. WordStream Free Keyword Tool
WordStream’s Free Keyword Tool is designed for organic SEO and PPC campaigns. Entering a keyword or website URL provides search volume, competition level, and CPC (cost-per-click) data. One of its standout features is the ability to generate industry-specific keyword suggestions, which is helpful for businesses looking for targeted search terms.
Although it requires an email address to unlock the complete list of keywords, it remains valuable for those who want quick keyword insights without investing in paid tools.
9. SEOStack Keyword Tool
SEOStack is a Chrome extension that generates many keyword suggestions based on Google, Bing, YouTube, Yahoo, and Amazon autocomplete data. Unlike other tools that provide limited keyword ideas, SEOStack can extract thousands of long-tail keyword variations in just a few clicks.
This is useful for discovering low-competition keywords that may not appear in more mainstream keyword research tools. It is particularly beneficial for content creators, bloggers, and affiliate marketers looking for niche keyword opportunities.
10. Keyworddit
Keyworddit is a unique keyword research tool that extracts keywords from Reddit discussions. Since Reddit is a platform where real users discuss niche topics, this tool helps identify organic search terms that people naturally use.
By analysing subreddits relevant to your industry, Keyworddit provides keyword suggestions reflecting user intent. This makes it ideal for businesses and content creators who want to understand how people talk about specific topics and create content that directly answers their needs.
11. Google Search Console
Google Search Console is a must-have tool for tracking your website’s SEO performance. Unlike other keyword research tools that predict search trends, Google Search Console shows actual keywords that drive traffic to your site.
You can optimise your content around high-performing keywords by analysing which search queries bring in visitors, impressions, and click-through rates. This tool is particularly valuable for auditing your existing keyword strategy, identifying opportunities for improvement, and ensuring your site remains aligned with user intent.
12. Bulk Keyword Generator
Bulk Keyword Generator is designed specifically for local SEO. Selecting your industry and location generates keyword suggestions tailored to local search terms. For example, a plumbing business in London might receive keyword ideas like “emergency plumber London” or “best plumbing services near me”.
This tool is useful for companies that rely on local search visibility to attract customers. Since Google prioritises location-based search results, optimising your website with the right local keywords can help improve rankings for nearby searches.
Conclusion About The List Of Free Keyword Research Tools
Finding the right keywords doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you need high-volume search terms, long-tail keyword ideas, or local SEO insights, this list of free keyword research tools provides everything you need to improve your SEO strategy.
Want to optimise your keyword strategy and boost your rankings? Get a Free SEO Audit from Best SEO today and take your website to the next level!
Frequently Asked Questions About The List Of Free Keyword Research Tools
How Do Free Keyword Research Tools Compare To Paid Tools?
Free tools provide basic keyword insights, while paid tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush offer more advanced data, including keyword difficulty, backlink analysis, and SERP tracking.
Can I Use Google Trends For Keyword Research?
Yes! Google Trends helps track keyword popularity over time, identify seasonal trends, and compare search interest between different keywords.
How Do I Find Low-Competition Keywords?
Use Google Keyword Planner, Keyword Sheeter, and SEOStack to find long-tail keywords with lower competition. Look for keywords with steady but not overly high search volume.
Are Free Keyword Research Tools Accurate?
Most free tools provide good estimates but may not be as precise as premium tools. However, combining multiple free tools can give a clearer picture of keyword potential.
Can Free Keyword Tools Help With Local SEO?
Yes! Google Search Console, Bulk Keyword Generator, and Google Keyword Planner are great for finding location-based keywords that improve local search rankings.
How Often Should I Conduct Keyword Research?
Regular keyword research is recommended every few months, especially when planning new content, updating existing pages, or tracking shifts in search trends.
