16 best free & paid keyword research tools for SEO:

Keyword research is the backbone of SEO.

Whether you are:
• A beginner 🆕
• An advanced user 🧑‍💻
• A professional SEO expert 💼

You need to know the best tools to find keywords.

But why are these tools so important?

Because they drive traffic and boost rankings. ↓

Effective keyword research drives 53% of website traffic from organic search.
• (Industry Research)

Top-performing sites use tools to guide their strategies.
• (SEO Experts)


These top sites make up only 1% of all websites.

Want to join the 1%?

Check them out:

1. Free Keyword Tool by Backlinko:
Beginner-friendly tool leveraging Semrush’s keyword database for free keyword data.

2. Semrush:
Comprehensive competitor and keyword analysis with a powerful Keyword Magic tool.

3. Google Search Console:
Identifies and enhances existing rankings with a focus on Opportunity Keywords.

4. Soovle:
Provides quick, multi-source keyword suggestions with a handy saved suggestions feature.

5. Jaaxy:
Delivers in-depth keyword competition analysis with a focus on Quoted Search Results.

6. Ahrefs Keywords Explorer:
Offers detailed keyword insights with a unique Keyword Difficulty metric.

7. SECockpit:
Advanced keyword research for SEO pros, featuring extensive filtering options.

8. Google Keyword Planner:
Accesses Google's massive keyword database, highlighting commercial intent.

9. KeywordTool[dot]io:
Generates numerous targeted keyword ideas with a useful competitor analysis feature.

10. Moz Keyword Explorer:
Finds high-traffic keywords with unique lateral keyword suggestions and CTR insights.

11. Keywords Everywhere:
Displays keyword data across multiple websites directly in your browser.

12. Keyword Snatcher:
Generates thousands of keyword ideas from a single search.

13. Google Trends:
Tracks keyword popularity and finds trending topics over time.

14. KWFinder:
Easy-to-use keyword tool with automatic Keyword Difficulty scores.

15. QuestionDB:
Sources question-focused keyword ideas from Reddit threads.

16. Serpstat:
Analyzes first-page competition with a visual Competitors Graph.


Which tool is your favorite?

♻️ Repost for others if this was useful!


This post was originally shared by Leigh McKenzie on Linkedin.