Top Free SEO Keyword Research Tools in 2025

It’s 2025, and you need to find some good keywords, right? Good news, you don’t need to break the bank.

We’re talking free tools, the kind that can actually get you somewhere.

Not the fancy stuff that promises the moon and delivers a headache, but the smart stuff.

The kind that lets you find the good stuff, the keywords that people actually search for, that will bring people to your website.

Listen, a big chunk of traffic, like 60%, comes from organic search.

That means good keywords equal more people looking at your stuff.

Forget all the bells and whistles, we’re sticking to the basics, the foundations.

We need to know what people want, and how to show it to them, and that’s it. We’re not wasting time or money.

We’re here to get the job done, with the stuff that is actually useful.

First off, Google Keyword Planner. It’s old, yeah, but it’s a workhorse.

Some people think it’s for advertisers, but we’re not advertising, we’re figuring things out.

You can see search volume, how much competition there is, and what’s trending. That’s what we need.

We need to create content that people actually want. That’s the game. But that’s not all.

Google Trends is like having your finger on the pulse, you see what’s going on right now. It shows you what’s hot, what’s seasonal.

Like seeing “outdoor dining” going up in your city, that’s gold. You ride the wave, you don’t fight it. That’s the secret.

Now, if you want to get into your audience’s head you got to use AnswerThePublic.

This tool shows you the questions people ask, the things they compare, the problems they have.

You see, it’s like the people are laying it all out there, asking the questions and you just have to answer them.

Like a coffee shop? You’ll see questions like “coffee with sugar” or “coffee near me with wifi.” It’s all there, in black and white. Easy.

Lastly, Ubersuggest is like a jack of all trades.

It gives you keyword data, competitor analysis, content ideas. It’s a middle ground tool to get you started. It gives you the big picture.

Like if your keyword is “home workout”, it gives you more, like “home workout equipment” or “home workout for beginners”. These tools, each one brings a different point of view, you can combine them and get the whole picture.

You’re not guessing anymore, you’re using knowledge, data, and that’s how the pros do it, but for free.

So, let’s get to it, dig deep, get some solid data and get the right audience.

If you want a head start, use this Semrush link for a premium tool, or use the free ones, it’s up to you.

If you want to support us check out this link for an all-in-one platform.

Google Keyword Planner: The Old Reliable

Google Keyword Planner, it’s been around, it’s solid.

It’s like that old fishing lure you always go back to, reliable. You need keywords, this thing’s a workhorse.

It’s not flashy, but it gives you what you need: search volume, competition, trends. Straight and to the point.

Google built it, so you know it’s got the inside track on Google search data, which, let’s be honest, is the biggest game in town.

It’s free, if you’re willing to play their game, which we are.

It might not be the prettiest tool, but it gets the job done without much fuss.

A lot of the new tools, they try to be fancy, but this one is just solid.

It’s a starting point, a good one, for finding those words people are typing into their search bars.

It’s a tool built for advertisers, sure. But don’t let that fool you.

We’re here to use it to understand what people are looking for.

Think of it as a secret window into the minds of your audience.

The data it gives, search volume, competition metrics, even the trends, these are not just numbers, they are a road map.

A road map to your content, a way to get your stuff in front of the right people.

We’re here to take that data and turn it into something powerful. It’s not about selling, it’s about understanding.

Let’s get into the weeds and see how we can make this tool work for us without spending a dime on ads.

How to access Google Keyword Planner without a paid campaign

You’ve got to go through the motions to get to it.

Google wants you to sign up for an ad account, but you don’t need to launch a campaign.

It’s a bit of a dance, but here’s the step-by-step:

• First, head to the Google Ads site. You’ll need a Google account, so have that ready.
• Next, start the process to create a new account, but don’t worry, you won’t need to put in a credit card.
• Google will ask you what your main advertising goal is. Pick “Get more website traffic,” and click “next”.
• You need to enter a “Business name”. Then, click “next”. It will then ask you to enter your “website”.
• After that, It will ask you to “Select an image or logo”. Click next.
• Now, Google will ask you to “Write your first ad”. Don’t panic just skip this step and click next.
• You will then need to “Select locations” click next.
• Google will ask “Select keywords or phrases related to your business”. Skip this and click “Next”.
• Now, Google will ask “Set your budget”. Select “Do not set a budget”.
• You’ll see the “Review your campaign” screen. Ignore this. Instead click “Explore your campaign”.
• On the top navigation, go to “Tools” and then “Keyword Planner.” There you have it.

It’s a sneaky way to get in, but it works.

You’re not going to be charged anything, just make sure you avoid putting in any payment information.

The tool is free to use, they just want you to believe it’s for advertisers only.

Don’t give them the satisfaction of thinking we can’t use it without a campaign. We can. We will.

Understanding keyword search volume, competition, and trends

You’re looking at the heart of the matter here.

The Keyword Planner throws numbers at you, and those numbers tell stories. Let’s break it down.

• Search Volume: This is how many times people search for a keyword each month. It’s the heartbeat of a keyword’s popularity, the higher it is, the more people are interested in that specific term.

  • High Volume Keywords: These are the big fish. They’re the keywords everyone wants to rank for. These are your keywords like “digital marketing” or “best restaurants near me”.
  • Low Volume Keywords: These are the smaller fry, niche terms that might not get as many searches, like “best italian restaurants in downtown san diego”.
  • Medium Volume Keywords: It’s the goldilocks area. Not too high, not too low. These tend to have less competition but still get significant traffic. Think terms like “content marketing tips”.

• Competition: Google tells you how hard it is to rank for a keyword, on a scale of low, medium and high. Keep in mind that this competition data is based on paid advertising, not organic.

  • High Competition: Lots of advertisers are bidding on these keywords. It’s a tough field to break into organically.
  • Medium Competition: A reasonable challenge. You’ll need some work, but it’s achievable.
  • Low Competition: These are the low hanging fruit. Easier to rank for but they may not generate as much traffic, depending on search volume.

• Trends: This shows how a keyword’s popularity changes over time.

  • Seasonal Keywords: These are the keywords that spike at certain times of the year, such as “christmas decorations” or “tax refund”.
  • Evergreen Keywords: These remain consistently searched year after year, like “how to change a tire”.
  • Rising Keywords: These are the terms that are gaining popularity.
  • Falling Keywords: These are the keywords that are losing interest.

These three metrics, they work together.

You need a good mix of search volume, competition, and understanding of trends.

You’re not just chasing a single number, you’re reading a whole picture.

You need to consider all these factors before you start creating content.

These data are the bread and butter of keyword research, know them well.

Here’s a table example, consider the following:

Keyword	Search Volume Monthly	Competition	Trend
“SEO”	100,000	High	Stable
“best free seo tools”	10,000	Medium	Rising
“how to write a blog post”	5,000	Low	Stable
“halloween costumes ideas”	20,000	Medium	Seasonal

Using Google Keyword Planner for long-tail keyword ideas

Long-tail keywords, they’re not the big flashy terms.

They’re the specific, the targeted phrases people use when they’re close to making a decision.

They are your bread and butter if you want to attract qualified traffic.

Here’s how to make Keyword Planner help you find these gems:

• Start with a seed keyword: Put in a broad term related to your business. Think “coffee” if you’re a coffee shop or “dog training” if you’re a dog trainer.

• Analyze the suggestions: Google Keyword Planner will give you a list of related keywords. Look for the longer, more specific ones, these are your long tail keywords.

  • Examples:
    • Instead of just “coffee”, you’re looking for “best coffee beans for french press”
    • Instead of “dog training,” you’re going for “how to stop my dog from barking at night”

• Use filters: Filter your results by “Low Competition” to find those keywords that are easier to rank for and have longer tail keywords. This also helps in finding very niche topics.

• Group by topic: Often, Google groups keywords by relevance. This is helpful for building out content pillars and topics, use this to structure your content plan.

• Explore question-based keywords: Look for keywords that start with “how,” “what,” “why,” “where,” and “when.” These are often long-tail keywords that indicate a specific intent.

• Consider the intent: Think about the user’s intent when they type in a long tail keyword. Are they looking for information, or are they ready to buy?

Here’s some examples to help you understand more clearly how this work:

• Seed keyword: “running shoes”
  • Long-tail examples: “best running shoes for flat feet”, “running shoes for marathons”, “cheap running shoes for beginners”.
• Seed keyword: “website design”
  • Long-tail examples: “website design for small business”, “cheap website design services”, “website design trends 2025”.
• Seed keyword: “yoga mats”
  • Long-tail examples: “best yoga mat for travel”, “non slip yoga mat”, “eco friendly yoga mat”.

Use these long tail keywords as inspiration for your content.

Write blog posts, create videos, or make social media posts targeting those specific phrases.

They may not bring in a lot of traffic individually, but collectively, they bring in a lot of the right kind of traffic. The kind that converts into customers. Don’t underestimate the power of long-tail.

Google Trends: Riding the Wave of Popularity

Google Trends is like having a finger on the pulse of what’s currently capturing people’s attention. It’s not about guessing what might be popular, it’s about seeing what is popular, right now. This isn’t your typical keyword research tool; it shows you trends, interest over time, and even regional variations. It shows you the ebb and flow of online interest. You need to be riding the wave, not fighting the current, and that’s what this tool helps with. It’s a tool that helps you understand the now, and that’s valuable in this fast paced world.

It’s not just about knowing what’s trending today, it’s about understanding the cycle of trends.

Are they seasonal, are they just a passing fad, or are they an indication of a long-term shift? Understanding this can help you plan content that is both timely and relevant.

It’s about being smart with your content, making sure it meets the user where they are at that time.

You’re going to use this to understand not just the ‘what’, but the ‘when’ and the ‘where’ of your audience’s interests.

You will be able to use this information to create content that people actually want to see, and when they want to see it.

Identifying trending topics and seasonal keywords

Google Trends is your compass in the world of trending topics and seasonal keywords.

It shows you what people are searching for right now, and what they’ve searched for before.

This insight is invaluable for planning content that is timely and relevant.

You’re looking at the now and the then, you’re planning for the future.

• Real-time trends: Google Trends highlights topics that are currently trending in different regions. It’s like a real-time news feed for search terms.

  • How to use it: Look at the “Trending now” section to see what is capturing people’s interest. This is great for quick content ideas that will capitalize on immediate search traffic.

• Seasonal Trends: Google Trends provides insight on the keywords that spike during certain times of the year, these are your seasonal keywords.

  • How to use it: Enter a keyword related to your business, and look at the “interest over time” graph to see when search volume peaks. This is great for planning content ahead of the season.

    • Examples:
      • “Christmas gifts” spikes every December.
      • “Summer vacation” spikes in the late spring and early summer.
      • “Back to school supplies” surges in late summer.

  • Planning: Knowing these patterns, plan your content ahead of the season. For example, create your “summer travel guide” content in the early spring.

• Understanding Patterns: Look at the patterns that repeat year after year and use these to plan your content calendar. The key is not just knowing that something is trending; it’s about knowing when to jump in.

  • Example: If you see that a certain topic spikes in popularity every October, you need to make sure your content on that topic is ready to go by the end of September.

• Regional Analysis: See how trends vary by location. A topic trending in one state might be less popular in another.

  • How to use it: Use the region filter to see what is trending in different areas.
  • Example: If you are running a local business you need to know what is trending in your local region.

Here’s how to think about it.

Imagine you’re a restaurant owner, you see searches for “outdoor dining” are rising in your city, use this information to create content related to your restaurant’s outdoor space.

Or, if you’re a fashion blogger and see “fall fashion” trending in August, you need to start producing your fall content in late July.

The key is anticipation and knowing the cycles of interest.

Using Google Trends for content inspiration

Google Trends is a treasure chest of content inspiration, you just need to know how to open it.

It reveals what people are interested in and when, use that information to develop content that resonates with your audience.

It’s about knowing the right time and place, and this tool gives you a lot of the information you need to do just that.

• Explore related topics and queries: When you enter a keyword, Google Trends shows you related topics and queries that are gaining traction. This is a good way to explore topics that may not be directly related but are still relevant.

  • How to use it: After entering a keyword, scroll to the “Related topics” and “Related queries” sections. These are your idea starters.
  • Example: If you search for “healthy recipes,” related topics might be “vegan recipes” or “low carb recipes”, these can be used as content starters.

• Find trending questions: Look for questions that people are asking related to your niche. These can form the basis for blog posts, videos, and social media content.

  • How to use it: Use the “Related queries” section, especially look for queries that begin with “how,” “what,” “where,” “when,” and “why.”
  • Example: If you search for “gardening,” you may see the query “how to start a garden” which is a great blog post topic.

• Discover content angles: By analyzing trends, you can find fresh angles on familiar topics.

  • How to use it: Look at how interest in a topic changes over time. This can help you understand new ways to approach it.
  • Example: if you see that interest in “sustainable fashion” is growing, you can approach it by creating new content on it.

• Identify emerging trends: Use the “Trending now” feature to see what is capturing people’s attention. This is an opportunity to create content that rides a rising wave of interest.

  • How to use it: Regularly check the “Trending now” section to spot new topics.
  • Example: If a new health trend emerges, create content related to that.

• Utilize geographic data: See where a topic is most popular and tailor your content to specific regions.

  • How to use it: Filter your analysis by region to identify location-specific content ideas.
  • Example: If you are running a local business, use local trends to guide content creation.

Google Trends isn’t just about seeing what’s popular; it’s about understanding why it’s popular, and then using that to create content. It’s about creating something that people want to see, not just something you want to create. So, explore, dig deep, and let the trends be your guide.

Analyzing keyword interest over time

Understanding how interest in a keyword changes over time is crucial.

Google Trends lets you see these ebbs and flows, giving you insight that goes beyond just a monthly search volume.

It’s about understanding the lifespan of a topic, and how it changes over time.

You’re not just looking at a static number, you’re looking at a dynamic trend.

• The Interest Over Time Graph: This is the main event. It displays how search interest for a keyword has changed over a period of time.

  • How to use it: Enter a keyword and watch how the graph moves.
  • Patterns:
    • Stable Interest: The line remains relatively flat. Good for long term content.
    • Rising Interest: The line goes upward indicating a growing trend.
    • Falling Interest: The line goes downward, indicating a declining trend.
    • Seasonal Interest: The line spikes at certain times of the year and goes back down at other times.

• Setting Date Ranges: Customize the date range to see trends over different periods last 12 months, 5 years, or custom range.

  • How to use it: Use different date ranges to see long term and short term trends.
  • Example: Check for a 5-year pattern for evergreen content. Check a 12-month pattern for seasonal content.

• Compare Multiple Keywords: Compare trends of multiple keywords simultaneously, great to see how interest shifts between different topics.

  • How to use it: Use the compare feature and enter different keywords in the search box.
  • Example: Compare “yoga” with “pilates” to see which is trending upwards.

• Analyze Peaks and Valleys: Pay attention to the highs and lows in the graph.

  • How to use it: These indicate the best times to create and promote content related to these keywords.

• Understand the ‘Why’: Consider why the trend might be changing. It could be due to seasonal events, cultural shifts, or new technologies.

  • How to use it: Understand why a certain topic trended up or down by checking external news.

Here’s a simple breakdown.

Let’s say you run a blog about fitness and you look up “home workouts.” You see a clear spike in interest every January, people are making new year resolutions. But you also notice a small dip in the summer.

This shows you when to push your home workout content January and maybe focus on outdoor activities during the summer months. You need to be aware of these peaks and valleys. They will help you plan your content schedule.

Google Trends provides the data, you have to interpret it and act on it.

Utilizing Google Trends for local SEO keyword research

Google Trends is not just about global trends, it’s also useful for local SEO keyword research.

You need to understand what’s happening in your local area to make sure you’re targeting local customers.

It allows you to fine tune your strategies for your specific target market.

You’re looking to understand the nuances of your local market, not just the broad strokes. This tool can help you do just that.

• Location Specific Data: Google Trends lets you see how keyword interest varies by region. This is invaluable if you’re targeting a specific city, state, or country.

  • How to use it: Use the regional filter to see search interest within a specific region.
  • Example: Compare search trends in California with those in New York.

• Local Events and Holidays: See how local events and holidays affect search trends. This lets you create content that’s timely and relevant.

  • How to use it: Look at the “Related Queries” and the “Interest Over Time” graphs around specific local events.
  • Example: If you know the yearly local city festival is coming up, create content around it.

• Localized Keyword Variations: Discover regional variations of keywords. For example, the same product might be called something slightly different in one city versus another.

  • How to use it: Compare related keywords in the area you want to target and see if there are any variations.
  • Example: The term “subway” might be more popular than “metro” in one city, or vice-versa.

• Competitor Analysis: Look at the areas where your competitors are popular. You can find places where you can get ahead of them by creating targeted content.

  • How to use it: If you know the areas your competitors are more popular in, target content to those areas.
  • Example: If your competitor is very popular in one specific city, try to outcompete them in that city.

• Trend Identification: Discover local topics that are rising in popularity. This is a good opportunity to get in early and build a local audience.

  • How to use it: Use the “Trending Now” filter, and filter by local region.
  • Example: If a new restaurant opens up in your area and is trending, create content on it.

Here’s a real-world example.

You run a small bakery in a city, you check Google Trends for local keyword trends.

You discover a rising search trend for “local farmers market,” use this information to create content about your ingredients from the local market, this will get local people to your website or store.

AnswerThePublic: Diving into the Mind of Your Audience

AnswerThePublic is not your typical keyword research tool, it’s a window into the minds of your audience.

It reveals the questions they’re asking, the concerns they have, and the comparisons they’re making.

It’s like a digital focus group, giving you a direct line to the way people think about topics.

The tool visualizes these questions, giving you a map of your audience’s needs and desires.

You’re not just finding keywords, you’re uncovering the intent behind the search.

The real value of AnswerThePublic lies in its ability to uncover the long-tail keywords.

These are the specific questions that people ask when they are looking for very specific information.

These longer queries often signal that a user is closer to the decision-making process, making them invaluable for attracting the right audience.

It’s about getting beyond simple keyword data and digging into the more complex queries.

You’re not just looking for the “what,” but also the “how,” “why,” and “where.”

How to use AnswerThePublic to uncover questions

AnswerThePublic is all about questions.

It takes a seed keyword and reveals all the queries and questions people are asking around that topic. It’s like having a conversation with your audience.

You’re not just looking at keywords, you’re looking at the questions behind those keywords.

• Start with a Seed Keyword: Enter a broad term related to your niche. Think “coffee,” “gardening,” or “marketing.”

• Select Your Region and Language: Choose the correct location and language setting.

• Visualize the Results: AnswerThePublic presents the results in a visually appealing format, it breaks the questions down into categories:

  • Questions: These are queries that start with words like “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how.”
  • Prepositions: These are queries that include prepositions like “with,” “near,” “without,” and “to.”
  • Comparisons: These are queries that involve comparisons using words like “vs,” “and,” “or,” and “versus.”
  • Alphabetical: These are keywords listed in alphabetical order.

• Analyze the Visuals: Look at the questions being asked. This is where you uncover the real needs and pain points of your audience.

  • Questions: These are great for blog post titles or FAQ content.
    • Example: “Why is my plant dying?” or “How to make a good coffee?”
  • Prepositions: Use these for understanding user intent and content structure.
    • Example: “coffee with milk” or “plant near window”
  • Comparisons: These show you what people are comparing. You can use this to write comparison articles.
    • Example: “coffee vs tea” or “plant vs seeds”
  • Alphabetical: These are very broad and can help you understand more basic and general terms.

• Download the Results: Download the results as a CSV file for further analysis and use.

Let’s see this in a simple example.

If you enter “dog training”, AnswerThePublic might show you questions like: “how to train a puppy not to bite?” “Why is my dog barking so much?” “Where can i train my dog?” Use these questions to create blog posts, videos, or social media posts. The questions you get from this tool are gold. It shows you exactly what people are looking for.

Finding long-tail keywords using prepositions and comparisons

Prepositions and comparisons, these are the building blocks of long-tail keywords.

They’re the words that add context and specificity to a search, giving you a deeper understanding of what people are looking for.

AnswerThePublic uses these to show you different ways people are structuring their queries, giving you more insights for your keyword research.

• Preposition Based Keywords: These keywords use prepositions such as “with,” “near,” “without,” “for,” “to,” etc.

  • How to use them:
    • “With”: These show what people are looking to combine with something.
      • Example: “coffee with sugar” “dog training with treats”
    • “Near”: These indicate local searches or proximity-based queries.
      • Example: “coffee near me”, “dog training near me”
    • “Without”: These reveal what people are trying to avoid or what they want to exclude.
      • Example: “coffee without caffeine” “dog training without force”
    • “For”: These indicate purpose or intended use.
      • Example: “coffee for espresso” “dog training for aggressive dogs”
    • “To”: These can indicate actions or intended results.
      • Example: “how to make coffee to impress”, “how to train a dog to sit”

• Comparison Based Keywords: These keywords use words such as “vs,” “and,” “or,” “versus.”
  * “Vs”: These highlight direct comparisons between two or more things.
  * Example: “coffee vs tea” “dog training vs dog behaviorist”
  * “And”: These show what people are looking to include or consider together.
  * Example: “coffee and cake” “dog training and obedience”
  * “Or”: These indicate choices or alternatives that people are considering.
  * Example: “coffee or tea” “dog training or dog whisperer”
  * “Versus”: This is similar to “vs,” but can indicate more formal or structured comparisons.
  * Example: “coffee versus espresso” “dog training versus behavioral modification”

• Combining Prepositions and Comparisons: Use them together to create longer, more targeted keyword phrases.

  • Example: “coffee with milk vs coffee with cream” or “dog training near me vs online dog training”

• Analyze the Results: These keywords indicate the needs, desires, and pain points of your target audience. This information will help you write more targeted content.

Let’s put this into perspective.

Instead of just targeting the keyword “coffee,” you target long tail keywords like “coffee with almond milk”, or “coffee near me with free wifi”, or “coffee vs espresso”. These longer phrases help you attract people who are looking for something very specific.

It’s not about casting a wide net, it’s about using a spear to target your ideal audience.

Understanding the visual representation of search queries

AnswerThePublic is not just about text.

It’s about visually representing the questions people are asking.

The visual format helps you see the relationships between different types of questions and queries.

It’s like looking at a map, where each node represents a question, and the connections represent the connections.

• Radial Visualization: The main view in AnswerThePublic is the radial chart. It shows how keywords are grouped.

  • How to interpret it: The central keyword is in the middle, and the questions radiate out from it like spokes on a wheel. Each section of the wheel represents a different type of question who, what, where, why, how.

• Color Coding: Different types of questions are color-coded. This makes it easier to quickly identify the different questions types.

  • How to use it: Quickly look at each question based on color to see a quick view of your data.

• Categories of Questions: As mentioned before the tool breaks up the results into these main categories:

  • Questions: These queries start with “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how.”
    • Use Case: Ideal for creating content, addressing specific questions.
  • Prepositions: These are queries that use prepositions like “with,” “near,” “without,” and “to.”
    • Use Case: Understand context and user needs.
  • Comparisons: These queries are using “vs,” “and,” “or,” and “versus.”
    • Use Case: Find out what people are comparing.

• Interactivity: The visualization is interactive. Click on a question to expand it and get more information.

  • How to use it: You can drill down into each node and explore the questions further.

• Download Option: You can download the results as a CSV file.

  • How to use it: Use this as a resource for your research.

The visual representation is not just for show.

You can quickly identify popular questions, understand relationships between keywords, and see the nuances in user intent.

It’s about seeing the big picture, not just a list of words.

Leveraging related search terms and phrases

Beyond the main questions, AnswerThePublic also gives you a host of related search terms and phrases.

These phrases are a goldmine for content ideas and for expanding your keyword research.

These are the phrases people are using that are semantically related to the main keyword.

These terms will help you cover all bases on your content.

• Related Keywords: AnswerThePublic shows you keywords that are semantically related to your main keyword.

  • How to use them: These are great for diversifying your content.
  • Example: If your seed keyword is “coffee” related keywords may include “espresso”, “latte” and “cappuccino.”

• Long-Tail Variations: Look for the longer, more specific phrases. These are the long tail keywords.

  • How to use them: These phrases help you attract a more specific audience.
  • Example: if your seed keyword is “gardening,” related long tail keywords might be “gardening for beginners”, or “gardening in small spaces”.

• Synonyms and Alternative Phrases: Identify different ways people might phrase their queries. This will give you more information that you can use to create content.

  • How to use them: This helps you create content that covers all the variations of your topic.
  • Example: The word “buy” may also be used as “purchase”, or “get”, so make sure to include these in your content.

• Content Clusters: Related terms can help you develop content clusters around specific topics.

  • How to use them: Group similar keywords to build comprehensive content.
  • Example: For the topic “dog training”, you can create a cluster around “puppy training,” “obedience training,” and “behavioral training”

• User Intent: The related search terms and phrases also show different types of user intent.

  • How to use them: Understand if people are looking for information, products, or services.
  • Example: if your seed keyword is “dog training” related keywords might be “dog training tips” which signifies information or “dog training near me” which signifies a service.

• Brainstorming: The visual layout helps with brainstorming. You can discover ideas that you may have otherwise overlooked.

  • How to use it: Use the visual layout as a guide to find different content areas.

Using these related search terms and phrases helps you create a richer content experience for your users.

You’re not just targeting one keyword, you’re building a complete content ecosystem that addresses the needs of your audience.

These phrases are not just random words, they’re insights into your audience’s mindset.

Ubersuggest: A Jack-of-All-Trades Tool

Ubersuggest, it tries to do a little bit of everything and does a decent job at it.

It’s one of those tools that you can use for various tasks in SEO.

It gives you keyword data, competitor analysis, and content ideas.

It’s not the most in-depth tool for each category, but it gives you a little bit of everything.

It’s a good place to start if you are new to SEO and want to understand all the things you can do to get your content noticed. It’s a good middle ground tool.

It gives you a lot of the important information, search volume, keyword difficulty, domain authority, and backlink analysis.

It also lets you explore content ideas and see what your competitors are doing.

It might not be the deepest tool, but it gives you a lot of actionable data.

It’s a tool that gives you the big picture, and helps you make sure you are not missing anything.

You’re going to want to use it for all your SEO needs, at least in the beginning, and then decide later if you want to invest in something more complex.

Performing keyword research with Ubersuggest

Ubersuggest’s keyword research function, it’s simple but effective.

It gives you the necessary information to find keywords that you can use in your content.

You need the data that shows you search volume, difficulty, and ideas for your content.

Ubersuggest is like a Swiss army knife for keyword research, not the sharpest tool but good enough to get the job done.

• Seed Keyword Input: Start by entering a seed keyword in the search bar.

  • How to use it: This should be a broad term related to your niche. Think “digital marketing” or “web design”.

• Keyword Overview: The tool gives you a good overview of each keyword. It shows you:

  • Search Volume: The average number of times people search for a keyword each month.
  • SEO Difficulty: How hard it will be to rank for this keyword organically.
  • Paid Difficulty: How hard it is for advertisers to rank for this keyword.
  • Cost Per Click CPC: How much advertisers pay for each click on this keyword.

• Keyword Ideas: Ubersuggest gives you a list of related keyword ideas. These are great for expanding your content.

  • How to use them: Look for long-tail keywords. These are more specific and are easier to rank for.
  • Examples: If you search for “digital marketing”, the tool might give you “digital marketing strategies” or “digital marketing for small businesses”

• Content Ideas: The tool also gives you content ideas related to your keyword. These can be used as a resource when you plan content.

  • How to use them: Use these topics to create blog posts, videos, or podcasts.

• Filtering Options: You can filter your results by search volume, difficulty, or by terms.

  • How to use it: Use filters to find low competition keywords and long tail phrases.

• List of Related Keywords: See a list of the most related keywords to your seed keyword.

  • How to use it: Click on each individual keyword to see its specific data.

Here’s a look at it. You input a keyword “home workout” in Ubersuggest.

You get search volume, difficulty scores, and a lot of long tail keywords like “home workout equipment”, “home workout for beginners” or “home workout no equipment”. You see the content ideas, use these to write your blog. It’s straightforward, simple, and effective.

Analyzing domain authority and backlinks

Domain authority and backlinks. They’re the backbone of your online presence.

They measure how reputable your website is, and how much trust search engines have in your content.

Ubersuggest will help you understand this a little bit.

• Domain Authority DA: This is a metric that predicts how well a website will rank on search engines. It’s on a scale of 1 to 100.
  • How to use it: A higher score means your website is more reputable.
  • Ubersuggest Metrics: Ubersuggest does not have domain authority. But it gives you a “Domain Score” instead, it

Conclusion

These free SEO keyword research tools, they are your starting point.

They are like having different pairs of glasses, each lets you see the world in a new light.

But remember, the tools are not the final step, they provide the information, you have to interpret it and make a plan.

Use the data they give you, use the insights to create content that matters, and that speaks to the real needs and desires of your audience.

Think of it this way: keyword research is like fishing.

The tools are your lures and rods, helping you find the fish, but knowing how to use the tools and what to do with the fish after you catch it, that’s where the art comes in.

Start with Google Keyword Planner for the basics, then move to Google Trends to get real-time trends.

Dive deep into the user’s mind using AnswerThePublic, and finally, use Ubersuggest for an all around view.

You’re not just gathering data, you’re understanding your audience and creating content they want to see.

Use these tools, they will help you on your journey.

And remember, data without action is just noise.

Use the keyword data, use the insights into trends, and use the questions, but make sure to develop a strong content strategy.

According to recent studies, approximately 90.63% of pages get no organic traffic from Google, use these tools to not become a part of that statistic.

The data from these tools is not just for filling your content with keywords, it is for planning the content that people want, at the time that they want it.

Focus on creating content that is valuable, informative, and engaging. If you can do that, the traffic will follow.

So, go ahead, start using these free tools.

Learn what they offer, and use that to develop your strategy.

And remember, it’s not just about chasing the algorithm, it’s about connecting with real people.

The tools are just a way to understand them a little better, it’s about finding those conversations and making something that they want to see.

These free tools, they’re your starting point, your guide, now it’s time to make them your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Google Keyword Planner and why should I use it?

Google Keyword Planner is a free tool that helps you find keywords for your content.

It shows you search volume, competition, and trends.

It’s like an old fishing lure, reliable, not flashy, but it gets the job done.

It’s the best place to start if you need to understand what people are searching for.

It’s free, so it doesn’t cost anything to start using it.

It might not be fancy like some of the other tools out there but it’s reliable, and gets the job done.

How do I access Google Keyword Planner without running a paid ad campaign?

You have to do a little dance to get to it.

Go to Google Ads, create an account, skip all the steps that try to get you to create a campaign, and then go to “Tools” and then “Keyword Planner.” You don’t need to pay anything, just avoid putting in any payment info. They want you to think it’s for advertisers only.

Don’t give them that satisfaction, it’s free for anyone to use.

What is search volume and why is it important?

Search volume is how many times people search for a keyword each month. It’s the heartbeat of a keyword’s popularity. High volume keywords are the big fish. Low volume keywords are the smaller fry. Medium volume keywords are the sweet spot.

Understanding search volume helps you create content that people are actually looking for.

It’s important to know if people are searching for the thing you want to write about.

What does keyword competition mean in Google Keyword Planner?

Keyword competition is how hard it is to rank for a keyword.

Google shows it as low, medium, and high, it’s based on paid advertising, not organic search.

High competition means many advertisers are bidding on it. Low competition means it’s easier to rank for. You need a good balance of volume and competition.

If you’re trying to rank for a highly competitive keyword, it will be tough.

What are long-tail keywords and how can I find them using Google Keyword Planner?

Long-tail keywords are the specific phrases people use when they’re close to making a decision.

They are your bread and butter if you want qualified traffic.

To find them in Google Keyword Planner, start with a seed keyword, then filter the results by “Low Competition” and look for the longer, more specific phrases.

These longer keywords are more specific, and easier to rank for.

What is Google Trends and how is it different from Google Keyword Planner?

Google Trends shows you what’s popular right now and over time. It’s about seeing trends, not just search volume.

It’s about knowing what’s hot, what’s not, and the cycle of trends.

It’s like having a finger on the pulse of what people care about, unlike Google Keyword Planner, which focuses more on search volume.

You use Google Trends to understand the current trends, and plan your content accordingly.

How can Google Trends help me with identifying seasonal keywords?

Google Trends lets you see when a keyword’s search volume spikes during the year.

For example, “Christmas gifts” spikes every December, you use this to plan your content schedule to create content related to these topics before the season starts.

It’s about knowing when to jump in and when to create content related to these topics. Timing is everything.

How can Google Trends help me with content creation?

Google Trends is a treasure chest of content inspiration, it reveals what people are interested in, and when.

You can find related topics and queries, identify trending questions, discover new angles, and also use geographic data.

You’re not just guessing, you’re getting a real sense of what people want to see.

Use this to guide your content and create things people are actually looking for.

How do I analyze keyword interest over time using Google Trends?

The “Interest Over Time” graph is the main event.

It shows how a keyword’s search interest has changed.

You can set different date ranges, compare multiple keywords, and analyze the peaks and valleys to see when is the best time to create content.

It shows you the ebbs and flows of interest and helps plan your content.

How can I use Google Trends for local SEO keyword research?

Google Trends shows you how keyword interest varies by region.

Use the region filter to see search trends within specific locations, and also see how local events and holidays affect search trends.

You need to know your local market, this is the tool that helps you do it.

It helps you fine tune your content for your specific target audience.

What is AnswerThePublic and how does it help with keyword research?

AnswerThePublic shows you the questions people are asking related to a specific topic.

It’s a window into the mind of your audience, It visualizes these questions, giving you a map of your audience’s needs.

You’re not just finding keywords, you’re uncovering the intent behind them.

It helps you understand the “why” behind the search, not just the “what”. It shows you the long tail keywords that can get you more traffic.

How do prepositions and comparisons help with finding long-tail keywords in AnswerThePublic?

Prepositions and comparisons add context and specificity to a search query.

Prepositions like “with,” “near,” and “without” show specific needs, while comparisons with “vs,” “and,” and “or,” show what people are weighing.

You use these to create long tail keywords that are more specific and you will be able to target a very specific type of audience with this information.

What does the visual representation of search queries mean in AnswerThePublic?

AnswerThePublic visualizes search queries in a radial chart.

Questions radiate out from the center, color-coded by type, like “who,” “what,” “where,” “why,” and “how.” The radial display helps you understand relationships between questions and also helps you understand the mind of your audience by seeing what kind of questions they are asking, and in what context.

It’s about seeing the whole picture, not just a list of words.

How do related search terms and phrases help me with keyword research in AnswerThePublic?

AnswerThePublic provides related search terms and phrases that are semantically related to your main keyword.

Use these to discover more content ideas, find synonyms, and variations.

It also shows the different types of user intent which will help you create better content that covers all aspects of your chosen topic. It helps you create a richer content experience.

What is Ubersuggest and what can I do with it?

Ubersuggest is a tool that tries to do a little bit of everything.

It’s not the deepest tool for each area, but it gives you a little bit of everything.

It’s a good middle ground tool to start off with and to get you going.

It’s a good tool that helps you understand different SEO aspects, all from one tool.

How do I perform keyword research using Ubersuggest?

Start by entering a seed keyword.

Ubersuggest then gives you search volume, SEO difficulty, paid difficulty, and cost-per-click. It also gives keyword ideas and content ideas.

You use these data to find long-tail keywords that are related to your topic.

It also gives you content ideas that you can use for blog posts and videos.

What are domain authority and backlinks and why are they important?

Domain authority is how reputable your website is, it shows search engines how much trust they have for your content. Backlinks are links from other websites to yours.

They are like votes of confidence, they will help your website rank higher.

Ubersuggest helps you see all this, even though it uses a slightly different metric called “Domain Score”.

Can Ubersuggest help me with content ideas?

Yes, Ubersuggest provides content ideas related to your keyword.

Use these topics to create blog posts, videos, or podcasts.

It also shows you what kind of content your competitors are creating.

This is a great place to get started if you do not know what to write about.

Ubersuggest is a good place to get content inspiration.

How can I analyze competitor strategies with Ubersuggest?

Ubersuggest helps you see what keywords your competitors are ranking for, their traffic, and their backlinks.

Use this information to understand their strategy and figure out what works.

You can use this to see how well they are doing, and use that information to outrank them. You also see the keywords they are ranking for.

Is Semrush a good alternative to the free tools discussed?

Yes, while the free tools discussed in this article offer valuable insights, Semrush is a robust, all-in-one SEO platform that can significantly enhance your keyword research and overall digital marketing efforts.

It’s a paid tool, but it offers more in-depth data and features, if you are serious about your SEO, Semrush is worth considering.