Keyword research tools to boost your SEO

Keyword research is a crucial part of search engine optimization (SEO) - understanding the search terms people are using to look for a website like yours is one of the fundamental building blocks of SEO.

That's why using keyword research tools can give your SEO a really boost. In this guide, we'll look at a range of keyword research tools that will suit every budget and skill level.

Please note, prices listed in this article are correct at time of publication.

Keyword research tool 1: GoDaddy Search Engine Optimization

GoDaddy Search Engine Optimization is a great keyword research tool if you have little or no SEO knowledge.

Not only will it suggest keywords for you to uses on your website, it will also track your rankings so you can see if your SEO is working.

Pricing starts at just £5.99 a month (if you use GoDaddy Websites + Marketing on a standard or higher package, you can access our SEO tool for free!) and GoDaddy is on hand to help you with any questions you have. You can learn more about using GoDaddy Search Engine Optimization here.

Not comfortable doing your own keyword research? GoDaddy SEO Services can do it for you! Get a free 30-minute SEO consultation today and see how we can help.

Keyword research tool 2: Google Keyword Planner

The Google Keyword Planner is actually designed to be used with Google's paid-ad scheme, AdWords.

But you can also use it to discover the number of people who are searching for a keyword or phrase.

Unfortunately, Google only tends to provide a broad range for search volume, making the planner less useful than it might be.

And although the planner is free to access, beginners face a steep learning curve if they're going to get the most out it as a website keyword tool.

You can find a guide to using the Google Keyword Planner for research here.

Keyword research tool 3: SEM Rush

SEM Rush is the most powerful tool we've looked at so far in this guide, and as you might imagine that has an impact on complexity and pricing.

Pricing starts at $99.95 a month, but if you're willing to learn how to get the most out of SEM Rush then it's a sum worth paying.

Not only will the tool show you search volume data for keywords, it will also suggest related keywords and content ideas.

You can also use it to track your rankings and that of your competitors.

It's an exceedingly powerful website keyword research tool, but you will need to put effort in to get the most out of it.

Keyword research tool 4: The Hoth

The Hoth offers a range of free keyword tools that are actually powered by SEM Rush data, and data from other leading SEO tools.

Now before you get too excited, these free tools aren't as powerful as the paid-for versions.

However, if you want to dip your toe in the water of higher-end SEO tools, but aren't willing to spend money on a subscription just yet, then The Hoth's free tools can provide you with some great insights.

Keyword research tool 5: Ahrefs

Ahrefs is another top-end SEO tool in a similar vein to SEM Rush. Pricing starts at $99, although there is a 7-day trial for $7.

As with SEM Rush, getting the most out of Ahrefs will take time and effort, although there are a range of guides to help you get started.

Keyword research tool 6: Moz Pro

Moz Pro is the third and final top-end keyword tool we'll look at in this guide. Again, it's complexity is reflected in its pricing, which starts at $79 a month if you're willing to play yearly, or $99 a month if you're not.

However, Moz does offer a 30-day free trial, so there's plenty of time to get to grips with it. (Although the trial is only available on the medium plan which starts at $143 a month.)

Moz also offers a selection of free SEO tools, including Moz Keyword Explorer. These free tools are limited, but they are a good start if you're on a budget.

Keyword research tool 7: Keywords Everywhere

Keywords Everywhere is a browser plugin that lets you view keyword data on 16 websites, including Google.

Currently, it's available for Chrome and Firefox. It has a free version, which is useful for beginners looking to expand their keyword research skills. For experienced SEOs looking to work more efficiently, they can consider upgrading to a paid version, which works via the purchase of credits.