Updated March 2, 2025
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Seeking SEO Stats
Using a keyword tools for online marketing is a no-brainer. Understanding what search phrases your audience uses, and how competitive they are, is an essential element to White Hat SEO. So what are the best keyword tools available? In this post we’ll share a handful of resources.
Keyword Tools Provide An Approximation
One thing to remember when using any keyword research tool is that the numbers presented are an approximation. Search behavior fluctuates. Some phrases have an uptick (e.g., World Cup 2014) while others have fallen out of common use (e.g., Y2K). Therefore, it’s important to use the data from a strategic perspective, knowing that actual volumes may vary across projected or extrapolated statistics.
3 Free Tools
1. Google Keyword Planner
Of course at the top of our keyword tools list is Google’s keyword planner. It’s free but you’ll need an AdWords account. It provides a wealth of info including:
- other keyword ideas and suggested ad groups
- average monthly search volume
- difficulty or how competitive the keyword is
- suggested PPC bid (tells you if this is a money keyword or not)
- trends
- geographic data
You can also use the tool to find keywords used on a webpage. For example, you can enter a URL and get keyword ideas.
2. Soovle
At first this tool may look confusing. But it’s actually a great brainstorming tool. Soovle is a keyword tool that explores any keyword root you give it. It then provides results across multiple search engines including: Google, YouTube, Bing, Wikipedia, Amazon and others. While it doesn’t provide search stats, it is a unique way to find synonyms for search intent.
3. WordStream
You may know WordStream as a provider for PPC optimization software. They also offer a free keyword tool. Their free tool is limited in the number of queries you can make.
We know there are a ton of other keyword tools out there. Which one is a must-add to our list?
New Anti Spam Legislation
With “Not provided” being the most common reported keyword phrase that brings people to my website (and I’m guessing that of everyone else) is structured keyword analysis still beneficial? I still do it (I use Market Samurai) but while I’m doing it I’m wondering if I’m wasting my time and effort.
Yes, “Not Provided” is the biggest percentage of keyword phrase reported for everyone. Yet, doing a keyword analysis and using Webmaster Tools is still very worthwhile. Be sure to download the data frequently, as Google only keeps the info via a rolling calendar. Analyzing keywords gives you insight into how people search and find your website.