The Benefits Of Keyword Research<\/h2>\n
Even without research, you will be aware of certain keywords present in your chosen industry. For instance, an IT consultancy business will know \u201cIT consultancy services\u201d and \u201cIT consultancy rates\u201d are in-demand keywords that will generate a fair bit of traffic.<\/p>\n
However, guesswork \u2013 even if it is based around sound knowledge \u2013 is never wise when it comes to developing an on site SEO keyword strategy. You need a plan in place, and the foundation for this is gained through keyword research.<\/p>\n
To demonstrate why, here\u2019s a quick look at the benefits of keyword research:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Understand your audience<\/strong>: Before you can begin creating optimized SEO Blog Writing<\/a> and other content, it\u2019s vital you understand your audience. Keywords help in that regard. They highlight what interests your target customers and the type of content they\u2019re seeking.<\/li>\n
- Boost conversion rates<\/strong>: Besides attracting more visitors, relevant, keyword-rich content also brings in more qualified traffic. As the content you\u2019re delivering is meaningful to those consuming it, conversion rates<\/a> will inevitably rise.<\/li>\n
- Gain insights into current trends<\/strong>: The prevalence of keywords generally changes over time. What was gaining heavy search traction last year may have dropped off a cliff this year. As a result, regular keyword research can help you to keep up-to-date with consumer behavior and marketing trends, ensuring your content remains relevant.<\/li>\n
- Prioritize your time<\/strong>: Rather than creating content that isn\u2019t targeting your audience correctly or improving your bottom line, you can spend your time more wisely by getting the keyword research part right from the start.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The advantages are impossible to ignore. Yet, for your business to enjoy these positive points, you need to conduct keyword research the right way. This is where keyword research tools can play an important role.<\/p>\n
The Best Free Keyword Research Tools<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re just starting out in the world of keyword research tools, it makes a lot of sense to start with a free option. This way, you can test out features and get a grasp of how this technology works, all without having to invest any money for the privilege.<\/p>\n
As you would expect, these tools are not going to contain all the bells and whistles compared to their paid counterparts. However, they are perfectly serviceable in getting the ball rolling with your keyword research campaign.<\/p>\n
There are many free keyword research tools available. To stop you from having to search for them, we have compiled a list of the best free keyword research apps below:<\/p>\n
Google Keyword Planner<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.staging-uk.clickintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Google-keyword-planner-300x184.png\")
<\/p>\nThis tool is simple yet functional, only offering a small number of basic features. Yet even with the limited functionality, Google Keyword Planner<\/a> is a handy tool that can be of benefit to any business \u2013 both big and small.<\/p>\n
The reason for this is simple: it is one of the most accurate and up-to-date sources of keyword-related data you can find. After all, the search engine giant supplies Google Keyword Planner\u2019s data directly.<\/p>\n
To start using the software, simply use the search box to enter one or more keywords. You will then receive information about your entered keywords and other related keywords. Data provided includes average monthly searches, competition levels (high, medium, low), and 30-day search trends.<\/p>\n
As long as you have an active Google Ads account, you can use Google Keyword Planner free of charge.<\/p>\n
Key features: <\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Data directly provided by Google for accurate search volume<\/li>\n
- Use the \u201ctop of page\u201d bid range to find commercial keywords<\/li>\n
- The \u201crefine keywords\u201d feature allows you to filter keywords with specific attributes<\/li>\n
- Discover historical data about the top of page bids for keywords<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
WordStream Free Keyword Tool<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.staging-uk.clickintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Wordstream-300x187.png\")
<\/p>\nThe WordStream Free Keyword Tool<\/a> is useful for conducting PPC keyword research quickly and easily. When you do a keyword search, you will receive the first 25 results for free. If you want to gain the rest of the results, it\u2019s still free \u2013 but you will need to exchange your email address for this extra data.<\/p>\n
Aside from entering a keyword into the search bar, you can also begin your research by inputting a URL for a list of keyword suggestions. You are also supplied with long-tail keyword variations. Added details for each keyword include search volume, CPC for Google and Bing, and competition levels.<\/p>\n
As with the aforementioned Google Keyword Planner, it\u2019s also possible to filter your search. For instance, you can limit it to a specific location or industry (with 24 unique verticals).<\/p>\n
Key features: <\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Gain a variety of information from both Google and Bing in one place<\/li>\n
- No account or download is needed. Initial keyword information is provided within a matter of seconds.<\/li>\n
- For beginners, the tool\u2019s \u201cPopular Keywords\u201d page offers tips such as utilizing high-volume keywords.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
AnswerThePublic<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.staging-uk.clickintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/AnswerThePublic-300x178.png\")
<\/p>\nCompared to the rest of the choices on the market, AnswerThePublic<\/a> functions in a different way than you\u2019d expect. You still get that juicy keyword information, but this data is presented more visually. This aesthetic style isn\u2019t just for show, and it makes for an effective way to conduct your keyword research.<\/p>\n
As for the keyword results you gain from AnswerThePublic, these relate to current auto-suggest\/autocomplete searches from Google and Bing. You can also base your keyword search ranking on a specific country and language.<\/p>\n
Once you have received your list of results, these are separated into categories such as \u201cWho\u201d, \u201cWhen\u201d, \u201cHow\u201d, and \u201cWhere\u201d. This will help your keywords better match search intent<\/a>. Also, if you\u2019re not a fan of the more visual presentation, AnswerThePublic allows you to see results in list format or to download them as a .csv file.<\/p>\n
While the free version of this software is great for beginners, AnswerThePublic\u2019s pro plan supplies additional features that more experienced keyword researchers require.<\/p>\n
Key features:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- You can conduct searches without signing up for an account.<\/li>\n
- Information is presented in a simple yet effective manner<\/li>\n
- Instantly learn what people are currently searching for relating to specific keywords<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Best Paid Keyword Research Tools<\/h2>\n
As the above examples demonstrate, it\u2019s possible to conduct an effective keyword research campaign without spending a penny on any tools. With that said, to get the best results \u2013 and to ensure you are targeting the best possible keywords for your brand \u2013 you\u2019ll have to splash the cash a little.<\/p>\n
The reason for this is simple: in the world of keyword research tools, the more in-depth features are typically hidden behind a paywall. Yet if you\u2019re willing to spend the money in the right areas \u2013 and we recommend you do \u2013 you can take your on site SEO and content creation to the next level.<\/p>\n
As for the best paid keyword research tools, here\u2019s a small selection of the best picks on the market today:<\/p>\n
SEMrush<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.staging-uk.clickintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/SEMrush-300x145.png\")
<\/p>\nDescribing SEMrush<\/a> as simply a keyword research tool is doing it a disservice. This is one of the most complete pieces of technology for managing your entire SEO campaign. Although SEMrush boasts an assortment of features to make it worth your while in terms of keyword research.<\/p>\n
Rather than other tools, SEMrush doesn\u2019t supply you with a seemingly endless list of keywords. Instead, it delivers up to 10 highly specific keywords that your competitors already use. Along with proven results, these keyword suggestions fall in line with your content and ultimately help to boost your brand\u2019s visibility.<\/p>\n
The main disadvantage of SEMrush is its price. The cheapest plan is available at $99.95 per month, billed annually. As a result, it might not be suitable if all you\u2019re searching for is a specific keyword research tool.<\/p>\n
Note: a week-long free trial is available to see if SEMrush is the right fit for your business.<\/p>\n
Key features: <\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Discover specific ad group ideas and long-tail keywords<\/li>\n
- In-depth organic traffic insights and keyword difficulty analysis<\/li>\n
- Global CPC distribution figures<\/li>\n
- Yearly keyword search ranking trends<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
KWFinder<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.staging-uk.clickintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/KWFinder-300x156.webp\")
<\/p>\nSelf-described as \u201cthe only keyword tool in the universe you will ever need\u201d, it\u2019s hard to disagree with the developers of KWFinder<\/a>. Simple on the surface but packed with powerful features, this tool \u2013 created by renowned company Mangools \u2013 makes it easy to find suitable keywords for your content.<\/p>\n
One of its most impressive and standout features is its \u201cKeyword Difficulty\u201d ranking. With a rating between 1-100, you can easily tell which keywords you should avoid trying to target \u2013 and the ones which present a prime opportunity for your website to get the search engine results page (SERP) top spot.<\/p>\n
Pricing for KWFinder starts at a reasonable $29.90 per month, billed annually. Your subscription also provides you with access to 4 other tools provided by Mangools. These are SERPChecker, SERPWatcher, LinkMiner, and SiteProfiler.<\/p>\n
Register for a Mangools account, and you can start a free 10-day trial to test out KWFinder.<\/p>\n
Key features: <\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- An easy-to-use, unique interface<\/li>\n
- In-depth SERP overview, including keyword suggestions<\/li>\n
- Gain precise stats regarding keyword competition<\/li>\n
- Refine keyword suggestions with additional filters<\/li>\n
- Local keyword research with over 50,000 locations covered<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
GrowthBar<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.staging-uk.clickintelligence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/GrowthBar-300x196.png\")
<\/p>\nAnother powerful keyword research tool is GrowthBar<\/a>. This software boasts all of the features you\u2019d come to expect from a paid tool. Yet one of its main differentiators is how it specifically targets bloggers and those creating on site SEO articles.<\/p>\n
In fact, a unique feature of GrowthBar is its content outline generation. Alongside a selection of suggested keywords to rank for, this content outline recommends word counts, images, links, headers, and more. Following these guidelines gives you a greater chance of landing on the first page of Google search results.<\/p>\n
Pricing for GrowthBar starts at $29 per month. There\u2019s also the option to test the tool via a 5-day free trial.<\/p>\n
Key features: <\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Benefit from innovative AI technology to generate content outlines<\/li>\n
- Accurate ranking for keyword difficulty<\/li>\n
- Gain in-depth metrics and insights about competitor websites<\/li>\n
- Receive suggestions for long-tail keywords to target<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Benefits of human analysis<\/h2>\n
Keyword research tools are a great asset to have in your SEO repertoire. Few are going to dispute that. Nevertheless, this technology is not something you want to rely on fully with your keyword research. You can gain great insights and discover search terms you\u2019ve never previously considered, but you don\u2019t want to rely on them entirely.<\/p>\n
Make no mistake: keyword research tools are not infallible. In fact, there are various flaws with using only keyword research tools.<\/p>\n
For instance, keyword data can be inaccurate, and this is why search volumes<\/a> can vary drastically from one tool to another. Even with all of the data they have access to, each keyword tool can only supply a \u201cbest guess\u201d in terms of results \u2013 and this inaccuracy can be even more prevalent with low-volume keywords.<\/p>\n
There are two other points to remember: keywords are not always an indication of intent or relevancy.<\/p>\n
This is why we are proponents of human analysis with keyword research. Rather than being at the mercy of your keyword tools, you place a greater emphasis on your own knowledge base. This human wisdom, this experience helps you to understand search intent. It helps you know the relevancy of search terms.<\/p>\n
To gain more practical, accurate keyword data with human analysis, consider these two tactics:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Research your analytics<\/strong>: Your analytics is a great way to measure the performance of your content and keywords. For example, if you have a page with high bounce rates, this could mean you\u2019re targeting the wrong keywords. Constantly monitor results, test out different ways to keep visitors engaged, and assess how new keywords perform.<\/li>\n
- Run a pay-per-click campaign<\/strong>: If you want to judge the potential of keywords, look no further than PPC ads. With a limited PPC campaign, where you spend minimal money but still gain vital insights, you can test out different keyword-rich titles and descriptions. If you find keywords that deliver strong click-through rates and conversions, this is a sign you\u2019re onto a winner.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Things to be aware of<\/h2>\n
Keyword research is far from easy. Even if you purchase a premium piece of keyword research technology, you cannot depend on it to make decisions and incorporate the data it provides. That, ultimately, is down to human wisdom. To learn more about this and keyword research in general, make sure to read our Knowledge Hub Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n
- Run a pay-per-click campaign<\/strong>: If you want to judge the potential of keywords, look no further than PPC ads. With a limited PPC campaign, where you spend minimal money but still gain vital insights, you can test out different keyword-rich titles and descriptions. If you find keywords that deliver strong click-through rates and conversions, this is a sign you\u2019re onto a winner.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Research your analytics<\/strong>: Your analytics is a great way to measure the performance of your content and keywords. For example, if you have a page with high bounce rates, this could mean you\u2019re targeting the wrong keywords. Constantly monitor results, test out different ways to keep visitors engaged, and assess how new keywords perform.<\/li>\n
- Boost conversion rates<\/strong>: Besides attracting more visitors, relevant, keyword-rich content also brings in more qualified traffic. As the content you\u2019re delivering is meaningful to those consuming it, conversion rates<\/a> will inevitably rise.<\/li>\n