7 Best Keyword Research Tools For Small Businesses

Conducting keyword research is an essential element in securing top rankings in the search engine results pages (SERPs) on Google and Bing.

To rank higher in online search results without spending too much, it is important to use effective keyword research tools. We conducted a comparison of numerous apps in order to determine the top choices for gaining valuable insights and data for your research, enhancing search volume, and achieving competitiveness in online search results.

1. Semrush

Semrush is like a complete set of search engine optimization (SEO) tools that can assist you in achieving success on Google. Due to the extensive range of tools offered by Semrush, it is considered the top-notch keyword research tool for small businesses. It provides tools for detailed analysis of competitors, search volume trends, keyword gaps, and much more.

Semrush, although pricier than SE Ranking, provides more frequent rank updates, a broader link index for backlink analysis, higher account limits, and an optional local SEO listing feature. As a result, Semrush is well-suited for marketing teams and digital marketing agencies seeking a comprehensive platform.

Semrush offers a wide range of technical SEO tools and keyword research features for Google ads, in addition to its extensive keyword database. It also supports competitor and market research, enabling comparison of your site with up to five rivals in a single report. The comprehensive data and functions of Semrush make it the top-paid tool for keyword research.

By using Semrush, you have the ability to comprehend your ranking, examine data for individual search terms, and discover fresh keyword opportunities.

The Keyword Magic Tool aids in the identification of the words and phrases that your website is ranked for. It provides data on your organic search positions, any changes in position, your competitors, and specific pages and subdomains. By using this tool and others like the Keyword Gap Tool, you can enhance the SEO performance of your website after analyzing its strengths and weaknesses.

Other tools that are available include position tracking, recommendations for pay-per-click advertising, and one of the most excellent content guides. By entering a keyword, the content guide identifies the highest-ranking search engine results pages (SERPs), assesses them, and advises you on the backlinks you should focus on in order to boost your content to the top of the search results.

If you want the best keyword research software for businesses of any size, then Semrush is the one. It has rich features that make optimizing your website easy, with competitive research, site audits to find potential issues, and content strategies for success. Fit Small Business readers can try Semrush exclusively for 14 days for free. Take advantage of this opportunity to see how it can boost your traffic without any risk.

2. SE ranking

If you are new to SEO, you might want to consider a more affordable option than Semrush.

SE Ranking offers an intuitive interface that allows you to easily find keyword suggestions, track changes, and analyze SERPs. What sets it apart is its affordability, as it is the most cost-effective all-in-one SEO platform for light users. Similar to Semrush, SE Ranking provides reports and tools, making it a suitable option for small businesses with limited budgets.

SE Ranking allows you to easily discover keyword suggestions, monitor page modifications, and evaluate SERPs. It also offers beginner-friendly tutorials and reports to facilitate the learning process of enhancing your website’s SEO. The platform additionally includes supplementary content marketing tools akin to the ones provided by Surfer, enabling effortless integration of fresh SEO content into your site.

SE Ranking’s keyword research tools are powered by a database of over 4.2 billion search terms, 688 million of which are in the U.S. These tools allow you to find keyword ideas and see metrics such as search volume, difficulty, and cost-per-click for PPC ads. To use the tools, enter a search term, select a country and search engine, and click search. SE Ranking quickly provides the results.

SE Ranking provides additional content marketing tools to its paid plans. These tools enable you to conduct keyword research, set concise parameters, and evaluate the quality of your text.

SE Ranking provides comparable functions, such as competitive analysis, rank tracking, and PPC search capabilities, at a lower cost compared to Semrush. You can take advantage of a 14-day free trial, without the need for a credit card, to test out SE Ranking before making a commitment.

3. KWFinder

of KWFinder include its beginner-friendly guide for getting started, as well as its ability to effortlessly locate keywords with low SEO difficulty. Developed by Mangools, a renowned provider of top-notch keyword research and analysis tools, KWFinder offers a range of additional handy functionalities.

A unique and easy to navigate user interface
Find keywords in any language target, anywhere
Choose options from the list of powerful keywords
Get precise statistics for keyword competition
In-depth SERP overview alongside a list of suggestions
Use filters to refine the list of keyword suggestions

KWFinder is included in a package with four other SEO tools. You can only perform a limited number of searches for free using this keyword tool. To save up to 40% on any of their three subscriptions, opt for an annual plan.

Basic – $29.90 (freelancers and small businesses)
Premium – $44.90 (new startups and blogs)
Agency – $89.90 (eCommerce stores and heavy sites)

4. SEO PowerSuite

If you need an all-inclusive choice, SEO Powersuite is a top tool for conducting keyword research. Its extensive range of tools has everything required for enhancing on-page and off-page SEO. It offers essential features for keyword research, as well as optimization choices for mobile and social media, among others.

Comprehensive SEO audit
Competitor rank tracking
Professional SEO reports
Cloud storage (up to 400 projects)
White-labeling reports for clients
Link management and backlink history

SEO Powersuite provides users with a restricted free option as well as two comprehensive premium packages.

Free – There is a free version of SEO Powersuite that may work well if you run a small/personal site and only need to occasionally check your site’s rankings.
Professional – With this plan you get unlimited SEO audits, link management, and more. You’ll also have access to white-labeling (with watermarks) and cloud storage for up to 20 projects. Professional plans cost $299 per year.
Enterprise – This option includes everything that the Professional plan does, plus more. You’ll also get white-labeling without watermarks, and cloud storage for up to 400 projects, for $499 per year.

5. Ahrefs keywords explorer

Ahrefs, which relies on clickstream data, offers a comprehensive keyword report and is regarded as one of the top keyword research tools for content creators nowadays.

Accurate keyword difficulty score
1,000+ keyword suggestions
Supported in over 171 countries
Click metrics for improving CTR
Extensive SERP overview

Ahrefs offers four pricing plans for different types of users: freelancers, online marketers, mid-sized organizations, and bigger brands. If you opt for an annual payment plan, the rates start at only $83.00 per month. Additionally, they provide a trial offer for their Lite and Standard subscription plans, where you can try them out for $7 for a duration of seven days.

6. Google keyword Planner

of Google Keyword Planner include its accuracy, direct data from Google, and seamless integration with AdSense monetization, making it a reliable keyword tool despite its limited features.

Locate commercial keywords using “top of page” bid range
Accurate search volume directly from Google’s search engine
Best choice for business websites

Google Keyword Planner may not be considered one of the top keyword research tools compared to the premium options on this list, but it is still a valuable addition to any keyword research toolbox due to its availability for free.

7. Long tail pro

The fact that long-tail keywords have become the norm in SEO is widely known. The Long Tail Pro keyword tool creates long-tail keywords for specific websites and has gained popularity among content creators who focus on micro-niche sites. Noteworthy characteristics include

Powerful, detailed keyword metrics
Easily find long-tail keywords
Provides recommendations for attracting highly convertible organic traffic
2,500+ SERP lookups every 24 hours

Long Tail Pro currently provides three plans to users, and it is a premium tool that also grants a 7-day free trial (subscription must be cancelled before seven days). Subscriptions begin at a minimum of $24.75 per month (when billed annually).