8 Best Cheap Keyword Research Tools for 2024 [ From Experience ]
Keyword research is a non-negotiable element of any successful SEO strategy. It's the key to effective search engine optimization.
However, the best keyword research tools in the business, like Ahrefs and SEMrush, are now costly ( both are now $129/mo ), so we need to find a cheaper alternative that can still do the work.
In the last eight years, I've conducted countless keyword research sessions and revealed thousands of keywords for my personal or client websites, so I can say that I'm pretty experienced in this.
Here are my favorite affordable keyword research tools:
1. LowFruits
LowFruits is a phenomenal keyword research tool specifically designed to identify low-competition keywords, streamlining the process of optimizing content for search engines.
One of the most remarkable features of this tool is its ability to display the competition level for each keyword intuitively. This user-friendly approach lets users quickly and easily pinpoint high-potential keywords likely to drive more organic traffic to their website.
The tool is pretty cheap as well. You can start with a simple pack of 2000 credits for $25, which is more than enough to start your keyword research journey.
2. UberSuggest
UberSuggest is an outstanding keyword research tool that provides comprehensive data and insights to help users optimize their content for search engines. This powerful tool offers a user-friendly interface and a wealth of features to assist in identifying high-performing keywords for various online platforms.
One of UberSuggest's most impressive aspects is its ability to generate an extensive list of keyword suggestions based on a user's initial query. This enables users to discover a broad range of relevant keywords, including long-tail variations often overlooked by other tools.
Furthermore, UberSuggest displays vital data for each suggested keyword, such as search volume, cost-per-click (CPC), and competition level. This wealth of information empowers users to make informed decisions when selecting the most appropriate keywords for their content.
3. AlsoAsked
AlsoAsked is a highly effective keyword research tool that delivers insightful data on related search queries to help users enhance their content for search engines. By leveraging the power of Google's "People also ask" feature, this innovative tool reveals many interconnected questions that users may not have considered when creating their content.
One of the most notable features of AlsoAsked is its ability to visually present the relationships between various search queries through an interactive mind map. This unique approach enables users to better understand the connections between different topics and questions, allowing them to create comprehensive content that addresses the needs of their target audience.
4. AnswerThePublic
AnswerThePublic is a highly innovative and valuable keyword research tool that focuses on uncovering people's questions and search queries when looking for information online.
One of the most striking features of AnswerThePublic is its ability to visually present the collected data in an organized and easily digestible format.
Upon entering a keyword or topic, the tool generates questions, prepositions, comparisons, and related search terms, which are displayed in visually appealing and interactive graphs.
5. Google Search
Yes, you heard me right. Google Search is basically a free keyword research tool that you can use to uncover long-tail keywords by writing the first part of your query. For example, if you write "best vacuum cleaner for" and Google will suggest up to 10 long-tail versions of this. Just look at the example above.
6. Google Trends
Google Trends is a powerful and versatile tool that provides valuable insights into the popularity and search trends of specific keywords over time. While it may not be a dedicated keyword research tool like some others, it can still play a crucial role in helping users discover relevant trends and refine their content strategies.
7. ChatGPT
If used correctly, ChatGPT can be an excellent tool for generating topics. However, it's important to remember that the results it provides are not supported by any actual data. Nevertheless, conducting basic keyword research using the tool is a cost-effective option.
Here's the prompt I used in this case. Feel free to copy it and tweak it to fit your niche. 👇
8. Google Search Console
Google Search Console (GSC) provides insight into how your website performs for its top 1,000 organic search keywords. The Search Results report quickly provides this information.
By examining this report, you can identify keywords for which your website already ranks, but your blog posts may not yet be fully optimized. With this knowledge, you can further optimize your content by incorporating these keywords into headings, subheadings, and other vital elements, ultimately boosting your overall organic search rankings.
9. KeySearch
KeySearch offers a wide range of features to help find low-competition keywords, spy on competitors, track SEO efforts, and more at an affordable price compared to other tools like Semrush and Ahrefs.
Despite some limitations, such as not having access to Google's data and lacking advanced features of more expensive tools, KeySearch is highly recommended for its value for money and user-friendly interface.