Conduct a Google search for SEO tools and you’ll find there are around 200 options to choose from, many of which charge a premium.

However, there are several SEO tools out there that don’t cost a thing, which will still deliver plenty of features and functionality including in-depth keyword research.

Here are 7 of the best free tools to inform your keyword research and improve your SEO activity.

Google Search Console

 Hardly surprising that Google Search Console tops this list. It’s the #1 place to analyse your current SEO keywords with their average Google positions, impressions and CTRs.

Along with discovering quick win growth opportunities from your current keywords, you can also find some great SEO shortcuts such as optimising URLs for first page rankings.

Rank Tracker

Boasting 23 different research tools, Rank Tracker is great for uncovering variations of your favourite keywords from multiple data sources.

Get suggestions from all the major search engines, discover popular misspellings and permutations, access a database of all SEO keywords your competitors rank for and generate relevant long-tail keywords.

Google Ads Keyword Planner

Unless you’re spending sufficient money on campaigns, your search volume analysis in Google Ads Keyword Planner will be limited to ranges. However, you’ll still be able to gather excellent insights into how your SEO efforts are going.

Metrics include search volumes, cost-per-click data, advertiser competition and seasonal traffic fluctuations. Just remember to split your keyword list into SEO and PPC targeting.

AnswerThePublic

AnswerThePublic does what it says on the tin – helps you discover the questions your audience is asking for featured answers and voice search optimisation. This is becoming especially important given Google’s increasing ability to understand natural language.

Be sure to check out AnswerThePublic’s “preposition” keywords (when your seed keyword is combined with another word via a preposition) and “comparisons” (like “your keyword vs another keyword”).

Google Trends

Yet another offering from the search engine giant, Google Trends is an excellent resource for local businesses, as you can identify city/location specific search volume variation.

One example is the term “personal injury lawyer” – the most popular search request throughout most of the USA. However, in Tennessee and New Mexico, a better term would be “personal injury attorney”.

Keyword Tool Dominator

As you’re undoubtedly aware, user intent is now a key consideration when it comes to SEO. Think about it – customers use Google to find places to shop at, whereas they’ll use Amazon for products they shop for.

Keyword Tool Dominator is where you can unearth keywords from Amazon, Etsy and eBay. The free version is limited to just three questions for each database though.

Keywords Everywhere

This free browser add-on lets you analyse keywords while browsing Google, Bing, YouTube and other websites.

Start typing into the search box and search volumes will be added to all the keywords you see in Autocomplete suggestions. On the SERPS, a box with new keyword ideas will also appear on the right-hand side of the page.