Keyword research is the backbone of any successful SEO strategy. It helps you understand what your audience is searching for and how you can align your content to meet their needs. Fortunately, you don’t always need expensive tools to perform effective keyword research. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 free tools for keyword research in 2025, complete with tips, examples, and strategies to get the most out of them.

1. Google Keyword Planner

A staple in the world of SEO, Google Keyword Planner is a go-to tool for anyone starting their keyword research journey.

Key Features:

• Search volume and competition data.
• Keyword suggestions based on seed terms.
• Cost-per-click (CPC) data for paid campaigns.

Example:

A bakery in Chicago could use this tool to find terms like “gluten-free cupcakes” or “vegan bakery near me” with relevant search volumes.

Pro Tip:

Pair this tool with Google Trends for seasonal keyword opportunities

2. Ubersuggest

Developed by Neil Patel, Ubersuggest is a user-friendly tool that provides keyword ideas, search volume, and competition data.

Key Features:

• Keyword difficulty scores.
• Content ideas based on popular searches.
• Backlink data for top-performing pages.

Example:

A fitness blogger can uncover phrases like “beginner HIIT workouts” or “morning yoga routines” to target niche audiences.

Trick:

Use the “Keyword Ideas” section to discover long-tail keywords.

3. AnswerThePublic

AnswerThePublic visualizes search queries into categories like “what,” “why,” and “how,” making it easier to understand user intent.

Key Features:

• Provides questions and prepositions related to a keyword.
• Highlights trending topics.

Example:

For a gardening website, searching for “composting” may reveal queries like “How to compost at home” or “What materials are good for compost?”

Pro Tip:

Export the results as a CSV file for easy categorization and prioritization.

4. Google Trends

This tool allows you to track keyword popularity over time and across regions.

Key Features:

• Compare multiple search terms.
• Identify seasonal trends.
• Explore related queries.

Example:

A fashion retailer can check whether “chunky boots” or “square-toe heels” are trending for the upcoming season.

Trick:

Combine trending keywords with evergreen content to drive sustained traffic.

5. Keywords Everywhere

A browser extension that displays keyword data directly on search engine result pages (SERPs).

Key Features:

• Search volume, CPC, and competition metrics.
• Integration with Google, YouTube, and more.

Example:

A travel blogger researching “best destinations in Asia” can see related searches and their metrics without leaving the SERP.

Pro Tip:

Use it alongside other tools for cross-referencing data.

6. Soovle

Soovle aggregates autocomplete suggestions from multiple search engines like Google, Bing, YouTube, and Amazon.

Key Features:

• Insights from multiple platforms in one place.
• Quick overview of trending queries.

Example:

An author promoting a self-help book can explore terms like “best self-help books” or “how to stay motivated” across platforms.

Pro Tip:

Use the suggestions for platform-specific content strategies.

7. Moz Keyword Explorer

Moz’s free version of its keyword tool provides valuable data for SEO beginners.

Key Features:

• Keyword suggestions and SERP analysis.
• Priority score combining volume, difficulty, and CTR.

Example:

A SaaS startup can analyze terms like “best CRM software” or “customer management tools.”

Trick:

Focus on “medium-difficulty” keywords for quicker wins.

8. Keyword Tool

Keyword Tool specializes in generating long-tail keyword suggestions.

Key Features:

• Supports platforms like Google, YouTube, and Instagram.
• No login required for basic features.

Example:

A beauty influencer can find phrases like “best skincare for acne-prone skin” or “affordable makeup products.”

Pro Tip:

Use the tool’s filters to focus on questions or prepositions for better targeting.

9. SERP Keyword Research Tool

Developed by Surfer SEO, this tool identifies keywords used by top-ranking pages.

Key Features:

• Analyze competitor strategies.
• Discover related keywords for content expansion.

Example:

A tech blog competing for “best budget laptops” can uncover the terms used by top-ranking pages to refine their content.

Trick:

Combine this tool with on-page optimization techniques for maximum impact.

10. Google Search Console

Google Search Console provides insights into how your site is performing in search results.

Key Features:

• Performance reports for queries and pages.
• Click-through rate (CTR) and impressions data.

Example:

An online bookstore can analyze which keywords are driving clicks, like “best mystery novels 2025” or “cheap textbooks online.”

Pro Tip:

Regularly check for “near-top” keywords and optimize pages to improve rankings.

Conclusion

Keyword research doesn’t have to break the bank. These free tools offer valuable insights to guide your SEO strategy, whether you’re a small business owner, content creator, or digital marketer. By combining their features and leveraging the tricks shared here, you can identify high-impact keywords and stay ahead in the competitive digital landscape.