5 SEO keyword research tools that help teams show up in search

Search engine optimization key phrase analysis instruments are important for advertising groups trying to stage up their content material. Key phrase analysis software program might help determine search alternatives that align with a enterprise’ choices. That Search engine optimization technique is essential — almost one-third of internet users 16 or older uncover new manufacturers by means of search engines like google.

The excellent news is that many free Search engine optimization key phrase analysis instruments exist. Groups can construct a strong key phrase technique with out spending a dime.

On this information, I’ll share the perfect free and inexpensive Search engine optimization key phrase analysis instruments I’ve examined, clarify the way to use them step-by-step, and present how HubSpot helps you deliver all of it collectively inside one linked platform.

Desk of Contents

Greatest Free Key phrase Analysis Instruments for 2026

1. WordStream

Greatest for: Quick key phrase concepts and aggressive benchmarks with no need an account.

Key Options:

• Free key phrase generator that gives a whole bunch of concepts per seed time period
• Shows estimated search quantity, competitors stage, and CPC
• Filters by trade and geographic location
• Export performance for key phrase lists

What I like: WordStream offers me a fast learn on whether or not a subject is value pursuing. It’s clear, quick, and doesn’t require a login, which makes it good for early brainstorming or validating key phrase themes earlier than diving into deeper evaluation elsewhere.

2. Semrush’s Free Keyword Tool

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Greatest for: Complete key phrase insights with restricted free day by day searches.

Key Options:

• Shows key phrase, search quantity, key phrase problem (KD), and CPC (USD)
• Reveals key phrase inten
• Lists the primary 25 key phrases by search quantity
• Accessible by means of the Key phrase Magic Instrument within the free model

What I like: Semrush’s free view is easy and data-rich. I can shortly see how aggressive a key phrase is, what the intent seems like, and whether or not it’s value exploring additional — all from one display. I can use it initially of my content material analysis course of to validate which matters have actual search demand earlier than turning them into weblog posts.

3. Ryan Robinson’s Free Key phrase Analysis Instrument

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Greatest for: Quick, browser-based key phrase brainstorming with out logins or muddle.

Key Options:

• 100% free, no sign-up required
• Generates key phrase strategies straight from Google Autocomplete
• Consists of an “Concepts” function to floor associated long-tail key phrase variations
  Shows outcomes immediately in-browser for fast scanning
• Nice for validating early content material concepts or increasing matter clusters

What I like: RyRob’s instrument is considered one of my go-tos once I want quick inspiration. It’s light-weight, intuitive, and surprisingly efficient for uncovering long-tail key phrases that mirror how individuals really search.

I particularly just like the “Concepts” tab. Once I searched “AI search,” it surfaced dozens of associated questions across the matter. These insights make it simple to brainstorm new angles for upcoming podcast episodes or weblog posts that broaden on comparable themes.

4. Ahrefs Free Keyword Generator

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Greatest for: Fast, high-quality key phrase concepts throughout a number of search engines like google.

Key Options:

• Returns as much as 20 key phrase concepts per search
• Supplies search quantity and key phrase problem
• Free to make use of, no sign-in required
• Supplies questions for long-tail key phrase analysis

What I like: Despite the fact that it’s restricted to twenty outcomes, these 20 are gold. The information high quality is great, and I like utilizing Ahrefs’ free generator to validate whether or not a key phrase is actually aggressive earlier than investing extra time.

I’m additionally a fan of the Questions tab. Since long-tail key phrases and pure language queries have gotten more and more essential, constructing content material round these question-based phrases is crucial for any Search engine optimization — and even rising GEO — technique. Ahrefs supplies 20 query strategies per search, which you should utilize to plan your content material calendar or broaden your analysis in different instruments.

5. Wordtracker

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Greatest for: Detailed key phrase metrics and competitors insights in a clear, browser-based dashboard.

Key Options:

• Shows key phrase, search quantity, competitors, and KEI (Key phrase Effectiveness Index)
• Consists of “No Click on Searches” and “Is Query” knowledge columns
• Reveals as much as 100 key phrase ends in the free model
• Permits territory filtering (e.g., United States)
• Easy export and save choices for organizing key phrase lists

What I like: Wordtracker’s structure makes key phrase comparability easy. I like having the ability to view quantity, competitors, and KEI multi functional place. It offers a balanced view of which key phrases are value focusing on.

The “Is Query” filter is very useful for recognizing intent-based matters I can flip into Search engine optimization-friendly content material. I can use this knowledge to form weblog outlines or consider whether or not a key phrase is robust sufficient to construct a whole content material collection round.

How HubSpot Helps With Search engine optimization

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HubSpot’s SEO Marketing Software, included in Advertising and marketing Hub, turns what could be a chaotic analysis job into a transparent Search engine optimization technique. It helps you propose, optimize, and monitor your natural efficiency throughout each marketing campaign and content material asset.

Right here’s how:

• Plan with precision: Manage key phrases into matter clusters to strengthen a website’s topical authority and construct inner linking methods that search engines like google reward.
• Get actionable suggestions: HubSpot’s built-in Search engine optimization instruments routinely scan web sites and floor optimization strategies. That is useful, because it offers customers a precedence record, in order that they all the time know the place to focus.
• Observe progress in a single place: Monitor how pages are performing for particular key phrases, view place modifications over time, and measure which matters are driving essentially the most natural leads and conversions.
• Collaborate seamlessly: As a result of the Search engine optimization instruments are built-in with the remainder of the advertising ecosystem, content material, net, and demand-gen groups can work collectively.

What I like: I really like that this setup blends automation with technique. I can see, in actual time, which key phrases are driving efficiency — and the way these tie on to leads or pipeline inside HubSpot. As a substitute of exporting stories or juggling spreadsheets, I can map key phrase knowledge straight to the content material and campaigns I’m managing.

It’s a whole suggestions loop that reveals what’s working and what’s not, so I can double down on the concepts that really transfer the needle. For me, that visibility is the distinction between guessing what drives development and figuring out it.

Search engine optimization Options in HubSpot’s CMS Hub

When creating or updating net content material in HubSpot’s CMS Hub, Search engine optimization optimization has by no means been simpler. Entrepreneurs can optimize content material proper the place the work will get performed.

Fairly than juggling separate plugins or manually auditing, HubSpot integrates Search engine optimization intelligence straight into the writing and publishing workflow.

Right here’s what that appears like in apply:

• Actual-time Search engine optimization suggestions: As entrepreneurs write, HubSpot routinely flags lacking meta tags, weak headlines, and unlinked matter clusters. This makes it simple to repair errors earlier than hitting publish.
• Constructed-in web page efficiency metrics: Simply see how every web page performs in search, which key phrases it ranks for, and the way these guests convert.
• Technical optimization made easy: HubSpot routinely manages redirects, canonical URLs, and website construction to make sure content material performs with out requiring developer intervention.
• Built-in reporting: As a result of CMS Hub connects on to the staff’s CRM, entrepreneurs can see the whole lot — visitors, rankings, and which Search engine optimization-driven guests develop into certified leads and prospects.

For growth-focused groups, this integration is a time-saver. It means the Search engine optimization technique turns into part of the on a regular basis content material workflow. Entrepreneurs publish quicker and rank larger with out including further instruments, steps, or hiring an outdoor Search engine optimization company.

Do Key phrase Analysis with Free Instruments

Professional Ideas for Utilizing Free Instruments Successfully

You’ve most likely heard the declare that “Search engine optimization is lifeless, and GEO killed it.” After dozens of conversations with Search engine optimization strategists and entrepreneurs on the Found in AI podcast, I can inform you that’s not true.

Search engine optimization stays one of many strongest drivers of ROI — it’s merely evolving. GEO (or generative engine optimization) builds upon a powerful Search engine optimization basis.

Listed here are suggestions that may assist.

1. Use a number of instruments to cross-validate knowledge.

No single free key phrase analysis instrument paints a whole image. Every platform samples knowledge in a different way, so utilizing a number of collectively helps affirm tendencies and uncover gaps.

Begin by combining instruments to cross-check outcomes. If one limits searches, use one other to validate the info.

When instruments don’t present historic tendencies, monitor efficiency manually in a spreadsheet or venture administration instrument. As soon as a month, log:

• Search quantity
• Rating place
• Visitors for every key phrase

Quickly, groups see which matters are gaining traction and which of them want refinement.

I take advantage of this strategy as a result of it offers me confidence that the info I’m seeing is directionally correct, not simply an outlier. When a number of sources level to the identical development, I do know it’s value my time to pursue.

2. Use Google’s “Individuals Additionally Ask” without spending a dime long-tail key phrases.

Google’s “Individuals Additionally Ask” function is likely one of the most underrated key phrase analysis instruments — and it’s free.

These query packing containers present what individuals are genuinely inquisitive about and the way they phrase their searches in pure language. Each time searchers click on a query, Google generates extra associated queries, creating an limitless stream of long-tail key phrase concepts groups can construct content material round.

This function is very precious as a result of it reveals search intent. Every query represents:

• Ache factors
• Curiosity
• Moments of consideration in a purchaser’s journey.

Use these insights to information weblog posts, FAQs, or supporting pages that reply these precise questions.

I depend on “Individuals Additionally Ask” outcomes to determine new angles on acquainted matters. I’ll normally collect just a few of these questions, group them by theme, and switch them right into a content material cluster or a weblog collection that expands on a most important key phrase.

An essential notice on long-tail key phrases and the way forward for Search engine optimization:

In a current recorded interview with Charlie Graham, founding father of RivalSee, we talked concerning the rising significance of long-tail key phrases. Graham informed me that in comparison with shorter phrases of three or 4 phrases, long-tail phrases usually tend to be cited in AI search outcomes.

This issues when planning Search engine optimization key phrase technique.

Make sure you embody full, conversational phrases within the content material that mirror how individuals really search. They’ll not solely strengthen conventional Search engine optimization but additionally future-proof content material for rising search behaviors.

3. Leverage your opponents’ free knowledge.

Groups don’t want paid instruments to be taught from opponents’ Search engine optimization technique — a lot of their key phrase knowledge is already public. By analyzing the matters and construction of top-ranking content material in a distinct segment, groups can uncover what’s working for opponents and determine gaps to fill.

Begin with a easy Google seek for goal key phrases. Take a look at the titles, meta descriptions, and headers of the highest outcomes to see which phrases seem constantly. Instruments like Wordtracker additionally let customers plug in a competitor’s area to see which key phrases they rank for (many of those insights can be found of their free variations!).

From there, search for patterns. Are opponents focusing on:

• Particular long-tail key phrases?
• Query-based phrases?
• Purchaser-intent phrases like “greatest,” “evaluate,” or “the way to”?

These are cues for what resonates with shared audiences.

I like utilizing competitor knowledge as a shortcut for ideation. When you may see which matters drive visibility for others, you may reverse-engineer that success and create comparable content material that provides your personal experience, model voice, or perspective.

HubSpot professional tip: In case you’re already utilizing HubSpot, you may monitor competitor domains and key phrases straight in your dashboard. This makes it simple to observe modifications in rankings over time and spot alternatives to outperform comparable manufacturers.

4. Work round free instrument limitations.

The important thing to utilizing free instruments is figuring out the way to fill these gaps creatively so groups can nonetheless construct a dependable Search engine optimization technique. Free key phrase instruments are highly effective, however all of them include trade-offs like:

• Every day search limits
• Lacking historic knowledge
• Incomplete SERP insights

Use free options from different platforms to complement analysis. Google Search Console reveals which queries content material already ranks for, and Google Developments helps determine rising matters earlier than opponents catch on. When paired with the free instruments on this information, these insights assist make data-driven selections with out paying for premium software program.

I’ve discovered that the perfect workaround is consistency. Once you gather and arrange your knowledge over time, you construct a customized key phrase library that’s typically extra precious than what you’d get from a paid plan. It’s further effort upfront, nevertheless it pays off when you may clearly see what’s driving outcomes.

HubSpot professional tip: Once you’re able to automate this course of, HubSpot’s Search engine optimization Advertising and marketing Software program can pull key phrase, efficiency, and page-level knowledge into one dashboard, so you may analyze the whole lot with out switching between instruments.

5. Observe your progress with out premium instruments.

Most free instruments don’t retailer historic knowledge, which makes it onerous to measure progress over time. Organising a light-weight monitoring system ensures entrepreneurs can see which key phrases and content material items really drive visitors, engagement, or conversions.

I monitor key phrase efficiency month-to-month utilizing a easy spreadsheet and Google Analytics knowledge. Seeing how sure posts rank or convert helps me make data-driven selections about what to optimize or broaden subsequent. Over time, that file turns into a roadmap, and it reveals which content material constantly performs and the place new alternatives are rising.

Incessantly Requested Questions About Key phrase Analysis Instruments

When groups are able to transcend analysis and begin optimizing content material, HubSpot’s SEO Marketing Software might help arrange key phrases, monitor efficiency, and switch insights into technique.

How correct are free key phrase analysis instruments?

Free instruments are directionally correct however not good. They typically depend on smaller datasets or averages, so use them to identify tendencies—not precise numbers. To confirm efficiency, pair what outcomes with analytics or a platform like HubSpot, which measures how natural visitors from these key phrases interprets into engagement and conversions over time.

Can I do efficient Search engine optimization with solely free key phrase analysis instruments?

Sure, Search engine optimization technique could be efficient with free key phrase analysis instruments — particularly for groups simply beginning out. Free instruments might help uncover alternatives and plan content material. The primary limitation is monitoring and scale.

When a enterprise begins to develop, instruments like HubSpot’s Marketing Hub can centralize that knowledge, connecting key phrase analysis, content material creation, and marketing campaign ends in one place.

What’s the distinction between free and paid key phrase analysis instruments?

Free instruments are good for producing concepts and gauging potential. Paid instruments present deeper insights, like competitor evaluation, SERP monitoring, and long-term key phrase tendencies.

Platforms like HubSpot lengthen past analysis. They assist groups put Search engine optimization into apply, measure ROI, and handle optimization throughout a number of channels.

What number of key phrases ought to I analysis for my web site?

Begin small by specializing in 25 to 50 high-impact key phrases that align with merchandise or audiences. Over time, broaden into associated long-tail key phrases and supporting content material. HubSpot’s Search engine optimization instruments make it simpler to attach that content material, serving to visualize matter clusters and monitor which items drive significant visitors and leads.

Which platform is greatest for key phrase analysis if I’m simply beginning out?

For these new to Search engine optimization, begin with WordStream, RyRob’s Free Key phrase Instrument, or Semrush’s Free Key phrase Instrument. Collectively, they permit for each creativity and validation.

As an Search engine optimization program matures, paid instruments, like HubSpot’s SEO Marketing Software, develop into a pure subsequent step. Paid software program helps apply these key phrase insights at scale, tying them on to content material efficiency and lead technology.

Flip key phrase analysis into actual outcomes.