15 Best Keyword Research Tools for 2025
Updated on Jan 17, 2025 | 16 min read | 6.6k views
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Keyword research tools are sophisticated platforms that analyze search behavior and identify high-performing keywords. They open up opportunities to align content with user intent and improve search rankings. In 2025, businesses spending over $500 (approximately ₹41,000) per month on SEO strategies, including keyword optimization, are 53.3% more likely to report higher satisfaction with their results compared to those spending less.
This blog highlights the five best keyword research tools, their benefits, and practical tips to help you choose the right tool for your digital marketing goals.
Top 15 Keyword Research Tools You Should Know in 2025
In 2025, using the right keyword research tools is essential to achieve measurable outcomes in digital marketing. These tools help businesses secure higher search rankings, drive targeted campaigns, and uncover valuable insights to stay ahead of competitors.
From Google Keyword Planner, which optimizes Google Ads for maximum ROI, to Semrush, which empowers businesses with advanced trend analysis, each tool plays a critical role in achieving specific goals.
This list highlights the top 15 tools, detailing how they can help businesses improve visibility, target the right audience, and boost conversions effectively.
Tool |
Advantages |
Free or Paid |
| Google Keyword Planner | Free, reliable, directly tied to Google Ads. | Free |
| Google Trends | Tracks search trends and seasonality. | Free |
| Semrush | All-in-one SEO marketing toolkit with competitive analysis. | Paid (with free trial) |
| Ahrefs | Exceptional for backlink and keyword analysis. | Paid |
| Keyword Generator | Quick keyword ideas for specific niches. | Free (limited) |
| Competitor Research | Highlights competitor keywords and strategies. | Paid (varies by tool) |
| Google Search Console | Direct insights into your site’s search data. | Free |
| Moz Keyword Explorer | Quality keyword suggestions with metrics. | Paid (with free trial) |
| Keyword Surfer | Lightweight extension for keyword volume. | Free |
| Serpstat | Affordable all-in-one tool for SEO and PPC. | Paid (with free trial) |
| AnswerThePublic | Visualizes question-based keyword queries. | Partially Free |
| Rank Tracker | Monitors keyword rankings over time. | Paid |
| KWFinder | Excellent for long-tail keyword research. | Paid (with free trial) |
| AlsoAsked | Reveals “People Also Ask” questions from Google. | Paid (with limited free use) |
| Soovle | Combines results from multiple search engines. | Free |
Also Read: Must-have SEO Tools to Explode Your Ranks in 2025
To enhance your digital marketing strategy in 2025, it's essential to understand how to make use of keyword research tools. Below, we get into examples and real-world applications of these tools, providing insights into their practical benefits.
1. Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is a free tool that helps businesses discover keyword ideas and traffic estimates to create effective Search Network campaigns. It’s particularly valuable for small businesses managing limited budgets, allowing them to identify relevant keywords with substantial search volumes and plan ad spend effectively.
Key Features
- Keyword Suggestions: Generates a list of related keywords based on your input.
- Search Volume Data: Offers historical statistics on keyword performance.
- Cost Estimates: Provides suggested bids to help determine your advertising budget. For example, a local bakery targeting “custom cakes near me” can estimate a CPC (cost-per-click) of $2, making it easier to allocate their $200 monthly ad budget.
Many businesses utilize Google Keyword Planner to identify high-traffic keywords for their ad campaigns, enhancing their SEO strategy and increasing organic traffic.
Also Read: Types of Keywords You Should Know – A Complete Guide
2. Google Trends
Google Trends is an essential tool for analyzing the popularity of search queries across regions and languages. Businesses use it to identify trending topics and seasonal variations, helping them plan targeted marketing campaigns during peak periods.
For instance, identifying rising interest in “holiday gift ideas” in November can guide product promotions or content creation leading up to the festive season.
Key Features
- Trend Analysis: Shows how search interest in a topic changes over time.
- Geographical Data: Highlights search interest by region.
- Related Queries: Suggests related topics gaining popularity.
During the 2024 Black Friday season, companies like Temu and Shein monitored trending search terms to bid on popular keywords, increasing their visibility and driving sales.
Also Read: Top 15 Skills of Sales Managers for Success in 2025
3. Semrush
Semrush is a comprehensive marketing toolkit designed for digital marketers who need advanced features for SEO, PPC, and content optimization. Its unique strength lies in its ability to integrate paid and organic strategies, making it a go-to choice for managing Google Ads alongside SEO campaigns.
Businesses also leverage Semrush for social media marketing by analyzing audience engagement and optimizing posts for better reach.
Key Features
- Keyword Magic Tool: Offers extensive keyword research, perfect for both SEO and PPC campaigns.
- Competitive Research: Analyzes competitors' strategies across display ads, organic search, and link building, helping businesses outpace their rivals.
- Site Audit: Identifies technical SEO issues and provides actionable fixes to improve website performance.
- Social Media Toolkit: Enables scheduling, tracking, and analyzing posts across platforms, ensuring consistent and impactful social media marketing.
Semrush excels in managing paid ad campaigns with its PPC tools, allowing businesses to target high-performing keywords and maximize ROI.
Bird Marketing utilizes Semrush for comprehensive keyword research, leveraging both its free and paid offerings to enhance their digital marketing strategies.
Also Read: 5 High Impact Digital Marketing Strategies to Win the Market
4. Ahrefs
Ahrefs is a powerful SEO toolset with a distinct focus on backlinks, making it a favorite among professionals looking to boost search rankings through link-building strategies. While its keyword research is robust, Ahrefs stands out for its ability to analyze competitor backlink profiles and identify opportunities to improve a website’s authority.
Key Features
- Site Explorer: Delivers in-depth insights into a website’s backlink profile and organic search traffic.
- Keywords Explorer: Provides keyword ideas, traffic estimates, and difficulty scores to target optimal search terms.
- Content Explorer: Helps identify popular content topics, guiding content marketers and social media teams on trending topics.
SEO professionals use Ahrefs to conduct competitive keyword analysis, identifying new keyword opportunities and understanding competitors’ audience search intent.
Ahrefs’ backlink analysis is unparalleled, offering granular insights into competitors' linking strategies, which is essential for SEO-focused growth. Additionally, it assists social media teams in identifying trending topics through its Content Explorer, helping create engaging posts.
Also Read: 15 Major Social Media Trends in 2025
5. Keyword Generator
Keyword Generator is a tool that provides a list of keyword ideas along with their search volume and difficulty metrics. This tool can generate a wide range of keyword ideas for content creation and SEO optimization.
Key Features
- Keyword Suggestions: Generates up to 100 keyword ideas for any seed keyword.
- Search Volume and Difficulty: Provides metrics to assess the potential of each keyword.
- Question-Based Keywords: Offers keywords phrased as questions to target informational queries.
Content creators use keyword generators to identify long-tail keywords that address specific user queries, enhancing the relevance and reach of their content.
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6. Competitor Keyword Research Tool
Competitor keyword research tools let you analyze the keywords your competitors rank for, revealing gaps and opportunities in your strategy. They’re best used to identify high-value keywords, understand competitor performance, and refine your campaigns.
Key Features
- Tracks competitors’ keywords and rankings.
- Reveals keyword gaps and opportunities.
- Provides traffic data and audience insights.
E-commerce businesses often use competitor keyword research tools to identify the top-performing keywords their rivals rank for. A clothing retailer could analyze competitors’ keywords to uncover terms like "sustainable fashion for teens" and create niche-targeted content and ads.
Also Read: E-commerce Marketing Essentials: How to drive more sales?
7. Google Search Console
Google Search Console is an essential tool for monitoring your site’s performance in Google Search. It’s best used to track keywords driving traffic, uncover technical SEO issues, and analyze click-through rates (CTR).
Key Features
- Monitors search performance by keyword and page.
- Identifies indexing and crawl errors.
- Offers detailed CTR and impression data.
Media websites frequently use Google Search Console to analyze which articles are driving the most impressions and clicks. A news platform might identify keywords like “local election results” driving traffic and prioritize updates or new content on related topics.
Also Read: Article writing format: Templates, Examples, Topics
8. Moz Keyword Explorer
Moz Keyword Explorer provides a combination of keyword discovery and actionable metrics. It’s ideal for prioritizing keywords based on difficulty, opportunity, and search intent, especially for agencies managing multiple campaigns.
Key Features
- Provides a Priority Score that factors in relevance, volume, and difficulty.
- Suggests related keywords and search intent.
- Offers accurate search volume estimates.
Digital marketing agencies leverage Moz Keyword Explorer to uncover low-difficulty keywords for small business clients. For example, an agency helping a local bakery might target terms like “artisan bread near me,” balancing search volume with competition to achieve quick results.
9. Keyword Surfer
Keyword Surfer is a lightweight browser extension that makes keyword research quick and effortless by displaying metrics directly in Google’s search results. It’s particularly useful for on-the-spot research when exploring topics for content creation or optimizing web pages.
Key Features
- Real-Time Metrics: Displays search volume, cost-per-click (CPC), and keyword suggestions while you browse Google, streamlining research without switching tabs.
- Content Ideas: Suggests keywords and related phrases that can guide content creation.
- Ease of Use: Installs as a browser extension and works seamlessly without complicated configurations.
Freelance content writers and bloggers frequently use Keyword Surfer for ideation. A travel blogger researching “hidden gems in Iceland” might discover related keywords like “offbeat places in Iceland.
This information allows them to tailor blog posts or optimize headlines to attract more readers.
Call to all future freelance writers! Learn the best practices for guest blogging in 2025 with upGrad’s comprehensive guide to doing it the right way.
10. Serpstat
Serpstat is an all-in-one SEO platform offering tools for keyword research, rank tracking, and backlink analysis. It’s ideal for small to medium businesses, offering affordability and features like keyword clustering to group similar keywords for easier campaign optimization.
These features enable businesses to maximize their SEO and PPC efforts without requiring an extensive budget.
Key Features
- Keyword Clustering and Trend Analysis: Automatically groups related keywords to streamline targeting and helps identify trends, ensuring campaigns align with evolving user interests.
- Comprehensive Competitor Tracking: Analyzes competitors’ keyword strategies, ad performance, and backlink profiles to uncover actionable insights for outranking them.
- Ranking and Backlink Data: Tracks website rankings and backlink metrics, offering businesses a clear view of their online performance.
Startups frequently leverage Serpstat’s keyword clustering to refine their PPC campaigns. A SaaS company promoting “project management software” might identify clusters like “tools for remote teams” or “free project planning apps.”
By grouping similar keywords, they can tailor ad copy to match search intent, leading to improved ad performance and higher ROI.
Also Read: What is SaaS (Software as a Service) in Cloud Computing?
11. AnswerThePublic
AnswerThePublic stands out by transforming user search queries into detailed visual maps, enabling marketers to uncover the exact questions and concerns of their audience. This unique feature helps businesses generate content ideas that are not only targeted but also highly relevant to user intent.
Key Features
- Query Visualizations: Displays user questions and search patterns in diagrams, helping marketers identify the “who,” “what,” “where,” and “why” of audience behavior. For example, a query map for “vegan diet” might reveal questions like “What are the benefits of a vegan diet?” or “How to start a vegan diet on a budget.”
- Long-Tail Keyword Opportunities: Suggests specific phrases that reflect detailed queries, ideal for creating blog posts, FAQ sections, or even targeted video content that directly addresses audience needs.
- Content Gap Analysis: Identifies areas where user questions lack sufficient answers, inspiring businesses to create unique, value-driven content that fills these gaps.
A health and wellness brand could use AnswerThePublic to explore queries like “best exercises for beginners.” The tool might reveal related questions such as “What are low-impact workouts for weight loss?” or “How to stay consistent with beginner exercises.” With these insights, the brand can create a series of workout tutorials, infographics, or blog posts tailored to these questions.
Also Read: Voice Search Optimization: 8 Ways To Optimize Your Website For Voice
12. Rank Tracker
Rank Tracker monitors keyword positions across search engines, helping you evaluate your SEO progress. It’s commonly used by agencies and businesses to track visibility for target keywords.
Key Features
- Tracks rankings over time across multiple search engines.
- Offers detailed competitor analysis.
- Customizable performance reports.
SEO consultants use Rank Tracker to demonstrate keyword performance to clients. For example, a consultant helping a real estate agency might track rankings for keywords like “luxury apartments in New York,” showing improvements in visibility over time.
Also Read: What Is SEO in Digital Marketing? How Does It Work?
13. KWFinder
KWFinder is a powerful tool designed to uncover long-tail keywords with low competition, making it particularly useful for niche businesses and bloggers who need to rank without competing against larger, well-funded competitors.
Its simplicity and focus on actionable keyword insights help smaller players target specific, high-conversion terms tailored to their audience.
Additionally, its keyword suggestions can support content strategies for blogs, websites, and even social media marketing tools.
Key Features
- Low-Competition Keywords: Finds keywords that have less competition, giving smaller businesses and bloggers a realistic chance to rank and attract organic traffic without extensive resources.
- Search Volume and Trend Data: Provides search metrics and trends, allowing users to focus on keywords that align with seasonal or emerging interests. This helps content stay relevant across platforms, including blogs and social media.
- Keyword Difficulty Scores: Assigns a clear difficulty score to each keyword, so users can prioritize those that provide the best balance of effort and reward.
A niche fitness studio specializing in seniors could use KWFinder to discover terms like “gentle yoga poses for arthritis” or “low-impact exercises for seniors.” These keywords can guide blog posts, class descriptions, and social media captions, seamlessly integrating with marketing tools to expand reach.
Also Read: How to Create Social Media Content Strategy? Everything You Need to Know
14. AlsoAsked
AlsoAsked is a unique tool designed to map out related user queries from Google’s “People Also Ask” feature, making it invaluable for creating detailed and user-focused content.
It’s particularly effective for bloggers, content marketers, and businesses looking to answer audience questions comprehensively. Its ability to uncover user intent and structure content hierarchies helps craft strategies that resonate with target audiences.
Additionally, its insights can support content strategies for blogs, FAQs, and even social media marketing tools.
Key Features
- Query Visualizations: Displays user questions and search patterns in clear topic-based diagrams. For example, searching for “vegan diet” might reveal queries like “What are the benefits of a vegan diet?” or “How to start a vegan diet on a budget.” This helps marketers address specific concerns directly.
- Long-Tail Keyword Opportunities: Identifies highly specific phrases related to user searches. These are ideal for blog posts, FAQ sections, or video content that answers user questions in depth.
- Content Gap Analysis: Highlights questions and topics that lack sufficient answers online. Marketers might discover underserved queries like “affordable keto snacks” and create targeted, value-driven content to fill these gaps.
A health and wellness blogger researching keto diets could use AlsoAsked to discover questions like “What are the best keto-friendly snacks?” or “How does keto affect metabolism?” This insight can guide the creation of articles, infographics, or short-form videos that directly address these popular queries, boosting both engagement and SEO rankings.
With its ability to turn user questions into actionable insights, AlsoAsked empowers businesses and creators to produce highly relevant, search-friendly content that meets audience needs across platforms.
Also Read: What is SEO Content Writing? How to Write?
15. Soovle
Soovle is a versatile tool that gathers keyword suggestions from multiple search engines, including Google, Amazon, YouTube, and Bing. It’s particularly effective for brainstorming keywords across platforms, making it a valuable resource for businesses and creators looking to diversify their SEO and product campaign strategies.
Its simplicity and cross-platform insights help users identify opportunities that resonate with specific audiences.
- Multi-Engine Insights: Aggregates keyword suggestions from platforms like YouTube, Amazon, Bing, and Wikipedia, offering a wide range of keyword ideas for diverse strategies. Searching for “eco-friendly products” on different platforms might reveal phrases like “sustainable household items” on Amazon and “eco-friendly DIY tips” on YouTube.
- Cross-Platform Versatility: Includes less conventional search engines like DuckDuckGo, enabling niche marketers to uncover untapped keyword opportunities.
- Ease of Use: Lightweight and requires no installation, providing quick and efficient results for on-the-go keyword brainstorming.
A self-published author could use Soovle to discover platform-specific keywords. They might find “fantasy eBooks for teens” on Amazon and “teen fantasy book recommendations” on YouTube for video content ideas. This integrated approach allows them to align ad campaigns with promotional content across multiple platforms, enhancing visibility and engagement.
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Not sure which tool to pick? Focus on your goals, budget, and expertise to find the perfect fit for you.
The following section will help you identify the factors to consider when selecting the ideal keyword research tool for your unique needs.
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How to Pick the Best Keyword Research Tool for Your Needs?
Selecting the right keyword research tool means going beyond basic features and finding one that meets your specific SEO and marketing challenges. Different tools excel in unique areas—whether it’s keyword accuracy, competitor insights, or platform integrations.
By understanding your priorities, such as scaling your campaigns or targeting niche markets, you can ensure the tool you choose delivers maximum impact. Here’s a breakdown of the most important factors to consider.
1. Budget and Cost Efficiency:
Consider your budget and the value each tool provides. Free options like Google Keyword Planner or Keyword Surfer are excellent for basic keyword research, while premium tools like Semrush or Ahrefs offer advanced features like in-depth competitor analysis and keyword tracking. Decide if the return on investment from paid tools justifies their cost based on your objectives.
2. Ease of Use and Learning Curve:
If you’re new to keyword research, opt for user-friendly tools like KWFinder or AnswerThePublic, which simplify the process and deliver clear insights. For experienced marketers, comprehensive platforms like Moz Keyword Explorer or Serpstat provide advanced capabilities but may require a steeper learning curve.
3. Data Accuracy and Reliability:
Accuracy is key when it comes to keyword research. Tools like Google Search Console provide real-time, reliable data directly from Google. Meanwhile, tools such as Ahrefs maintain vast, frequently updated keyword databases to support in-depth research.
4. Industry-Specific Relevance:
Select tools tailored to your niche. For example, Serpstat is ideal for PPC campaigns, while AlsoAsked is a go-to for content marketers seeking to answer user questions. Ensure the tool aligns with your industry requirements for optimal results.
5. Integration with Other Platforms:
Look for tools that integrate seamlessly with the platforms you already use. Semrush connects with Google Analytics for detailed reporting, while Google Keyword Planner works directly with Google Ads, enabling smooth ad campaign management.
6. Scalability for Growth:
If your business or marketing needs are likely to grow, choose a scalable tool. For example, Semrush can support businesses of all sizes, offering a range of plans that cater to evolving demands, from keyword tracking to advanced analytics.
7. Purpose and Feature Set:
Match the tool’s features to your purpose. For planning Google Ads campaigns, Google Keyword Planner is perfect. For uncovering competitor strategies, Ahrefs and Semrush excel. Pinpoint the features you need—whether it’s keyword difficulty scoring, search volume data, or trend analysis.
Also Read: A 7-Step Guide to Google Advertising
How upGrad Can Help You Learn Keyword Research Tools?
Learning to master keyword research tools is a game-changer for anyone in digital marketing, and upGrad offers courses designed to make you proficient in these essential skills. With tailored programs covering everything from the basics of SEO to advanced keyword strategies, upGrad equips you to confidently use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and Semrush for real-world applications.
Whether it’s understanding search intent, identifying high-performing keywords, or optimizing campaigns, upGrad’s industry-relevant courses ensure you’re ready to tackle the challenges of modern digital marketing. With partnerships with 1400+ top companies, you’ll also gain insights into how businesses effectively use keyword tools to drive results.
Below are some upGrad courses tailored to enhance your SEO knowledge and related skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are keyword research tools, and why are they important?
2. How do I choose the right keyword research tool for my needs?
3. What is the difference between free and paid keyword research tools?
4. How accurate are the search volume estimates provided by keyword research tools?
5. Can keyword research tools help with finding long-tail keywords?
6. How often should I perform keyword research for my website?
7. Do keyword research tools provide insights into competitor keywords?
8. Can I use keyword research tools for Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns?
9. What is keyword difficulty, and how do these tools measure it?
10. Are there keyword research tools that offer multilingual or international keyword data?
11. How do keyword research tools integrate with other SEO tools or platforms?
Sources:
https://backlinko.com/seo-services-statistics
https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/black-friday-online-marketing-costs-jump-bidding-war-with-temu-shein-2024-11-27/
https://bird.marketing/blog/bird-curated-list/best-keyword-research-tools/
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