Without a doubt, one of the most (if not the most) crucial search engine optimization (SEO) activities is keyword research—specifically finding the right keywords.

But keyword research can take a lot of time and effort, especially when done manually. So, to optimize the process, arm yourself with powerful keyword research tools.

Nowadays, there's an abundance of keyword research tools to pick from, which may cause some confusion for those without an abundance of SEO knowledge.

Therefore, in this article, we'll consider seven of the most reliable (and free) keyword finders to help you put together your dream team of keywords.

1. Rank Tracker

Rank Tracker (by my company) is a proven tool that can handle everything keyword research entails. It boasts one of the largest keyword databases, 23 keyword tools (including Google Ads Keyword Planner, Search Console, and Google Analytics), and 7 keyword research methods.

With the help of Autocomplete and Related Searches keyword research methods, you can collect tons of long-tail keywords and keep an eye on search trends in your niche. To make your keyword list 100% complete, check out the Keyword combinations module to uncover all possible keyword combinations and misspelled variants of your keywords.

By using the Competition TF-IDF Explorer feature incorporated in Rank Tracker, you can see the exact keywords your top 10 competitors rank for and collect the best-performing ones that they have in common.

Rank Tracker not only compiles a powerful set of keywords but also lets you analyze them according to the most important SEO criteria, such as the number of searches, CPC, competition, and so on. Moreover, with the help of Rank Tracker's keyword difficulty tool, you can find easy-to-rank-for-keywords and outrank your competitors in SERPs.

When you've your ideal keywords, you can give them some order by tagging, grouping, and filtering however you'd like. You can then move them to Rank Tracking and proceed with position-checking. All keywords from your previous searches will be stored in Keyword Sandbox so you can get back to them at any time.

Some users may find it inconvenient that Rank Tracker is desktop-based. On the other hand, that allows for collecting and working with a large amount of data. Also, the software's interface may seem a bit confusing for first-timers, but it gets easier as you're using the tool.

Pros

• 23 keyword tools in one
• Google Keyword Planner, Search Console, and Google Analytics integration
• The competition TF-IDF analysis feature
• Comprehensive keyword analysis
• Unlimited number of keywords to analyze
• The Keyword Difficulty tool

Cons

• Desktop-based tool
• The software may seem difficult to newbies

2. Google Ads Keyword Planner

The second keyword research tool that most marketers have at least heard of, if not used, is our trusty Google Ads Keyword Planner. Back in the day, it used to be part of Google Ads, but now the tool can be used on its own.

All you need to do is enter up to 10 seed keywords (or a URL)—and the tool will quickly come up with keyword suggestions accompanied by the following:

• The average number of searches
• Competition
• Top of page bid (low range)
• Top of page bid (high range)

On top of that, in the Historical Metrics tab, you can access 12‐month average search volumes.

There's also an opportunity to filter keywords according to these criteria or get rid of keywords that you already have. After you've come up with your final keyword list, you can either download a CSV report or add them to your Google Ads campaign.

As for disadvantages, there's no opportunity to see exact monthly search volumes; you can access that data only if you run a paid Google Ads campaign. What's more, the number of keywords Keyword Planner supplies you with is limited in comparison with other tools. Accordingly, it's better to use it in combination with another keyword finder.

Pros

• Google's own tool
• Large keyword database
• User-friendly interface
• Keyword-filtering feature
• Downloadable reports

Cons

• No opportunity to access exact search volumes
• Smaller number of keyword suggestions
• Limited number of SEO metrics to compare keywords by

3. Google Search Console

The second of Google's own tools on the list is Search Console. Unlike Google Keyword Planner, Search Console allows you to collect keywords that people really type in Google to land on your webpages. In addition to that, in the Content Keywords section, you can download a report to see what keywords are used in your content and their performance in search results.

In the Analytics report, you can access information about the number of clicks, CTR, as well as geographical ranking. As usual, all your keywords can be easily filtered by date, page, and device.

The so-called Opportunity Keywords is another thing users like about Google Search Console; these are the keywords that with a bit of on-page optimization and link-building can skyrocket your site in search results.

As you may already know, the tool has recently improved some of its features and interface. So now it's even more user-friendly and feature-rich, which makes it perfect for marketers and those who are taking their first SEO steps.

On the flip side, Google Search Console displays only quite vague (10-times range) search volume, which may not suit those who need precise numbers. Therefore, the tool works better in combination with Keyword Planner or Google Analytics.

Pros

• Google's own tool
• Access to Google's keyword database
• User-friendly experience
• Keyword-filtering feature
• Downloadable reports

Cons

• Vague stats
• No opportunity to collect competitors' keywords
• Needs integration with other tools