The Ultimate Guide to Free Keyword Research Tools for Beginners

Introduction

Ever published a blog post, only to see it get lost in Google’s abyss? The problem isn’t always your content—it’s often your keywords.

Keyword research is the backbone of SEO. It helps you understand what people are searching for, how often, and how hard it’ll be to rank. The good news? You don’t need expensive tools to get started.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best free keyword research tools, how to use them, and actionable strategies to find winning keywords—even if you’re a complete beginner.

Why Keyword Research Matters

Before diving into tools, let’s understand why keyword research is non-negotiable for SEO:

✅ Target the Right Audience – Find what your potential customers are actually searching for.
✅ Beat Your Competition – Discover low-competition keywords you can rank for faster.
✅ Drive Organic Traffic – Optimize content for terms that get real searches.
✅ Improve Content Strategy – Uncover trending topics and gaps in your niche.

Now, let’s explore the best free keyword research tools available today.

7 Best Free Keyword Research Tools for Beginners

1. Google Keyword Planner

Best for: Search volume data and keyword ideas.

How to Use It:

1. Go to Google Ads (free account required).
2. Navigate to Tools > Keyword Planner.
3. Enter a seed keyword (e.g., “best running shoes”).
4. Analyze search volume and competition level.

Pro Tip: Look for keywords with medium-high volume and low-medium competition.

2. Ubersuggest (by Neil Patel)

Best for: Keyword suggestions, difficulty scores, and content ideas.

How to Use It:

1. Visit Ubersuggest.
2. Enter a keyword (e.g., “home workouts”).
3. Check keyword difficulty (KD), search volume, and related terms.

Pro Tip: Target keywords with a KD score below 40 for easier ranking.

3. AnswerThePublic

Best for: Long-tail keywords and question-based queries.

How to Use It:

1. Go to AnswerThePublic.
2. Enter a broad topic (e.g., “keto diet”).
3. Explore visual keyword maps showing questions, prepositions, and comparisons.

Pro Tip: Use these questions to create FAQ sections or blog post ideas.

4. Google Trends

Best for: Seasonal trends and keyword popularity over time.

How to Use It:

1. Visit Google Trends.
2. Compare keywords (e.g., “yoga vs. pilates”).
3. Check regional interest and related queries.

Pro Tip: Use rising trends to create timely content before competition spikes.

5. Keyword Surfer (Chrome Extension)

Best for: Instant keyword data while browsing Google.

How to Use It:

1. Install the Keyword Surfer extension.
2. Search any term on Google.
3. See search volume, CPC, and related keywords instantly.

Pro Tip: Great for quick research while reading competitor blogs.

6. SEMrush (Free Version)

Best for: Competitor keyword analysis.

How to Use It:

1. Visit SEMrush.
2. Enter a competitor’s domain.
3. Check their top organic keywords (limited in free version).

Pro Tip: Steal their low-competition keywords and create better content.

7. Google Search Console (GSC)

Best for: Finding keywords you already rank for.

How to Use It:

1. Go to Google Search Console.
2. Navigate to Performance > Queries.
3. See which keywords bring impressions/clicks to your site.

Pro Tip: Optimize pages ranking #5-20 to push them to the top.

How to Conduct Keyword Research Like a Pro (Step-by-Step)

Now, let’s put these free keyword research tools into action.

Step 1: Start with Seed Keywords

• Brainstorm broad topics related to your niche (e.g., “vegan recipes”).
• Use AnswerThePublic to expand into long-tail variations.

Step 2: Analyze Search Volume & Difficulty

• Plug keywords into Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest.
• Filter for 1,000+ monthly searches and low-medium competition.

Step 3: Check Competitor Keywords

• Use SEMrush to spy on competitors’ top-ranking terms.
• Identify gaps where you can outrank them.

Step 4: Prioritize by Intent

• Informational (“how to…”) → Blog posts.
• Commercial (“best…”) → Product reviews.
• Transactional (“buy…”) → Landing pages.

Step 5: Track & Optimize

• Use Google Search Console to monitor rankings.
• Update old posts with new keyword insights.

Common Keyword Research Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Targeting Only High-Volume Keywords – Low-competition terms often convert better.
🚫 Ignoring Long-Tail Keywords – They make up 70% of all searches.
🚫 Not Checking Search Intent – A keyword means nothing if it doesn’t match user intent.
🚫 Forgetting Local SEO – Use “near me” keywords if you serve a local audience.

Actionable Takeaways

✅ Use Ubersuggest + AnswerThePublic for quick keyword ideas.
✅ Validate volume with Google Keyword Planner.
✅ Spy on competitors with SEMrush.
✅ Optimize existing content using Google Search Console.

Conclusion: Start Finding Profitable Keywords Today

Keyword research doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With these free keyword research tools, you can uncover hidden opportunities, outsmart competitors, and drive more organic traffic—without spending a dime.

Ready to get started? Pick one tool from this list and find 5 new keywords to target this week!

Got questions? Drop a comment below—we’d love to help! 🚀