Best Free Keyword Research Tools in 2022

Keyword research is an essential part of any SEO or digital marketing strategy. Whether you're optimizing a blog, running Google Ads, or planning content, the right tools can help identify keywords that drive traffic and conversions. While premium tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs offer advanced features, free keyword research tools are a great starting point for budget-conscious marketers. Here's a list of the best free keyword research tools in 2022 to help you achieve your goals.

1. Google Keyword Planner

Overview: A tool offered by Google Ads, the Keyword Planner is perfect for finding new keywords and estimating search traffic.
Features:

• Discover keyword ideas based on a seed keyword or URL.
• Analyze metrics like search volume, competition, and CPC.
• Ideal for paid and organic keyword research.

2. Ubersuggest

Overview: Created by Neil Patel, Ubersuggest offers both free and paid plans. The free version is perfect for basic keyword research.
Features:

• Provides keyword ideas, search volume, CPC, and competition data.
• Offers suggestions for long-tail keywords.
• Includes a content ideas section for inspiration.

3. AnswerThePublic

Overview: A unique tool that visualizes keyword ideas as questions, comparisons, and prepositions.
Features:

• Generates keyword suggestions based on user queries.
• Perfect for uncovering long-tail keywords and search intent.
• Free users get limited daily searches.

4. Google Trends

Overview: This tool analyzes the popularity of search terms over time and across regions.
Features:

• Compare keyword trends and seasonality.
• Identify emerging trends for timely content creation.
• A great complement to other keyword tools.

5. Keyword Tool

Overview: This tool generates keyword suggestions using Google’s Autocomplete feature.
Features:

• Provides long-tail keyword ideas.
• Free version delivers basic data; premium access unlocks advanced metrics.
• Supports platforms like YouTube, Amazon, and Bing.

6. Moz Keyword Explorer (Free Version)

Overview: Moz's free plan offers 10 keyword searches per month, perfect for light users.
Features:

• Analyze keyword difficulty and organic CTR.
• Offers related keyword suggestions.
• Simple, user-friendly interface.

7. Soovle

Overview: A simple tool that aggregates autocomplete suggestions from multiple search engines.
Features:

• Pulls keywords from Google, Bing, Amazon, YouTube, and more.
• Great for exploring platform-specific keywords.
• No account required.

8. Keyword Surfer

Overview: A free Chrome extension that integrates keyword insights directly into your browser.
Features:

• Displays search volume and CPC data on Google SERPs.
• Highlights related terms for expanded research.
• Convenient for on-the-go keyword analysis.

9. SERP Keyword Research Tool by SEO Scout

Overview: A free tool that extracts keywords directly from search engine results pages (SERPs).
Features:

• Analyze competitor meta descriptions and titles.
• Gain insights into real-world keywords used by top-ranking sites.

10. Ahrefs Free Keyword Generator

Overview: While Ahrefs is a premium tool, its free keyword generator is a powerful resource for basic research.
Features:

• Provides keyword suggestions and search volume.
• Includes a list of top-ranking pages for specific terms.
• Focuses on both Google and Bing.

Tips for Using Free Keyword Tools Effectively

• Combine Multiple Tools: No single tool covers everything. Use a combination to get comprehensive insights.
• Focus on Search Intent: Look beyond search volume to understand why users search for a keyword.
• Monitor Trends: Tools like Google Trends help identify seasonal spikes and emerging opportunities.