Finding the best SEO keyword ranking tools is not easy. There are so many to choose from. Some work well, and others don’t. I’ve tried many of them, and I’ll share what I’ve learned. In this post, I’ll tell you about the tools that helped me the most.
If you want to improve your SEO, keep reading. You might find the perfect tool for your needs!
Do You Need to Use SEO Keyword Ranking Tools?
Do you really need to use SEO keyword ranking tools? I asked myself the same thing when I started. At first, I thought I could just guess the right keywords. But I quickly learned it’s not that simple. It’s like trying to bake without a recipe. You might get something, but it’s not going to be great.
When I began using Google Keyword Planner, everything changed. I stopped guessing. I could see real data, trends, and the competition for each keyword. It was like having a map on a road trip. Sure, you can drive without one, but you might get lost.
Now, you might wonder, “Is Ahrefs better than Semrush?” Both are great tools. It depends on what you need. But having an SEO tool is a game-changer. It shows you the best keywords for SEO. Without it, you’re just guessing.
So, do you need these tools? Yes, you do. They give you a clear path to follow. Once you start using them, you’ll see the difference.
TL DR; 8 Best SEO Keyword Ranking Tools:
| Tool | Best For | Key Features |
| Ahrefs | Backlink analysis, SEO audit | Keyword explorer, SERP analysis, site audit |
| Semrush | All-in-one SEO & PPC | Keyword research, competitor analysis, rank tracking |
| Rank Tracker | Customizable rank tracking | Supports multiple search engines, SERP analysis |
| Moz | Beginner-friendly SEO | Keyword explorer, site audit, backlink analysis |
| Google Keyword Planner | PPC & basic SEO research | Free keyword ideas, search volume data |
| Ubersuggest | Budget-friendly SEO tool | Keyword suggestions, site audit, backlink data |
| AnswerThePublic | Content & keyword ideas | Visual keyword suggestions, questions from users |
| Serpstat | Affordable all-in-one SEO | Keyword research, competitor tracking, site audit |
1. Ahrefs Review
Ahrefs is a popular SEO tool. It helps you with keywords, backlinks, and site rankings. In this review, I will share my experience with Ahrefs. I’ll also talk about what I like and what could be better.
How It Works for Me
When I started focusing on SEO, I was stuck. I didn’t know how to find the right keywords. I wasn’t sure how my website was doing. Then, I found Ahrefs. It made things clear. The tool showed me everything I needed: keyword data, backlinks, and traffic potential.
It helped me make better decisions and grow my website. I could see exactly what was working and what wasn’t.
What I Like
- Easy to Use: Ahrefs has a simple design. It’s easy to find what you need.
- Data from Multiple Engines: It gives you info from Google, YouTube, Amazon, and more.
- Traffic Potential: This shows how much traffic you could get from a keyword.
- Backlink Checker: Ahrefs helps you find broken links and build backlinks.
- Fresh Data: Ahrefs keeps its data updated, so you always have the latest information.
What Could Be Better
- Expensive for Beginners: The basic plan costs a lot, especially if you’re just starting out.
- No Free Trial: You can’t try Ahrefs for free before buying.
- Limited Queries: The lower plans only give you 500 queries per month. This might not be enough for larger projects.
My Personal Experience
I’ve used Ahrefs for my SEO work. It helped me find keywords I missed before. One time, I used it to find a low-competition keyword for a client. After targeting that keyword, their site traffic grew.
I also used the backlink tool to find new link-building opportunities. This helped improve my client’s rankings in search results.
I also used Ahrefs for my content writing projects. It helped me find new topics and keywords to target. The tool made my work much easier and more effective.
Recommendation
Ahrefs is great for people serious about SEO. It works well for digital marketers and businesses with multiple websites. It helps you find the best keywords and improve your rankings.
If you’re just starting out, you might want to try other tools first. Ahrefs can be expensive, and it might be too much if you’re new to SEO. But if you’re ready to invest in SEO, Ahrefs is worth it. It’s powerful and gives you all the data you need.
2. Semrush Review
Semrush is a powerful tool for anyone looking to boost their SEO game. In this review, I’ll share my personal experience with it and explain why I think it’s one of the best tools out there.
How It Works for Me
Before I found Semrush, I struggled with SEO. It was hard to find the right keywords and backlinks. But after using Semrush, things changed. It helped me find keywords that were easier to rank for. I also found new ways to improve my site’s performance.
What I Like
- Easy Keyword Research: The Keyword Magic Tool is amazing. It helped me find the best keywords to target. I could see exactly how much search traffic a keyword gets.
- Backlink Data: With Semrush, I can easily see where my competitors are getting their backlinks from. It’s helped me build a better backlink strategy.
- Simple Interface: The tool is easy to use. It’s great for beginners, but it also has powerful features for experts.
What Could Be Better
- Price: Semrush is not cheap. It’s more expensive than some other tools. But the value it gives is worth the price in the long run.
- Learning Curve: Some features take time to learn. If you’re new to SEO, it might take a while to get comfortable with all the features.
My Personal Experience
I remember working on a new website. I couldn’t figure out how to rank higher on Google. I used Semrush to find new keywords. It gave me great ideas for what to target. Within weeks, my rankings started to improve.
In another case, I used the backlink tool. It helped me see where my competitors were getting links. I then copied their strategy, and my site’s authority grew.
Recommendation
Semrush is perfect for anyone who wants to get serious about SEO. It’s great for small businesses, marketers, and anyone who wants to improve their site. If you’re just starting out, it might seem a bit much. But you can try it for free first. That way, you can see if it fits your needs.
3. Rank Tracker Review
Rank Tracker helps you follow your website’s SEO rankings. It makes tracking easy and clear. If you’re serious about improving your SEO, this tool could be a game-changer.
How It Works for Me
At first, I struggled with tracking SEO rankings. It was hard to know where I stood or how to improve. Then, I found Rank Tracker. It helped me see exactly which keywords I needed to focus on. It made everything clearer. I no longer had to guess where I was improving or slipping.
What I Like
- The dashboard is clean and simple.
- I can track keywords on Google, Bing, and other engines.
- I get a full view of my rankings and can compare them to my competitors.
- It’s easy to add and track new keywords.
- The reports are clear and helpful.
What Could Be Better
- The setup can take some time at first.
- The keyword research tool isn’t as detailed as other options.
- The lifetime plan is a bit pricey compared to others.
My Personal Experience
I use Rank Tracker every week. It helps me see how my SEO work is paying off. For example, I tracked my ranking for “digital marketing course.” The tool showed me which keywords were driving traffic. It helped me tweak my content.
Once, I noticed a drop in one keyword’s ranking. Rank Tracker helped me catch that early. I then adjusted my content, and the ranking went back up.
Another time, I used it to track my competitors. Rank Tracker gave me a clear look at their top keywords. I used that to fine-tune my own strategy.
Recommendation
Rank Tracker is great for anyone working on SEO. If you want to see how your keywords are doing, this tool can save you a lot of time. It’s a good choice if you’re new to SEO or if you want an easy-to-use tool. If you already have advanced SEO needs, you may want to explore other tools, but Rank Tracker is a solid starting point.
4. Moz Review
Moz is a well-known SEO tool. It helps websites rank better on search engines. But is it worth it? Let me share my experience.
How It Works for Me
I was lost in SEO. My website was not ranking. I tried many tools, but nothing worked. Then I found Moz. It made SEO easier for me. The clear data and tips helped me improve my rankings fast.
What I Like
- Easy to Use – The dashboard is simple and clear.
- Keyword Research – Finds great keywords fast.
- DA and PA Metrics – Helps track website strength.
- Spam Score Checker – Warns about bad links.
- MozBar Extension – Shows SEO stats while browsing.
What Could Be Better
- Pricey for Beginners – The free version is limited.
- Backlink Data – Not as deep as some other tools.
- Slow Updates – Sometimes data takes time to refresh.
My Personal Experience
Moz helped me track my website’s growth. I used its keyword tool to find better terms. My rankings improved. The DA and PA scores showed my progress. MozBar saved me time by giving SEO stats on any page.
A friend used Moz Local to boost his local business. He saw better rankings in just a few months. Another friend used Moz’s spam checker to clean up bad links. His site performed much better after that.
Recommendation
Moz is great for bloggers, marketers, and businesses. If you want clear SEO guidance, it’s a good pick. But if you need deep backlink data, you might want to check other options too.
Moz makes SEO simple. It’s a strong tool for those who want to grow online.
5. Google Keyword Planner Review
Finding the right keywords is key to SEO success. Google Keyword Planner makes this task easier. It helps you discover search terms, check their competition, and estimate their cost.
How It Works for Me
I struggled to find good keywords for my blog. Some were too competitive, others had low search volume. Then, I found Google Keyword Planner. It showed me high-traffic keywords with low competition. This tool made keyword research simple and effective.
What I Like
- Free to Use – You don’t need to pay to access its basic features.
- Accurate Data – Google provides real-time keyword insights.
- CPC Estimates – Helps me check the cost per click for ads.
- Search Volume Trends – Shows keyword popularity over time.
- Easy to Use – The tool is simple and beginner-friendly.
What Could Be Better
- Limited Data Without Ads – Some details are hidden if you don’t run Google Ads.
- No Keyword Difficulty Score – Unlike SEMrush or Ahrefs, it lacks a difficulty metric.
- Basic Interface – It’s functional but could be more modern.
My Personal Experience
I use this tool for both SEO and PPC campaigns. It helps me find the best keywords for my blog. For example, I once searched for “SEO tools for beginners.” Google Keyword Planner showed me related terms with high search volume and low CPC. This helped me target the right audience. Another time, I used it to find the best keywords for a client’s Google Ads campaign. The results? Lower ad costs and higher engagement.
Recommendation
Google Keyword Planner is perfect for bloggers, marketers, and business owners. It’s great for finding keywords and planning ad campaigns. If you want deep SEO insights, tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush may be better. But this tool is a solid choice for a free and reliable option.
6. Ubersuggest Review
Ubersuggest is a popular tool for SEO. But does it really work as well as people say? I’m here to share my thoughts.
How It Works for Me
I was having trouble keeping track of my website’s SEO. There were too many tools, and none of them gave me everything I needed. Then, I found Ubersuggest. It was easy to use. I could see my site’s traffic, keywords, and backlinks all in one place. It made my life much easier.
What I Like
- Easy to Use: Ubersuggest is simple. You don’t need to be an expert to use it.
- Great Keyword Suggestions: I wanted better keywords for my blog. Ubersuggest gave me just what I needed.
- Affordable: It’s not expensive. You get a lot of value for the price.
- Site Audit Tool: It gives you a full SEO checkup. You can fix problems fast and improve your site.
What Could Be Better
- Limited Free Version: The free version is okay, but it’s limited. You need the premium version for more features.
- Backlink Data: The backlink data is helpful but not as detailed as other tools.
- No Deep Competitor Analysis: Ubersuggest gives some competitor info but not as much as some other tools.
My Personal Experience
I use Ubersuggest every week. It helps me track my website’s SEO. For example, I used it on a blog post I wrote. After a few days, I saw my ranking improve. It helped me make better choices.
I also used it to help a client. Their website wasn’t getting enough traffic. I used Ubersuggest to find the right keywords. Their traffic grew by 30% in one month. It wasn’t magic, but Ubersuggest helped a lot.
Recommendation
Ubersuggest is great for beginners or small businesses. It’s simple and affordable. If you want a tool that does the basics well, Ubersuggest is perfect. If you need more detailed analysis, you might want to look at other tools.
7. Serpstat Review
Serpstat is an SEO tool I’ve been using lately. It helps with many SEO tasks, like keyword research and tracking site rankings. It’s a good option for anyone who wants to improve their site’s SEO. Let me tell you why.
How It Works for Me
I had trouble finding a tool that could do everything I needed without being too complicated. I tried a few, but they didn’t give me what I needed. Then I found Serpstat. It made everything easier. The keyword research tool helped me find the right keywords, and the tracking tool showed me how my site was doing. I could see what worked and what needed improvement. It was just what I needed.
What I Like
- All-in-One Tool: Serpstat combines many tools in one. You get keyword research, backlink checks, and rank tracking.
- Easy to Use: The interface is clean and simple. You can find everything you need without wasting time.
- Accurate Data: The keyword difficulty and competition numbers are clear. They help me decide which keywords to focus on.
- Competitor Insights: I can see what my competitors are doing. This helps me find ways to beat them.
What Could Be Better
- Price: The higher plans can get expensive. If you’re just starting, it might be a bit much.
- Free Version Limits: The free trial is helpful, but you’ll quickly run into limits if you want more advanced features.
- Data Updates: Sometimes, it takes a little longer to get new data. I wish it updated faster.
My Personal Experience
Serpstat has helped me a lot. I use it to track my keywords and see how my site is doing. The rank tracker is great. I can see how my rankings change each day. It’s easy to check where I’m improving and where I need to do more work.
The backlink tool is another favorite. It helps me see where my competitors are getting their links. I can then work on getting links from similar sites.
Recommendation
I recommend Serpstat to anyone serious about SEO. It’s great for small businesses or marketers who need quick insights. If you’re new to SEO, you might want to try other tools first, so you can find what works best for you.
8. AnswerThePublic Review
If you’re looking to improve your SEO or find great content ideas, AnswerThePublic is a tool worth trying. I’m going to share how it works for me and why it might help you too.
How It Works for Me
At first, I wasn’t sure how to do keyword research. I needed ideas for blog posts but didn’t know where to start. Then, I found AnswerThePublic. I tried it with a simple word like “SEO,” and it gave me a bunch of new ideas. It felt like a magic tool that found questions and topics people were already searching for.
What I Like
- Great for Idea Generation: It gives me a lot of options. Whether I need long-tail keywords, questions, or just fresh content ideas, it has them.
- Easy to Read: The tool uses colors to show which keywords are the most popular. It helps me pick the best ones quickly.
- Saves Time: Instead of searching for hours, AnswerThePublic pulls real user searches for me. It makes the work faster and easier.
- Free Version: You don’t have to pay right away. The free version gives me plenty of useful searches each day.
What Could Be Better
- Limited Searches: With the free version, I can only do three searches per day. I need to plan ahead.
- A Lot of Data: The tool shows a lot of information. It can feel a bit too much, especially for beginners.
- CPC Data Is Basic: The cost-per-click data isn’t as detailed as I’d like. If you’re into paid ads, you might want more.
My Personal Experience
AnswerThePublic helped me when I was stuck. I needed blog ideas, but I was running out of inspiration. I typed in “SEO tips,” and the tool gave me so many good ideas. I found questions like “How to improve SEO in 2023″ and “What are the best SEO tools?” These ideas made it easy to build my content calendar.
I also used it for my FAQ page. Instead of guessing what people wanted to know, I let AnswerThePublic show me the real questions people were asking. It saved me time and helped me create better content.
Recommendation
I recommend AnswerThePublic to anyone who needs to improve their SEO. It’s perfect for bloggers, content creators, and small businesses. It helps you find long-tail keywords, ideas for content marketing, and even local SEO opportunities.
If you’re new to SEO, it’s a great tool to get started. If you’re experienced and need detailed data, you might want to try tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs.
Overall, AnswerThePublic is a great way to find content ideas and popular keywords quickly.
2 comments
[…] Platform: I really appreciate how Scalenut brings everything under one roof—writing, SEO grading, keyword research, and outlining. It saves me from switching between multiple tools, which used to waste so much […]
[…] makes content creation fast and easy. From AI writing to keyword tracking, it has all the tools I […]