When you’re just starting with SEO, one of the biggest challenges is figuring out what people are actually searching for. You might have the best content in the world, but if nobody is typing those words into a search engine, your content won’t be visible. That’s where keyword research comes in.
Now, here’s the good news. You don’t need fancy, expensive software to find great keywords. There are plenty of free tools that can give you more than enough insights to start ranking higher and pulling in traffic.
So, if you’re ready to take your first step into SEO without spending a single rupee, let’s talk about the top 5 free keyword research tools every beginner should try.
1. Google Keyword Planner
If you’re completely new, this tool is like dipping your toes into the keyword world. It was originally designed for advertisers who run paid ads, but it works just as well for SEO. You simply type in a word or phrase, and it shows you related keywords, their search volumes, and how competitive they are.
Why beginners love it:
- It’s free and reliable.
- You get a clear idea of what people are actually typing into search engines.
- It helps you spot variations of keywords you may not have thought about.
For Example:
Let’s say you sell handmade candles. If you type “scented candles” into the tool, you might discover related searches like “soy candles,” “long-lasting candles,” or even “eco-friendly candles.” Each of these is a product description keyword.
The beauty here is that you don’t just find one keyword, you get a whole bunch of new ideas you can use right away.
2. Ubersuggest
If you’re just starting out, this tool is a lifesaver. It’s not packed with confusing graphs or overwhelming stats. Instead, it keeps things simple, you get a list of keyword ideas, how many people search for them, how tough they are to rank for, and even a few content suggestions.
Why it’s worth using:
- Super beginner-friendly, no steep learning curve.
- Gives you keyword ideas straight from what people are actually searching.
- Shows you which topics are already doing well so you can learn from them.
Here’s a quick example: imagine you’re starting a fitness page. You type in “home workout,” and it suggests things like “home workout for beginners,” “10-minute home workout,” or “no-equipment home workout.” Notice how these are more specific? That makes them easier to target and more likely to bring in the right audience than just going after the broad term “home workout.”
It’s like having a flashlight in a dark room, you’re no longer guessing, you can actually see where to focus.
3. AnswerThePublic
Here’s a tool that feels a little different from the usual keyword finders. Instead of spitting out a list of random phrases, it actually shows you the questions people are asking online. Think of it like eavesdropping on your audience’s thoughts, you get to see exactly what they’re curious about.
Why is that useful? Because if you know the questions, you can create content that answers them directly. That’s FAQ sections, even social media posts, all handed to you on a silver platter.
For example, type in “coffee” and you’ll discover things like “Which coffee has the most caffeine?” or “How to make coffee at home without a machine?” you’re giving people the exact answers they want. And trust me, search engines love that kind of helpful, problem-solving content.
4. KeywordTool.io
If AnswerThePublic tells you what people are curious about, this one goes deeper into the specific phrases people type when they’re ready to take action. These are called long-tail keywords, these little gems that might not have huge search numbers, but they’re often easier to rank for and bring in visitors who are serious.
The best part? It gives you hundreds of keyword ideas in just seconds.
Think of long-tail keywords as low-hanging fruit. They’re not as hard to grab, but they can still bring you sweet results.
5. Google Trends
This one’s a bit of a game-changer. Instead of just telling you what people search for, it shows you when they’re searching and how that interest changes over time. In other words, it’s not just about the keyword, it’s about the timing.
If your business is tied to seasons or fast-changing industries, this tool is gold. Take “winter jackets,” for example. Searches for that term suddenly jump during the colder months. If you know that in advance, you can publish content or start your promotions before the rush begins, making sure you’re right there when people start looking.
It also helps you avoid wasting energy on topics that are losing steam. Why write about something fewer and fewer people care about? Instead, you can focus on trends that are growing and ride that wave.
Think of it like surfing, you don’t wait until the wave has already passed. You catch it while it’s building, and that’s exactly what Google Trends lets you do.
How to Actually Use These Tools Together
Now here’s the thing: it’s easy to know about tools, but it’s another thing to actually use them without feeling overwhelmed. A simple approach works best, especially if you’re just starting out.
Here’s a flow you can follow:
Start with a broad idea.
Check a keyword tool. Use something like Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to get a sense of the main keywords people search.
Look at real questions. Use something like AnswerThePublic to see the actual queries people type in.
Go deeper. Tools like KeywordTool.io help you find those longer, more specific phrases that often convert better.
Check the trend. Finally, run those ideas through Google Trends to make sure they’re not fading out and ideally, that they’re gaining momentum.
By the end of this process, you’ll have a neat list of keywords that are both realistic and valuable to target.
A Little Advice for Beginners
Here’s something most people overlook: don’t fall into the trap of only chasing big, high-volume keywords. They look attractive, but they’re also super competitive. Instead, go for a healthy mix of some short terms, some medium ones, and plenty of long-tail keywords. That way, you start ranking for easier wins while building your way up to the tougher ones.
And remember, keyword research isn’t just about Google rankings. Every search term represents a real person with a real problem. If your content genuinely answers that need, you’re already ahead of the game.
Wrapping It Up
You don’t need to spend money on fancy software to start with SEO. Free tools are more than enough to give you keyword ideas, help you understand your audience, and guide you toward creating content that works.