The 13 Best Keyword Research Tools to Find the Right Keywords for SEO

Download Now: Keyword Research Template [Free Resource]

Let’s get right down to it — the key to successful SEO is concentrating on long-tail keywords, which are associated with more qualified traffic that’s more likely to convert.

As for the key to finding — and choosing — the right long-tail keywords? I’ve found that it involves knowing how to use keyword research software effectively. In doing so, you can find specific, relevant search terms that can attract users who are further down their search intent than those using generic terms.

In this post, I’m highlighting the thirteen best tools out there for performing keyword research for your website content. Before we go any further, though, I want to touch on two important things to consider as you do your research: relevance and (if applicable) location.

Table of Contents

Keyword Relevance
Location-Based Keywords
Choosing the Right Keywords for Your Business
Free Keyword Research Tools
Paid Best Keyword Research Tools

Keyword Relevance

Relevance is the most important factor to consider when choosing the right keywords for SEO. Why? Because the more specific you are, the better.

For instance, if you own a company that installs swimming pools, it‘s likely that you’d attract more qualified prospects by targeting a keyword such as “fiberglass in-ground pool installation,” rather than “swimming pools.”

That‘s because there’s a good chance that someone searching for “fiberglass in-ground pool installation” is looking for information on installation or someone to perform the installation … and that could be you.

Sure, optimizing for “swimming pools” has its place. But there’s no doubt that this keyword will attract a much more generic audience that may not be looking for what you have to offer. Go for the relevant, long-tail keywords instead.

Location-Based Keywords

Another major factor to consider when optimizing for the right keywords is location-based searches. When looking for contractors and services in their specific area, search engine users will usually include their location in the search. So, “fiberglass in-ground pool installation” becomes “fiberglass in-ground pool installation in Boston, MA.”

If you operate in one geo-location, you may want to consider adding location-based keywords to all of your pages, since traffic from other locations isn’t going to be very much help to you.

If your business operates in several geo-locations, it is also a wise choice to create a separate web page dedicated to each location so you can make sure your brand is present when people are searching for individual locations.