Tools for finding keywords: the best solutions 🎯
Updated on April 24, 2026 by José PEREZ
Choosing the right keywords is essential for SEO
Find the the right keywords is the basis of natural referencing. To achieve this, it is crucial to carry out a in-depth study of keywords relevant to your business. Without them, it's impossible to know how your audience searches for your products or services on Google.
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You want to attract more qualified visitors on your site? Are you looking to improve your search engine positioning ? Then you need the best tools for identify relevant queries and build an effective SEO strategy.
I'll guide you through the tools free and paid, explain how to use them and give you my opinion on their effectiveness.
How to choose the right keyword research tool
Criteria to take into account
Before choosing a tool, ask yourself the right questions :
✔ Is the search volume displayed?
✔ Does the tool offer a competitive analysis?
✔ Can you identify long-tail keywords?
✔ Does it propose content ideas based on user searches?
✔ Is it free or does it require a paid subscription?
Why use multiple SEO tools?
No tool provides accurate 100 % data. Google does not share all search information, so cross-reference several sources provides a clearer vision and refine its strategy.
Let's take a look the best free and paid tools to find SEO keywords.
The best free tools for finding keywords
Google Keyword Planner - The official Google source
📌 Why use it?
- Data official from Google.
- Poster search volume and competition.
- Ideal if you use Google Ads.
📍 Disadvantages :
❌ Search volumes are often too large.
❌ Requires a Google Ads account to access data.
💰 Price : Free of charge.
Ubersuggest - Easy to use for beginners
📌 Why use it?
- Poster search volume, SEO difficulty and CPC.
- Provides suggestions for related keywords.
- Perfect for a quick analysis without complexity.
📍 Disadvantages :
❌ Limited free version (3 searches/day).
❌ Less precise than professional tools.
💰 Price : Free (pay version from 12/month).
AnswerThePublic - Find questions from Internet users
📌 Why use it?
- Generates questions based on Google searches.
- Ideal for find content ideas (FAQ, articles, videos).
- Works well for optimize voice search.
📍 Disadvantages :
❌ No data on the search volume.
❌ Limited to free searches per day.
💰 Price : Free (pro version from 9/month).
Keyword Surfer - Chrome extension for Google analysis
📌 Why use it?
- Poster search volume directly on Google.
- Shows suggestions for related keywords.
- Free of charge and quick to use.
📍 Disadvantages :
❌ Less accurate than paid tools.
❌ Does not offer advanced competitive analysis.
📋 Free resource
SEO Checklist: 47 critical points to check on your site
- 4 categories: Technical, Content, Netlinking, Local
- 3 priority levels to know where to start
- Self-diagnosis in just 30 minutes
💰 Price : 100% free.
The best pay tools for advanced analysis
Semrush - The most complete SEO tool
📌 Why use it?
- Huge database with millions of keywords.
- Detailed analysis competition and trends.
- Perfect tool for SEO audits and position monitoring.
📍 Disadvantages :
❌ High prices for the self-employed and small businesses.
❌ Can be complex to get to grips with.
💰 Price : From 119/month.
Ahrefs - The tool for SEO experts
📌 Why use it?
- Ultra-reliable data on search volume and SEO difficulty.
- Extensive analysis of backlinks and positioning.
- Identifies competitive keywords.
📍 Disadvantages :
❌ High cost, accessible to professionals.
❌ Less accessible to beginners.
💰 Price : From 99/month.
KWFinder - Ideal for finding long-tail keywords
📌 Why use it?
- Focus on long-tail keywords, less competitive.
- Simple, intuitive interface.
- Indicates SEO difficulty level.
📍 Disadvantages :
❌ Fewer advanced options than Semrush or Ahrefs.
💰 Price : From 29/month.
Comparison of keyword research tools
| Tool | Type | Benefits | Disadvantages | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Keyword Planner | Free | Official Google data | Requires an Ads account | Free |
| Ubersuggest | Freemium | Quick and easy | Limited free version | From €12/month |
| AnswerThePublic | Freemium | Ideal for finding content ideas | No search volume | From €9/month |
| Keyword Surfer | Free | Quick Google analysis | Lack of competitive analysis | Free |
| Semrush | Paying | Very complete for SEO | High prices | From €119/month |
| Ahrefs | Paying | Ultra-reliable data | High cost | From €99/month |
| KWFinder | Paying | Perfect for long tail | Less comprehensive than Semrush | From €29/month |
How to use these tools to improve your SEO
📌 Step 1: Analyze your market's keywords
Use Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to see popular queries.
📌 Step 2: Find long-tail keywords
KWFinder and AnswerThePublic help you identify precise expressions, less competitive.
📌 Step 3: Study the competition
With Semrush or Ahrefs, you can see keywords that work with your competitors.
📌 Step 4: Optimize your content
Use this data to write articles, optimize your pages and improve your search engine optimization.
Take action with the right tools 🎯
The keywords are the heart of your SEO strategy. Thanks to these tools, you can :
✔ Detecting relevant queries.
✔ Analyze the competition and adapt your content.
✔ Optimize your SEO to generate more qualified traffic.
Test several tools, compare the data and adjust your strategy for dominate Google. So which will you try first?
📋 Free resource
SEO Checklist: 47 critical points to check on your site
- 4 categories: Technical, Content, Netlinking, Local
- 3 priority levels to know where to start
- Self-diagnosis in just 30 minutes
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EXCELLENT Basée sur 4 avis Publié sur Google Florent FremontTrustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. Un excellent consultant SEO sur Rennes ! Grâce à l'expertise de José PEREZ, mon site web a vraiment gagné en visibilité sur mes mots-clés stratégiques Google. Très réactif et toujours à l'écoute de mes besoins. Je le recommande vivement pour améliorer votre référencement !Publié sur Google Max JFTrustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. José PEREZ démontre une expertise solide dans le référencement naturel. Son approche méthodique combine efficacement l'optimisation technique des sites web et la création de contenus pertinents. Il maîtrise les dernières pratiques SEO et assure une veille constante des algorithmes des moteurs de recherche. - Excellence technique dans l'audit et l'optimisation on-page - Communication claire avec les clients - Résultats mesurables sur le positionnement - Respect des délais Je recommande José PEREZ pour des projets SEO nécessitant une expertise technique pointue et un suivi rigoureux.Publié sur Google BENERRADI yousra (youssastuces)Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. Intervention riche et professionnelle, expert en référencement . Je recommande :)Publié sur Google Ramsi “JRK” KOUTOUNDATrustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. Véritable professionnel, José PEREZ est un expert de son domaine, sérieux, soucieux de son travail, il a un très bon sens relationnel.

Jose Perez
SEO & E-commerce expert - 17 years' experience
An expert in search engine optimization (SEO) for over 17 years, I optimize e-commerce sites for search engines. I help companies develop their visibility on Google in order to increase their online sales. My aim is to attract qualified traffic to your website through effective and ethical SEO strategies.