Top 5 Keyword Tools of 2015

Published on January 19, 2015

The collective idea of SEO seems to be an ever-shifting entity, particularly in line with Google's changes to algorithms. However, one thing will remain a relative constant: keywords.

When people use a search engine, they're looking for answers to their problem. Whether this be how to fix their leaky faucet, the death date of Cleopatra, or the closest Chinese food joint, every search comes with a  question for which searchers want answers.

Search engines, like Google, return this information based on the keywords or phrases that were entered in the original search. And guess what? People will ALWAYS use categorizable, group-able search terms (i.e. keywords) to find information, regardless of changing algorithms.

So, lets beef up your SEO strategy in 2015 with a strong keyword strategy! There are a plethora of fantastic SEO and keyword research tools available which you (or your SEO consultant) can use to boost your organic search traffic.

Here are the top 5 keyword tools of 2015, recently outlined by Vee Popat of Steamfeed.

1. Google Autocomplete

This tool launched back in 2004, but still remains a personal favorite to this day. Why? Well, Google Autocomplete serves as a great insight into what users are searching for.

Most likely, you've used Google Autocomplete yourself in your own searches. Go ahead. Pull open a google.com search page, and type in something like, "Chicago attractions":

Google Autocomplete SEO Tool

As you can see, Google provides you some suggestions of popular phrases that other users commonly search for - helpful for you, the searcher, and especially helpful for you, the business owner, as it gives you some insight of what keywords will bring users to your own business website.

Bonus: Popat also suggests users use this same strategy on the Wikipedia webpage, looking at relevant words and phrases that are included in Wikipedia's table of contents for your topic search.

2. KWfinder.com

KWfinder is a great tool (some even thing the best tool) for discovering long-tail keywords with low SEO competition. It comes with a fantastic free plan, with the option to upgrade to a 'basic' plan at $29/mo.

This is a great alternative to Google's Keyword Planner Tool, as there is no need for any installation, and you do not need an AdWords account to use it.

3. KeywordTool.io

Like KWfinder, Keyword Tool helps uncover what your audience searches for. In fact, it can generate up to 750 suggestions for every keyword you research.

Keyword Tool essentially takes Google Autocomplete and compiles that information in an optimized interface. It is generally a better keyword planner than Google's keyword planner, as it also does not require Google AdWords.

Oh. And it's 100% free. Which we love.

4. UberSuggest.org

Ubersuggest is a newly popular tool, and for good reason.

Ubersuggest compiles many different services in its research for you. To use it, simply type a keyword in the box and choose a country. Then you can customize your results to show keywords not only from a basic web search, but from other search categories like shopping, news, images, and video.

Additionally, Ubersuggest has functionality to take your basic search phrase and add a letter or digit in front of it to pull in even more suggestions for your term.

5. Your Competitor's Keywords

When in doubt, check out your competition. This isn't a middle school math test - it is completely expected that you will glance at your neighbor's work.

To start your comparative research, start with your primary keyword in the search engine, and click on the first organic result that surfaces.

Then, look at the page source code (right click: view source).

Scan through the code (or use the "find" or "search" functions in your browser), and look for phrases that are included in:

  • The meta tags "h1", "h2", or "h3"
  • Image alt text
  • Title tags
  • Link title tags

Your research isn't limited to these categories, of course, but those should give you a good starting point.

With this information, you can try using these words directly, or dropping them into your keyword research tools to discover even more related keywords.

The Next Step in Keyword Marketing?

Now you've got these keywords, how do you use them?

Be sure and use keywords to support your quality website content, not overwhelm it. Even if your keyword-stuffed content directs users to your website, users will get frustrated by empty content and write off your website altogether. Focus on helpful, quality content, and support that content with choice keywords.

Keywords can be implemented in a variety of ways on your website. Follow this detailed guide on how to optimize your website by using keywords.

Questions? Need help? Don't hesitate to send us an email or give us a call - we are happy to help!