The Best Tools for Keyword Research in 2024

Keyword research is critical to any SEO strategy, especially for small businesses trying to increase online visibility. Whether you want to refine your SEO keywords or uncover new long-tail keywords, having the right tools can make all the difference. In 2024, several keyword research tools can help UK small business owners get the most out of their SEO efforts.

Why Keyword Research Matters

 The main goal is to find relevant keywords that align with what your target audience is searching for. This helps you increase organic traffic by ensuring your content appears in search results.

When done right, keyword research can help you:

• Identify gaps in your keyword strategy – maybe there’s a term or phrase your competitors are ranking for, but you're missing.
• Focus on long-tail keywords – these longer, more specific phrases often have lower search volume but higher conversion rates because they target a more refined audience.
• Understand search intent – knowing whether users are looking for information or ready to make a purchase helps you craft better content.

1. Ahrefs

Ahrefs is one of the leading tools for keyword research. It provides a wealth of data, from keyword search volume to traffic potential, which makes it incredibly valuable for small businesses.

With Ahrefs, you can:

• Generate keyword ideas by entering seed keywords into their Keyword Explorer. This can provide keyword suggestions based on actual search data.
• Identify organic keywords already driving traffic to your website or your competitors' sites.
• Analyse search volume and cost-per-click data, helping you prioritise keywords with the most traffic potential.

Ahrefs also offers detailed competitor analysis, which is helpful when looking for gaps in your keyword strategy. They provide free trials for users who want to test their platform before committing, which can be a good starting point if you're on a tight budget.

2. Ubersuggest

Ubersuggest, developed by Neil Patel, is an excellent tool for businesses seeking a more affordable option. While it doesn’t offer the same depth of data as Ahrefs, it still provides valuable keyword insights, especially for smaller businesses.

With Ubersuggest, you can:

• Get keyword suggestions for both short-tail and long-tail keywords.
• Understand the difficulty score of ranking for each keyword, which helps focus on keywords with lower competition.
• Track your organic traffic over time and get suggestions on optimising your content for better results.

The free version of Ubersuggest offers limited searches per Day, which can be enough for businesses just starting. There's also a paid version if you need more in-depth data, but even the free tool can help you build a solid foundation for your SEO strategy.

3. KWFinder

For small businesses focused on long-tail keywords, KWFinder is a top choice. It simplifies the keyword research process and provides precise data on which keywords can give you the best results.

Key benefits of using KWFinder include:

• Long-tail keyword suggestions that are often overlooked but have high conversion potential.
• Search volume data that helps you prioritise keywords with the right balance of traffic and difficulty.
• Competitor analysis allows you to see which keywords your competitors are targeting.

KWFinder integrates smoothly with other tools like Google Search Console, giving you a fuller picture of your site's keyword performance.

4. Moz Keyword Explorer

Moz is a trusted name in SEO, and its Keyword Explorer tool lives up to its reputation. It’s handy for businesses looking to understand search intent.

Some features that stand out:

• Keyword suggestions tailored to your business niche.
• Insights into search intent, showing whether people are looking for information, considering a product, or ready to buy.
• A Priority Score that factors in all data points (search volume, difficulty, and click-through rate) to suggest which keywords you should focus on.

Moz offers a free version of their Keyword Explorer with limited queries. For deeper insights, you can upgrade to their paid plans, which SEO professionals highly regard.

5. SEMrush Keyword Magic Tool

SEMrush’s Keyword Magic Tool is another highly-rated keyword research tool. It offers comprehensive data on organic keywords, search volume, and competition.

Using SEMrush, you can:

• Discover new keyword opportunities that your competitors may be missing.
• Segment keywords by search intent, helping you target the right audience at the right stage of their journey.
• Identify keyword gaps, allowing you to find untapped opportunities in your content strategy.

SEMrush also offers free trials for users, allowing you to explore their platform without the commitment. This can be especially useful for businesses that want to test different tools before deciding.

How to Choose the Right Tool for Your Business

Now that you’ve seen some of the top keyword research tools for 2024, the next step is deciding which is right for your business. Here are a few things to consider:

• Budget: If you’re a small business just starting, free tools like Ubersuggest and the free versions of Ahrefs and Moz might be enough. Investing in a premium tool like Ahrefs or SEMrush can provide deeper insights as you scale.
• Business Goals: KWFinder could be the right choice if you focus on long-tail keywords. If you’re looking for comprehensive competitor analysis, Ahrefs or SEMrush are likely better options.
• Ease of Use: Some tools are more user-friendly than others. If you’re new to SEO, you may prefer Ubersuggest or KWFinder due to their straightforward interfaces.

Pro Tip 1: Combine Multiple Tools

You don’t need to rely on a single tool. Many businesses find value in using a combination of tools, such as Ahrefs for competitor analysis and KWFinder for long-tail keyword suggestions. This can give you a more rounded keyword strategy without having to compromise.

Pro Tip 2: Use Google Search Console for Free Insights

Don’t forget about free options like Google Search Console, which offers valuable keyword data from your website. This can complement the data from paid tools, helping you fine-tune your keyword strategy even further.

Final Thoughts

In 2024, having the right tools for keyword research is crucial for small businesses looking to grow their online presence. Ahrefs, Ubersuggest, KWFinder, Moz, and SEMrush, are all excellent options, each offering unique features that can help you optimise your SEO efforts.

By choosing the tool that aligns with your business goals and budget, you’ll be well on your way to boosting your organic traffic and achieving SEO success.

If you’re still unsure about which tool to choose, why not start with a free trial from one of the options listed above? It’s a great way to explore the features without making a financial commitment.