We use Ahrefs (we pronounce it H-refs) to do all sorts of SEO research. This article will focus on the keyword aspect of SEO but we use it for just about everything and is generally our starting point for gauging SEO success.
One of the most useful (and least useful) tools at Ahrefs is the keyword search functionality. We use it all the time to find keywords and get more info about them. It’s pretty easy – you just type them in and the click search. They have tons of data points and you could get lost going down the rabbit hole of SEO data. While it’s great to have that data, it’s not always accurate and sometimes it’s misleading.
As that market continues to grow, competitors are innovating and changing in ways that companies like Ahrefs aren’t. It also doesn’t hurt that Ahrefs charges a hefty fee compared to some other options, so what’s the harm in learning about some alternatives?
While Ahrefs does offer a semi-affordable “Beginner” tier, its basic marketing plans start at $129. That’s not a one-time payment, that’s their monthly fee! Not every small business can break the bank with payments like that, so I’ve put together a list of alternatives to help. Keyword analysis is key for any small business, so don’t miss out on a valuable keyword explorer just because you think it’s out of your price range. It isn’t.
What is a Keyword Explorer and Why You’d Need One
Keywords are tricky. Even for an extremely specific product or a very niche market, language needs to be precisely chosen so that it both appeals to customers and the all-important search engine results. If your content isn’t appearing in a Google search related to your market or consumers, that’s a problem.
Considering roughly 95% of keywords get 10 monthly searches or less, it always helps to have a system that can help you choose the precise ones to make your campaign successful. That’s another problem that can be solved with a Keyword Explorer.
A keyword explorer is one of many tools available to digital marketers. It allows users to analyze, pinpoint, and even choose different keywords for SEO (search engine optimization). Marketers can improve everything from descriptions to taglines by using the keyword explorer. Thus making their pages far more likely to appear in search results.
Some sophisticated keyword explorers take it a few steps further. You can compare different keywords with each other, determine whether or not desired keywords will appear in search results, and even organize keywords based on search volume and current trends. Pretty nifty.
Unfortunately, due to increased demand many of those tools have increased their prices, including Ahrefs. That’s left many looking for alternative keyword explorers - so I decided to put a list together! Not all of these entries will be free, but here are some alternative keyword explorers to Ahrefs that you’ll want to check out.
Ahrefs Keyword Explorer Alternatives
Keywords Everywhere
Description
A fairly straightforward browser extension that works with most of the popular browsers. While it has varying tiers based on price, reviews are generally strong and suggest that it’s a solid browser extension for those looking for basic marketing data.
Features
- Competitor Analysis
- Search volume data
- Keyword Popularity data
- SEO Ratings
- Page Content Analysis
Price
There is a freemium version, but it’s bare bones. For those willing to shell out some cash, they have a unique pricing model based on credits.
For $10 users can purchase 100,000 credits. Those credits can be used for tool usage, so the more tools and features you select the more you pay.
Explore more at their website.
Keysearch
Description
Keysearch is a more elaborate tool that offers comprehensive SEO and keyword analysis to digital marketers. After almost a decade in business, Keysearch has developed different tools and features that can be accessed from your phone, tablet, laptop, or computer.
Features
- Competitor Analysis
- YouTube Analysis and Research
- Virtual Content Assistant
- Backlink Research
- Keyword Suggestions
- Rank Tracking
- Content Analysis and Optimization
- Site Audits
Price
For the price, Keysearch is one of the best options on this list. They also boast that they’re, “the most affordable SEO toolkit for fast-growing websites.”
Starter plans begin at $24 a month while the Pro plans start at just $48 per month.
Explore more at their website.
Semrush
Description
Semrush is quite possibly the most comprehensive set of marketing tools available to the average business. It’s famous for incredibly thorough data analysis as well as pioneering several aspects of keyword analysis. Not only are they popular, they’re just about the biggest name in the SEO industry.
Features
- An Entire SUITE of SEO and Keyword Tools
- Social Media Analysis
- Competitor Analysis
- Rank Tracking
- Keyword Research
- Content Creation/Generation
- Content Optimization and Analysis
- Market Analysis
- PR Monitoring
- Enterprising Solutions
Price
You get what you pay for, and when it comes to Semrush, you get quite a lot.
Unfortunately, Semrush is one of the more expensive options on this list with tiers that start at $139.95 per month and end at $499.95 per month.
That being said, for those who can afford it, this toolkit is absolutely worth the price.
Explore more at their website.
Google Trends & Google Keyword Planner
Description
Google has a massive set of tools available to business owners and that includes Google Trends and Google Keyword Planner. Marketers and business owners alike can see important data on user behavior in real time, allowing them to analyze what’s currently trending. Then they can formulate keyword strategies based on those trends with the Keyword Planner.
Features
- Comparative Keyword Research
- Keyword Analysis
- Trend Analysis
- Search Request Access
- Content Optimization
- Topic Idea Generation
Price
Compared to the features of other available tools, Google Trends and Keyword Planner are a little lacking, but not when you factor in the price. You won’t pay anything to use Google Trends or Google Keyword Planner.
They’re completely free!
Explore more at their website.
Moz Keyword Explorer
Description
For more insight into the best and most profitable keywords to use in your marketing, look no further than Moz Keyword Explorer. Moz is specifically designed to up your keyword game, with the kinds of features that can put you ahead of competitors.
Features
- Competitor Analysis
- Keyword Lists and Organization
- Keyword Planning and Analysis
- SERP Analysis
- SEO Grading and Audits
Price
The tiers for Moz Keyword Explorer are the most varied on this list. While they do offer some free keyword queries, the Beginner plan starts at $49 per month. It’s perfect for small businesses and start-ups, but doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles the other plans do. Their most comprehensive plans start at $179 per month and go all the way up to $599 a month for Premium.
Explore more at their website.
Keywords Helper
Description
For those on the hunt for a simple yet unrefined keyword helper, Keywords Helper is an excellent option. Discover what’s topping the recent search results and determine how you can use that information to grow your traffic and your customer list.
Features
- Keyword Analysis
- Keyword Categorization
- Content Collections
- Keyword Clustering & Intent
- Performance Metrics
- Forecasting Tools
Pricing
It’s not free, so I can’t call Keywords Helper the cheapest option on this list, but it’s as close to free as a paid SEO tool is going to get. Users will shell out just $9.95 a month for the service.
