Free Tools to Do Keyword Research Like a Pro (Even Without Paying for Ahrefs or SEMrush) – 2026
In digital marketing, keyword research is the foundation of every successful SEO and content strategy. Without understanding what your audience is searching for, you’re essentially shooting in the dark. But here’s the truth — you don’t need expensive tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to uncover profitable keywords.
There are several free keyword research tools that can help you find high-traffic, low-competition keywords and analyze search intent just as effectively — if you know how to use them right.
Let’s explore the best free tools to do keyword research like a pro, and how to make the most of them.
1. Google Keyword Planner — The Original Free Powerhouse
Best for: Basic keyword ideas and ad planning
Google Keyword Planner remains one of the most reliable free tools available. Even though it’s built for Google Ads, it’s also incredibly useful for SEO keyword research.
How to Use It:
Go to Google Keyword Planner.
Select “Discover new keywords.”
Enter your topic, product, or niche.
You’ll see data like average monthly searches, competition level, and suggested bids.
Pro Tip:
Don’t ignore keywords with medium or low search volume. These “long-tail keywords” are often less competitive and easier to rank for.
For example, instead of targeting “digital marketing,” go for “digital marketing strategies for small businesses.” It’s more specific and targeted.
2. Google Trends — Understand Keyword Popularity Over Time
Best for: Analyzing keyword trends and seasonality
Google Trends helps you see how search interest for a keyword changes over time. You can also compare multiple keywords and filter results by location, time range, and category.
How to Use It:
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Visit Google Trends.
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Enter a keyword (e.g., “AI marketing tools”).
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Analyze the graph to understand whether the keyword is rising or declining in popularity.
Pro Tip:
Combine Google Trends with Keyword Planner. Start with Keyword Planner to find ideas, then check those keywords in Google Trends to identify which ones are gaining traction.
3. AnswerThePublic — Discover Questions People Are Asking
Best for: Finding question-based and long-tail keyword ideas
AnswerThePublic is a fantastic visual tool that pulls data from Google’s autocomplete feature. It shows what people are typing in search engines — in the form of questions, prepositions, and comparisons.
How to Use It:
Go to AnswerThePublic.
Type in your keyword (e.g., “keyword research”).
You’ll get a visual map of queries like “how to do keyword research for free” or “keyword research without tools.”
Pro Tip:
These question keywords are excellent for blog post titles, FAQs, and featured snippet optimization. Google loves content that directly answers user questions.
4. Ubersuggest (Free Version) — Simplified SEO Tool
Best for: Keyword ideas with search volume and difficulty score
Ubersuggest, by Neil Patel, offers a free version with limited but valuable insights. You can get data on keyword volume, CPC, SEO difficulty, and related keyword suggestions.
How to Use It:
Visit Ubersuggest.
Enter your keyword and choose your target country.
You’ll get a list of related keywords and content ideas.
Pro Tip:
Focus on keywords with low SEO difficulty (SD) and moderate search volume. Those are your best opportunities to rank faster without heavy competition.
5. Google Search Autocomplete & “People Also Ask”
Best for: Finding real, user-generated keyword ideas
One of the most underrated keyword research methods is simply using Google itself.
When you type something into the search bar, Google’s autocomplete suggestions reveal what people commonly search for. Similarly, the “People also ask” section provides related questions.
How to Use It:
Type your main keyword (e.g., “best SEO tools”) into Google.
Look at autocomplete suggestions — they’re based on actual search behavior.
Scroll down to “People also ask” and note the related questions.
Pro Tip:
Use these questions as subheadings in your article. Not only does this improve SEO structure, but it also increases your chance of ranking for featured snippets.
6. KeywordTool.io (Free Version) — Great for YouTube, Amazon, and More
Best for: Keyword research beyond Google
KeywordTool.io uses autocomplete data from various platforms — including YouTube, Amazon, Bing, and Instagram. The free version gives keyword ideas but hides exact search volumes (available in the paid plan).
How to Use It:
Visit KeywordTool.io.
Select the platform (e.g., YouTube, Amazon).
Enter your seed keyword.
Browse hundreds of keyword variations.
Pro Tip:
For YouTube creators, this is gold. Focus on question-style keywords like “how to use AI tools for SEO” to boost visibility in both YouTube and Google results.
7. Google Search Console — Real Keywords You’re Already Ranking For
Best for: Tracking existing keyword performance
If your website is already live, Google Search Console is essential. It shows the actual keywords that are driving impressions and clicks to your site.
How to Use It:
Go to Google Search Console.
Navigate to Performance → Search results.
You’ll see a list of keywords where your site appears in search results.
Pro Tip:
Find keywords where your average position is between 8–20. Optimize your existing content for these terms — a few tweaks can move you to the first page.
8. AlsoAsked.com — Deep Dive Into Search Intent
Best for: Understanding how search queries connect
AlsoAsked.com takes “People Also Ask” data to the next level. It visually maps how questions relate to each other, helping you build content that fully covers a topic.
How to Use It:
Visit AlsoAsked.com.
Type your keyword (e.g., “content marketing”).
Analyze the question network.
Pro Tip:
Use this to plan comprehensive topic clusters or pillar pages. Covering multiple related queries helps you build authority around a subject.
9. Reddit and Quora — Hidden Keyword Goldmines
Best for: Discovering authentic user queries and pain points
Platforms like Reddit and Quora are where people ask unfiltered questions — the kind that often don’t show up in traditional keyword tools.
How to Use It:
Search for your topic on Reddit or Quora (e.g., “SEO tips” or “how to find keywords”).
Look for repeated phrases and question patterns.
Pro Tip:
Use these to create content with a conversational tone. These real-world queries reflect how people actually think and talk.
10. ChatGPT — AI-Powered Keyword Research Assistant
Best for: Brainstorming and clustering keyword ideas
You can use ChatGPT to generate keyword clusters, content ideas, or search intent breakdowns. Just provide a niche and ask it to list keyword ideas grouped by intent (informational, commercial, transactional).
Pro Tip:
Use AI tools to generate keyword lists, then cross-check them using Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to verify volume and difficulty.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need premium tools to do effective keyword research — what you need is clarity, consistency, and creativity. Free tools like Google Keyword Planner, Trends, AnswerThePublic, and Ubersuggest can give you more than enough data to plan a solid SEO strategy.
Start by identifying your target audience, explore what they’re searching for, analyze the competition, and build content around long-tail, low-competition keywords.
If you apply these strategies consistently, you’ll be doing keyword research like a pro — without spending a single rupee on Ahrefs or SEMrush.