Introduction
Good SEO tools used to mean expensive agency subscriptions and steep learning curves. That is no longer true.
Here are the SEO tools I actually use as a content creator — and one of them has changed how I find topics to write about entirely.
KWFinder — Finding keywords without the complexity
Most keyword research tools assume you are an SEO professional. KWFinder assumes you are a content creator who wants to write about things people actually search for.
You put in a keyword or a competitor URL. It gives you:
- Real search volumes
- Keyword difficulty scores
- Related keyword ideas
- Local search data
The interface is clean. The data is accurate. You can start using it in minutes.
What makes it different: The keyword difficulty score is based on actual domain authority data, not just backlinks. This means you can find topics you actually have a chance of ranking for.
SEMrush — When you need the full picture
SEMrush is the tool agencies use when they need everything: keyword research, competitor analysis, backlink data, content optimisation, and social media tracking.
It is expensive at ~£100/month for the Pro plan. But if you are serious about SEO and have a budget for tools, it is worth it.
Best for: Businesses with an established presence who want to outrank competitors.
Not for: Beginners or casual bloggers. The learning curve is real.
AnswerThePublic — Finding questions people actually ask
This tool visualises what people are searching for around a topic. You put in a keyword and it shows you questions, comparisons, and related searches in a visual web.
It is particularly useful for finding content angles you had not considered.
Free tier: 3 searches per day.
Ubersuggest — Neil Patel's tool
Ubersuggest is Neil Patel's attempt at making SEO accessible to everyone. It has keyword research, site audit, and competitor analysis.
The free tier gives you a decent amount of data. The paid plans start at £20/month.
Best for: Bloggers and small business owners who want SEMrush-level data without the price tag.
Google Keyword Planner — The free foundation
Do not overlook the free tool from Google itself. Keyword Planner gives you search volumes and forecasts. It is basic but it is accurate because it comes from Google.
Use it to validate ideas before spending money on paid tools.
My recommendation for content creators
Start with KWFinder (free tier available) to learn keyword research without spending money. Once you are earning from your content, upgrade to the full Mangools suite or add SEMrush.
The goal is to write content people are actually searching for. Tools help you find those topics. The writing is up to you.
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you find these tools useful, using my links helps support my work at no extra cost to you.
