The Ultimate Guide to Keyword Checkers and Generators for SEO
Hansjan Kamerling
Jul 20
Why Keyword Checkers are Essential for SEO
If you're looking for a quick answer to what a keyword checker is and why you need one, here's a snapshot:
- Keyword Checker: A tool that helps you find and analyze search terms that people enter into search engines.
- Why Use It: To boost your SEO strategy by identifying high-traffic, low-competition keywords.
- Benefits: Improves search engine rankings, drives targeted traffic, and optimizes content.
In digital marketing, the use of a keyword checker can transform your SEO strategy. These tools provide valuable insights into what potential customers are searching for and how you can take advantage of these searches. By identifying the right keywords, you can drive more targeted traffic to your site and increase your chances of appearing at the top of search engine results.
In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about keyword checkers and how to use them effectively to improve your SEO strategy.
I'm Hansjan Kamerling, a product designer and marketing consultant with experience in SEO tools, including keyword checkers. My work has helped numerous startups and established brands boost their online visibility. Let's optimize your search strategy.
What is a Keyword Checker?
A keyword checker is a tool that helps you identify the most relevant keywords for your website or content. These tools are essential for anyone looking to improve their search engine optimization (SEO) efforts.
Keyword Definition
Keywords are the specific words or phrases that people use when searching for information online. For example, if you're looking for a new laptop, you might type "best laptops 2023" into Google. In this case, "best laptops 2023" is the keyword.
Keyword Importance
Why are keywords so important? They act as the bridge between what people are searching for and the content you provide. If you use the right keywords, your content is more likely to appear in search engine results, driving more traffic to your site.
Imagine you run a bakery in New York. If someone searches for "best cupcakes in NYC" and your website uses this keyword effectively, there's a good chance they'll find your bakery.
SEO Basics
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the practice of optimizing your website to rank higher in search engine results. The higher your site ranks, the more likely people are to visit it. There are several key aspects to SEO:
- On-Page SEO: This involves optimizing individual pages on your website. It includes using the right keywords, creating high-quality content, and ensuring your site is user-friendly.
- Off-Page SEO: This focuses on building your site's reputation and authority. It includes activities like backlinking and social media marketing.
- Technical SEO: This involves the backend elements of your site, like site speed, mobile-friendliness, and secure connections (HTTPS).
Using a keyword checker can streamline these processes by helping you find the best keywords to target, understand their search volume, and gauge the competition.
How to Identify Your Keywords
Identifying the right keywords is like finding a needle in a haystack. But with the right approach, it becomes a lot easier. Here’s how you can do it:
Background Research
Start by understanding your audience. What are they searching for? What problems are they trying to solve? Tools like AnswerThePublic can help you uncover real questions users ask about your niche. This will give you a good starting point.
Database Search Results
Use keyword checkers to pull data from large databases. Tools like Google Search Console and Rank Tracker provide insights into what keywords are driving traffic to your site. Look at the average search engine results page (SERP) position, impressions, and clicks for these keywords.
Concise Terms
Focus on concise terms that accurately describe your content. For example, if you sell running shoes, "running shoes" is a concise term. However, also consider long-tail keywords like "best running shoes for marathons" which are more specific and often less competitive.
Synonyms
Don’t just stick to one keyword. Think of synonyms and variations. For instance, if your main keyword is "buy shoes," also consider "purchase footwear" or "shop sneakers." Tools like WordStream can help you find related keywords that might not be immediately obvious.
Related Terms
Identify related terms that your audience might be searching for. These can be broader or narrower than your main keyword. For example, if you’re targeting "running shoes," related terms could be "athletic wear" or "sports shoes." Using tools like Moz Keyword Explorer can help you find these related terms and understand their search volume and competition level.
By doing thorough background research, using database search results, focusing on concise terms, and considering synonyms and related terms, you can build a robust list of keywords. This will set the foundation for your SEO strategy.
Next, we'll explore the top free keyword checkers and generators that can help you in this process.
Top 5 Free Keyword Checkers and Generators
Finding the right keywords can make or break your SEO strategy. Here are the top five keyword checkers and generators that can help you identify high-impact keywords without breaking the bank.
1. Adaptify Keyword Tool
Adaptify's own keyword tool leverages the latest search data to provide accurate keyword suggestions, search volume, competition level, and CPC data.
Key Features:
- Keyword Suggestions: Generate keywords custom to your industry.
- Search Volume: Get insights into how often keywords are searched.
- Competition Level: Understand how competitive a keyword is.
- CPC Data: See the cost-per-click for PPC campaigns.
Example: If you're in the "Finance & Banking" sector, searching for "new car" might show results like "new car incentives" or "new car lease."
2. Adaptify Keyword Explorer
Adaptify Keyword Explorer offers keyword difficulty scores, SERP analysis, and the ability to generate and export keyword lists.
Key Features:
- Keyword Difficulty: Gauge how hard it is to rank for a keyword.
- SERP Analysis: See why pages rank where they do.
- Keyword Lists: Save and organize your keywords.
- Export Data: Easily export your findings to a CSV file.
Example: Use Adaptify’s Keyword Difficulty score to find out how challenging it is to rank for "organic dog food" and adjust your strategy accordingly.
3. Adaptify Keyword Scout
Adaptify Keyword Scout offers insights into PPC bids and competitive analysis, specifically designed for Amazon sellers.
Key Features:
- Amazon Keywords: Find keywords specifically for Amazon listings.
- PPC Bids: Get data on PPC bids to optimize your ad spend.
- Competitive Insights: See what keywords your competitors are using.
Example: If you're selling kitchen gadgets, you might find high-traffic keywords like "best kitchen knife" or "non-stick pan."
4. Adaptify Rank Tracker
Adaptify Rank Tracker combines multiple keyword tools under one roof, offering keyword ideas from major search engines and rank history.
Key Features:
- Keyword Ideas: Generate keywords from multiple sources.
- Rank History: Track how your keywords have performed over time.
- Competition Intelligence: Identify keyword gaps between you and your competitors.
Example: Use Adaptify Rank Tracker to find out which keywords competitors are ranking for that you aren't, such as "eco-friendly water bottle."
5. Adaptify Wordtracker
Adaptify Wordtracker helps you find high-traffic, low-competition keywords.
Key Features:
- High-Traffic Keywords: Identify keywords with high search volume.
- Low-Competition Keywords: Find keywords that are easier to rank for.
- Keyword Suggestions: Get a variety of keyword ideas.
Example: If you run a travel blog, you might uncover keywords like "hidden gems in Europe" that have high traffic but low competition.
These tools simplify the complex task of keyword research, helping you find the best keywords to target for your SEO strategy.
1. WordStream Free Keyword Tool
WordStream's Free Keyword Tool is a fantastic starting point for anyone diving into keyword research. It's designed to help you find new keyword opportunities and optimize your search marketing campaigns.
How it Works:
- Google API Integration: WordStream leverages the latest Google search data to provide accurate and up-to-date keyword suggestions.
- Keyword Suggestions: Simply enter a keyword or website URL, and the tool generates hundreds of related keywords custom to your industry and location.
- Search Volume and Competition Level: Each keyword suggestion comes with essential data like search volume and competition level. This helps you gauge how popular a keyword is and how hard it might be to rank for it.
- CPC Data: For those running paid campaigns, the tool also provides cost-per-click (CPC) data. This can help you budget effectively and choose keywords that offer the best return on investment.
Example: Let's say you run an online pet store. By entering "dog toys" into WordStream's Free Keyword Tool, you could find related keywords like "durable dog toys" or "eco-friendly dog toys." The tool would show you the search volume for these terms, how competitive they are, and the estimated CPC if you decide to run Google Ads.
Why Use WordStream?
- Comprehensive Data: Unlike many free tools, WordStream provides a wealth of information, including search volumes and competition levels, making it easier to prioritize your keywords.
- User-Friendly: The interface is straightforward, and you get the top 25 keyword suggestions instantly. For a full list, just enter your email, and you'll receive it for free.
- Competitive Analysis: You can also enter a competitor's URL to see which keywords they might be targeting. This can give you an edge in your own SEO and PPC strategies.
Reviews:
"When it comes to keyword research, it is virtually impossible to produce a quality worksheet without software. WordStream's Free Keyword Tool makes it fast and easy to find the keywords your business needs to drive traffic through organic and paid search." – Mihaela Lica, Search Engine Journal
"WordStream specifically helps raise productivity for handling, assembling, and segmenting your keyword list." – Josh Dreller, Search Engine Land
Using WordStream’s Free Keyword Tool can significantly streamline your keyword research process, allowing you to focus on creating high-quality content that drives traffic and conversions.
Next, we'll explore another powerful tool: Moz Keyword Explorer.
2. Moz Keyword Explorer
Moz Keyword Explorer is a powerful tool that offers a comprehensive suite of features for keyword research and analysis.
Keyword Difficulty
One of the standout features of Moz Keyword Explorer is its Keyword Difficulty score. This proprietary metric helps you understand how challenging it will be to rank for a particular keyword. The score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher numbers indicating more competition. This makes it easy to prioritize keywords that offer the best balance between search volume and ranking difficulty.
SERP Analysis
Moz's SERP Analysis feature is another gem. It displays rich search engine results like Top Stories, Images, Knowledge Graphs, Featured Snippets, Ad Results, and even Tweets. This gives you a clear picture of what the search landscape looks like for each keyword, helping you optimize your content to match the intent of the query.
Keyword Lists
Managing your keywords is a breeze with Moz Keyword Explorer's Keyword Lists. You can save and organize keywords into lists for easy reference. This feature is particularly useful for tracking your SEO campaigns and ensuring you're targeting the right terms. Plus, you can export up to 10,000 rows as a CSV file, allowing for deeper analysis.
Export Data
Data export is straightforward with Moz. You can export your keyword lists, including metrics like search volume, difficulty, and organic CTR, into a CSV file. This makes it easy to share insights with your team or import data into other SEO tools for further analysis.
Moz Keyword Explorer ties together these powerful features, making complex keyword research simple and actionable. By using this tool, you can spend less time in spreadsheets and more time generating qualified website traffic.
Next, we'll dive into another robust tool: Jungle Scout Keyword Scout.
3. Jungle Scout Keyword Scout
Jungle Scout Keyword Scout is a powerful tool specifically designed for Amazon sellers. It helps you find the keywords that shoppers are really searching for on Amazon. This tool is a must-have if you want to optimize your product listings and PPC (Pay-Per-Click) campaigns on the platform.
Amazon Keywords
Keyword Scout allows you to reverse-search multiple ASINs (Amazon Standard Identification Numbers) to find the keywords competing products are using. This feature is incredibly valuable because it shows you exactly which keywords a product ranks for, both organically and in sponsored listings.
For example, if you’re selling yoga mats, you can input the ASINs of top-selling yoga mats to see the high-converting keywords they rank for. This gives you a clear picture of what shoppers are typing into the search bar.
PPC Bids
Understanding PPC bids is crucial for managing your advertising budget effectively. Keyword Scout provides detailed insights into the cost-per-click (CPC) for keywords in exact, broad, and headline search ads. This allows you to find low-cost keywords with high rank potential, saving you money while improving your PPC campaign performance.
For instance, if you find that the keyword "eco-friendly yoga mat" has a lower CPC but high search volume, you can target this keyword to get more bang for your buck.
Competitive Insights
One of the standout features of Jungle Scout Keyword Scout is its ability to provide deep competitive insights. You can analyze past keyword performance for up to two years and view monthly and quarterly trend data. This helps you understand a product’s seasonality and popularity over time, enabling you to adjust your PPC campaigns and optimize your listings accordingly.
Imagine you're prepping for the holiday season: you can use this historical data to identify keywords that spike in popularity during this time, ensuring your product is front and center when shoppers are searching.
Refine Your Strategy
To refine your keyword strategy, Keyword Scout lets you sort thousands of keywords with advanced filters. You can filter by organic and sponsored data to develop a more targeted SEO strategy. Plus, you can save your filter settings for future searches, making it easy to revisit and refine your keyword lists over time.
In summary, Jungle Scout Keyword Scout offers a comprehensive suite of features that can help you uncover high-ranking keywords, manage PPC bids effectively, and gain valuable competitive insights. This makes it an essential tool for any Amazon seller looking to optimize their product listings and advertising campaigns.
Next, let's explore another versatile keyword tool: Rank Tracker.
4. Rank Tracker
Rank Tracker is a powerful tool that offers a range of features to help you uncover and track keywords. With 23 keyword tools at your disposal, it’s designed to provide a comprehensive keyword research experience.
Keyword Ideas
Rank Tracker helps you generate keyword ideas by analyzing search volume, competition levels, and cost-per-click (CPC) data. This makes it easier to find keywords that can drive traffic to your site. You can also identify long-tail keywords, which are often less competitive but highly relevant to your niche.
Rank History
One of the standout features of Rank Tracker is its ability to track keyword rank history. This feature allows you to view how your keywords have performed over time. You can compare the rank history of multiple keywords on a single graph, making it easy to spot trends and adjust your SEO strategy accordingly.
Rank Tracker also lets you reverse-search your competitors' ASINs to identify their high-traffic keywords. This competitive analysis can provide valuable insights, helping you to improve your own keyword strategy.
Streamlined Process
Rank Tracker integrates seamlessly with other tools like Keyword Lists and Keyword Scout. You can add keywords from these tools directly to Rank Tracker, streamlining your workflow. The tool also allows you to add annotations to your ranking graphs, helping you stay organized and assess the impact of your SEO efforts.
In summary, Rank Tracker is a versatile tool that offers a wealth of features for keyword research and tracking. Its comprehensive approach makes it a valuable asset for anyone looking to improve their SEO strategy.
Next, let's dig into another useful keyword tool: Wordtracker Scout.
5. Wordtracker Scout
Wordtracker Scout is a powerful tool designed to help you find high-traffic keywords that can drive significant organic traffic to your site. This tool is particularly effective for finding low-competition keywords, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned SEO professionals.
Find High-Traffic Keywords
One of the standout features of Wordtracker Scout is its ability to identify high-traffic keywords. The tool taps into a vast database, providing you with a wealth of keyword suggestions that are relevant to your niche. For instance, Wordtracker boasts 1.25 billion keyword suggestions and 180 million fresh ranking keywords. This extensive database ensures that you have access to the most up-to-date and relevant keywords for your SEO strategy.
Target Low-Competition Keywords
Finding low-competition keywords is crucial for ranking higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). Wordtracker Scout excels in this area by offering comprehensive keyword difficulty scores. These scores help you understand how easy or hard it is to rank for a particular keyword. According to the research, Moz’s proprietary Keyword Difficulty score is integrated into Wordtracker, providing you with reliable metrics to gauge your ranking potential.
User-Friendly Features
Wordtracker Scout is designed with user-friendliness in mind. You can easily generate and save keyword lists, making it simple to organize your SEO efforts. The tool also allows you to export your data into well-formatted CSV files, enabling you to analyze and share your findings effortlessly.
Competitive Analysis
Another significant advantage of using Wordtracker Scout is its competitive analysis feature. You can perform an in-depth review of SERP details by keyword, helping you understand why certain pages rank where they do. This includes a breakdown of elements like Moz Domain Authority, Page Authority, and backlink metrics for each organic result.
International SEO
Wordtracker Scout also supports international SEO strategies by allowing you to search for keyword suggestions and ranking keywords by country. This feature is particularly useful if you're targeting a global audience and need to tailor your SEO efforts to different regions.
Practical Example
Imagine you run an online store selling eco-friendly products. By using Wordtracker Scout, you could identify high-traffic, low-competition keywords like "sustainable home goods" or "eco-friendly kitchenware." These keywords could then be incorporated into your content strategy, helping you attract more organic traffic and outrank your competitors.
In conclusion, Wordtracker Scout is a robust and versatile keyword research tool that offers a range of features to help you improve your SEO strategy. Its focus on high-traffic and low-competition keywords makes it an invaluable asset for anyone looking to boost their search engine rankings.
Next, let's explore how to use a keyword checker for SEO.
How to Use a Keyword Checker for SEO
Using a keyword checker for SEO is essential for improving your website's visibility and driving organic traffic. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:
Keyword Research
First, you need to identify your keywords. Think about what terms your potential customers might use to find your products or services. Use Adaptify's Keyword Tool to generate a list of relevant keywords.
Example: If you run a bakery, start with keywords like "best cupcakes" or "gluten-free bread."
Search Volume
Once you have your keywords, check their search volume. This tells you how many people are searching for that term each month. Adaptify provides this data for free.
Tip: Aim for keywords with moderate to high search volume to ensure you're targeting terms that people are actively searching for.
Competition Analysis
Next, analyze the competition for each keyword. This helps you understand how difficult it will be to rank for that term. Adaptify offers insights into keyword difficulty and SERP analysis.
Fact: According to Adaptify, keywords with a difficulty score below 30 are generally easier to rank for.
Keyword Prioritization
Now, prioritize your keywords based on their search volume and competition. Focus on long-tail keywords, which are more specific and often have lower competition. Adaptify can help you find these valuable terms.
Example: Instead of targeting "bread," try "organic sourdough bread recipe."
SEO Strategy
Integrate your prioritized keywords into your SEO strategy. Use them in your website content, meta descriptions, headers, and image alt texts. Regularly update your content based on keyword performance and search trends.
Case Study: A small e-commerce store used Adaptify to find low-competition keywords, leading to a 30% increase in organic traffic in just three months.
By following these steps, you can effectively use a keyword checker to improve your SEO efforts and improve your website's search engine rankings.
Advanced Features of Keyword Checkers
Keyword Difficulty
Keyword difficulty is a crucial metric in SEO. It tells you how hard it is to rank for a specific keyword. Tools like Moz Keyword Explorer provide a Keyword Difficulty score. This score helps you understand if it's worth targeting a keyword based on your site's authority. For example, a low difficulty score means less competition, making it easier for you to rank.
SERP Analysis
SERP analysis (Search Engine Results Page analysis) provides insights into why certain pages rank where they do. Tools like Moz give you a breakdown of elements such as Domain Authority, Page Authority, and backlinks for each ranking position. This helps you understand what makes top-ranking pages successful, so you can replicate their strategies.
For instance, by analyzing the SERP for "best running shoes," you might find that top pages have detailed reviews, user testimonials, and high-quality images. Implementing similar elements can boost your own rankings.
Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that often have lower search volumes but higher conversion rates. Tools like the Keyword Tool generate long-tail keyword suggestions across platforms like Google, YouTube, and Amazon. These keywords are less competitive, making them easier to rank for and more targeted to user intent.
For example, instead of targeting "running shoes," you might target "best running shoes for flat feet." This specific phrase is more likely to attract users who are ready to buy.
Predictive Metrics
Predictive metrics help you estimate the potential impact of targeting certain keywords. Metrics like expected Organic Click-Through Rate (CTR) and search volume can guide your keyword prioritization. Tools like Moz offer these predictive scores, helping you focus on keywords that can drive the most traffic and conversions.
International SEO
For businesses targeting multiple countries, international SEO is vital. Keyword checkers like Moz and Keyword Tool allow you to search for keyword suggestions and ranking keywords by country. This helps you tailor your SEO strategy to different markets.
For example, a keyword that performs well in the U.S. might not be as effective in Germany. Using international keyword data ensures your content is relevant to each target audience.
By leveraging these advanced features, you can fine-tune your SEO strategy to achieve better rankings and drive more organic traffic.
Next, we will address some frequently asked questions about keyword checkers to help you get the most out of these tools.
Frequently Asked Questions about Keyword Checkers
How do I identify my keywords?
Identifying your keywords is the first step in any SEO strategy. Here's a simple process to get you started:
- Background Research: Understand your industry and audience. What are they searching for? What problems are they trying to solve?
- Database Search Results: Use tools like Google Search Console to see what keywords your site already ranks for. This gives you a baseline.
- Concise Terms: Start with broad, concise terms related to your business. For example, if you sell shoes, start with "shoes".
- Synonyms and Related Terms: Expand your list by including synonyms and related terms. For "shoes," you might add "sneakers," "boots," and "footwear."
How do I check my SEO keywords?
Checking your SEO keywords involves several steps:
- Study Niche: Understand the specific language and terms used in your niche.
- Define Goals: What do you want to achieve? More traffic, higher conversions, or better engagement?
- Seed Keywords: Start with your basic list of keywords. These are your "seed" keywords.
- Keyword Research Tools: Use tools like WordStream's Free Keyword Tool to expand your list and get data on search volume and competition.
- Search Intent: Ensure your keywords match the intent of the searcher. Are they looking to buy, learn, or just browse?
- Long-Tail Keywords: Include longer, more specific phrases. These usually have lower competition and can drive highly targeted traffic. Tools like AnswerThePublic can help you find these.
- Competitor Analysis: Look at what your competitors are ranking for. Tools like Semrush can show you this data.
How to check keyword value?
Evaluating the value of a keyword involves multiple metrics:
- Keyword Explorer: Use tools like Moz Keyword Explorer to get detailed insights.
- Monthly Volume: How many searches does the keyword get each month? Higher volume usually means more potential traffic.
- Difficulty: How hard is it to rank for this keyword? Tools like Moz provide a difficulty score.
- Organic CTR: What percentage of searchers click on organic results for this keyword? Higher CTR means more traffic potential.
- Current Ranking Analysis: Check where you currently rank for the keyword. If you're already on the second page, it might be easier to push to the first page.
By following these steps, you can effectively identify, check, and evaluate your keywords to build a robust SEO strategy.
Conclusion
Keyword checkers and generators play an essential role in any successful SEO strategy. They help us identify the right keywords, analyze their potential, and prioritize them for maximum impact. But managing these tasks manually can be time-consuming and complex.
That's where Adaptify comes in. Our automated SEO services, powered by AI, streamline the entire process for you. With Adaptify, we handle everything from keyword research to optimization, ensuring your site ranks higher and attracts more traffic.
Our AI-driven SEO tools offer best efficiency. They analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, providing insights that would take a human hours, if not days, to gather. This means you get a comprehensive solution without the hassle of manual keyword research.
Imagine having a tool that not only suggests the best keywords but also predicts your chances of ranking for them. Adaptify does just that, using advanced algorithms to provide predictive metrics and detailed SERP analysis. This ensures you stay ahead of your competition and make informed decisions based on real data.
Ready to take your SEO to the next level? Explore Adaptify's automated SEO services and see how we can help you achieve your SEO goals with ease and efficiency.
By leveraging Adaptify, you can focus on what you do best—creating great content—while we handle the technical aspects of SEO. Let us help you drive more traffic, improve your rankings, and grow your business.
