Top 5 Keyword Tracking Tools
When it comes to SEO, tracking your keywords is vital for understanding how your website is performing. In this guide, we review the top five keyword tracking tools available to help improve your SEO strategy. Below, you’ll find detailed comparisons, pros and cons, and information on pricing and features to help you make an informed decision.
1. SEMrush
Overview: SEMrush is one of the most popular keyword tracking tools, offering comprehensive features for keyword research, site audits, backlink analysis, and more. It’s a favorite for many professional SEO marketers.
Key Features:
- Keyword position tracking for desktop and mobile
- Daily and weekly reporting
- Competitor analysis tools
- Local SEO tracking capabilities
- Historical data on keyword rankings
Free vs Paid:
- Free Trial: 7-day free trial with limited features
- Paid Plans: Start at $119.95/month with additional options for larger teams
Pros:
- Comprehensive and reliable keyword data
- User-friendly interface with excellent reporting tools
- Advanced competitor analysis
Cons:
- Expensive for smaller businesses
- Can be overwhelming for beginners due to the number of features
User Reviews: Many users appreciate SEMrush for its depth of data and actionable insights. However, some smaller businesses find the pricing steep.
Recent Updates:
- Recently introduced more mobile-specific tracking features for better on-the-go reporting.
2. Ahrefs
Overview: Ahrefs is another heavy hitter in the SEO industry, known for its extensive backlink database. While primarily a backlink tool, its keyword-tracking features are also robust and highly reliable.
Key Features:
- Real-time keyword ranking updates
- Comprehensive backlink analysis
- SERP (Search Engine Results Page) features tracking
- Site audit tool to fix SEO issues
Free vs Paid:
- Free Trial: No free version, but there is a 7-day trial for $7
- Paid Plans: Starting at $99/month
Pros:
- Accurate and detailed keyword data
- Highly effective backlink tracking
- Great for content research and competitive analysis
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other tools
- Does not have an in-depth content analysis tool
User Reviews: Ahrefs is praised for its accuracy and usefulness, especially in backlink tracking. Some users report it can be too expensive for smaller businesses or freelancers.
Recent Updates:
- Recently upgraded to offer daily ranking updates, which was a major improvement over previous versions.
3. Moz Pro
Overview: Moz Pro is a well-established SEO tool with a reputation for its simplicity and effectiveness. It is often recommended for those who are just starting with SEO, as it’s easier to navigate than some other options.
Key Features:
- Keyword tracking and rank monitoring
- SERP feature tracking
- SEO site audits
- Page optimization recommendations
- Backlink research
Free vs Paid:
- Free Trial: 30-day free trial
- Paid Plans: Starting at $99/month
Pros:
- Great for beginners due to its user-friendly interface
- Offers a comprehensive SEO suite of tools
- Excellent customer support
Cons:
- Less advanced data compared to SEMrush and Ahrefs
- Limited keyword tracking for international markets
User Reviews: Users like Moz Pro for its ease of use and solid keyword tracking capabilities, but some professionals feel the data isn’t as detailed as other tools.
Recent Updates:
- New feature was introduced for tracking “SERP features” to help track local results, featured snippets, etc.
4. Google Search Console
Overview: Google Search Console (GSC) is a free tool provided by Google, making it an attractive option for businesses on a tight budget. While it doesn’t offer as many advanced features as paid tools, it’s still an essential for tracking organic performance.
Key Features:
- Keyword rankings directly from Google
- Mobile-first indexing data
- Site performance data
- Click-through rate tracking
Free vs Paid:
- Completely free to use
Pros:
- Completely free
- Direct access to Google data
- Excellent for tracking site performance and clicks
Cons:
- Limited features compared to premium tools
- Not as intuitive for beginners
User Reviews: Google Search Console is praised for being a great tool for beginners and small businesses. However, its lack of advanced reporting and competitive analysis features is a downside for those looking for a more comprehensive tool.
Recent Updates:
- Recently enhanced to include deeper insights on mobile-first indexing and site performance metrics.
5. Serpstat
Overview: Serpstat is a growing keyword-tracking tool that has been gaining traction due to its affordable pricing and range of features. It’s particularly useful for businesses looking for an all-in-one SEO platform.
Key Features:
- Keyword rank tracking across various locations
- Backlink analysis
- SEO audit and website analysis tools
- Keyword research and clustering
Free vs Paid:
- Free Trial: 7-day trial with limited access
- Paid Plans: Starting at $69/month
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Good mix of features for small businesses
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Limited data accuracy compared to more expensive tools
- Reporting tools could be improved
User Reviews: Serpstat is considered a great value for money, offering decent data at an affordable price. However, users mention that some of its data is less comprehensive than established tools.
Recent Updates:
- Introduced new rank tracking features specifically designed for local SEO.
Comparison Table: Side-by-Side Overview
Tool |
Free Trial |
Starting Price |
Key Features |
Ideal For |
| SEMrush | Yes (7 days) | $119.95/month | Keyword tracking, competitor analysis, mobile tracking | Professionals and large businesses |
| Ahrefs | Yes (7 days) | $99/month | Keyword tracking, backlink analysis, SERP tracking | Advanced SEO users and agencies |
| Moz Pro | Yes (30 days) | $99/month | Keyword rank tracking, site audits, optimization tips | Beginners and small businesses |
| Google Search Console | Free | Free | Keyword performance, CTR, Google data | Small businesses and beginners |
| Serpstat | Yes (7 days) | $69/month | Keyword tracking, SEO audit, backlink analysis | Small to medium businesses |
Also Read: 5 Game-Changing SEO Backlink Strategies for eCommerce Success
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Tool for You
While all these tools offer keyword tracking capabilities, the right one for you depends on your needs:
- If you’re a professional or run a large business, SEMrush or Ahrefs may be your best bet due to their comprehensive features.
- If you’re just starting and looking for something simple and cost-effective, Moz Pro or Google Search Console are excellent choices.
- Serpstat offers solid functionality at a lower price point for those on a budget.
Remember that some tools also offer mobile apps, so if you’re often on the go, consider whether this is an important factor in your decision.
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