25+ Free SEO Tools to Instantly Improve Your SEO & Marketing
When I'm planning a home improvement project, having the right tools makes all the difference. It's incredible how much easier and faster the work goes when you're equipped with the right tools. Similarly, in the world of online marketing, having the right SEO tools can take your productivity and efficiency to the next level.
I've compiled a comprehensive list of the best free SEO tools on the market. These tools cover a wide range of needs and are all fast, free, and easy to use. Dive in and discover the tools that will help you take your SEO game to the next level.
1. Google PageSpeed Insights
Check the speed and usability of your site on multiple devices
Limitations: None
Enter any URL, and this tool will analyze the speed and performance of the site on desktop and mobile devices. You’ll receive a performance score from 0 to 100, along with detailed information about the loading time, broken down into various metrics. The tool also pinpoints areas for improvement.
Alternatives: Pingdom, WebPageTest, and GTMetrix
2. Ahrefs Webmaster Tools
Run a technical audit of your site
Limitations: 10,000 crawl credits per project per month
Jump aboard the Ahrefs Webmaster Tools bandwagon and unlock the power to scrutinize your website for over 100 technical SEO issues. Not only will this tool point out these issues, but it also provides clear guidance on how to remedy them. And that's not all - it gives you a roadmap to enhance your internal linking strategy, propelling your search engine rankings to new heights. Oh, and here's the cherry on top – you can monitor your site's organic keyword rankings and keep a watchful eye on who's linking to you. Isn't that just swell?
Alternatives: Screaming Frog (audit), Beam Us Up (audit)
3. Answer the Public
Hundreds of keyword ideas based on a single keyword
Limitations: Three free searches per day; you have to sign up to use them
Type any relevant keyword, and Answer the Public will generate a long list of long-tail keyword options and frequently asked questions. Dive into a treasure trove of untapped opportunities, and craft captivating content that speaks directly to your target audience. Unleash your creativity and weave a captivating narrative that resonates with readers and search engines alike.
Alternatives: KeywordTool.io, UberSuggest, Keyword Sheeter, Keyword Generator
4. Google Analytics
Complete web stats and search insights
Limitations: No limitations for its usage, but queries that are sending you organic traffic are hidden
Get ready to dive into the analytics world with Google Analytics, the ultimate free tool that tracks every nook and cranny of traffic on your website. From where it originates to which page it lands on, Google Analytics has it all covered. While it's not solely focused on SEO, this tool is a game-changer for monitoring organic search traffic. But here's the catch: Google Analytics has decided to keep the keywords that send you traffic a secret. To uncover the mystery behind "(not provided)," you'll need to team up with a tool like Keyword Hero. Let's embark on this analytics adventure together and make your website shine!
Alternatives: Matomo, Open Web Analytics, and Clicky
5. Google Search Console
Constant website analysis, alerts, and error reports
Limitations: Only shows a handful of technical SEO issues, the top 1,000 backlinks, and the top 1,000 organic keywords
Discover the inner workings of your website through the eyes of Google Search Console, the ultimate tool to gauge how the world's most popular search engine perceives your online presence. With this powerful tool at your fingertips, you can identify and rectify any technical glitches holding your website back, gain valuable insights into crucial SEO metrics like clicks, impressions, and average ranking position, and effortlessly submit sitemaps. And if you're aiming to conquer search engines beyond Google, remember that Bing and Yandex have their own dedicated "search consoles" too. Dive in and seize control of your website's destiny!
Alternatives: Bing Webmaster Tools, Yandex Webmaster Tools
6. Ahrefs’ Backlink Checker
Comprehensive link analysis
Limitations: Free for the top 100 backlinks
The spotlight beams on Ahrefs' free Backlink Checker, an indispensable tool that puts the top 100 backlinks to any website or URL at your fingertips. Uncover precious insights into their backlink profile, including the total number of backlinks, referring domains (links from unique sites), and – when applicable – the Domain Rating (DR) and URL Rating (UR). Unleash the tool's power by analyzing your competitor's website, revealing a treasure trove of potential link-building opportunities just waiting to be explored.
Alternatives: Moz Link Explorer
7. Google Ads Keyword Planner
Know what people search for
Limitations: You’ll need to run an ad campaign to see exact search volumes
Dive into Google Keyword Planner by simply entering a keyword or group of keywords to unravel valuable insights that will supercharge your keyword strategy. Uncover monthly search volume, understand the competitive landscape, and discover hidden gems – suggested terms you may have overlooked that can unleash untapped potential.
Alternatives: Bing Keyword Planner
8. SERP Snippet Optimization Tool
Preview how your web pages will look in Google’s search results
Limitations: None
Rapidly preview and refine your meta title and description to see precisely how they'll appear in search results before publishing. Whether you're optimizing for desktop or mobile, this tool makes it easy to identify and rectify any truncation issues. Engage your readers with captivating and compelling content that resonates with your brand's unique voice and style.
Alternatives: Portent's SERP Preview Tool
9. Google Trends
See the relative search popularity of topics
Limitations: None
Delve into the fascinating world of Google Trends, where you can uncover the ebb and flow of search popularity over time. Explore seasonal variations and compare multiple search terms to grasp their relative prominence. Whether you seek to optimize your marketing campaigns, stay abreast of trending topics, or simply satisfy your curiosity, Google Trends is your gateway to a wealth of insights.
10. Ahrefs’ SEO toolbar
Running a technical on-page SEO audit is simple with Ahrefs SEO Toolbar for Chrome and Firefox extensions. Check for broken links, redirect chains, and nofollow links on any webpage. An insightful on-page SEO report is also generated, detailing: Limitations: Technical and on-page analysis is free, but SEO metrics within SERPs require an Ahrefs account.
- Title
- Meta description
- Word count
- Headers
- Hreflang tags
- Canonicals
- OG tags
This makes analyzing any page much easier and faster.
Gain access to a paid Ahrefs account to unlock crucial keyword metrics, including search volume, cost-per-click (CPC), and keyword difficulty, presented conveniently within the search engine results pages (SERPs). Immerse yourself in this valuable data and make informed decisions to enhance your content strategy and climb the ranks of search engine rankings.
Alternatives: Detailed SEO Extension, SEO Minion, LinkMiner (broken links), Ayima Redirect Path (redirect tracing)
11. Moz Local Listing Score
See how your local business looks online
Limitations: Data is only available for three countries: US, Canada & UK
Moz's powerful data-crunching tool scores your brick-and-mortar business based on its online presence, drawing from 10+ sources like Google, Yelp, and Facebook. The results pinpoint inconsistencies and incomplete listings, empowering you with actionable fixes to boost your online visibility.
12. Yoast SEO
Optimize your blog posts for search engines
Limitations: Some data limitations, which you can unlock via a premium account
Enter your blog post's main keyword, and Yoast SEO will suggest tweaks to optimize it for search engines, helping you craft captivating content that resonates with readers and search engines alike.
Alternatives: Rank Math, All in One SEO Pack, The SEO Framework
13. JSON-LD Schema Generator For SEO
Customize how your web pages appear in the search results
Limitations: None
Design and implement custom code to prominently display your reviews, events, organizations, and people in Google search results. After generating the schema code, seamlessly integrate it into your website. Subsequently, employ the available tool to verify the successful implementation of the code. Immerse yourself in this engaging process, empowering you to control the presentation of your content on Google.
Alternatives: Merkle’s Schema Markup Generator
14. Classy Schema Structured Data Viewer
Check if your structured data was implemented correctly
Limitations: None
To ensure your website's SEO success, meticulously review every technical aspect. This handy tool allows you to verify if your structured data/schema markup has been implemented correctly. With this simple check, you can enhance your website's visibility and performance in search results.
Alternatives: Google Structured Data Testing Tool, Google’s Rich Results Test (currently does not test for all possible schema markups)
15. SimilarWeb
View site stats for any domain
Limitations: You’ll need a paid account to see every data point, but the free version is good enough to get a snapshot of your competitor’s activity
Uncover the hidden secrets of any website's traffic with our powerful tool. Get detailed insights into their traffic sources, visitor locations, and more. This invaluable tool is a game-changer for competitor research, providing you with the edge you need to stay ahead.
16. SERP Robot
See your ranking position for up to five keywords
Limitations: None
Discover your website or web page's ranking for up to five keywords and easily compare it with your competitors. Delve into detailed insights and uncover opportunities to climb the search engine ladder.
17. XML Sitemaps
Create a sitemap
Limitations: Free up to 500 pages
With just a few clicks, XML Sitemaps will generate a sitemap for your website, compatible with Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools. Enhance your website's visibility and search engine ranking by submitting your sitemap today!
18. Robots.txt Generator
Generate a robots.txt for your site
Limitations: None
With a few simple lines of code in a robots.txt file, you can instruct web robots what to do with your website's pages. And when you disallow a page in robots.txt, you're basically telling these robots to give those web pages a wide berth and completely ignore them.
Alternatives: YellowPipe’s Robots.txt Generator
19. Copyscape
Check for duplicate content
Limitations: Only the top 10 results are shown
With Copyscape, simply enter a URL and discover whether replicated content exists elsewhere online. Identify potential issues and act to optimize your SEO. This valuable tool helps you maintain a unique online presence and gain a competitive edge.
20. Google Alerts
Get alerted of any online mentions of your brand, product or company
Limitations: None
Provide an engaging way for you or others to stay on top of mentions of your company or product. Simply input your brand, company, or product name, and our system will alert you whenever a webpage includes your specified terms.
21. Screaming Frog SEO Log File Analyser
Upload and analyze your log files
Limitations: Up to 1,000 lines
Curious about Googlebot's activities on your site? Simply dive into your website's log files. Screaming Frog's Log File Analyzer offers a free and easy way to do just that!
Alternatives: SEOlyzer
22. Exploding Topics
Discover the hottest trends
Limitations: None
In the SEO game, it's tempting to chase after topics with high search volume. But let's think outside the box: what if you could spot and target trending topics before they hit the mainstream? That's where this incredible tool comes in. With it, you'll be ahead of the curve, crafting content that resonates with audiences before they even know it. So, say goodbye to stale, overdone topics and hello to fresh, captivating content that'll make your SEO efforts shine.
Alternatives: Glimpse, Treendly
23. The Hreflang Tags Generator Tool
Generate hreflang tags for your multi-language/multi-country site
Limitations: None
Facing difficulties setting up hreflang tags for your multilingual website? Don't fret; this handy tool has got your back! Simply input your site's URL, specify the language and country, and it will generate the necessary hreflang annotations. Ensuring accurate hreflang tags is crucial to prevent website issues.
24. Keyword Surfer
See search volumes and CPC data within the SERPs
Limitations: None
Unleash the power of this free Chrome extension and unlock invaluable insights into search volumes and CPC data for any keyword you type into Google. Dive into a treasure trove of suggested keyword ideas closely related to your query, opening up a world of possibilities for your digital strategy.
Alternatives: WMS Everywhere
25. Google Mobile-Friendly Test
Check your site’s mobile-friendliness
Limitations: None
With this nifty tool, simply enter any URL and discover in an instant if it's designed to offer a smooth mobile experience. And that's not all—it pinpoints any potential issues and prescribes clear solutions, empowering you to craft a website that's flawlessly optimized for mobile users.
26. Website Authority Checker
Check your website’s Domain Rating
Limitations: None
Unlock the power of your website's Domain Rating (DR) with our tool. Simply enter your URL and discover how influential your website is. The higher the number, the greater your authority online. Notably, a strong DR often aligns with more prominent rankings in Google searches. Dive in and unveil your site's potential today!
Alternatives: Moz’s Domain SEO Analysis Tool