If you’re curious about how to do keyword research for free in 2025, you’re in luck. No need to stress about paying for fancy tools or risking your budget on platforms you barely understand. There are plenty of reliable, free resources out there to help you uncover exactly which words your audience is typing into Google. With these insights, you can write content that’s laser-focused on what people want, ultimately boosting your traffic and revenue potential.

Ready to dive in? Below, I’ve curated some of the best free tools and strategies so you can start finding those winning keywords without spending a dime.

Use Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner is a classic tool that remains popular for a reason. It’s free to set up, and you don’t actually need to run any Google Ads campaign to access the data. Many marketers rely on it for both organic and paid keyword insights, making it a solid starting point.

• Search Volume and Trends: You’ll see estimated search volumes and forecasts that help gauge how many people might be interested in your topic.
• Competitive Insights: Competition metrics give you an idea of how challenging it is to rank for each term.

Tip: After you gather your list of keywords, click on the “Forecast” option to see potential performance metrics. This helps you refine your content strategy. If you’re new to planning your online content, check out our Guide to Online Content Creation & Strategy for tips on putting those keywords into action.

Try Google Autocomplete

Have you noticed how Google suggests phrases while you type? That’s Google Autocomplete, and it can reveal trending long-tail keywords you might never think of on your own. Best of all, you won’t pay a cent.

• Free Instant Ideas: Start entering your main keyword, and watch as Google lists popular searches related to it.
• Discover Trends: If a phrase pops up in Autocomplete, it often indicates that people are searching for it consistently.

For instance, if you type “vegan pizza,” you might see “vegan pizza with cauliflower crust” or “vegan pizza in New York.” These specifics can inspire content that addresses actual user needs.

Ahref’s Free Plan

You may have heard about Ahref and only considered it a premium service, but it offers a generous free plan that still delivers a ton of value. You get access to free, automated site audits, backlink checks, basic keyword research and more. This is great for dipping your toes into SEO without plunging into a subscription.

• Keyword Magic Tool: Generate related terms, see search volumes, and check keyword difficulty all in one place.
• Competitor Analysis: Peek at what similar sites rank for and how often they appear in search results.

If you ever feel you need more advanced metrics and features, including AI optimization tools, Ahrefs can handle that too. Until then, you can stick with the free features, which are especially helpful if you’re just starting to build momentum.

Leverage KWFinder

KWFinder, run by Mangools, is another freemium option that provides a clean interface and swift keyword insights. They let you perform a few keyword searches a day without paying. The tool presents search volume, keyword difficulty, and a snapshot of top-ranking pages.

• Ad Hoc Searches: Ideal if you’re researching a handful of keywords for a specific topic or campaign.
• Difficulty Scores: Quickly spot which keywords have lower competition so you can rank faster.

KWFinder is a favorite among bloggers who prefer simple dashboards over complex filters. If you’re only publishing new content a couple of times a week, these daily search limits are pretty reasonable. For a deeper look into the importance of keyword difficulty, you can read about it at Mangools.

Explore Ubersuggest

Originally a keyword generator, Ubersuggest has evolved into a more robust SEO tool that’s still friendly to beginners. The free version gives you a few queries per day, enough to test ideas and refine your content plan.

• Competitor Snippets: See your competitors’ top pages, which can spark topics you haven’t considered.
• Recommended Variations: Get quick-fire suggestions for related keywords, complete with search volume and CPC data.

You can track how your site’s ranking improves by revisiting Ubersuggest every so often, making it easier to stay motivated. Plus, for more in-depth explorations, the free plan is always there as your stepping stone.

Examine Google Trends

Some keywords spike for a while before fading. Others steadily gain traction over the years. Google Trends helps you track how interest in various terms changes over time, so you can focus on stable and upward-trending keywords.

• Compare Multiple Keywords: Learn which topic your audience cares about more.
• Time-Based Data: Spot if certain niches peak in specific seasons, so you can plan relevant content.

Pairing Google Trends with your other tools gives you a more complete picture of keyword performance.

Wrap Up Your Approach

Remember, the goal of free keyword research isn’t just finding phrases with massive traffic. Instead, you want relevant, intent-focused keywords that match what your readers actually need. As you continue experimenting with different tools, try to blend these insights with your unique voice or niche.

If you still need more tips for building your editorial schedule, check out our article on How Often Should You Post New Content?. And if you’re split between focusing on longevity or capitalizing on viral topics, explore our deep-dive into Evergreen Content vs Trending Topics.

Ultimately, mastering free keyword research in 2025 is a game of patience, practice, and creativity. Stay curious, keep refining your strategy, and watch as the right people find your content when they need it most. Good luck with your next blog post, and happy keyword hunting!