As a niche blogger, I’ve always known the importance of keyword research in SEO.
I decided to use Ahrefs and SEMrush as my keyword research tools because I knew they were two of the most popular options available and would help me avoid being lost on page 10.
It’s common for many niche site owners to start with tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush for keyword research, but the high cost can be a barrier for some. That’s why I want to share some free alternative options that can provide valuable insights and help you optimize your SEO strategy.
But after using it for a few months, I found myself feeling frustrated and disappointed. The data wasn’t always accurate, and I felt like I was missing out on valuable insights. So I decided to look for alternative tools and methods, and I’m glad I did.
Reasons for switching from Ahrefs and SEMrush
One of the main issues I encountered while using Ahrefs and SEMrush was the high cost.
Both tools require a monthly subscription and can add up quickly, especially if you’re running a small business or working on a tight budget. But the cost wasn’t the only thing that bothered me.
I also found that the data wasn’t always reliable. For example, I would sometimes see a keyword with a high search volume, but when I tried to rank for it, I would find that the competition was too high.
Another problem I had with Ahrefs and SEMrush was that I felt like I was only getting a small piece of the puzzle. Sure, these tools give you a lot of data, but it can be overwhelming, and it’s hard to know what to do with it all. I was looking for something more intuitive and user-friendly.
Free Alternative for Ahref & Semrush
I switched to using Google Trends and Google Keyword Planner. Both of these tools are free to use and provide valuable insights.
Google Trends allows me to see how a keyword’s search volume has changed over time, which helps me identify trends and seasonal changes.
Google Keyword Planner gives me an idea of how difficult it will be to rank for a specific keyword based on the competition.
I also started using keyword research tools that are specific to my niche. For example, if you’re in the e-commerce space, you can use tools like Jungle Scout to see which products are selling well and what keywords people are using to find them. If you’re in the travel industry, you can use tools like Google Destinations to see what destinations and activities people are searching for.
A Simple Case Study Using Google Keyword Planner.
I’ve been able to identify new keywords that I never would have found with Ahrefs and SEMrush. I’ve also been able to optimize my existing content to rank for more keywords, which has led to more traffic and conversions.
I used Google Trends to identify a trend in the keyword “vegan protein powder.” I then optimized my blog post on vegan protein powder and saw a significant increase in organic traffic. This was a keyword I never would have found using Ahrefs and SEMrush.
Ahrefs and SEMrush are powerful tools, but they may not be the best fit for everyone. If you’re feeling frustrated with your keyword research or are on a tight budget, I encourage you to try out some of the alternative tools and methods I’ve mentioned. You might be surprised at the insights you uncover.
If you’re looking for personalized keyword research for your niche site, I can help. I can handpick keywords that will help you optimize your site and drive more traffic. Visit Niche Sites for personalized keyword research.
Free Resources
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