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I spent 30 days testing every free SEO keyword research method
r/SideProject
7/21/2025
Content Summary
The author spent 30 days testing various free SEO keyword research methods to validate product ideas without spending money on premium tools. They found that while most free tools have limitations, a combination of Google Keyword Planner, Answer The Public, and Ubersuggest can be effective. The post also discusses the limitations of free tools and the benefits of upgrading to paid tools for more comprehensive analysis.
Opinion Analysis
The mainstream opinion is that while free SEO tools have limitations, they can be effective when used in combination. There is a consensus that Google Keyword Planner is the best free tool for volume estimates and related keywords. Some users suggest using DataforSEO as an alternative. Conflicting opinions exist about the necessity of upgrading to paid tools, with some users finding value in the starter plans of tools like Ahrefs.
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Keyword Planner | - | SEO Tools | Free, needs Google Ads account, best for volume estimates and related keywords |
| Ubersuggest (Free Version) | - | SEO Tools | Free, 3 searches per day, quick competitive analysis |
| Answer The Public | - | SEO Tools | Free, 2 searches per day, finding long-tail question keywords |
| Google Trends | - | SEO Tools | Free, trend analysis, seasonal patterns |
| Keywords Everywhere (Free) | - | SEO Tools | Free, very limited, shows volume for a few keywords |
| Soovle | - | SEO Tools | Free, getting keyword ideas, aggregates autocomplete suggestions |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- High cost of premium SEO tools
- Limited functionality of free tools
Problems to Solve:
- Validating product ideas through keyword research
- Finding accurate search volume and competition levels
Potential Solutions:
- Using a combination of free tools for different aspects of keyword research
- Upgrading to paid tools for more comprehensive analysis
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Leveraging free tools for initial validation
- Identifying and focusing on high-demand, low-competition keywords
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Offering a free version to attract users
- Providing value through free tools to upsell to paid versions
Monetization & Product:
- Developing a tool that offers accurate volume data and simple difficulty scoring
- Considering one-time payment models instead of monthly subscriptions
User Engagement:
- Building a community around free tool usage
- Offering educational content on how to effectively use free tools