Key highlights
- Discover the best SEO software to boost your site’s visibility, even if you’re just starting out with zero experience.
- Explore free and paid SEO tools that simplify keyword research, page speed improvement and site audits.
- Understand which keyword research tools and features, like Google Keyword Planner and Google Trends, help you target the right audience.
- Learn how to choose tools based on your business goals, website type and SEO skill level so you don’t waste time or money.
- Uncover beginner-friendly solutions that support on-page SEO, link building and rank tracking—without needing an expert or agency.
If you’ve ever Googled “best SEO tools” and ended up with more confusion than clarity, you’re not alone. With hundreds of tools promising to boost rankings, drive traffic and simplify keyword research, it’s hard to know where to begin.
Therefore, we’ve reviewed the top-performing, beginner-friendly SEO tools for 2025—each handpicked for what it does best. This guide will save your time, reduce guesswork and point you to the best SEO software that’s actually worth using.
What is SEO software?
SEO software is a tool that helps you improve your website’s visibility in Google and other search engines.
It simplifies the process of tracking keywords, analyzing web pages, finding broken links and boosting your SEO performance.
To rank higher than your competitors in Google’s SERPs, you’ll need to produce high-quality, relevant content. You should also make sure your website is organized in a way that Googlebot, Google’s web crawler, appreciates.
Why do you need SEO software in 2025?
SEO software helps improve your website’s visibility on search engines by simplifying keyword tracking, page audits and performance monitoring. With AI-driven search updates and more intelligent algorithms, search engines now reward websites that stay optimized and up to date.
SEO software helps you perform keyword research, run site audits and track search traffic without needing a marketing degree. Many SEO analysis tools now offer real-time data on rank tracking, page SEO and keyword difficulty to guide your next move.
If your pages aren’t showing up in Google’s search results, it’s often due to poor SEO signals, not bad content. That’s where online SEO tools step in—they analyze your web pages and offer actionable insights to improve your organic traffic.
18 best SEO software tools comparison table
With so many of the best SEO platforms out there, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting out.
To make things easier, we’ve broken down the best SEO tools based on what they do best and who they’re built for.
Tool name | Category | Best for | Key features | Pricing |
Bluehost SEO Checker | Free SEO tool | Quick performance scans for beginners | Instant audit, keyword suggestions, SEO recommendations | Free |
Google Search Console | Free SEO tools | Monitoring search traffic and indexing | Site performance, indexing errors, keyword insights | Free |
Yoast SEO | WordPress SEO tools | On-page SEO optimization on WordPress | Meta tags, schema, readability analysis | Free + Premium |
Rank Math | WordPress SEO tools | Advanced schema & WooCommerce SEO | Local SEO, rich snippets, analytics | Free + Premium |
Google Analytics | SEO data analysis tools | Understanding user behavior and traffic sources | Audience data, bounce rate, SEO engagement | Free |
SEMrush | SEO data analysis tools | Keyword tracking and competitive SEO analysis | Keyword Magic Tool, rank tracking, content audit | Free Trial + Paid |
Ahrefs | Competitor research tools | Deep backlink and content gap analysis | Referring domains, keyword explorer and content gaps | Free Tools + Paid |
SpyFu | Competitor research tools | PPC and SEO competitor insights | Domain history, ranking data, SERP comparison | Free + Paid |
Surfer SEO | Content optimization tools | Optimizing blog content for search engines | NLP scoring, content editor, SERP correlation | Free Trial + Paid |
Clearscope | Content optimization tools | SEO content clarity and keyword relevance | Readability grade, keyword density, integrations | Paid |
ChatGPT (with plugins) | Content optimization tools | Generating blog ideas and draft content | SEO plugin access, quick drafts, keyword brainstorming | Free + Pro Plan |
Mangools (KWFinder) | Beginner-friendly SEO tools | Simple keyword research and SERP analysis | Keyword difficulty, SERP overview, backlink checker | Free Trial + Paid |
SE Ranking | Beginner-friendly SEO tools | All-in-one affordable SEO platform | Site audit, keyword suggestions, rank tracking | Free Trial + Paid |
Google PageSpeed Insights | Technical free SEO tool | Improving page speed and Core Web Vitals | Speed insights, mobile vs desktop performance | Free |
Screaming Frog SEO Spider | Technical SEO tools | Crawling websites for errors | Broken links, redirect chains, duplicate content | Free (500 URLs) + Paid |
Yoast Local SEO | Local SEO tools | Local visibility on Google | Local schema, NAP, Google Maps compatibility | Paid |
BrightLocal | Local SEO tools | Managing local listings and reviews | Citation tracker, review monitoring, local SEO audit | Free Trial + Paid |
Moz Local | Local SEO tools | Syncing NAP across directories | Google Business Profile sync, local presence management | Paid |
Now that you’ve seen the big picture, let’s break each tool down by category so you can pick the one that fits your needs best.
Whether you’re optimizing a blog, auditing your site or improving local SEO, there’s a perfect tool in this list for you.
Best budget-friendly SEO tools
If you’re starting with a limited budget, don’t worry—some of the best SEO tools are completely free and incredibly powerful.
Bluehost SEO Checker
The Bluehost SEO Checker is a built-in, beginner-friendly SEO tool tailored for WordPress users. It performs instant site audits, delivers keyword and page suggestions and integrates seamlessly with your Bluehost dashboard—no plugin required. The tool automatically scans your site, assigns a personalized SEO score and generates a clear, prioritized checklist of tasks. Each suggestion is tailored to your site’s structure and content.
What makes Bluehost SEO Checker different is its focus on simplifying search engine optimization for small business owners and first-time website builders. Because it’s integrated directly into your Bluehost account, there’s no need for additional plugins or third-party logins.
Top features
- Free website SEO audit with personalized score
- Step-by-step fixes for on-page SEO, keyword use and mobile performance
- Prioritized task list to help beginners focus on what matters
- Built-in dashboard integration for Bluehost users
- Compatible with WordPress and standard SEO plugins
Pros
- Super beginner-friendly
- Built into Bluehost (no plugin needed)
- Prioritized suggestions for faster results
Cons
- Best for foundational SEO; advanced users may want additional tools for competitor or backlink analysis
Pricing
- Free tool
Other parameters to consider
- Best for: Beginners and small businesses using Bluehost hosting
- AI features: None
- Integrations: Native to Bluehost platform
- Languages supported: Primarily English
- USP: Free, beginner-friendly SEO audit tool integrated within Bluehost hosting
Google Search Console
Google Search Console, previously called Google Webmaster Tools, promises to help you “make your site shine in Google Search Results.”
Whether you’re running a blog, online store or business website, this tool gives you valuable SEO data straight from the source.
Google Search Console helps you monitor your site’s appearance in Google’s search results and alerts you to problems affecting visibility.
One of its most powerful features is index coverage reporting. This tells you which pages have been indexed, which ones have errors and how Google’s search engine bots are crawling your site.
If you’re new to Google Search Console, make sure to carefully verify your website ownership after signing up.
Top features
- Tracks impressions, clicks and average ranking by keyword
- Indexing reports and sitemap submission
- Mobile usability and Core Web Vitals analysis Integration with Google Analytics and Keyword Planner
Pros
- Built and maintained by Google
- Ideal for monitoring real search performance
- Provides structured data and mobile reports
Cons
- Only shows one account at a time—managing multiple websites can be time-consuming
- Doesn’t offer direct content suggestions
Pricing
- 100% free
Other parameters to consider
- Best for: Webmasters and SEO professionals monitoring site performance on Google
- AI features: None directly; leverages Google’s search algorithms
- Integrations: Google Analytics, Looker Studio, SEMrush
- Languages: Supports multiple languages
- USP: Direct insights into Google’s indexing and search performance
Best SEO tool for WordPress users
While the above SEO tools are great for all websites, WordPress users often benefit more from plugins tailored specifically to their CMS.
Yoast SEO
Yoast is the most widely used WordPress SEO plugin with more than 13 million users; it’s easy to see why. From setting SEO titles and meta descriptions to improving your content’s structure and readability, Yoast SEO is like a built-in SEO coach for WordPress.
It automatically generates XML sitemaps and lets you control canonical URLs, so you won’t be penalized for duplicate content.
Top features
- Automatically generates XML sitemaps and structured data for better indexing
- Offers internal link suggestions for premium users to improve site navigation and SEO flow
- Supports schema markup to enhance rich results in search engines
- Helps you manage 301 redirects and avoid 404 errors
Also read: Everything You Need to Know about 404 Errors
Pros
- Highly user-friendly interface, especially for beginners
- Helps improve both on-page SEO and content readability
- Provides valuable SEO suggestions with clear action points
Cons
- Free version is limited for advanced SEO needs
- Premium required for internal linking and redirect management
Pricing
- Paid plan starts at $99/ year
Other parameters to consider
- Best for: WordPress users seeking on-page SEO optimization
- AI features: AI Optimize for content suggestions (Premium feature)
- Integrations: WordPress, WooCommerce
- Languages: Supports multiple languages
- USP: Comprehensive SEO plugin with real-time content analysis
Rank Math
Need more control over your SEO settings without feeling overwhelmed?
Rank Math gives you advanced optimization features while keeping the user interface clean and approachable—even if you’re new to WordPress.
Rank Math stands out because it offers many premium-level tools for free. It also includes built-in 404 error tracking and redirection management.
Top features
- Optimize for multiple focus keywords (even in the free version)
- Built-in rich snippets, redirections and 404 error tracking
- Easy WooCommerce and local SEO integrations
- Modular setup to activate only the features you need
Pros
- More features than most free WordPress SEO plugins
- Constantly updated and lightweight performance
Cons
- It can feel complex if you enable too many modules
Pricing
- The free version includes most core features
- Pro version starts at $6.9/month billed annually
Other parameters to consider
- Best for: Advanced WordPress users and bloggers
- AI features: AI for content suggestions and improvements
- Integrations: WordPress, Google Search Console
- Languages: Supports multiple languages
- USP: Feature-rich SEO plugin with AI capabilities
Best SEO tool for data analysis
By translating numbers into insights, these tools give you the clarity to fine-tune your strategy and grow smarter, not just faster. These SEO analysis tools go beyond surface metrics, helping you dig into how users actually interact with your site and content.
Google Analytics
Google holds an 89% search engine market share across all devices, making it essential to follow its metrics to improve your website’s search ranking.
More than just numbers, Google Analytics helps you track organic traffic, measure bounce rates, monitor user engagement and see which content drives the most conversions.
In 2025, with GA4 now fully rolled out, you also get predictive insights, cross-device tracking and customizable reports. Google Analytics also integrates smoothly with other SEO tools like Google Search Console, Google Ads and Keyword Planner.
Also read: What Is The Advantages of Google Ads? + How They Benefit You
Top features
- Tracks sessions, user behavior, bounce rate and conversions
- Reports segmented by source, including search, direct, referral and social
- Built-in goal tracking and user flow visualization
- Integrates with Google Search Console and other free SEO tools
Pros
- Gives detailed insights into SEO and marketing performance
- Helps measure success beyond keyword rankings
- 100% free and constantly improving with new AI features
Cons
- The GA4 interface may feel overwhelming for first-time users
Pricing
- Free
Other parameters to consider
- Best for: Tracking website traffic and user behavior
- AI features: Predictive metrics and audiences in GA4
- Integrations: Google Ads, Search Console, Data Studio
- Languages: Supports multiple languages
- USP: Comprehensive analytics tool with AI-driven insights
Semrush
If you’re serious about analyzing your SEO performance at scale, SEMrush is like having a full SEO analytics team in one platform.
It gives you comprehensive data on everything from keyword movements to domain authority trends and backlink changes—all in one place.
SEMrush excels at turning complex SEO data into actionable insights. Its Position Tracking tool helps you see exactly how your keywords rank in real time. The built-in keyword tool offers granular performance insights for a particular keyword.
You can view daily visibility scores, track SERP features, monitor competitors’ rankings and set custom alerts for gains or drops.
Top features
- Keyword tracking with trend charts and SERP volatility
- Historical data on SEO visibility, rankings and domain performance
- Backlink profile analyzer to measure referring domains and link quality
- Automated technical SEO audits with prioritized fixes
Pros
- Comprehensive SEO software for content, technical and competitive insights
- Intuitive reports make analytics accessible even to non-experts
- Integrates with most SEO tools and CMS platforms
Cons
- It can be overwhelming for beginners due to the tool’s depth
Pricing
- Free trial available
- Paid plans start at $129.95/month (Pro)
Other parameters to consider
- Best for: Digital marketing professionals and agencies
- AI features: AI Writing Assistant for content creation
- Integrations: Google Analytics, Google Ads, WordPress
- Languages: Supports multiple languages
- USP: All-in-one marketing toolkit with AI-powered features
Best SEO tool for competitor research
Understanding what your competitors are doing right can give your site a strategic edge. There are SEO tools that help you uncover what other businesses in your niche are doing right (or wrong), so you can reverse-engineer their success.
Ahrefs
If you’ve been in the SEO game for a while, this probably won’t be the first time you have seen the name Ahrefs. For the uninitiated, the first thing you need to know is that it’s pronounced “h-refs.” The second thing? It’s an excellent SEO tool for competitor research.
At the heart of Ahrefs is its Site Explorer, which lets you enter any domain and immediately uncover its organic keyword rankings, top-performing pages and estimated search traffic.
You’ll see which keywords your competitors are ranking for, how much traffic those pages bring in and how stable their rankings have been over time.
Ahrefs also reveals competitor backlink strategies. You can analyze anchor text, link types, referring domains and new vs. lost links—critical for link building.
Top features
- Analyze any domain’s organic keyword portfolio
- Monitor competitors’ backlinks, anchor text and linking domains
- Track keyword movement, content performance and SERP position history
- Use the Content Gap tool to find missed keyword opportunities
Pros
- Best-in-class SEO data for competitor insights
- Real-time updates and global data coverage
Cons
- High learning curve for casual users
- No full access on the free tier
Pricing
- Paid plans start at $129/month
Other parameters to consider
- Best for: SEO professionals focusing on backlink analysis
- AI features: AI Content Grader for content evaluation
- Integrations: Google Search Console, Data Studio
- Languages: Supports multiple languages
- USP: Extensive backlink database and SEO tools
SpyFu
SpyFu is a powerful and affordable keyword research tool designed to uncover your competitors’ past and present SEO and PPC strategies. Spyfu SEO Competitor Analysis feature lets you compare domains side-by-side and explore the relevant keywords they rank for that you might be missing.
It’s also ideal for keyword analysis and identifying high-potential terms your competitors may already be ranking for. This insight can shape your link-building plan and the content calendar can help you estimate monthly search volume for niche topics.
Top features
- Domain-level keyword rankings and historical SERP data
- Google Ads keyword tracking with estimated spend
- Backlink comparison for link-building opportunities
- Keyword grouping tools with search volume filters
Pros
- Deep keyword and PPC insights for competitive strategy
- Simple interface with beginner-friendly reporting
- Affordable pricing with unlimited keyword lookups
Cons
- The interface may feel dated compared to newer tools
- International data is limited
Pricing
- Free limited-access tools are available
- Paid plans start at $39/month
Other parameters to consider
- Best for: Competitor keyword research and PPC analysis
- AI features: None specified
- Integrations: Google Ads, Google Analytics
- Languages: Primarily English
- USP: In-depth competitor insights for SEO and PPC
Best SEO tool for blogs and content optimization
Publishing great content isn’t enough anymore—Google now rewards relevance, structure and search intent alignment.
These tools help you write blog posts that not only connect with readers but also rank well in organic search.
SurferSEO
SurferSEO is built for content creators who want to write posts that are both engaging and search engine friendly. It’s especially useful for bloggers who have a topic in mind but need help structuring and optimizing their content for Google.
The platform includes a powerful outline builder that analyzes top-ranking pages and suggests headings, word counts and keyword placement.
It’s NLP (Natural Language Processing) technology even recommends semantically related terms that help you align your content with Google’s expectations.
In addition to content creation, SurferSEO provides auditing tools and keyword research features to help you refine existing content and plan new articles that rank better.
Top features:
- Real-time content scoring based on competitor analysis
- NLP-driven keyword suggestions with monthly search volume insights
- Content Editor with structure, heading and keyword use guidance
- SERP Analyzer for outlining and targeting organic search results
Pros
- Ideal for optimizing blog content and improving rankings
- Helps match content to current Google ranking factors
- Great for writers with little technical SEO knowledge
Cons
- Doesn’t offer technical SEO or backlink features
- Data accuracy can vary slightly across locations
Pricing
- Free trial available
- Paid plans start at $89/month
Other parameters to consider
- Best for: Content creators aiming for on-page SEO optimization
- AI features: AI-driven content recommendations
- Integrations: Google Docs, WordPress
- Languages: Supports multiple languages
- USP: Data-driven content optimization tool
Clearscope
If you’re focused on writing content that ranks higher and reads better, Clearscope helps you bridge that gap with data-driven clarity.
This premium content optimization tool is built to improve how your blog posts align with both user intent and Google’s evolving algorithm.
You start by entering a target keyword and Clearscope returns a content brief based on top-ranking articles for that search term.
It also analyzes monthly search volume, related keywords and content gaps to help you focus on what matters most in your writing. You can see which top-ranking pages use a particular keyword and how they structure it within their content.
The Editor interface hen grades your content ranging from A+ to F—based on keyword coverage, structure and readability. This scoring system offers clear direction to refine your content for better visibility and engagement.
Top features
- Real-time content grading with keyword coverage scoring
- AI-powered recommendations for related keywords and phrases
- Integration with Google Docs, WordPress and HubSpot
- Topic reports with search volume, readability benchmarks and content length guidance
Pros
- Clean, distraction-free interface tailored for writers
- Strong support for editorial SEO and team collaboration
- Trusted by content-heavy brands for scaling blog performance
Cons
- Premium pricing may not suit small budgets
- Doesn’t include backlink analysis or site audit features
Pricing
- No free version
- Paid plans start at $189/month
Other parameters to consider
- Best for: Content teams focusing on SEO-friendly writing
- AI features: AI-powered content recommendations
- Integrations: Google Docs, WordPress
- Languages: Supports multiple languages
- USP: Enhances content quality with AI-driven insights
ChatGPT
ChatGPT is a versatile tool that helps bloggers brainstorm, write and refine SEO-friendly content with ease.
It’s especially helpful for writers who want to move faster, whether you’re producing product pages, blog posts or FAQs based on relevant keywords.
You can even ask it to rephrase content using long-tail keywords, format lists with a search-friendly structure or explain complex topics in simpler terms. It also simplifies technical topics, making complex ideas easier for your audience to understand.
Here’s a basic prompt example you can use:
Create a blog outline for the keyword ‘best SEO tools for beginners’ with section headings and three bullet points each.
Top features
- Helps generate blog outlines, intros and SEO-focused titles
- Refines writing to align with readability and user intent
- Supports on-page content structure using relevant keywords
- Great for brainstorming content that targets keyword ideas
Pros
- Fast and flexible content creation assistant
- Enhances productivity and writing flow
- Adapts tone, length and format based on your needs
Cons
- Does not provide live keyword or traffic data
- Requires external SEO tools to guide research
Pricing
- Free basic plan available
- ChatGPT Plus (recommended for advanced use) starts at $20/month
Other parameters to consider
- Best for: Generating content ideas and drafting SEO content
- AI features: Advanced language model capabilities
- Integrations: Various plugins for SEO and marketing
- Languages: Supports multiple languages
- USP: Versatile AI assistant for content and SEO tasks
Best SEO tool for beginners
Starting with the right SEO tools can make all the difference, especially when you’re learning the ropes. Instead of overwhelming dashboards and jargon-heavy reports, the best SEO tools for beginners keep things simple while still delivering powerful results.
These tools are built for ease, giving you access to essential SEO metrics, keyword tracking and visibility insights without the steep learning curve.
Mangools
Mangools, especially through its popular KWFinder module, is one of the most user-friendly keyword research tools on the market today. This tool offers a clean, intuitive dashboard and focuses on helping users discover keyword opportunities with a minimal learning curve.
Instead of cluttering your dashboard with overwhelming stats, Mangools focuses on visual clarity and straightforward insights.
With just a few clicks, you can explore keyword suggestions, check what’s currently ranking on search engines and decide which topics to target next.
Top features
- KWFinder for simple keyword lookup and competitive research
- SERP analysis for understanding ranking content across search engines
- Clean dashboard for checking backlinks and overall domain strength
- Google Trends integration to compare keyword popularity over time
Pros
- Beginner-friendly with no technical experience required
- Clear visuals for tracking keyword potential
- Useful extras for backlink insights and page SEO improvements
Cons
- Free trial has limited daily searches
- May lacks depth for advanced SEO campaigns
Pricing
- Free trial available
- Paid plans start at $31.85/month
Other parameters to consider
- Best for: Keyword research for SEO beginners
- AI features: None specified
- Integrations: Google Search Console
- Languages: Supports multiple languages
- USP: User-friendly interface for keyword research
SE Ranking
If you’re just starting out with SEO and want a tool that covers the basics without overcomplicating things, SE Ranking is a great choice.
It offers a full suite of beginner-friendly features to help you explore keywords, audit your site and stay ahead of technical issues.
SE Ranking’s keyword tool lets you search by topic or phrase and compare how different terms perform across multiple search engines. SE Ranking is a great all-in-one SEO platform with a built-in rank tracking tool that lets you monitor keyword performance across search engines.
Using Google Trends integration, you’ll get suggestions for alternative queries, comparisons between desktop and mobile results and helpful insights into trending topics. Its simplicity and scalability make SE Ranking a top contender for the best SEO platform for startups and solopreneurs.
Top features
- Clean dashboard with intuitive keyword tool
- Comprehensive site audit tool for identifying errors and SEO opportunities
- Customizable SEO checklists to guide next steps
- Visibility comparisons across desktop vs mobile
Pros
- Beginner-focused setup and helpful tooltips throughout
- Actionable reports on broken links and basic page SEO issues
- Google Trends integration for understanding keyword shifts
Cons
- Interface includes features some beginners may not use
- Some tools are better suited for users with growing SEO needs
Pricing
- Free trial available
- Paid plans start at $52/month
Other parameters to consider
- Best for: Comprehensive SEO analysis for businesses
- AI features: AI-driven content optimization tools
- Integrations: Google Analytics, Google Search Console
- Languages: Supports multiple languages
- USP: All-in-one SEO platform with AI capabilities
Best technical SEO tools
Even the best content won’t rank well if your website is slow, clunky or difficult for search engines to crawl.
These tools help you identify technical issues, like page speed, mobile usability or broken links, so you can fix them before they hurt your visibility.
Google PageSpeed Insights
If your website loads slowly or performs poorly on mobile, you’re likely losing both visitors and rankings. Google PageSpeed Insights is a must-have tool that shows you exactly what’s slowing down your pages—and how to fix it.
Developed by Google itself, this free SEO tool analyzes any page on your site and gives it a score based on real user performance data.
Top features
- Page-level speed scores for mobile and desktop
- Actionable tips to enhance speed and user experience
- Highlights on-site performance issues like broken links and render delays
- Evaluates Core Web Vitals for modern ranking standards
Pros
- Built and trusted by Google
- Easy to use—just enter a URL and get instant insights
- Helps improve page SEO and user experience
Cons
- Doesn’t scan your entire website—only one page at a time
- Some suggestions may require a developer to implement
Pricing
- 100% free for all users
Other parameters to consider
- Best for: Analyzing and improving website loading speeds
- AI features: None specified
- Integrations: Google Lighthouse
- Languages: Supports multiple languages
- USP: Official tool for assessing page speed and performance
Screaming Frog SEO Spider
Want a complete scan of your website to catch technical issues that may be hurting your visibility?
Screaming Frog SEO Spider is a desktop-based crawler that digs deep into your site’s structure and exposes hidden SEO flaws.
Unlike browser-based checkers, this tool functions like a search engine bot, crawling through every link, image, heading and script on your site.
Its reports are exportable and easy to customize, which makes it a favorite among SEO consultants, developers and marketing teams.
Top features
- Full-site crawl that mimics search engine behavior
- Identifies broken links, redirect loops and metadata gaps
- Flags duplicate content, canonical conflicts and missing alt text
- Integrates with tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics for deeper analysis
Pros
- Unmatched visibility into a site’s technical health
- Great for diagnosing page SEO issues across large websites
- Free version covers up to 500 URLs—ideal for small to mid-size sites
Cons
- Desktop-only; doesn’t run in the browser
- Requires basic understanding of SEO terms to use effectively
Pricing
- Free for crawling up to 500 URLs
- Paid version starts at £199/year (approx. $249 USD)
Other parameters to consider
- Best for: Technical SEO audits and site crawling
- AI features: None specified
- Integrations: Google Analytics, Search Console
- Languages: Supports multiple languages
- USP: Comprehensive desktop-based SEO auditing tool
Best Local SEO tools
For businesses that serve specific regions or rely on local customers, showing up in nearby search results is essential. These tools focus on location-based SEO signals like Google Maps listings, NAP consistency and local keyword optimization—making them a must-have in your online SEO tools stack.
Yoast Local SEO
Yoast Local SEO tool enhances your website’s ability to rank for local search queries. It adds essential enhancements to your WordPress site that help you stand out in your area.
Built as an extension of the popular Yoast SEO plugin, this tool focuses specifically on the elements that matter most to search engines for local intent.
Top features
- Adds schema markup for local business info
- Helps embed Google Maps and location details on your site
- Optimizes page SEO for service-area and city-specific pages
- Makes it easier for search engines to display your business in relevant local queries
Pros
- Built for WordPress and integrates seamlessly with Yoast SEO
- Enhances local visibility without needing complex setups
- Supports multiple business locations
Cons
- Not a standalone tool—you need Yoast SEO installed
- Focused only on on-site optimization (no listing distribution features)
Pricing
- Paid add-on: $79/year for a single site
Other parameters to consider
- Best for: Small businesses and WordPress users aiming to enhance local search visibility
- AI features: Integrates with Yoast SEO Premium’s AI tools for content optimization
- Integrations: WordPress, Google Maps
- Languages: Supports multiple languages
- USP: Simplifies local SEO for WordPress sites with comprehensive schema and mapping tools
Also read: What Is Local SEO? Rank Higher & Attract Nearby Customers Fast in 2025
BrightLocal
BrightLocal is one of the most trusted local SEO tools that helps you manage and improve your online presence where it matters most.
This platform gives you full control over your business citations, online reviews and location-specific SEO efforts—all from one clean dashboard.
Designed for small businesses, agencies and multi-location brands, BrightLocal simplifies everything from reporting to client presentations. This makes it one of the best SEO tools for managing local presence at scale.
Top features
- Full citation tracking and cleanup recommendations
- Local review monitoring with alerts and response tools
- Website audit that catches page SEO and technical issues
- City-specific keyword research and local ranking tracking
Pros
- Strong all-in-one platform for managing local business listings
- Helps improve consistency across major directories and maps
- Offers agency-friendly reporting and white-label features
Cons
- Not ideal for businesses outside of local markets
- Less emphasis on broader SEO features beyond local
Pricing
- 14-day free tool trial available
- Paid SEO tools plans start at $39/month
Other parameters to consider
- Best for: Agencies and businesses focusing on local SEO and reputation management
- AI features: AI-powered review response suggestions
- Integrations: Google Analytics, Google Business Profile
- Languages: Primarily English
- USP: All-in-one local SEO platform with robust reporting and reputation management tools
Moz Local
If your business relies on local traffic, Moz Local makes it easy to manage your listings and improve your local credibility.
This lightweight yet effective local SEO tool focuses on keeping your business information consistent across directories, apps and online maps.
Moz Local automatically distributes your business details—like name, address, phone number and website—to a network of trusted data aggregators.
That means your information appears correctly on Google, Facebook, Yelp and dozens of other platforms that influence local visibility.
Top features
- Automated local listing distribution and updates
- Real-time dashboard to track listing accuracy and performance
- Alerts for duplicate listings and inconsistent NAP info
- Location-based visibility scoring and keyword research insights
Pros
- Fast and accurate local listing sync across major platforms
- Helps eliminate inconsistencies that hurt local visibility
- Easy to set up and manage—even with zero SEO background
Cons
- Doesn’t include broader site audits or technical features
- More limited reporting compared to other paid SEO tools
Pricing
- Plans start at $14/month per location
Other parameters to consider
- Best for: Businesses seeking to manage local listings and improve local search presence
- AI features: AI-generated responses for customer reviews
- Integrations: Google Business Profile, Facebook
- Languages: Primarily English
- USP: Streamlines local listing management with automated syncing across directories
Other SEO tools to consider
In addition to the tools above, here are other noteworthy SEO tools that support various use cases, from keyword discovery to backlink tracking.
- BuzzSumo: While not solely an online SEO tool, BuzzSumo helps you discover the most shared content online and the influencers who are sharing it.
- Majestic SEO: Majestic specializes in backlink analysis and has its own link index database.
- Google Keyword Planner: This is a free Google Ads tool for new or experienced advertisers that’s like a workshop for building new Search Network campaigns or expanding existing ones. It’s a powerful keyword tool to discover new opportunities and get forecasts for search volume and CPC.
- Long Tail Pro: A cloud-based software for keyword research, particularly focused on finding long-tail keywords.
- Woorank: A website review and SEO tool that provides an in-depth analysis of your site’s on-page and off-page SEO.
- Raven Tools: A leading SEO platform offering a suite of tools, including website audits, rank tracking and backlink analysis.
- SEOquake: A free plugin that provides you with key SEO metrics, along with other useful tools such as SEO Audit and many others.
- AnswerThePublic: A tool that visualizes search questions and suggested autocompleting searches in an image called a search cloud. Useful for finding topic and content ideas for website.
- DeepCrawl: A website crawler that helps identify and monitor technical aspects of your website that could affect your SEO performance.
- Google Trends: A free tool from Google that allows you to see how search query volume changes over time.
- Bing Webmaster Tools: A free platform by Microsoft that helps you monitor search performance, submit sitemaps and troubleshoot SEO issues specifically for Bing search.
How to pick the best SEO tool for you?
It probably goes without saying, but make sure you do your research to ensure the SEO tool you’ve chosen is the best one for your website. For example, if you publish your musings on a small blog just for fun, you probably don’t need to invest hundreds of dollars a month on an enterprise-grade SEO tool.
Here are a few things to consider before making your choice:
SEO and business goals
Start by identifying your SEO goals. Are you trying to increase traffic through backlinks, improve keyword rankings, or track performance over time?
For example, if your goal is to grow traffic through link building, you’ll need an SEO tool with strong backlink analysis features. These tools help you monitor who’s linking to your site and how that affects your rankings.
Many SEO analysis tools offer flexible access, whether through browser plugins, cloud platforms or integrated dashboards. So, you can choose what fits your workflow best.
If you run an eCommerce store and want to drive more organic traffic, consider upgrading to Online Store or WooCommerce hosting plans. These plans often include built-in SEO features like product schema markup, mobile optimization and keyword-friendly templates—giving your store a better chance of ranking in search.
Boosting your eCommerce success with Bluehost
To meet the diverse needs of eCommerce businesses, Bluehost offers a comprehensive Bluehost eCommerce Premium Solution. This package equips online store owners with a suite of tools designed to enhance website functionality, improve SEO and streamline operations.
We also offer features ranging from booking and appointment scheduling to gift card integration and promotional campaigns. These tools ensure you have everything necessary to boost your online visibility and effectively sell your products and services.
Here are some advanced features you’ll get:
- Yoast Local SEO: Optimize your website for local search queries, enhancing visibility among nearby customers. This feature ensures your business appears prominently in local search results, driving more targeted traffic to your site.
- PayPal and Stripe integration: Seamlessly process payments through trusted platforms like PayPal and Stripe. This integration provides customers with secure and familiar payment options, enhancing their purchasing experience and increasing conversion rates.
- Ecomdash reporting: Access detailed sales, inventory and performance reports to make informed business decisions. Comprehensive analytics help you monitor your store’s performance, identify trends and optimize strategies for growth.
- AI site creation tools: Leverage Bluehost WordPress AI builder tools to quickly design a professional and customized website. These tools simplify the site-building process, allowing you to create a visually appealing and functional online store without extensive technical expertise
By integrating these features, Bluehost eCommerce Premium Solution helps you control your website’s performance, security and search rankings—all in one place. It makes it easier for you to grow your business and succeed in a competitive eCommerce market.
Budget
If you run a Google search for the best free SEO tools, you’ll find many SEO tools with free options offering limited features, encouraging you to upgrade to a paid plan.
The good news? Depending on your needs, you may not need to upgrade at all. If all you need is a keyword research tool, you can get an SEO tool that only does that. This could help drive down the cost and ensure that you get a high-quality tool with full functionality. However, there are plenty of free keyword research tools available for beginners that deliver excellent insights without requiring a paid subscription.
Level of experience
Your experience level with SEO should guide the type of tools you choose. If you’re a beginner, start with SEO analysis tools that offer simple dashboards, visual reports and step-by-step guidance. Many of the best SEO tools for beginners also include automated audits and keyword suggestions to help you learn as you go—no technical background required.
If you’re already an SEO whiz, you can get advanced SEO tools to maximize the rankings of your web pages.
Type of website
Effective SEO requires preparation. So, if your website doesn’t have a lot of content, it may be hard for it to rank highly on Google’s SERPs.
Moreover, SEO strategies aren’t a one-size-fits-all sort of thing. For example, if your website’s goal is boosting the online presence of your local business, you need local SEO, which is different from regular SEO.
Competitors
Depending on your business goals, you might consider employing SEO specialists or a content marketing team.
With Bluehost professional SEO services, you can work with a team of digital marketing specialists who tailor a custom strategy to your goals. From keyword targeting to technical audits and competitor tracking, our experts help you close the gap and stay ahead.
If it seems like your competitors are miles ahead in SEO, you’ll probably want to find out why. A competitive analysis can help you get the scoop on what’s working for your competitors and give you some tips to catch up with them.
Final thoughts
If you’ve made it this far, one thing’s clear that you’re serious about showing up online. And that’s where smart SEO starts.
The best SEO software isn’t just a dashboard full of data. It’s the tool that helps you make confident, strategic moves.
Whether you’re writing blog posts, fixing site issues or watching what competitors are up to—there’s a tool on this list built for it.
And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert. You just need the right setup and a little momentum.
Already selling online—or planning to? Start strong with Bluehost eCommerce Premium. It’s more than hosting. It’s your all-in-one toolkit for visibility, growth and getting found faster.
You’ve got the vision. We’ll bring the traffic.
Explore Bluehost eCommerce Premium Solution and build a store that climbs the ranks and drives results.
FAQs
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is improving your website’s visibility in search engine results, which is crucial for attracting organic traffic and increasing your website’s credibility.
Backlinks are links from other websites to yours. They signal to search engines that your content is valuable, helping to improve your search rankings.
Yoast SEO is a popular choice. It integrates seamlessly with WordPress websites. So, even beginners can easily optimize their site with features like automatic sitemap generation and on-page analysis.
Bluehost SEO Checker, SE Ranking and KWFinder are top beginner SEO tools thanks to their simplicity, guided dashboards and affordable pricing.
To do keyword research effectively in 2025, use tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, KWFinder and Google Keyword Planner. These platforms offer features like keyword suggestions, traffic estimates and competitive insights that help you target the right terms.
Absolutely. Tools like SurferSEO, Google Search Console and Yoast SEO help optimize content, fix site issues and improve Google visibility.
Check your keyword rankings weekly, run a technical audit once a month and monitor backlinks quarterly. This cadence ensures your site stays healthy, competitive and aligned with the latest Google updates.
SurferSEO and Clearscope lead in content optimization, offering real-time content scores, keyword recommendations and SERP analysis.
Yes, paid tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush and Clearscope offer deeper analytics, backlink tracking and content scoring that free tools often lack.