Goal guide

Best SEO tools for growing traffic from Google

For businesses and creators investing in organic search. Recommendations focus on keyword research, competitive analysis, and technical SEO.

Editorial shortlist · See methodology

Start here

Start with Google Search Console to understand your own search performance. Consider Semrush when you need competitor or keyword research; a CRM is not a substitute for an SEO research tool.

Before you pay: Decide which report will change your next action. Do not add a paid research subscription until you have time to use its findings.

How this shortlist was put together

Advertising disclosure: Links marked “Ad · affiliate link” may earn us a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. How these links work.

Compare your options

These are alternatives or tools for different parts of the job. You do not need every one.

Our starting pick

Semrush

Semrush combines several SEO research tools, including keyword research, site audits, backlink analysis, and rank tracking.

Best for: Content marketers and SEO specialists serious about organic growth.

Extensive SEO dataCompetitive intelligenceRegularly updated databaseCan feel overwhelmingHigher price pointSome data is directional

Paid subscriptions with different research and tracking limits. Check the toolkit and add-ons included before subscribing.

Read reviewView Semrush

Best for content + CRM together

HubSpot

HubSpot's content and SEO tools work alongside its CRM, so you can tie blog performance to contacts and deals.

Best for: Businesses that want content marketing inside a CRM ecosystem.

Integrated content and CRMFree tierMarketing reportingSEO features are less deep than dedicated SEO toolsAdvanced reporting is paid

Free tools and paid hubs. Check marketing contacts, seats, automation access, and any onboarding charges.

Read reviewExplore HubSpot

For focused SEO research

Mangools

Mangools combines keyword research, search-result analysis, rank tracking, backlink research, and site metrics to help you plan and improve organic content.

Best for: Bloggers researching topics

Separate tools for clear research tasksKeyword and backlink research in one subscriptionFree tools for initial explorationResearch and tracking limits vary by planSearch volumes and difficulty scores are estimatesCheck tracking frequency and seats before choosing

Free tools and paid subscriptions. Compare keyword lookups, tracked keywords, update frequency, and seats on the official plans page.

Read reviewExplore MangoolsAd · affiliate link to mangools.com