Keyword research is a critical component of any SEO strategy. It can be described as the process of selecting and studying keywords that people use when searching. Choosing the right keywords to work with is one of the most critical steps to define whether you will achieve higher rankings. There are many keyword research tools available on the internet. Still, the two most recommended tools are KWFinder and Google Keyword Tool. Which one should be used for SEO optimization? This is to help you compare the two so that you can be in a position to make the right decision depending on the following features.
Introduction to KWFinder and Keyword Tool
KWFinder
KWFinder is one of the most functional keyword research tools with many options, and it is paid; it belongs to Mangools. It can assist in finding other related keywords to the seed keyword and understanding the long tail keywords.
Key features include:
– Keyword ideas generator
– Keyword difficulty scores
– Search volume estimates
– Cost-per-click data
– Related keywords
– Long-tail keyword suggestions
– Filters are characteristics such as geographic location and language.
– Bulk keyword analysis
– Keyword tracking
Google Keyword Tool
Google has a keyword tool, which is now called Google Keyword Planner, which is helpful for suggestions and approximate monthly searches. As a free tool, it has limited capabilities compared to paid alternatives like KWFinder, but features include:
– A list of keywords that can be derived from a seed word or a phrase
– The average monthly searches
– Competition by keywords
– All these phrases are in some way related to the search terms that were used in the experiment.
– Link with Google Adwords for keyword performance data
Therefore, the concept of KWFinder is evident as it is a tool that helps in the identification of keywords. Yes, it is a paid tool with extra options for keyword research, while Google provides suggestions for free.
Depth of Keyword Data
Keyword information, one of the significant differences between the two tools, can vary in depth and detail.
KWFinder Provides Extensive Data
The free keyword suggestion tool KWFinder offers keyword density, cost per click, historical data, and other sophisticated measurements for each proposed keyword. This is beneficial for analyzing keywords in a comprehensive manner before selecting the appropriate keywords to use.
For example, on KWFinder, a particular field called difficulty lets you know how difficult it may be to rank a keyword. The higher the score, the higher the activity and competition of the keyword. It also provides data about top-ranking domains and URLs so you realize what kind of competition you will face. Such detailed analysis helps us pick the keywords we will target based on facts, not guesswork.
Google Tool Offers Limited Data
Unlike other tools, Google Keyword Planner lacks several features; it only provides the volume of searches for a keyword and the competition level. Neither keyword difficulty scores nor cost information are provided.
The competition level does show how hard or easy it is to rank for the specific term. Still, this value is less informative or correct than the KWFinder view.
With the Google tool, you have less information to decide on the keywords you want to target.
Long-Tail Keyword Discovery
Yet another feature to consider is the capability of the tools to identify long-tail variations of the base keyword.
KWFinder Excels at Finding Long-Tail Terms
To offer the client a large amount of long-tail suggestions, KWFinder uses each seed keyword as a base. Its algorithm searches all viable long-tail possibilities by analyzing the search data, related terms, and more.
The key terms it suggests are more specific; however, it shows that these particular keywords have a decent number of monthly searches. This allows you to focus on easy keywords with much traffic still attached to them.
Google Struggles with Longer Terms
However, the application is relatively weak in terms of long-tail keywords, especially when utilizing Google Keyword Planner. It does not display hundreds of options as we see with broader seed keywords. Still, it usually suggests only one or two long-tail ideas.
And even if it gives more extended keyword suggestions, they either have incredibly high competitors or meager search traffic. It is, however, not easy to locate these ‘sweet spot’ long-tail terms.
That is why we can state that KWFinder can really help you expand the usage of long-tail SEO in your work.
Competitor Keyword Analysis
Another savvy aspect of conducting keyword research for SEO is also conducting competitor research. In this way, you can learn about new opportunities because by analyzing what terms your competitors use, you get an insight into what they pursue.
KWFinder Lets You Research Competitors
Catching glimpses of competition is quite simple by using KWFinder. With KWFinder, all you need to do is type the domain of a competitor, and the tool will generate thousands of keywords for which the competitor ranks, together with their respective difficulty scores.
You can selectively choose low-competition keywords they have ranked well in and use them for your sites instead. This kind of link-building and content creation, turning an unrelated keyword into a relevant one, can be mighty.
Google Tool Doesn’t Offer Competitor Research
At the same time, it is also worth noting that Keyword Planner, which can be found on Google, does not contain any elements of competitor analysis. It also means you lose the chance to see the precious keywords on which your leading competitors concentrate.
Ease of Use
In addition to the differences in data depth, the overall practicality of the tools also varies considerably.
KWFinder Requires a Learning Curve
KWFinder crams an awful lot of functions and information into the main window. This is not as convenient as it may seem because it can be somewhat challenging when one has little or no prior experience.
The total number of graphs, metrics, and filters is quite large, and people should expect that some time will be required to understand all of the tools available. However, once accustomed to it, using KWFinder can be pretty fast and efficient in terms of keyword research.
Google Tool Is Simple and Intuitive
Whereas Google’s interface includes only keyword inputs, volumes & competition data, and nothing else. This element of simplicity and targeted functionality also has the consequence of allowing people to begin using it immediately.
Well, if you are not concerned about a few seed keywords and want to play around with Google, it might be a better option in terms of time and effort.
Pricing and Plans
Finally, cost is another factor that separates one tool from the other since it is pretty evident that the paid tool is much more expensive than the free one.
KWFinder’s Paid Plans
KWFinder has a paid version that can use all the keyword data starting at $99 per month. It does offer a free trial, though, which allows the user to practice using the software before subscribing.
The paid plans offer you more results of the search, more keywords, priority assistance, and all the marvelous features of analytics. This is particularly helpful to serious SEO power users due to the comprehensive data offered by the former.
Google Keyword Planner Is Free
Google even lets any user freely search for their essential keyword suggestion with no strings attached. Therefore, even if the primary criterion is the limitation of cash resources, this option seems to suggest the best solution that offers sufficiently reasonable functionality.
However, the basic functionalities and the quantity of information that it provides might not be sufficient to meet your needs as your SEO work progresses, and this may necessitate a shift to a paid tool such as KWFinder. However, it is pretty helpful for simple projects and does not present any issues with basic functionalities.
Which Is Better for SEO?
Having seen a comparison of KWFinder and Google Keyword Planner, which of the two tools is most appropriate for SEO?
KWFinder Is Better for Experienced SEO Users
However, when it comes to keyword analysis, especially when coming across long-tail keywords, KWFinder would be a top choice for Google anytime. ** It has elements such as difficulty rating, niche research, and extended match-type opportunities that provide experienced SEOs with so much more helpful information to further enhance their targeting.
Well, suppose you are an experienced SEO specialist and your company is running large-scale campaigns. In that case, KWFinder may be more beneficial for you than Google’s tool.
Google Works for Simple Keyword Research
For the most straightforward requirements of basic recommendations and minor keywords for relatively minor SEO tasks, Google Keyword Planner is a sufficient tool that can be used for free. As you can see, all the stats that KWFinder has to offer are absent in Google. Still, for the most straightforward keyword research, the volume and competition data suffice.
Thus, for DIYs, small business owners, or any novice SEO expert, such a basic approach as the Google Keyword Planner may be sufficient.
Try KWFinder’s Free Trial
Again, Google has a significant advantage as a go-to tool for casual SEO users who will not have to pay to get the same expertise that KWFinder offers to professionals.
Thankfully, you can test drive KWFinder before paying anything by signing up for their free trial. This enables you to assess the further detailed data for your own choice and decide whether the paid programs are worth the price for your case.
However, for most severe SEO projects, the robust analytical data that KWFinder offers is better than what Google can offer in this aspect. Leveraging the keyword analysis feature, the extended toolset for identifying long-tail keywords, and the view of competitors’ activities becomes a significant advantage.
Therefore, if you are now willing to advance your SEO keyword search, KWFinder is a more effective tool than the Keyword Planner, which, despite being free, offers fewer features.