Best SEO Tools In 2024

Table of Contents

• Defining an SEO Tool
• Enhance Your Business with Marketing Automation
• Criteria for the Best SEO Tool
• Top Picks for SEO Tools
• Best SEO Tool for Rank Tracking
• Best SEO Tool for SEO Audits
• Best SEO Tool for Competitor Research
• Best SEO Tool for Content Optimization
• Does Google Have a Free SEO Tool?
• Best SEO Tool for Scaling SEO Content Creation
• Best SEO Tool for Content Ideation
• Best SEO Tool for Content Research on a Budget
• SEO Tools I Liked But Didn’t Make the List
• What About Google’s SEO Tools?

Defining an SEO Tool

An SEO tool is essentially any software that enhances aspects of a search engine optimization campaign. These tools cover a broad spectrum of functionalities, including analytics on search queries, automation of reporting, AI-based suggestions for content optimization, and analysis of website performance.

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Given the variety of software used by marketers for different SEO facets, I’ve excluded tools that are narrowly focused on specific applications like Moz’s title tag tool. My focus is instead on tools that broadly fit into one of four key SEO product categories.

SEO Audit Tools

These are primarily designed to analyze metrics relevant to SEO efforts.

Keyword Research Tools

These tools focus on reporting search metrics for keywords and aiding in the selection of target keywords. They generally do not track ranking performance for specific webpages or domains.

Rank Trackers

Most rank trackers also conduct basic keyword research. Their primary role is to monitor how specific webpages or domains rank for certain keywords. They often include other SEO tools, although not as extensively as all-in-one tools.

All-in-One Tools

These tools offer a wide array of features and make other tools redundant in many cases. They include functionalities such as automation and AI, making them more comprehensive than rank trackers.

Criteria for the Best SEO Tool

Our evaluation process for apps

Our app recommendations are compiled by experienced professionals who extensively use, test, and write about software. We conduct thorough research and testing, ensuring an authentic evaluation. We don’t accept payments for app placements or links in our articles—our commitment is to provide trustworthy reviews. For more about our process, visit our detailed guide on the MXD blog.

Identifying the best SEO tools involves reviewing numerous products across different categories, establishing a set of criteria that applies universally.

SEO-Specific Functionality

Every tool must offer features directly related to SEO, whether it’s keyword analysis, troubleshooting on-page performance, reporting on website metrics, content generation, or competitor analysis.

Value

The tool’s pricing should reflect its quality. Both niche and comprehensive tools must justify their cost through effective functionalities.

User Experience

Tools should be easy to integrate, learn, and use. Even complex tools should have a user-friendly interface that allows access to all features without steep learning curves.

Integration Capability

As digital marketers often use various software tools, it’s crucial that SEO tools integrate seamlessly with other platforms used for tasks like scheduling, reporting, and customer relationship management.

Top Picks for SEO Tools

Best AI-Assisted SEO Tool

seoClarity (Web)

SEO Tool Category: All-in-One

Advantages of seoClarity:

• Integrates a generative AI assistant
• Comprehensive suite of SEO and content optimization tools

Disadvantages of seoClarity:

• Pricing may vary greatly
• More expensive mid-tier plans
• Simplistic interface

Best SEO Tool for AI Integration

Surfer (Web)

SEO Tool Category: SEO Audit

Pros of Surfer:

• Simple yet effective AI integrations
• Unique and actionable SEO insights
• Direct content export to WordPress

Cons of Surfer:

• Relatively high cost
• Usage credits that expire
• AI features are charged per article

Best SEO Tool for Rank Tracking

Semrush (Web)

SEO Tool Category: Rank Tracker

Semrush Pros:

• Extensive suite of high-end rank and keyword tracking capabilities
• Customizable user interface
• Sophisticated functionality suitable for large enterprises

Semrush Cons:

• Higher-end pricing model
• Lacks some features found in comprehensive all-in-one tools

Semrush is a powerhouse in the SEO world, offering scalable and robust features that cater to all levels of performance monitoring for small to large businesses. It excels in delivering detailed insights into keywords, SERP analysis, and page rankings. The customizable dashboard offers an in-depth view of various performance metrics, allowing deeper analysis or streamlined reporting capabilities.

While I cannot detail all of Semrush’s features here, notable ones include Keyword Gap for identifying missed keyword opportunities, Backlink Gap for comparing backlink profiles, and the Keyword Magic Tool for automatic keyword suggestions. The Position Tracking feature provides daily updates on your and your competitors’ rankings.

Best SEO Tool for SEO Audits

SEOptimer (Web)

SEO Tool Category: SEO Audit

SEOptimer Pros:

• Streamlined and effective SEO diagnostics
• Broad range of tools for testing various SEO elements
• Cost-effective pricing

SEOptimer Cons:

• Limited capability for resolving detected issues
• Tools lack complexity

SEOptimer functions much like a diagnostician for your SEO health, pinpointing areas of underperformance and providing basic tools for improvement. Simply input a URL, and SEOptimer evaluates it, delivering a performance grade from A+ to F in moments, along with actionable recommendations to enhance SEO.

SEOptimer also offers additional tools for refining SEO, including code minifiers, meta tag generators, and more, although its suite of tools for actionable solutions is not as extensive as some other platforms.

Best SEO Tool for Competitor Research

Ahrefs (Web)

SEO Tool Category: Rank Tracker

Ahrefs Pros:

• Accurate and up-to-date ranking data
• Detailed keyword analytics
• More affordable than similar tools like Semrush

Ahrefs Cons:

• Limited in reporting capabilities
• Primarily focused on analysis and monitoring

Ahrefs is a formidable alternative to Semrush, with a strong focus on competitor analysis and rank tracking. It offers comprehensive insights into how specific webpages or domains perform over time, allows for detailed site audits, and provides historical data analysis. Unique features like Web Explorer and Content Gap tools provide a deeper look into competitor strategies and potential areas for your own strategic enhancements.

Best SEO Tool for Content Optimization

Clearscope (Web)

SEO Tool Category: SEO Audit

Clearscope Pros:

• Detailed insights into content performance
• Effective keyword discovery and tracking
• Intuitive page performance tracking features

Clearscope Cons:

• Limited range of tools
• Premium pricing structure
• Fixed monthly credit allocation

Clearscope stands out for its laser-focused content optimization capabilities. Starting with a keyword input, it provides an interface for real-time content grading, readability assessments, and extensive keyword suggestions. The content editor integrates seamlessly with popular platforms like WordPress, enhancing workflow and content quality with an array of performance analysis tools.

Best SEO Tool for Scaling SEO Content Creation

Letterdrop (Web)

SEO Tool Category: Hybrid

Letterdrop Pros:

• Converts video content into blog posts automatically
• Incorporates content management features
• Batch updates for internal links with Find and Replace feature

Letterdrop Cons:

• Lacks the comprehensive features of some all-in-one SEO tools
• Less advanced reporting and diagnostic tools compared to competitors

Letterdrop stands out in a crowded market with its blend of content management, SEO auditing, and keyword research functionalities. Its standout feature is content automation, especially its ability to transform video content into blog posts. By integrating with your website and analytics, Letterdrop offers valuable insights into site performance and streamlines content creation with features like automatic internal linking and content refresh recommendations.

Best SEO Tool for Content Ideation

BuzzSumo (Web)

SEO Tool Category: Keyword Research

BuzzSumo Pros:

• Extensive keyword data and content ideation tools
• Comprehensive suite of content analysis tools

BuzzSumo Cons:

• Premium pricing structure
• Limited in reporting features

BuzzSumo excels in search trend reporting and idea generation, offering detailed insights that surpass many all-in-one tools. Its Content Generator tool, in particular, provides evergreen topic ideas, engagement statistics, and strategic advice for content success, making it an invaluable resource for content researchers and creators.

Best SEO Tool for Content Research on a Budget

AnswerThePublic (Web)

SEO Tool Category: Keyword Research

AnswerThePublic Pros:

• Affordable access with a unique data visualization approach
• Effective search trend monitoring and alerts

AnswerThePublic Cons:

• Limited to keyword research data
• Focuses only on Google, YouTube, and Bing search data

AnswerThePublic strips keyword research to its core, focusing on user search behavior and presenting data in visual formats that enhance understanding of user intent. This tool offers an affordable solution for those needing to perform detailed keyword research without the hefty price tag of more complex tools.

SEO Tools I Liked But Didn’t Make the List

While the tools listed are highly effective, there are several others I found noteworthy that didn’t make the main list. Each offers unique features beneficial for specific SEO tasks:

• RankIQ: Tailors keyword research to preset topic niches, balancing difficulty and volume.
• Rank Ranger: Offers budget-friendly rank tracking and white-label reporting.
• SE Ranking: Provides comprehensive rank tracking at a price accessible to freelancers and SMBs.
• Rank Math: A strong competitor to Yoast, offering a robust WordPress SEO plugin.
• SISTRIX: Known for its unique visibility rating and features geared towards Amazon SEO.
• Moz: Offers a range of free tools alongside its premium rank tracking services.
• Jasper: Combines generative AI with SEO tools to enhance content creation.

What About Google’s SEO Tools?

Google’s suite of SEO tools is foundational, offering unmatched accuracy and integration with Google’s own services. Tools like Google Trends, Keyword Planner, Analytics, and Search Console are essential, even if you use other paid products.