Keywords Everywhere: Is There A Free Version?

Okay, guys, let's dive straight into the burning question: Keywords Everywhere – is there a free version? For those not in the know, Keywords Everywhere was the go-to browser extension for keyword research, handing out valuable data right under your nose as you browsed the web. We're talking search volume, cost-per-click (CPC), and competition data displayed directly on Google, YouTube, and other sites. It was incredibly convenient, and, crucially, it started out completely free. But, like all good things, that free ride eventually came to an end.

The Shift from Free to Paid

So, what happened? Well, in late 2019, Keywords Everywhere announced a significant change: they were moving from a free model to a paid subscription service. This wasn't a decision they took lightly. The developers cited the increasing costs of maintaining and improving the tool as the primary reason for the switch. Providing real-time, accurate keyword data requires significant infrastructure and resources, and the free model simply wasn't sustainable in the long run. This change sent ripples through the digital marketing community. Many users, who had come to rely on Keywords Everywhere for their daily keyword research tasks, were left scrambling for alternatives. The convenience and ease of use of the extension had made it an indispensable tool for many, and the thought of having to pay for access was initially met with resistance.

However, the developers argued that the subscription model would allow them to continue providing high-quality data and support, as well as invest in new features and improvements. They also pointed out that the pricing was relatively affordable, especially compared to other premium keyword research tools on the market. While the transition was undoubtedly a shock to the system, it also highlighted the value of keyword data and the resources required to provide it. It forced marketers to consider the true cost of keyword research and to evaluate whether the benefits of using a tool like Keywords Everywhere outweighed the price of a subscription. Ultimately, the shift from free to paid was a necessary step for the long-term sustainability of the tool. It ensured that the developers could continue to provide accurate, reliable data and support to their users, while also investing in the future development of the extension.

So, is there a free version of Keywords Everywhere now?

No, not anymore. Keywords Everywhere operates on a credit-based system. You purchase credits, and these credits are consumed as you use the tool to look up keyword data. While there's no perpetually free version, they sometimes offer free credits upon initial signup or during promotional periods. Keep an eye out for those! The absence of a completely free version might seem like a bummer, especially if you're just starting out with keyword research or have a limited budget. However, it's important to remember that high-quality keyword data comes at a cost. The developers of Keywords Everywhere invest significant resources in collecting, processing, and delivering accurate and reliable data to their users. This requires a robust infrastructure, a dedicated team, and ongoing maintenance and updates. The subscription model allows them to continue providing this valuable service and to ensure the long-term sustainability of the tool. Moreover, the paid version of Keywords Everywhere offers several advantages over the old free version. For example, it provides access to more detailed keyword data, including search volume trends, competition analysis, and related keywords. It also allows you to analyze keyword data for multiple countries and languages, making it a valuable tool for international SEO. Additionally, the paid version comes with customer support, which can be helpful if you encounter any issues or have questions about how to use the tool. So, while the lack of a completely free version may be disappointing, the benefits of the paid version often outweigh the cost, especially for serious marketers and businesses.

Alternatives to Keywords Everywhere

Okay, so Keywords Everywhere isn't free anymore. What are your options? Don't worry; the internet is vast, and there are several alternative keyword research tools you can explore. Here are a few popular ones:

• Google Keyword Planner: This is a free tool from Google itself. It's primarily designed for advertisers, but you can still use it to get keyword ideas and see estimated search volumes. You need a Google Ads account to use it, but you don't necessarily have to run any ads. Google Keyword Planner is a solid starting point, especially if you're on a tight budget. It provides valuable insights into keyword search volumes, competition levels, and related keywords. However, the data provided by Google Keyword Planner is often less precise than that offered by paid tools like Keywords Everywhere. The search volume ranges can be quite broad, and the competition data is primarily focused on paid advertising rather than organic search. Nevertheless, Google Keyword Planner is a valuable resource for keyword research, especially for those who are new to SEO or have limited budgets. It's a great way to get a sense of the keywords that people are searching for and to identify potential opportunities for your website or content.
• Ubersuggest: Ubersuggest, now owned by Neil Patel, offers a free plan with limited daily searches. It gives you keyword suggestions, content ideas, and even some basic SEO analysis. Ubersuggest is a user-friendly tool that's suitable for beginners and experienced marketers alike. It provides a wealth of information, including keyword search volumes, competition levels, and related keywords. It also offers features like content ideas, which can help you create engaging and informative content that attracts traffic to your website. The free plan of Ubersuggest allows for a limited number of daily searches, which may be sufficient for some users. However, if you need to conduct more extensive keyword research, you'll need to upgrade to a paid plan. The paid plans offer additional features, such as the ability to track your keyword rankings, analyze your competitors' websites, and get personalized SEO recommendations. Overall, Ubersuggest is a valuable tool for keyword research and SEO analysis, and its free plan makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
• SEMrush: SEMrush is a comprehensive SEO tool suite that includes keyword research features. While it's a paid tool, they often offer a free trial period. SEMrush is a powerful tool that offers a wide range of features for keyword research, SEO analysis, and competitive intelligence. It allows you to track your keyword rankings, analyze your competitors' websites, and identify potential opportunities for your website or content. SEMrush also offers a variety of reports and dashboards that provide valuable insights into your website's performance and your competitors' strategies. While SEMrush is a paid tool, it often offers a free trial period, which allows you to test out its features and see if it's the right fit for your needs. If you're serious about SEO and want to take your keyword research to the next level, SEMrush is definitely worth considering. Its comprehensive features and powerful analytics can help you improve your website's ranking, drive more traffic, and achieve your business goals.
• Ahrefs: Similar to SEMrush, Ahrefs is a powerful SEO tool with robust keyword research capabilities. It's also a paid tool, but often comes with a trial. Ahrefs is a leading SEO tool that offers a comprehensive suite of features for keyword research, backlink analysis, and competitive analysis. It allows you to track your keyword rankings, analyze your competitors' websites, and identify potential opportunities for your website or content. Ahrefs also offers a variety of reports and dashboards that provide valuable insights into your website's performance and your competitors' strategies. One of the key strengths of Ahrefs is its backlink analysis capabilities. It allows you to see which websites are linking to your competitors' websites, which can help you identify potential link building opportunities for your own website. Ahrefs is a paid tool, but it often comes with a trial, which allows you to test out its features and see if it's the right fit for your needs. If you're serious about SEO and want to gain a competitive edge, Ahrefs is definitely worth considering.
• Moz Keyword Explorer: Moz offers a range of SEO tools, including a Keyword Explorer. You can get a limited number of free queries per month. Moz Keyword Explorer is a valuable tool for keyword research, offering features such as keyword suggestions, search volume data, and difficulty scores. It also provides insights into the potential of keywords, helping you to prioritize your efforts. Moz Keyword Explorer is part of the Moz Pro suite of SEO tools, which also includes features for site auditing, rank tracking, and link analysis. While Moz Pro is a paid subscription service, Moz offers a limited number of free queries per month for Keyword Explorer. This allows you to conduct basic keyword research without having to pay for a subscription. If you need to conduct more extensive keyword research, you can upgrade to a paid Moz Pro plan. Overall, Moz Keyword Explorer is a valuable tool for SEO professionals and website owners who want to improve their keyword rankings and drive more traffic to their websites.

Maximizing Free Options & Trials

Even if Keywords Everywhere itself isn't free, you can still be strategic about accessing keyword data without breaking the bank. Here's how to maximize free options and trials:

1. Utilize Free Trials: Many premium SEO tools, like SEMrush and Ahrefs, offer free trial periods. Take advantage of these trials to conduct in-depth keyword research. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don't want to be charged! During these trials, explore all the features the tool offers, focusing on keyword research functionalities. Download data, experiment with different search parameters, and get a feel for how the tool can benefit your overall SEO strategy. Remember to document your findings and analyze the data you collect during the trial period. This will help you make an informed decision about whether the tool is worth investing in for the long term.
2. Focus on Google Keyword Planner: As mentioned earlier, Google Keyword Planner is a free tool directly from Google. While the data might not be as precise as paid tools, it's a valuable resource for finding keyword ideas and estimating search volumes. To make the most of Google Keyword Planner, start by brainstorming a list of relevant keywords related to your business or website. Then, enter these keywords into the tool and explore the suggested keywords. Pay attention to the search volume data, competition levels, and related keywords. Use this information to identify potential opportunities for your website or content. Remember that Google Keyword Planner is primarily designed for advertisers, so the competition data is focused on paid advertising rather than organic search. However, you can still use this data to get a sense of the keywords that are likely to be competitive in organic search as well.
3. Combine Free Tools: Don't rely on just one free tool. Use a combination of tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest's free plan, and other free keyword research tools to get a more comprehensive view of the keyword landscape. By combining data from multiple sources, you can get a more accurate and reliable picture of the keywords that are most relevant to your business or website. For example, you can use Google Keyword Planner to identify potential keywords and then use Ubersuggest to get more detailed information about their search volume, competition levels, and related keywords. You can also use other free keyword research tools to find long-tail keywords and identify potential content ideas. By combining data from multiple sources, you can create a more comprehensive keyword strategy that will help you improve your website's ranking and drive more traffic.
4. Stay Updated on Promotions: Keep an eye out for promotional offers from keyword research tool providers. They sometimes offer discounts or free access to their tools for a limited time. Sign up for their email newsletters and follow them on social media to stay informed about the latest promotions and deals. This can be a great way to access premium keyword research tools without having to pay full price. Remember to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of the promotion before you sign up. Make sure you know how long the promotion lasts and what features are included. Also, be aware of any restrictions or limitations that may apply.

The Value of Investing in Keyword Research

While free options can be a good starting point, it's important to recognize the value of investing in dedicated keyword research tools, especially if you're serious about SEO and online marketing. These tools provide more accurate data, advanced features, and comprehensive analysis, which can save you time and help you make more informed decisions. Investing in keyword research is an investment in the long-term success of your website or business. By understanding the keywords that people are searching for, you can optimize your website and content to attract more traffic, generate more leads, and increase your sales. Keyword research is also essential for competitive analysis. By analyzing your competitors' websites and keyword strategies, you can identify opportunities to outperform them and gain a competitive edge. In today's competitive online landscape, keyword research is more important than ever. By investing in the right tools and strategies, you can stay ahead of the curve and achieve your business goals.

In Conclusion: While a completely free version of Keywords Everywhere is no longer available, there are still ways to conduct keyword research on a budget. Explore the alternative tools mentioned above, maximize free trials, and consider investing in a paid tool if you're serious about taking your SEO to the next level. Remember, understanding your keywords is the foundation of any successful online marketing strategy!