One of the most common types of questions we get on our live streams and in our Facebook group is about what tools we use to help rank on Google.
Instead of answering the same questions repeatedly, we decided to make this post to point people towards.
Here are our top picks for SEO tools based on our almost ten years in the industry.
A Quick Disclaimer
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you make a purchase.
Don’t like that?
Then visit the sites directly instead of clicking the links. We’d appreciate your support, but to be frank, it’s not necessary.
We’ve been recommending the same tools forever without affiliate links, and any tools listed here are our honest recommendations and are not based on generating additional revenue for ourselves.
But we figure we might as well be compensated a bit for all the free promo we’ve given out over the years!
All-Around SEO Tools
All-around SEO tools are used to do a ton of different stuff, and it might be possible (given your situation) to only invest in one of these tools and nothing else.
We’ve tested numerous tools, and two stand out as the best all-around for their comprehensive capabilities.
Ahrefs
Ahrefs is a powerhouse in the SEO world, offering an extensive range of functionalities from keyword research to competitive analysis to link building.
Its site explorer and content explorer tools provide in-depth insights into websites’ performance and potential content strategies.
They are constantly adding new features, are perhaps the GOAT for backlink data, and are our primary choice for an all-around SEO tool.
Semrush
Semrush is very similar to Ahrefs in functionality.
The main draws of Semrush over Ahrefs are:
- More “fair” pricing model
- Better keyword data
If you are put off my Ahrefs’ new pricing structure and like the idea of better keyword data, this would be the choice for you.
See what Semrush is all about.
Best Content Optimization Tools
These tools are used to optimize your content perfectly with the right amount of keywords, the right kinds of keywords, headings, content length, and so on.
For us, these two stand above the rest.
SurferSEO
SurferSEO is our most-used content optimization tool.
It provides precise guidelines based on analysis of top-ranking pages in your niche, including word count, keyword usage, and page structure.
We’re huge fans of its real-time content editing assistance and user interface, and they now have an AI-writing feature as well.
Page Optimizer Pro
Another great content tool put out by the legendary Kyle Roof.
With much the same capabilities as SurferSEO, including AI content writing, this is another great choice to make sure your content is perfect and ready to rank.
POP is quite a bit less than Surfer, so this could be the choice for you if you’re looking to save.
Technical SEO Tools
Technical SEO refers to the actions you take to help search engines read, understand, and index your website correctly, but is different from on-page optimization.
Here’s our favorite tool for technical SEO.
Screaming Frog
Screaming Frog specializes in website crawling, helping users identify and fix issues such as broken links, duplicate content, and metadata problems.
Its ability to audit and analyze large websites effectively makes Screaming Frog a practical tool for technical SEO improvement.
And it’s cheap as hell.
Check Screaming Frog out here.
Wrapping Up
We’ll add more to this list over time, but for now, these are the essentials.
Finding the right SEO tools can significantly streamline your strategy and enhance your website’s performance.
Whether you’re seeking comprehensive all-around tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush, focusing on content optimization with SurferSEO and Page Optimizer Pro, or delving into the technical side with Screaming Frog, each of these tools brings unique strengths to the table.
There are lots of other SEO tools out there that can help streamline your processes, for example, link building software.
But with these tools alone, what you can accomplish is pretty incredible.
Remember, the best SEO tool for you will depend on your specific needs and objectives.
So read up, and choose wisely!