Best SEO Tools for Beginners That Won’t Break the Bank

Seo tips for blog growth

If you’re a new blogger or a side-hustling mom thinking about increasing the number of people that visit your blog or online business, you’ve probably heard about SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and how important it is. By the time you finish this article, SEO will no longer feel overwhelming or too complicated. You'll know exactly what you need to do in order for your blog posts rank on the first page of google.

Just like some of the posts from my new fashion blog.

Screenshot by author

This post about satin skirts in particular ranks number 4 on google and has brought at least 2000 visitors to my blog every month just by being on google's first page.

For me this is huge and you can get similar results.

When I started my first blog, I had no idea how to get my posts to rank on Google.

Everyone kept saying, “Use SEO tools!” but the ones I found were either way out of my budget or so complex that I gave up before the free trial ended.

But over time I have tested several tools and there's one thing i've realised:

As a new blogger, you don’t need expensive SEO software to grow your blog. There are affordable and beginner-friendly tools that can help you find low-competition keywords, track your rankings, optimize your content, and even build backlinks—all without draining your bank account.

So I'm here to give you a breakdown of the best SEO tools for beginners that actually work.

Why SEO Tools Matter

Before jumping into the list, it’s important to understand why SEO tools are essential. Simply writing blog posts and hoping they rank isn’t enough. SEO is about strategy, not luck. The right tools can help you:

• Find low-competition keywords so you’re not competing with giant websites

• Track your rankings to see what’s working

• Optimize your blog posts so Google understands your content

• Get backlinks to boost your rankings faster

And the best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to access these benefits.

Best SEO tools for Beginners

1. Keysearch – Best Budget-Friendly SEO Tool

If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to Ahrefs and SEMrush, Keysearch is one of the best options. At just $17 per month (or $13 with a discount code), it’s powerful, easy to use, and perfect for new bloggers.

Keysearch allows you to research keywords, check competition levels, and discover ranking opportunities without complicated dashboards or a steep learning curve. Simply type in a keyword, and it will show search volume, competition scores, and related keyword ideas.

To use Keysearch effectively, start by signing up, entering a keyword related to your niche, and selecting low-competition keywords with a score under 35. Writing content around these keywords can significantly improve your chances of ranking on Google.

2. Ubersuggest – Best Free SEO Tool

If you’re not ready to invest in a paid SEO tool yet, Ubersuggest by Neil Patel is a great free alternative. It offers keyword research, competition analysis, and backlink data with a user-friendly interface that’s perfect for beginners.

Although Ubersuggest has a free version, it does come with limited daily searches.

However, if you’re just starting, it’s a great way to get a feel for SEO research without any upfront costs.

To use it, simply go to the Ubersuggest website, type in a keyword, and check its search volume and competition score. Choosing keywords with low competition can help your blog rank more easily.

3. Rank Math – Best Free SEO Plugin for WordPress

If your blog is on WordPress, you can easily optimise your posts for google using an SEO plugin is a must-have.

While many bloggers use Yoast SEO, Rank Math is a better alternative with more free features. It helps you optimize blog posts, add keywords and analyze the SEO score of your post—all without paying for a premium version.

Once installed, Rank Math guides you through the SEO optimization process every time you write a post. It provides real-time suggestions on keyword usage, meta descriptions, headings, and image alt text to help your content rank better.

For an even more seamless blogging and seo experience, you should host your blog using hostinger. You automatically get the prompt to install a plugin called AISEO. While there is a paid version, the free version is great and will remind you of what you need to do to optimise each blog post you write.

4. Google Search Console – Best Free Tool for Tracking SEO

Regardless of which SEO tools you use, Google Search Console is a non-negotiable. This free tool from Google shows how your blog is performing in search results, which keywords are driving traffic, and what issues might be affecting your rankings.

Setting up Google Search Console is simple—just sign up, verify your blog, and check the Performance tab. It provides valuable insights on which keywords you’re already ranking for, allowing you to update and optimize your content accordingly.

5. SurferSEO – Best AI-Powered Tool for Content Optimization

As your blog grows and starts generating income, investing in a more advanced SEO tool like SurferSEO can take your rankings to the next level. This tool analyzes top-ranking content and provides a detailed blueprint to help you optimize your posts for better search performance.

SurferSEO suggests ideal word count, keyword density, heading structures, and other key SEO elements based on what’s working for competitors. It’s particularly useful for bloggers who want to improve existing content and maximize organic traffic.

Final Thoughts: Which SEO Tool Is Right for You?

If you’re just starting out, here’s what I recommend:

• For a budget-friendly paid tool, Keysearch is the best option

• For free keyword research, Ubersuggest is a solid choice

• For tracking rankings, Google Search Console is a must-have

• For optimizing WordPress blog posts, Rank Math is the best free plugin

• For advanced content optimization, SurferSEO is worth considering once your blog starts making money

  
  

SEO doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right tools, you can grow your blog strategically without feeling overwhelmed. Which tool are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments.