Keyword Research Volume Tools: Your Secret SEO Weapon

andrew
andrew
June 18, 2025
Keyword Research Volume Tools: Your Secret SEO Weapon

Let’s be honest: if you’ve ever tried to “just write a blog post” and watched it sink into the digital abyss, you know the pain. The truth is, even the wittiest prose won’t save you if nobody’s searching for what you wrote. That’s where keyword research volume tools come in — think of them as your blog’s GPS, except they don’t reroute you through three hours of traffic.

In this guide, we’ll break down what makes a great keyword volume tool, why search volume matters, and how you can use these tools (and a little help from us at Blogging Machine) to make your content actually findable. Spoiler: it’s not about stuffing “free keyword search volume tool” into every sentence. (We tried. It’s unreadable.)

Why Keyword Research Volume Tools Matter

Let’s skip the motivational quotes and get to the data. According to recent studies, only about 1.78% of keywords in Semrush’s database are “not found” — compare that to 3.82% for Google Keyword Planner and a whopping 18.22% for Serpstat. Translation: the right tool means better data, and better data means you’re not guessing what your audience wants.

Keyword research volume tools help you:

  • Find keyword search volume for topics that matter to your audience.
  • Gauge competition (so you’re not picking fights with the internet’s heavyweights).
  • Spot trends before your competitors do.
  • Optimize content for both organic and paid search.

And yes, you can do all this without a PhD in “Googling stuff.”

The Main Players: Keyword Volume Tools in 2024

Let’s meet the cast. Each tool brings something different to the table — kind of like a potluck, but with fewer casseroles.

Tool

Best For

Free Plan Details

Unique Feature

2024 Update

Semrush

Accuracy, database coverage

10 free searches/day

Keyword Magic Tool

Expanded keyword database

Google Keyword Planner

PPC keyword research

Free with Google Ads account

PPC forecasts

Improved accuracy for paid search

Google Trends

Trend analysis, related queries

Fully free

Real-time trend tracking

Enhanced geographic insights

Ahrefs

Competitor analysis, backlinks

Limited free plan

Keyword Explorer

AI-driven keyword suggestions

KWFinder (Mangools)

Simplicity, long-tail keywords

Limited free searches

Easy-to-use interface

Improved UI and data visualization

Semrush Search Volume: The Gold Standard

Semrush is the “overachiever” of the keyword research world. With access to over 25 billion keywords, it’s the go-to for accuracy and depth. The Semrush search volume feature is particularly beloved by SEO professionals who want to avoid the heartbreak of targeting keywords nobody’s searching for.

Google Search Volume Tool: The Classic

Google Keyword Planner (GKP) is the old reliable. It’s free (with a Google Ads account), and while it’s designed for PPC, it’s still a solid way to find Google keyword search volume. Just remember: GKP tends to round numbers, so treat its data as a ballpark, not gospel.

Free Keyword Search Volume Tools: The Budget-Friendly Heroes

Not ready to splurge? Free keyword search volume tools like Google Trends and Ubersuggest let you dip your toes in the data pool. Google Trends is especially handy for spotting breakout topics and regional interest — think of it as your crystal ball for what’s about to go viral.

YouTube Keyword Search Volume: Video’s Rising Star

As video content keeps eating the internet, YouTube keyword search volume tools are gaining traction. While YouTube’s own tools are a bit cagey with exact numbers, platforms like TubeBuddy and VidIQ help you find what people are actually searching for on YouTube. (Because “cat fails 2024” is always in season.)

How Businesses Use Keyword Volume Tools (Without Losing Their Minds)

Here’s the thing: you don’t need to be an SEO wizard. Most businesses use these tools to:

  • Identify high-traffic, low-competition keywords (the sweet spot).
  • Analyze competitors and find keyword gaps.
  • Track seasonal or trending keywords for timely content.
  • Optimize for both organic and paid search.

And if you’re thinking, “That sounds like a lot of work,” well, that’s where we come in. At Blogging Machine, our AI agent does the heavy lifting — automating keyword optimization, topic research, and content creation so you can focus on, you know, running your business (or finally taking a lunch break).

Best Practices for Using Keyword Research Volume Tools in 2024

Let’s keep this simple — no jargon, just what works:

  • Use multiple tools. Cross-check your data. Semrush for accuracy, Google Trends for trends, and a free keyword volume tool for a sanity check.
  • Don’t chase volume alone. High search volume is great, but if the competition is fierce, you might be better off targeting long-tail keywords.
  • Monitor trends regularly. Search habits change faster than office coffee runs out. Stay ahead.
  • Avoid keyword stuffing. Google’s not fooled, and neither are your readers.
  • Update your research. Algorithms and trends shift — don’t let your content gather dust.

Expert Advice (Because We All Need Validation)

“The best keyword research tools give you all the data you need to rank for your chosen keyword. All of the apps I selected include, at minimum, traffic, keyword difficulty, and competitive SERP analysis.” — Zapier, on choosing the right keyword research tool
“Semrush is the most accurate tool for search volume data, and its database has much better coverage than other tools.” — Authority Hacker, on Semrush’s reliability

New Trends in Keyword Research Tools (2024 Edition)

  • AI-driven suggestions: Tools now use AI to spot “hidden gem” keywords your competitors miss.
  • Generous free plans: Even free keyword volume tools are offering more robust features.
  • YouTube and video SEO: As video content grows, so does the need for specialized keyword research tools.
  • Real-time trend tracking: Google Trends and similar platforms are now must-haves for timely content.

Regulations, Ethics, and Not Being “That Guy”

There aren’t government regulations for keyword research tools (yet), but best practices matter. Use data responsibly, avoid keyword stuffing, and remember: you’re writing for humans, not just algorithms.

FAQ: Keyword Research Volume Tools

Q: What’s the difference between a keyword volume tool and a search volume keyword tool? A: Honestly, it’s mostly semantics. Both help you find how often a keyword is searched. Some tools focus more on trends, others on raw numbers.

Q: Can I really get good data from a free keyword search volume tool? A: Yes, but with limits. Free tools like Google Trends and Ubersuggest offer solid starting points, but for deep dives, paid tools like Semrush are more reliable.

Q: How do I find Google keyword search volume for my niche? A: Use Google Keyword Planner (with a Google Ads account) or Semrush. For trends, Google Trends is your friend.

Q: Is there a monthly keyword search volume tool for YouTube? A: Yes! Tools like TubeBuddy and VidIQ estimate monthly search volume for YouTube keywords.

Q: How often should I update my keyword research? A: At least quarterly, or whenever you notice shifts in your industry or audience behavior.

Useful Resources

Why Blogging Machine Makes This All Effortless

Here’s the pitch (but not the hard sell): At Blogging Machine, we use AI to automate the entire process — keyword research, topic selection, and SEO-optimized content creation. You get high-performing blog posts without the late-night caffeine binges or existential dread. Our platform is built for businesses who want results, not just reports.

Ready to let an AI agent handle your keyword research volume tools and content needs? Try Blogging Machine and watch your organic traffic grow — while you focus on what you do best.

Because let’s face it: you’ve got better things to do than argue with spreadsheets.