Last Updated on June 9, 2025 by Becky Halls
Want to Rank? Start by Spying on the Competition (For Free)
Let’s face it, when it comes to SEO, it’s not just about what you rank for, it’s what they rank for too.
If you’re not using a competitor keyword analysis tool free (yes, they exist and yes, they’re good), then you’re flying blind in the SERPs. And in 2025, with AI-generated content, algorithm shifts, and more competition than ever, that’s a risky strategy.
The good news? There are plenty of powerful tools out there that let you peek behind the curtain, without spending a penny.
This guide covers:
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Why competitor keyword analysis is so important
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The best free tools to use in 2025
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How to interpret competitor data and use it for your own SEO strategy
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And smart ways to out-rank the competition (without copying them pixel for pixel)
Why Competitor Keyword Research Is a Must-Do in 2025
Here’s the thing: your competitors have already done a ton of the work for you. If they’re ranking, it means they’ve:
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Targeted the right keywords
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Created optimized content
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Earned some decent backlinks
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Aligned with search intent
By using a competitor keyword analysis tool free, you can:
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See what keywords they rank for
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Uncover gaps in your own content
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Identify high-opportunity keywords they’re missing
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Build a better, faster content strategy, no guessing required
It’s not stealing. It’s strategic SEO intelligence. And every top marketer is doing it.
Best Competitor Keyword Analysis Tool Free Options in 2025
Here are the best tools that don’t require a credit card swipe, and still deliver solid competitor insights:
1. Ubersuggest (by Neil Patel)
Free tier available
Plug in any domain and instantly see:
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Top organic keywords
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Traffic estimates
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Keyword difficulty
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SEO gap analysis
It’s great for small sites or newer marketers dipping their toes in.
2. Ahrefs Webmaster Tools
Totally free (limited features)
While the full Ahrefs suite is paid, Ahrefs Webmaster Tools lets you:
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Monitor your own site’s performance
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Compare your top pages to competitors
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Spot keyword opportunities
It’s perfect if you want a trusted name in SEO without the hefty price tag.
3. Google Search Console + Keywords Everywhere Combo
Both free (freemium for Keywords Everywhere)
GSC tells you what you rank for.
Pair it with Keywords Everywhere (browser extension) to:
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Compare search volumes
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Analyze related queries your competitors are likely targeting
It’s a DIY version of a competitor keyword analysis tool free, and surprisingly effective.
4. Semrush Free Plan
Limited queries per day
Pop in a competitor’s domain and get:
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SERP features
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Top pages
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Keyword overlaps
While it’s limited, even the free plan can show you exactly what’s driving traffic to competitor sites.
5. SpyFu (Free Tier)
SpyFu lets you:
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Get organic search data going back months
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Spot keyword gaps you can easily fill
Ideal if you’re running both SEO and PPC campaigns and want full-funnel insights.
How to Actually Use the Data You Find
Getting the data is the easy part. Here’s what to do with it:
1. Identify Content Gaps
Compare your target keywords with a competitor’s. Where are they ranking that you’re not?
Create content to fill those gaps – start with keywords that have:
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Medium traffic
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Low competition
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High relevance
This is your low-hanging fruit.
2. Build a Better Page Than Theirs
Saw your competitor ranking #3 for “best CRM for freelancers”?
Study the page:
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How’s the formatting?
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Are they covering subtopics well?
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Is the content updated?
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What’s missing?
Then create a 10x version that goes deeper, loads faster, and actually solves the user’s problem better.
3. Find Easy Win Keywords
Sometimes, competitors rank by accident for long-tail queries. With a competitor keyword analysis tool free, you can find:
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Keywords with low KD (keyword difficulty)
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Phrases they’re ranking for on non-optimized pages
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SERPs that you can beat with focused content
These are your quick wins! Publish and outrank!
4. Reverse Engineer Their Success
What pages are driving their traffic?
What topics are earning backlinks?
What keywords are ranking despite low content quality?
Let their success be your roadmap. Not to copy, but to build better.
Pro Tip: Automate Competitive Monitoring
Instead of checking manually every week, set up alerts using:
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Visualping for content changes
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Semrush’s Position Tracking for shared keywords
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Google Alerts for branded competitor mentions
Even if you’re using a competitor keyword analysis tool free, these little hacks add pro-level efficiency to your workflow.
Final Thought: Free Tools, Big Insights
You don’t need a big budget to do smart SEO. With the right competitor keyword analysis tool free, you can uncover the exact keywords that are working for others – and start outranking them with smarter content, sharper intent targeting, and cleaner site structure.
Don’t just guess what your audience wants. See what’s already working, and make it work better for you.
FAQ: Competitor Keyword Analysis Tool Free
What is a competitor keyword analysis tool free version?
It’s a tool that lets you see what keywords your competitors rank for, without paying, so you can build smarter SEO strategies.
Are free competitor keyword tools accurate?
Yes, for directional data. They may have limitations, but they’re great for finding keyword gaps and traffic opportunities.
Can I track competitors’ keywords without paying?
Absolutely. Tools like Ubersuggest, Ahrefs Webmaster Tools, and Semrush’s free tier offer solid keyword insights.
How often should I do competitor keyword analysis?
Monthly is a good baseline – more often if you’re actively publishing or competing in fast-moving niches.
What’s the best free tool for keyword spying?
Ubersuggest and Ahrefs Webmaster Tools are both strong, but using multiple together gives the clearest picture.
