Search engine optimization (SEO) tools aren’t just for big enterprises and companies that can afford the resources and time for big-name SEO platforms. Even start-ups and small businesses can benefit from SEO, especially when they use the right tools. The higher quality your SEO is, the more visitors will reach your site, which results in more conversions and increased revenue.
Whether you choose to hire ecommerce SEO services or prefer to do your own SEO strategy, having the right tools can make the most of your resources and time, which are crucial in keeping you competitive in your location and industry.
Granted, smaller businesses have smaller budgets compared to enterprises, but you do have a wide selection of affordable or FREE SEO tools available online.
Google Analytics
Google Analytics is the gold standard when it comes to free SEO metrics tools. This Google-designed tool offers data you can use to monitor your SEO and improve it. Once installed on your website, you can use this website analytics tool to report on which marketing tactics drive the most leads, which techniques drive the most traffic, how visitors find your site (and use it), which type of content they prefer and more.
One of the best features of Google Analytics is how it can set goals. Using this analytics tool, you can determine how much of your current traffic converts via the contact form.
Google Search Console
Get the most out of Google Analytics by using Google Search Console, too. Formerly known as Google Webmaster Tools, this free SEO tool alerts website owners if Google detects errors on your site. You can also use this tool to view important statistics like the number of clicks per keyword, keyword rankings, click-through rates and the number of times your website showed up in the search results.
You can also link your Google Search Console with your Google Analytics to use more reporting tools. When you use both, you can review keyword rankings, impressions, click-through rates and landing pages.
Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest
Many people make the mistake of thinking they’ve already covered all bases with keywords. Everyone has a manner of searching so there’s no telling what people are typing in the search bar to find your products and services.
Google Planner can help you figure this question out. You receive information from Google’s keyword recommendations, which are gathered from algorithms.
If you’re struggling with the Keyword Planner, try Ubersuggest. This free keyword tool has a more intuitive platform. The bonus part is you don’t have to sign up with the website. Just visit the site and start your keyword research.
Rank Ranger
This all-around SEO analysis tool can also help you track your keyword rankings. You can monitor your website’s organic rankings in major search engines, as well as your rankings in the local SEO results. This tool helps you identify the trends in your rankings so you can adjust your strategy ASAP.
Screaming Frog SEO Spider
This free SEO tool is a web crawler that offers a basic audit of your website. Large businesses and enterprises need the paid version of Screaming Frog but most small businesses can work with the tool’s FREE 500-page limit.
Screaming Frog’s website crawlers optimize your website by doing the following:
- It detects errors, exports them and addresses the problems with redirects, ensuring that website visitors will find the content they need.
- It also finds server errors and broken links, which negatively impact your link authority.
- Screaming Frog also audits your redirects to make sure that they are always working.
- The crawler also searches for low content pages, duplicate content and other issues with metadata and titles.
Moz Local
How are you faring at local SEO? If you need help with your local map rankings, improve your citations with Moz Local.
Citations are the mentions of your name, address and phone number (NAP) on other websites. The most common citations are business directories like Bing Local, Yelp and Facebook business pages. Moz Local can quickly audit your citations. You can also use this tool to see if your information is consistent across all business listings, if you have duplicate listings or if you’re missing any important directories.
SEO Quake
SEO Quake is a free SEO tool that doubles as a browser plug-in. It’s a handy reference tool you can use to evaluate your website, as well as your competitors. Use SEO Quake for a full SEO audit function or quick and easy SEO metrics.
Sometimes, the best things in life are free – and that includes SEO tools for small businesses. Improve brand awareness for your business with these free SEO tools today.
