Top 5 Keyword Research Tools for Google Ads

When it comes to running successful Google Ads campaigns, choosing the right keywords can make all the difference. As a marketing manager or business owner, you’ve probably heard countless times how important it is to do proper keyword research. But with so many tools out there, how do you know which one will give you the best bang for your buck?

At Velocity, we’ve been managing PPC campaigns for years, and have tried nearly every keyword research tools for google ads under the sun. Some are fantastic for finding long-tail keywords, others excel in competitive analysis.

In this blog, we’ll share the top 5 keyword research tools for Google ads that have helped boost our client’s campaigns and can do the same for yours.

Why choosing the Right Keyword Research Tool Matters?

If you’re serious about growing your business through Google Ads or SEO, then choosing the right keywords is crucial. This is where a good keyword research tool comes in handy. The best tools give you data on search volume, CPC (cost-per-click), and keyword competition, which helps you prioritize which keywords will attract the right audience.

Imagine you’re running a PPC campaign for a plumbing service. You don’t want to target generic, high-competition keywords like “plumbing services” because they might drain your budget without delivering leads. Instead, a tool that helps you find long-tail keywords like “emergency plumbing in [city]” could help you get more qualified traffic and better ROI.

Tool 1: Google Keyword Planner

Overview of Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner is a free tool offered by Google Ads. It’s one of the most popular tools out there because it’s directly integrated with Google Ads, giving you data straight from the source. It offers features like keyword suggestions, search volume, and CPC estimates, which can be a huge help in planning your campaigns.

How to use Google Keyword Planner for Campaign Success?

One of our favorite ways to use Google Keyword Planner is to find keywords with moderate competition but high intent. For instance, if you’re running a local PPC campaign for a roofing company, you can enter terms like “roof repair near me” and see similar search queries, along with their estimated CPC and competition level.

Best Use Case for Google Keyword Planner

This tool is perfect if you’re just starting with Google Ads or want to refine your existing campaigns. It’s especially useful for businesses running ads through Google because it provides insights tailored for PPC campaigns.

Tool 2: Ahrefs Keywords Explorer

Overview of Ahrefs Keywords Explorer

While Ahrefs is better known for its SEO capabilities, its Keywords Explorer tool is a powerhouse for keyword research. It gives you accurate search volume, keyword difficulty, and related keyword suggestions, making it a great option for both SEO and PPC campaigns.

How Ahrefs can Boost your Keyword Strategy?

One thing we love about Ahrefs is its ability to show not only keyword data but also backlinks and competitor rankings. This means you can use it to find out which keywords your competitors are targeting and identify gaps in their strategy. Ahrefs is a gold mine for uncovering high-value keywords that weren’t too competitive but still deliver results.

Best Use Case for Ahrefs Keywords Explorer

If you’re running a campaign that blends both SEO and PPC efforts, Ahrefs is a great tool to have in your arsenal. It allows you to make data-driven decisions and optimize your strategy across both channels.

Tool 3: SEMrush

Overview of SEMrush

SEMrush is a comprehensive digital marketing tool that offers excellent features for keyword research, including CPC data, search trends, and competitive analysis. It’s a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, making it a favorite for marketers who want to manage both PPC and SEO strategies.

Using SEMrush for Google Ads Optimization

When I’m managing a Google Ads campaign, I always turn to SEMrush to find profitable PPC keywords and track keyword performance. One standout feature is the ability to see what keywords your competitors are bidding on and how their ads are performing.

Best Use Case for SEMrush

SEMrush is perfect for businesses that want an all-in-one tool for both PPC and SEO. It’s especially effective for competitive keyword research and campaign optimization.

Tool 4: Ubersuggest

Overview of Ubersuggest

Ubersuggest, created by Neil Patel, is a straightforward and user-friendly tool that offers valuable insights into keyword suggestions, traffic estimates, and SEO difficulty. What makes Ubersuggest stand out is its ability to provide actionable data even for users who are new to keyword research.

How to use Ubersuggest to find Long-Tail Keywords?

Ubersuggest is particularly good at identifying long-tail keywords that have less competition but are more targeted. We once used it for a client who was launching a new service in a particularly competitive niche. By focusing on long-tail keywords, we were able to capture highly qualified traffic without competing head-to-head with bigger brands.

Best Use Case for Ubersuggest

If you’re new to keyword research or just looking for an easy-to-use tool, Ubersuggest is a great choice. Its long-tail keyword insights make it ideal for businesses that want to increase visibility without paying steep prices for highly competitive keywords.

Tool 5: Moz Keyword Explorer

Overview of Moz Keyword Explorer

Moz Keyword Explorer is another strong contender in the keyword research space. It offers a well-rounded approach with features like keyword suggestions, search volume, and a unique Priority Score that helps you focus on the keywords with the most potential.

How to use Moz for Campaign Success?

Moz excels at balancing both SEO and PPC strategies. We often use it to find high-value keywords that drive traffic across both paid and organic search. The tool’s Priority Score helps us narrow down which keywords to focus on, making it easier to plan effective campaigns.

Best Use Case for Moz Keyword Explorer

Moz is best suited for marketers who want to balance both organic search and paid search strategies. It’s a fantastic tool for ensuring you’re covering all your bases, especially if you’re running a campaign that includes both SEO and Google Ads.

How to choose the Right Keyword Research Tool for your campaign?

Consider Your Campaign Goals

Not all keyword research tools are created equal, so it’s important to choose one based on your specific campaign goals. If you’re running a Google Ads campaign, a tool like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush might be the best fit. On the other hand, if you’re combining SEO and PPC, tools like Ahrefs and Moz can offer more comprehensive data.

Budget Considerations

Of course, budget is another key factor. Some tools, like Google Keyword Planner, are free, while others, like SEMrush or Ahrefs, come with a monthly subscription. When choosing a tool, consider how much you’re willing to invest in exchange for more advanced features.

Conclusion

There you have it—the top keyword research tools for google ads that can help you supercharge your Google Ads campaigns. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to optimize your existing campaigns, choosing the right tool can make all the difference. Remember, the best tools aren’t just about finding keywords; they’re about finding the right keywords that drive results.

So, take some time to explore these tools, and don’t be afraid to combine them for even better results. Happy keyword hunting!