Keywords Everywhere: Is There A Free Version?

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Keywords Everywhere: Is There a Free Version?

Okay, guys, let's dive into the world of Keywords Everywhere and figure out if there's a free version floating around. For anyone knee-deep in SEO, content creation, or digital marketing, Keywords Everywhere is a familiar name. It's that handy browser extension that throws keyword data right at you, making research a breeze. But, like many awesome tools, the big question is: can you snag it for free?

What is Keywords Everywhere?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of pricing, let's quickly recap what Keywords Everywhere actually does. Simply put, it's a browser extension designed to make keyword research easier and more accessible. Once installed, it sits quietly in your browser (Chrome or Firefox) and provides valuable data directly on the pages you're already visiting. Think of it as your ever-present SEO sidekick.

Here’s what it typically offers:

  • Search Volume: Shows you how many times a specific keyword is searched for each month.
  • Cost Per Click (CPC): Indicates how much advertisers are paying for a keyword in Google Ads.
  • Competition: Gives you an idea of how competitive a keyword is in the advertising landscape.
  • Keyword Suggestions: Offers related keywords and long-tail variations to expand your research.
  • Website Analysis: Provides keyword data for any website you visit, helping you understand their SEO strategy.

With all these features, Keywords Everywhere helps you understand what people are searching for, how competitive those keywords are, and how to optimize your content accordingly. It saves you time and effort by bringing the data directly to you, rather than making you jump between different SEO tools.

The Shift from Free to Paid

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the free version. For a long time, Keywords Everywhere was indeed a completely free tool. It was a go-to resource for marketers and bloggers who needed quick access to keyword data without shelling out any cash. Those were the good old days!

However, in late 2019, things changed. The creators of Keywords Everywhere announced that the tool would no longer be free. They moved to a credit-based system, where users needed to purchase credits to access the data. This decision was driven by several factors, including the increasing costs of maintaining the tool and providing reliable data.

Why the Change?

You might be wondering, why did they switch from free to paid? Running a tool like Keywords Everywhere isn't cheap. It requires significant infrastructure to collect, process, and deliver accurate keyword data. Here are a few reasons why the change was necessary:

  1. Data Costs: Obtaining keyword data from various sources (like Google) comes at a cost. Keywords Everywhere needs to pay for this data to ensure its accuracy and reliability.
  2. Infrastructure Maintenance: Maintaining servers, developing updates, and ensuring the tool runs smoothly requires a dedicated team and significant investment.
  3. Preventing Abuse: A free tool is often susceptible to abuse, such as excessive scraping and automated queries. By implementing a paid system, Keywords Everywhere can better control usage and prevent abuse.
  4. Sustainable Development: To continue improving the tool and adding new features, a sustainable revenue model is essential. The credit-based system allows Keywords Everywhere to invest in development and provide ongoing support.

So, while the shift from free to paid might have been disappointing for some users, it was a necessary step to ensure the long-term viability of the tool.

Is There a Free Version Today?

So, back to the main question: can you still get Keywords Everywhere for free? Unfortunately, the answer is no. As of now, there is no completely free version of Keywords Everywhere available. To access keyword data, you need to purchase credits.

How the Credit System Works

The credit system is fairly straightforward. You buy a certain number of credits, and each time you use the tool to look up keyword data, credits are deducted from your account. The exact number of credits deducted depends on the type of data you're accessing and the volume of data you're requesting.

Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Purchase Credits: You can buy credits in various amounts, depending on your needs. The more credits you buy, the lower the cost per credit.
  • Credit Usage: Each keyword lookup, website analysis, or data request consumes a certain number of credits. The tool will typically display how many credits a specific action will cost before you proceed.
  • Credit Validity: Credits usually have an expiration date, so you need to use them within a certain timeframe.
  • Top-up: You can always purchase more credits when your balance runs low.

This system allows you to pay only for the data you need, making it a flexible option for users with varying requirements. If you're a casual user, you can buy a small amount of credits. If you're a heavy user, you can purchase a larger package.

Alternatives to Keywords Everywhere

Okay, so Keywords Everywhere isn't free anymore. But don't worry, there are still options out there if you're on a tight budget. Here are some free and freemium alternatives you might want to check out:

  1. Google Keyword Planner: This is a free tool from Google that provides keyword data and suggestions. It's primarily designed for advertisers, but it can still be a valuable resource for SEO and content creation. You'll need a Google Ads account to use it, but you don't have to run any actual ads.

  2. Ubersuggest: Ubersuggest, created by Neil Patel, offers a free plan with limited features. You can use it to find keyword ideas, analyze competitor websites, and track your keyword rankings. The free plan has daily limits, but it's a good starting point.

  3. Moz Keyword Explorer: Moz offers a suite of SEO tools, including a Keyword Explorer. While the full suite is paid, they often provide free access to some of their tools with certain limitations. Keep an eye out for free trials or limited access offers.

  4. SEMrush: SEMrush is a comprehensive SEO platform with a wide range of features. They offer a free trial that allows you to explore their tools and access keyword data. It's a great way to test out the platform and see if it meets your needs.

  5. Ahrefs: Similar to SEMrush, Ahrefs is a powerful SEO toolset. They also offer a free trial or limited free access to some features. You can use it to analyze backlinks, research keywords, and track your website's performance.

  6. Keyword Tool: This tool provides a free version that generates keyword ideas from various search engines, including Google, YouTube, Bing, and Amazon. It's a great way to find long-tail keywords and niche topics.

  7. Wordtracker Scout: This Chrome extension helps you find relevant keywords directly from web pages. It identifies the most frequently used keywords on a page, giving you insights into the topics and themes.

These alternatives might not offer the exact same features as Keywords Everywhere, but they can be valuable resources for keyword research, especially if you're just starting out or have a limited budget.

Making the Most of Free Tools

Even with free tools, you can still conduct effective keyword research. The key is to use them strategically and combine them with your own insights. Here are a few tips:

  • Start with Google Keyword Planner: This is a solid foundation for any keyword research project. Use it to find high-volume keywords and get ideas for related terms.
  • Explore Long-Tail Keywords: Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that people search for. They often have lower search volume but can be less competitive. Use tools like Ubersuggest or Keyword Tool to find long-tail variations.
  • Analyze Competitor Websites: Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs (during their free trials) to see what keywords your competitors are targeting. This can give you valuable insights into your industry.
  • Use Google Trends: Google Trends can help you identify trending topics and seasonal keywords. This can be useful for creating timely and relevant content.
  • Brainstorm and Use Common Sense: Don't rely solely on tools. Think about what your target audience is searching for and use your own knowledge to generate keyword ideas.

By combining these strategies, you can create a comprehensive keyword research plan even without a paid tool like Keywords Everywhere.

Is Keywords Everywhere Still Worth It?

Even though Keywords Everywhere isn't free anymore, it's still a powerful and convenient tool. If you're serious about SEO and content creation, it might be worth investing in credits. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Convenience: Keywords Everywhere provides data directly in your browser, saving you time and effort.
  • Accuracy: The tool provides reliable and up-to-date keyword data.
  • Comprehensive Data: It offers a wide range of metrics, including search volume, CPC, and competition.
  • Keyword Suggestions: It helps you discover new keyword ideas and long-tail variations.
  • Website Analysis: It allows you to analyze any website and understand their SEO strategy.

If you find yourself frequently conducting keyword research and need quick access to accurate data, Keywords Everywhere can be a valuable investment. However, if you're on a tight budget or only need occasional keyword data, the free alternatives might be sufficient.

Final Thoughts

So, to wrap things up: no, Keywords Everywhere is not free anymore. It operates on a credit-based system, where you need to purchase credits to access keyword data. While this might be disappointing for those who remember the free version, the change was necessary to ensure the tool's long-term viability.

However, don't despair! There are plenty of free and freemium alternatives available that can help you with your keyword research needs. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, and Keyword Tool can provide valuable data and insights without breaking the bank.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your individual needs and budget. If you're serious about SEO and content creation, Keywords Everywhere might be worth the investment. But if you're just starting out or have limited resources, the free alternatives can be a great starting point.

Happy keyword researching, guys!