Have you ever thought that maybe you aren’t seeing the results you’d like, so you want to try something new? That happens often, especially in the SEO (Search Engine Optimization) field. There are times we come across SEO tools, use them for a few weeks, decide they’re ineffective, and find new ones. We’ve been through this too, so we know how it goes.
The Best SEO Tools for 2018
After all of our years in the business of optimization, we’ve been able to weed out the bad tools, and make room for the best ones. When it comes to optimization, the best SEO tools are:
- SEMRush
- Cognitive SEO
- Hootsuite
- Majestic
- SpyFu
- Moz
- RavenTools
- Google Analytics
Please always keep in mind; something that works for you, may not work for others. In the same respect, something that works for others, may not work for you. As an entrepreneur trying to tackle effective SEO strategies, you just have to do a little experimenting. These 8 SEO tools that we strongly suggest implementing, have become our favorites for a reason!
SEMrush
Hitting the market in 2008, SEMrush quickly became one of the more popular tools for SEO. Some of the most used SEMrush features include: backlink analysis, organic researching, keyword research, domain comparison, site audits, social media poster/tracker, etc. Ultimately, SEMrush positions itself as one of the best multi-functioning tools for online optimization.
Cognitive SEO
Cognitive SEO, much like SEMrush, is an all-around great tool. Whether you are looking to fix your backlinks, or run a content audit, Cognitive SEO can help. Don’t be intimidated, this tool is built for those at any level of online optimization. That’s right! Even the SEO newbies!
Hootsuite
One aspect of SEO often wrongly looked over, is social media! Having a good social media marketing strategy will boost your online presence almost single-handedly. Truthfully, let’s face it, we are social media addicts! So naturally, you want to be posting, and posting a lot!
Which, no doubt, can become overwhelming. Hootsuite is a tool created to help you create and schedule social media posts. Regardless of how many social media accounts you have, Hootsuite knows how to accommodate!
Majestic
As the “Largest Link Index Database”, you do not want to skip over what the Majestic tool has to offer. If you need some insight on link intelligence, or backlink history, or even domain exploring, this may be the tool for you.
SpyFu
Looking for more information than just links analysis and domain statistics? If so, you may want to look into SpyFu for your SEO tool belt.
At New York SEO Training Academy, we’ve come to love SpyFu for PPC information. Searching through the results, you will actually find information on your competitors paid keywords. You will see the amount of SEO click value, paid keywords, estimated monthly PPC, ad position, budget, etc. Definitely useful information, if you ask us!
Moz
Keywords, keywords, keywords. This is what typically comes to mind when you mention this tool. Mostly because, well, they are believed to have the most accurate search keyword database.
However, Moz does function as much more. If you sign up with Moz, you’ll have the chance to learn about competitive research, link building and link analysis. One of the coolest features? Moz also focuses heavily on your local business listings.
(Heads up: you can try this tool for 30 days, for FREE!)
RavenTools
Raven Tools, an “all-in-one” SEO platform, can help with just about anything you may need to get ahead of the competition. Keyword research, link building, competitor research, etc. It may sound pretty much like the other tools listed above. However, Raven Tools has one feature that most of the others do not have. A social media metrics tracker.
Yes, you heard correctly. Raven Tools will help you to track mentions, connections, followers, posts and even referral traffic!
Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a big one. If you want to succeed at search engine optimization, you may want to stick with a tool developed specifically by a search engine. Learn about your audience, get detailed reports, and even test variations of your site!
Looking to find out which of your online campaigns is bringing in the most traffic and conversions? Trying to locate where a majority of your customers are coming from? Want to know what consumers are clicking on first on your page? Google analytics can show you all of those things!
We Want to Hear From You!
As we progress, and continue to optimize, new tools are constantly being developed and created. (Spoiler alert: Some of these tools are even preparing for some BIG updates!) At the end of the day, everyone prefers a different tool for SEO insiders. We want to hear from you. What are your favorite SEO tools to use? Which SEO tools have you gotten the most use out of so far in 2018?
Steve Scott is the CEO & Director of Training at the New York SEO Training Academy. He has taught SEO skills to people from around the world and currently offers his hands-on search engine optimization training workshops in New York to individuals and businesses of all sizes. Corporate SEO training classes and consulting are also available.
