Looking for the best SEO tools that actually work? You’ve come to the right place!
I’ve been in the SEO game since 2019, helping B2B and SaaS companies improve their online presence. I’ve worked with big-name tools like Semrush and Ahrefs for mid and large companies.
After leaving my corporate job in 2022 to become a solopreneur, I started exploring a wide range of SEO tools designed for small businesses, content creators, and website owners.
My list features a mix of well-established, budget-friendly (some even free) tools and emerging solutions that have recently entered the market.
I also frequently receive invitations from founders to test and review their SEO, AI, and content-writing software. Only the best tools make it onto my list.
Whether you’re managing SEO for an entire marketing team or seeking a cost-effective option as a website owner, I’ve got recommendations for you!
Best SEO tools for website growth
- AI SEO tools: These tools use AI to help you with SEO tasks and make your workflow more effective.
- SEO tools for small businesses: Affordable tools suitable for startups and small businesses just getting started.
- SEO tools for agencies: Tools made for agencies to manage client SEO more effectively.
- SEO content writing tools: These tools are designed to make writing SEO-friendly content easier and more efficient.
- AI marketing tools: AI-powered tools to assist with any online marketing tasks.
What makes the best SEO tool?
I’m sure you’re curious about how I choose and recommend the tools I write about. Let me break down the way I evaluate them.
Ease of Use: The tool should be simple and easy to navigate, even if you’ve never used it before.
Does it deliver?: I test each tool myself over a period of time to see if it actually lives up to its promises. This is especially important for content-writing tools that claim they’ll help you rank, but I can tell you that not all of them do.
Pricing: I know cost is a big factor for many site owners, especially those on a budget. That’s why I make sure to list options that cater to different price points.
My top 3 SEO tools I use daily in 2025
As an SEO writer and website owner, I have a set of paid and free SEO tools that I use every day—yep, every day!
I rely on them to grow my site, understand what prospects are looking for, and help my clients with their tasks.
These tools work well for me, but they might not be the best fit for you since every case is different. There are plenty of recommendations online about the best SEO tools, but in the end, the right tools are the ones that suit your needs.
Semrush
- Pricing: Semrush Pro starts from $139.95/monthly
- Features: Over 55 tools for all your online marketing needs
- My favorite features: Keyword Magit Tools, On Page SEO Checker, Keyword Strategy Builder, Organic Research

Why I use it:
I use Semrush because I trust its data, and it has an extensive SEO and online marketing toolkit that’s hard to beat. Plus, I mostly stick to their free plan, which allows me to do 10 searches a day.
Ahrefs
- Pricing: Ahrefs Lite starts at $129/monthly. It’s a solid Semrush competitor
- Features: Ahrefs offers 10 major tools available within its suite, each with its own set of functionalities
- My favorite features: Top Pages, Referring Domains, Site Overview, Keyword Explorer

Why I use it:
I honestly think Ahrefs is one of the top SEO tools for client work. It’s my favorite for keyword research, though I do use a few other tools to get a bigger picture.
They’ve also rolled out a $29/month plan that’s great for beginners, offering access to the essential features of Ahrefs. It’s a perfect option for small businesses and individual site owners.
Ubersuggest
- Pricing: Ubersuggest Individual starts at $29/monthly. It’s a super affordable SEO tool that can serve small and established companies
- Features: There are 8 comprehensive SEO toolkits to help your website optimization and growth
- My favorite features: Rank Tracking, SEO Opportunities, Site Audit, AI Writer

Why I use it:
I started using Ubersuggest regularly after I bought their lifetime plan during the last Christmas sale. I had tried it before but didn’t keep using it.
Now, with lifetime access to the Individual plan, I track my website’s performance, do keyword research, find SEO opportunities, and even use their AI Writer to help create content.
I launched my SEO writing ebook for beginners
I’ve put together everything I’ve learned from working as a full-time SEO, helping clients improve their online presence, and growing my own website into an easy SEO writing guide for beginners that I update every year.
If you’re curious about creating content that lands on the Google front page, this simple guide walks you through my SEO writing process, how to handle AI content, the latest Google algorithm changes, and much more!
My in-depth SEO tool reviews
I’ve reviewed multiple SEO writing tools and shared my honest opinion with my readers worldwide. If you want to learn more about a particular tool, click on the corresponding card below.
What SEO tools do you use and why? Let me know in the comments.

Hello there!
My name is Victoria.
I am an SEO expert, Medium top writer, solopreneur, and the founder of Self Made Millennials. I help companies create optimized content and attract potential customers through organic search results. In addition, I share how content creators can monetize their writing skills.
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