I’d love to hear what tools and software you’re using for SEO this year. Also, have you come across any recent insights or findings related to SEO that you’d like to share?
SEMrush, Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, and AnswerThePublic are all key tools for SEO. But in 2024, the real focus should be on content—make sure you’re creating content that matches what users are looking for.
For backlink tracking: I use Ahrefs (lite plan).
For keyword research: Google Keyword Estimator works well for me.
For technical SEO: I rely on Page Speed Insights and the free version of Screaming Frog.
For finding relevant Reddit/Quora threads to comment on (since Google often brings these to the top of search results): SEOWidgets (dot ai).
For editing help: I use Claude.
For tracking inbound performance: Google Search Console is my go-to.
For tracking how inbound traffic converts to leads: I use Hotjar and Hubspot.
I don’t use Google Analytics much. GA4 can be confusing, and I find Google Search Console simpler for seeing what terms drive inbound traffic.
KWfinder, Cora, Zizta, TheZimmwriter
Building a couple of side hustles from scratch
Since I’m not making any money yet, I’m not paying for any tools. Here’s what I’m using:
- Google Search Console: For SEO analytics, tracking backlinks, and making sure the site is indexed and crawlable.
- Screaming Frog: For on-page and technical SEO insights, though for small sites like mine, it’s not super useful.
- Google Keyword Planner: For keyword research.
- GA4 and Posthog: For website analytics.
Honestly, tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush give you a lot of numbers that can boost your confidence, but I find most of them are rough estimates. They can make you feel like you’re being “data-driven,” but in my experience, they don’t really help you rank better. Whether you use them or not, the process stays the same, and I rarely find myself doing anything different based on their data versus what I get from free tools.
Of course, if you can afford them and they make sense for your budget—especially if you’re an agency or reporting to clients—go for it. But for side projects, I don’t think they’re necessary.
Semrush. I feel like it is overpriced but it is very useful indeed.
Which features do you use the most in Semrush?
For me, it’s mostly:
- SEO: I rely heavily on keyword research, backlink analysis, and tracking rankings.
- Content Marketing: I use this to help with topic research, SEO writing suggestions, and content audits.
I don’t use the Local, Advertising, or Social Media features as much, but they’re handy if needed. How about you?