Why are SEO tools so expensive today?

Why are SEO tools so expensive?  Not just today, but they have always generally been so.  However, there are relevant reasons for their rather high price.  Read my post for more, and to also find more affordable (and even free) options.

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Why are SEO tools so expensive?

The importance of SEO tools cannot be underestimated.  There are valid reasons that make them rather costly.  The nature of SEO impacts it.  Unlike other online tools, these have certain specific qualities.

The ever-changing landscape makes it crucial to stay abreast.  This needs to be reflected in the tools.  The features need to keep up with reality.  Ongoing development is crucial and inevitable.

Businesses potentially can gain through better rankings, increasing revenue.  This has a strong monetary advantage.  The price of the tools reflects it, as their importance and demand dictate it.    

Through features such as competitor tracking, you can learn more.  This provides valuable insights.  It supports better strategies and decision-making.  There are more features to benefit from as well.

Interesting options to try

I’ve known some great options since my solopreneur journey started.  SEO still matters today, although it changes often.  With everything happening, and AI, it’s crucial to diversify your sources of traffic (more than ever).

10 handy options I’ve had experience with (SEO tools list):

1. Semrush
2. Moz 
3. Ahrefs
4. Seobility
5. Ubersuggest 
6. AnswerThePublic 
7. RankMath plugin
8. Google Analytics 
9. Google Search Console 
10. PageSpeed Insight 

Although SEO tools are generally considered expensive, there are differences.  Some are more affordable than others.  However, the range of features and some limitations apply.

Fortunately, this means that if you’re on a tight budget, you can still find something.  The complexity of the features determines the price as well.  As a blogger, I’ve found a reasonable balance.

SEO tools examples 

There are a variety of options available.  The more comprehensive and complex, the more expensive.  You can choose from freemium to totally free ones as well.

My budget-friendly choice

For lighter users who want to see results, Ubersuggest features are reasonable.  While the higher-priced tools tend to be over 100 USD a month, I got Ubersuggest for a 120 USD lifetime!  Pay once, and never have to bother about it again.

Take the lifetime deal, and save 90%.

Freemium:

• Semrush
• Moz
• Ahrefs
• Seobility
• Ubersuggest 
• AnswerThePublic  
• RankMath plugin
• Google Analytics (or 360)

Semrush, Moz, Ahrefs, and Seobility offer a free but limited version.  You can always opt for a paid plan to access more robust features.  These generally tend to be on the relatively higher-priced side (over 100 USD monthly). 

AnswerThePublic is at a lower price, but I still use the free version.  It helps me to quickly find long tail keywords.  With Ubersuggest, I do even more, given the range of different features they provide versus AnswerThePublic.

While working on another site that I had self-hosted, I experienced the RankMath plugin.  A free version is available.  Another popular alternative is Yoast.

Google Analytics 360 is the paid version of Google Analytics.  I’ve only ever used the free one, which provides a wealth of basic data.  Being a solopreneur blogger, I don’t have to handle complex (or big) data, unlike companies that do.

Free options

The free ones are Google Search Console (GSC) and PageSpeed Insight (PSI).  As the brand name suggests, they’re from Google.  I can’t do without them.

GSC  is a must-have for any individual or business.  It tells me about my organic traffic from Google.  Among many things, I can check my Core Web Vitals for any warnings.  

PSI comes in handy, especially when GSC identifies any issues, for example, Largest Contentful Paint.  I run a URL under PSI and it tells me specifically what I need to change.  I then take any actions needed and request validation in GSC.

How to choose?

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to the question.  Let’s say everyone or every organization has specific needs.  Know your requirements and fulfill them.  Evaluate these 3 things I’ve listed below.

What to consider:

• Your budget
• Range of features
• Complexity level needs

Think of how much you’re willing to invest in a tool.  For newbie bloggers on a budget, a paid Ubersuggest lifetime plan would be advantageous.  Free plans are convenient, however, they’re limited.  

Startups also benefit from Ubersuggest, and can always move to another advanced option when they’re ready.  It’s crucial to break even for the first few years.  If not, small businesses won’t survive and grow.  

When it comes to advanced bloggers with higher revenue, the higher-priced tools are great.  They offer advanced features for more complex needs.  Bigger businesses can also afford them and use them conveniently.

Variety of channels

While SEO remains relevant, it’s crucial to diversify your sources of traffic.  SEO isn’t just for search engines, but a wider variety of channels.  Be present on different ones that prove to be relevant to your audience.

Never rely on only 1 option.  Instead spread your risks, while avoiding burnout by being reasonable.  For example, I use social media and have an email list.

When you gain visits from several different search engines, they add up.  You even benefit from your newsletters and social media.  Use GEO for AI tool referrals as well.  Your overall visitor number increases, therefore, value having different sources of relevant visitors.

Conclusion 

There are relevant reasons why SEO tools are expensive.  However, depending on your budget and complexity needs, you can find a reasonable balance.  Value SEO tools to increase traffic, while leveraging other channels as well.

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