Choosing the Best Tool for Measuring SEO Difficulty: Google Keyword Planner vs Ubersuggest

When it comes to evaluating SEO difficulty, two popular tools stand out: Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest. While some might argue in favor of Ubersuggest because of its ease of use, there are significant factors that make Google Keyword Planner more suitable for a comprehensive SEO analysis. However, the most accurate and reliable measure of SEO difficulty can often be obtained by delving into the Search Engine Results Page (SERP) itself.

The Authenticity of Google Keyword Planner vs Ubersuggest

Google Keyword Planner is more authentic when it comes to providing reliable data about keyword competition and difficulty. In contrast, Ubersuggest's results are not always 100% accurate, and it may sometimes offer misleading information that might not align with real-world search trends. Therefore, for ambitious SEO practitioners, especially those involved in Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns, Google Keyword Planner is a more reliable choice.

Delving into the Search Engine Results Page (SERP)

The ultimate and most accurate answer to SEO difficulty lies in examining the SERP for a given query. Here are several key factors to consider:

Type of SERP Features: Google often selects specific features based on the query, such asFeatured Snippets, Answer Boxes, or Knowledge Panels. These features can significantly impact the competitiveness of target keywords. Competing Pages#39; Authority: Evaluating the authority of the pages that rank for a particular keyword is crucial. Often, these pages possess significant backlinks and website authority, which can make it challenging for new entries to outrank them. Competing Domains#39; Authority: The authority of the domains from which these pages originate can pass considerable power to the individual pages. Domains with a high domain authority (DA) and Page Authority (PA) are more likely to dominate SERPs. Topical Proximity and Internal Linking: Internal linking within top-ranking websites can reinforce the pages' authority and relevance. This effect can be particularly pronounced in websites with well-structured content and internal linking strategies. Topical Relevance: From a technical perspective, Google’s Natural Language Processing (NLP) evaluates the relevance of the content. However, it's worth noting that this does not reflect human understanding of the topic and can be automated at scale.

Automating this process to scale can be quite complex, but it provides valuable insights into the true difficulty of targeting specific keywords.

The Inaccuracy of Google Keyword Planner in SEO Competition

It's important to note that the difficulty measure provided by Google Keyword Planner is specifically geared towards AdWords (now Google Ads) PPC competition. This measure doesn't accurately reflect the challenges involved in organic SEO. Therefore, for a more precise assessment, it is advisable to use tools like Ahrefs. Ahrefs is known for its accuracy in providing backlink and domain authority data, which helps in understanding the true competition for keywords in the SERPs.

Using Ahrefs for Accurate Keyword Difficulty Analysis

Ahrefs offers a more comprehensive approach to evaluating keyword difficulty because it considers the number of backlinks and the authority of the competing pages. While it is a powerful tool, it still requires the use of some common sense and an understanding of content quality and search intent. Here are some tips for using Ahrefs effectively:

Content Quality: Compare the content quality of your targets and competitors. High-quality content can often outperform less valuable content, even if it receives fewer backlinks. Search Intent Comparison: Understand the search intent behind the keyword and ensure that your content aligns with it. A suitable match is crucial for converting visitors into customers or achieving other desired outcomes. Backlink Analysis: Analyze the backlink profiles of the top-ranking pages and assess the quality and quantity of backlinks.

By leveraging Ahrefs’ detailed data and combining it with a keen understanding of the SERP, you can make informed decisions about which keywords are realistic targets for your SEO efforts.

Conclusion

While Google Keyword Planner remains a valuable tool for PPC purposes, it is not the most accurate source for evaluating organic SEO difficulty. For a more precise and comprehensive analysis, it is recommended to use Ahrefs. This tool not only provides authoritative data about backlinks and domain authority but also requires a nuanced understanding of content quality and search intent. By combining these insights with the knowledge gained from examining the SERP, you can more effectively prioritize your SEO efforts and achieve better results.