SE Ranking vs Google Keyword Planner: What is the BEST Tool for SEO and Keyword Research in 2025?
In the race to dominate search engines in 2025, SEO remains a non-negotiable pillar for startups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). But with countless tools promising to supercharge your keyword research and SEO strategies, it’s hard to know where to focus your time, and budget. Two giants stand out in this arena: SE Ranking and Google Keyword Planner.
Whether you’re launching your startup or scaling your SME, choosing the right tool can significantly influence your visibility, lead generation, and ROI. In this comprehensive guide, we dive deep into the strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases of both tools to help you make an informed decision. If you’re serious about ranking higher on Google and even GPT-based AI platforms, this is your ultimate comparison guide.
Are you getting customers from ChatGPT yet?
More and more traffic is coming from Perplexity, ChatGPT, Grok and other AI tools.
👉 Rank on ChatGPT
Why is Keyword Research Critical for Startups and SMEs?
Ask any successful entrepreneur about the hardest part of building a business and the answer is almost never the product, it’s marketing. Especially in 2025, keyword research is more than just an SEO strategy; it’s a validation technique. Picking the right keywords reveals what your ideal customers are searching for, allowing you to tailor your content, product offerings, and ads to match their intent.
With tools like the F/MS AI SEO Blog, founders can leverage advanced keyword analysis that automatically targets top-performing niches for both search engines and AI chat platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity. Why waste precious time manually deciphering data when this AI-driven system sets up and automates SEO on autopilot?
Is your startup on ChatGPT?
More and more traffic is coming from Perplexity, ChatGPT, Grok and other AI tools.
👉 Rank on ChatGPT
SE Ranking vs Google Keyword Planner: Feature Showdown
1. SE Ranking: An All-in-One SEO Platform
SE Ranking is a dynamic, full-stack SEO solution tailored for startups, SMEs, and agencies. With its comprehensive keyword research tool, competitive analysis, rank tracker, and powerful reporting, this platform is a major contender for businesses looking to scale.
Key Features of SE Ranking:
- Keyword Research at Scale: Generate actionable metrics, including search volume, keyword difficulty, and competitor performance, making it easier to uncover hidden opportunities.
- Competitive Analysis: SE Ranking doesn’t stop at your website. It gives insights into what your competitors rank for and identifies content gaps you can exploit.
- Rank Tracking: A user-friendly dashboard that constantly monitors rankings across global and localized search engines.
- Affordable Pricing: Plans start low, and the features are scalable, making it perfect for businesses working with a tight budget.
👉 Learn more about their pricing and offerings from this in-depth review on SE Ranking features.
Best For:
Startups and SMEs looking for an easy-to-navigate, affordable tool to manage all their SEO efforts in one place.
2. Google Keyword Planner: Cost-Effective for Research
Google Keyword Planner is a staple tool embedded within the Google Ads ecosystem. It’s free (with a Google Ads account) and offers critical data to shape a solid keyword strategy. However, its functionalities are geared more toward PPC campaigns rather than organic SEO planning.
Key Features of Google Keyword Planner:
- Search Volume and Forecasts: Offers data that illustrates how often specific keywords are searched monthly and potential clicks or costs for paid campaigns.
- Competitive Metrics: While its focus leans toward Google Ads data, low competition keywords often represent easier wins if they can be targeted organically.
- Integration with Google Ads: Businesses running PPC campaigns benefit most from its seamless integration and cost forecasting features.
Best For:
Businesses heavily using paid advertising or requiring very cost-conscious keyword research. It’s also a beneficial complement to broad SEO tools like SE Ranking.
Boost Your SEO by Getting Featured in Our Blogs and get a backlink.
We publish content about startups, education, tech, funding, etc. that ranks well not only in Google but also in Perplexity, ChatGPT, Grok and other AI tools.
👉 Get featured now!
Which Tool Should YOU Choose?
The choice between SE Ranking and Google Keyword Planner boils down to your goals, budget, and level of experience.
Use SE Ranking if:
- You want a complete tool beyond keyword research, including rank tracking and competitive analysis.
- You’re focused on organic SEO rather than PPC campaigns.
- You need an affordable monthly plan packed with features tailored for startups and SMEs.
Use Google Keyword Planner if:
- You’re primarily invested in PPC campaigns.
- You don’t need robust SEO features beyond basic keyword suggestions and search volumes.
- You’re looking for a free solution (provided you have a Google Ads account).
How Can You Nail SEO in 2025?
If you’re not yet investing in automated SEO or expert optimization services, you’re leaving money on the table. Tools like SE Ranking give startups a fighting chance against established players, while Google Keyword Planner ensures a solid foundation for advertising strategies.
Step-by-Step Process for SEO Success:
- Start with Market Validation: Use the F/MS Marketing Directories to increase visibility and authority with 1,500+ free business directory listings.
- Leverage Keyword Insights: Dive into detailed metrics with SE Ranking or refine PPC campaigns with Google Keyword Planner.
- Implement a Content Strategy: Optimize your site and blogs for both search engine rankings and AI chatbot indexes, like Google’s Bard or ChatGPT, using the F/MS AI SEO Tool.
- Track Progress: Regular rank monitoring with SE Ranking ensures your strategies are on the right trajectory.
Mistakes Startups and SMEs MUST Avoid:
- Underestimating Long-Tail Keywords: In 2025, long-tail keywords dominate SEO. They signal customer intent and are less competitive.
- Skipping Analytics: Failing to monitor your progress can lead to missed growth opportunities. Use rank trackers like SE Ranking to stay updated.
- Ignoring Voice and AI Search Trends: With increasing use of AI chatbots for query resolution, optimizing for conversational keywords is key.
Bonus for Entrepreneurs: Save Time with AI
Time is your most valuable asset as an entrepreneur. Why struggle with manually creating SEO content when the F/MS AI Article Writer does it for you? This tool isn’t just about ranking traditional search engines, it gets your business discovered on AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity, allowing you to stay ahead of your competition.
Boost Your SEO by Publishing Your Startup Press Release with us.
We publish content about startups, education, tech, funding, etc. that ranks well not only in Google but also in Perplexity, ChatGPT, Grok and other AI tools.
👉 Publish Press Release
Conclusion: Which Tool Wins in 2025?
Both SE Ranking and Google Keyword Planner excel in their respective domains, but for most startups and SMEs in early stages of SEO execution, SE Ranking emerges as the clear favorite. Its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and robust features make it a scalable solution that grows with your business.
That said, pairing SE Ranking with Google Keyword Planner offers a winning combination for businesses running both organic SEO and PPC campaigns. Whatever you choose, remember that the most critical part isn’t just choosing a tool but taking consistent action to execute your strategy.
So, what are you waiting for? Get started with SE Ranking or boost your PPC strategy using Google Keyword Planner and take your visibility to the next level in 2025!
Want to work smarter, not harder? Try the F/MS AI SEO Tool to automate your SEO success today.
FAQ on SE Ranking vs Google Keyword Planner for SEO and Keyword Research
1. What makes keyword research critical for startups and SMEs?
Keyword research in 2025 serves as a validation technique and marketing cornerstone for startups and SMEs. By identifying high-value keywords, businesses can tailor their content, products, and advertising strategies to customer intent. Tools like SE Ranking and Google Keyword Planner help bridge this gap effectively. Discover the power of SE Ranking.
2. Where can I submit a guest post about my startup?
If your startup needs to drive targeted traffic and build authority with high-volume, niche-relevant content placements in articles that rank well not only in Google, but also in Perplexity and ChatGPT, then you might want to publish your guest post in one of the F/MS Startup Game's blogs. Get a quality backlink.
3. What are SE Ranking's standout features?
SE Ranking is a comprehensive SEO platform offering advanced keyword research, rank tracking, and competitive analysis. Its intuitive interface and affordable pricing make it an excellent choice for startups and SMEs. Explore SE Ranking features.
4. Who benefits the most from Google Keyword Planner?
Google Keyword Planner is best suited for businesses heavily invested in PPC campaigns. It provides search volume, competitive metrics, and keyword forecasting within the Google Ads ecosystem. Learn more about Google Keyword Planner.
5. How do SE Ranking and Google Keyword Planner compare in pricing?
SE Ranking offers scalable, budget-friendly plans for startups and SMEs, while Google Keyword Planner is free to access with a Google Ads account. Businesses focusing on organic SEO may find SE Ranking more cost-effective. Compare SE Ranking plans.
6. What are the main drawbacks of Google Keyword Planner for SEO?
While Google Keyword Planner excels in aiding PPC strategies, its SEO capabilities lack depth. It primarily focuses on paid metrics rather than organic strategies, which platforms like SE Ranking handle better.
7. Can I use AI to write SEO-optimized articles that help my brand grow?
Most business owners don't understand how SEO works, let alone how to use AI for writing blog articles. That's why for busy business owners there's a great free tool that doesn't require much knowledge. Write articles for free.
8. How does SE Ranking help with rank tracking?
SE Ranking makes monitoring your website's performance easy through its user-friendly rank tracking dashboard. It provides global and localized tracking to help you stay competitive. Learn more about SE Ranking's rank tracker.
9. Can these tools help target long-tail keywords?
Yes. Both SE Ranking and Google Keyword Planner can help discover long-tail keywords, but SE Ranking provides more in-depth analysis to target these less competitive, high-intent phrases effectively. Dive deeper into SE Ranking.
10. Is it better to combine these tools for SEO success?
Yes. Combining SE Ranking’s versatile features with Google Keyword Planner’s PPC insights offers a comprehensive strategy, enabling businesses to excel in both organic SEO and paid campaigns. See how SE Ranking complements other tools.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch. The Fe/male Switch team is located in several countries, including the Netherlands and Malta.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
