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Ahrefs vs Keyword Planner: THE BEST SEO TOOL IN 2025 AND HOW TO CHOOSE
2025-10-30 08:22 Tool comparisons

Ahrefs vs Keyword Planner: THE BEST SEO TOOL IN 2025 AND HOW TO CHOOSE

Ahrefs vs Keyword Planner: THE BEST SEO TOOL IN 2025 AND HOW TO CHOOSE

In 2025, SEO and keyword research remain critical components of any successful online strategy, especially for startups and small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With the digital landscape getting more competitive each year, selecting the right tools is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Two of the most widely discussed options in the industry are Ahrefs and Google Keyword Planner.
But which one is better for your business? Whether you're an up-and-coming entrepreneur or an established small business owner, this article will provide an in-depth comparison of the two tools, revealing their strengths, limitations, and the best scenarios for their use. Let's help you decide how to optimize your SEO efforts for success.
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Why SEO and Keyword Research Matter More than Ever in 2025

The landscape of SEO has evolved dramatically. Search engines are integrating AI, zero-click searches are becoming more common, and competition for top keywords has never been higher. For startups, one of the biggest challenges isn't building the product, it's marketing the product effectively.
SEO acts as the foundation for validating your product idea. Tools like Ahrefs and Google Keyword Planner don’t just help you identify keywords; they enable you to understand your market, evaluate your competitors, and ultimately make data-driven marketing decisions.
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Comparing Ahrefs and Google Keyword Planner in 2025: A Detailed Overview

1. Ahrefs: A Powerhouse for Advanced SEO Needs

Ahrefs positions itself as an all-encompassing SEO suite, offering everything from competitor analysis to content research and rank tracking.
Key Features:
  • Keyword Explorer: Offers deep insights into keyword difficulty, SERP performance, click-through rates, and more.
  • Backlink Analysis: Still one of the best tools for analyzing backlink profiles.
  • Site Audit: Identifies technical SEO issues quickly and effectively.
  • Content Gap Analysis: A game-changer for spotting missed opportunities in your content strategy.
Pricing: Ahrefs starts at $129/month, but they now offer an entry-level plan at $29/month for beginners.
Pros:
  • Robust for long-term SEO strategies.
  • Offers actionable data for content marketing and link-building.
  • Comprehensive enough for even enterprise-level businesses.
Cons:
  • Expensive for smaller teams and startups.
  • Steeper learning curve due to its extensive feature set.
If you're running an SME or startup and aim to dominate organic search in your niche, Ahrefs is without a doubt, a superior tool.

2. Google Keyword Planner: Basic but Reliable for PPC Campaigns

Google Keyword Planner is the favored choice for businesses focused on pay-per-click campaigns.
Key Features:
  • Provides keyword search volume, competition levels, and bid estimates for Google Ads campaigns.
  • Free to use with a Google Ads account.
  • Basic keyword suggestions, ideal for newcomers to digital marketing.
Pros:
  • Completely free of charge.
  • Direct access to Google’s proprietary keyword data.
  • Simple interface suitable for beginners.
Cons:
  • Limited in scope for organic SEO campaigns.
  • Keywords are optimized more for Google Ads, not long-term content strategies.
Startups looking to test ad campaigns or validate their audience with minimal investment may find Google Keyword Planner to be a good starting point. However, as your business grows, you'll likely outgrow this tool.
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A Use Case for SMEs: When to Choose Ahrefs over Google Keyword Planner

Consider this: Your new SaaS startup just launched its beta product, and you're looking to drive organic growth before investing in paid ads. Here's where Ahrefs comes in as a game-changing SEO solution:
  1. Use Ahrefs’ Keyword Explorer to find low-competition, high-value keywords.
  2. Create a content plan optimized for these keywords while monitoring your competitors through Ahrefs’ Content Gap Analysis.
  3. Build backlinks to strengthen your domain authority using the Backlink Checker.
On the other hand, if your goal is to quickly test whether your market audience will convert with paid ads, Google Keyword Planner is the better pick.

How Startups Can Maximize Their SEO Impact

To truly maximize your SEO results, tools alone aren’t enough. Implement a comprehensive, automated SEO strategy that works for Google, Bing, and even AI platforms like ChatGPT or Perplexity.
This is where AI-driven tools like the F/MS AI SEO Writer come in handy. It allows entrepreneurs to set keywords on auto-pilot. Not only does it create high-quality blog posts that rank on search engines, but it also positions you as an authority in your target niche across emerging AI platforms.

Common Mistakes Startups Make in SEO (And How to Avoid Them):

  1. Overemphasis on Paid Tools: Without a clear SEO strategy, even the best tools will fail to deliver ROI.
  2. Neglecting Long-Tail Keywords: These are easier to rank for and often bring in highly engaged traffic.
  3. Ignoring Competitor Analysis: Tools like Ahrefs make it easy, so don’t skip this step.
  4. Overlooking Mobile Optimization: In 2025, mobile accounts for more than 60% of global web traffic.
  5. Not Taking Advantage of AI: AI-powered SEO is the future. Start using AI-driven content creation tools early to gain a competitive edge.

Marketing Is Harder Than Building

Startup founders often underestimate the role of marketing. Building a product might feel like the lion's share of the work, but the truth is, unless you're visible to your audience, you won't survive the crowded marketplace of 2025.
If you're getting started, consider using the F/MS Marketing Services. Their listicle features, guest blogging, and advanced backlink-building services can turbocharge your visibility and get your product in front of the right eyes.
Start by validating your product idea with effective keywords. Use the F/MS Marketing Directories to submit your business and build high-quality backlinks fast.
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Conclusion: Which Is the Best Tool for SEO in 2025?

If you’re an SME or startup, the “best” tool depends on your goals:
  • Opt for Ahrefs if your focus is long-term organic traffic and a fully integrated SEO strategy.
  • Choose Google Keyword Planner for short-term PPC campaigns and basic keyword ideas.
For those ready to take their SEO to the next level, try AI-driven solutions like the F/MS AI SEO Blog Writer to automate and scale your search visibility while maintaining quality.
In the end, the real secret to excelling in SEO lies not in the tools you use, but in how you use them to align with your business goals and marketing vision.

FAQ on Ahrefs vs. Google Keyword Planner: The Best SEO Tool in 2025

1. What is the primary difference between Ahrefs and Google Keyword Planner?

Ahrefs is an all-in-one advanced SEO tool designed for comprehensive organic search strategies, while Google Keyword Planner is primarily tailored for Google Ads campaigns and basic keyword research. Learn more about Ahrefs vs. Keyword Planner

2. Where can I submit a guest post about my startup?

If your startups 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. Which tool is better for startups focusing on organic SEO growth?

Ahrefs is better suited due to its advanced features like Keyword Explorer, Content Gap Analysis, and Backlink Analysis, which help startups plan and execute long-term organic SEO strategies. Explore Ahrefs features

4. Can Google Keyword Planner be used for organic SEO, or is it only for PPC?

Although primarily designed for PPC, Google Keyword Planner can provide basic keyword data helpful for organic SEO beginners. However, its limited scope often requires supplementary tools for advanced strategies. Understand more about Keyword Planner

5. What are the pricing options for Ahrefs in 2025?

Ahrefs’ pricing starts at $129/month, but a beginner-friendly plan at $29/month has been introduced, giving startups access to its essential tools. Discover Ahrefs pricing options

6. What are the key disadvantages of using Google Keyword Planner?

Google Keyword Planner does not provide extensive data for competitor analysis or backlinks, and its suggestions are optimized more for ads than organic content. Read about its limitations

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. Which tool is better for competitor analysis and backlink tracking?

Ahrefs is the better choice for competitor analysis and backlink tracking due to its industry-leading tools like the Backlink Checker and Content Explorer. Explore Ahrefs for competitor analysis

9. Can I integrate Google Keyword Planner data into other SEO tools?

Yes, many SEO tools, including Ahrefs, integrate Google Keyword Planner’s data to provide a more robust analysis. Learn how integration works

10. What should I consider before choosing between Ahrefs and Google Keyword Planner?

Consider your business goals, budget, and whether you prioritize paid advertising or organic growth. Ahrefs excels in comprehensive SEO, while Keyword Planner is better for PPC campaigns. Understand the comparison better

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.