Fe/male Switch: Your Startup Facilitator & Incubator for Women
2025-10-30 08:20 Tool comparisons

SEMrush vs Keyword Planner: OPTIMIZE Your SEO Strategy with the Best Keyword Research Tool in 2025

SEMrush vs Keyword Planner: OPTIMIZE Your SEO Strategy with the Best Keyword Research Tool in 2025

Keyword research remains the backbone of successful SEO and online marketing strategies, especially for startups and SMEs aiming to carve their niche in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. But with so many tools available on the market, how do you know which one is the best for your needs? In 2025, SEMrush and Google Keyword Planner are still leading the charge, but they cater to different needs based on functionality, budget, and goals.
In this article, we break down the key features, pros, and cons of each tool and give a verdict tailored specifically for startups and small-to-medium-sized enterprises. Whether you’re growing your organic traffic or running targeted PPC campaigns, find out which tool is your secret weapon this year.
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 Keyword Research Is Critical for Startups

For startups and SMEs, success isn't just about creating great products or services, it’s about being found online. SEO, particularly keyword research, lays the foundation for drawing in relevant traffic, attracting investors, and validating market demand.
In fact, according to a 2025 survey, 74% of startups that integrated SEO tools like SEMrush saw higher customer acquisition rates. Beyond that, investing in marketing from the outset can prevent months of wasted effort on unvalidated ideas.
Is your startup on ChatGPT?

More and more traffic is coming from Perplexity, ChatGPT, Grok and other AI tools.

👉 Rank on ChatGPT

SEMrush vs Google Keyword Planner: Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

1. Data Depth and Insights

  • SEMrush: Focused on SEO professionals, SEMrush provides extensive data, including keyword difficulty analysis, competitor insights, and even trend prediction. You can track keywords globally or regionally and see detailed traffic analyses. The Keyword Magic Tool lets you uncover long-tail opportunities with multiple filters like intent, volume, and competition.
  • Google Keyword Planner: A direct companion to Google Ads, this tool offers solid keyword search volume data and budget planning features for PPC campaigns. However, compared to SEMrush, insights are less detailed, and you won't see deep SEO competitor data.
🎯 Verdict: For startups building a long-term content-driven strategy, go with SEMrush. For PPC-only campaigns with tight budgets, Google Keyword Planner suffices.

2. Ease of Use

  • SEMrush: Despite its powerful capabilities, SEMrush can feel overwhelming for beginners. However, its intuitive dashboard and personalized AI insights in 2025 make the learning curve manageable.
  • Google Keyword Planner: Simpler to use but not nearly as robust. While it's free, accessing advanced features often requires linking it to a Google Ads account.
🎯 Verdict: If you're entirely new to SEO, Google Keyword Planner offers a no-fuss entry point. However, SEMrush’s tailored recommendations through AI tools save time long-term.

3. Pricing

  • SEMrush: Premium plans start at $139.95 per month, though the free plan offers limited functionality, including 10 keyword searches daily.
  • Google Keyword Planner: Completely free to use, though the full utility is realized when paired with an active Google Ads budget.
🎯 Verdict: Startups with minimal budgets may lean toward Google Keyword Planner, but startups intending to scale their online presence should see SEMrush as a justifiable long-term investment.

When Should Startups Use SEMrush?

SEMrush is arguably the go-to tool for holistic digital marketing strategies in 2025. Here’s when SEMrush becomes non-negotiable:
  1. For SEO-Driven Marketing: Whether you’re aiming for local or global dominance, SEMrush offers unbeatable tools like site audits, backlink analysis, and position tracking.
  2. When Competitive Insights Matter: Tracking what keywords your competitors rank for has never been easier.
  3. When Experimenting with Content: Features like the "Keyword Magic Tool" and AI-generated content briefs make it easier to churn out effective, optimized articles targeting lucrative keywords.
If you're just starting, check out tools like the F/MS AI-Driven SEO Blog, which uses advanced AI to help you set up and automate your SEO, ensuring your content ranks for highly targeted keywords while minimizing manual work.
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!

When to Stick to Google Keyword Planner?

For startups primarily focused on PPC campaigns or small-scale keyword exploration, Google Keyword Planner is perfect. It’s free, seamlessly integrates with Google Ads, and helps you forecast advertising budgets.
Pro Tip: Utilize Google Keyword Planner for trending paid keywords, but pair it with free traffic building tools like the F/MS Marketing Directories to gain backlinks and authority for your site.

The Best SEO/Keyword Tool for Small Businesses in 2025

Many SMEs report success when utilizing multiple tools for complementary purposes. For instance:
  • Conduct initial research with Google Keyword Planner using its free tools.
  • Move to SEMrush for comprehensive SEO planning and content optimization.
🎯 Still undecided?: If you need to run lean with maximum impact, start with an affordable yet professional service like F/MS Marketing Services. You’ll not only get the SEO assistance you need but also high-quality backlinks to jumpstart your rankings.

Common Mistakes Startups Must Avoid

1. Overlooking SEO at Launch

Many founders believe SEO can "wait" until after launch. This is a huge mistake. Successful SEO takes 3–6 months to show results, meaning if you're not starting early, you're already behind.

2. Putting All Eggs in PPC

While PPC campaigns can deliver fast results, depending on them solely is financially unsustainable long-term. Supplement your PPC campaigns with a strong organic strategy.

3. Ignoring Long-Tail Keywords

Don't be tempted to only target high-volume keywords. Long-tail keywords may have lower volume, but they usually convert better and face less competition.
Avoid these rookie errors by leveraging in-depth research tools like SEMrush or a hybrid approach using AI-enhanced tools, like the F/MS AI SEO Tool, to automate, refine, and execute your strategies.
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: Should Startups Choose SEMrush or Google Keyword Planner?

SEMrush is the clear winner for startups focusing on long-term SEO strategies, thanks to its AI-powered keyword research, competitor analysis, and content optimization. Meanwhile, Google Keyword Planner remains a simple, budget-friendly choice for PPC campaigns or beginners.
However, why choose just one? Utilizing SEMrush for SEO and Google Keyword Planner for PPC offers the best of both worlds. To truly dominate your niche, pair them with advanced SEO strategies like those offered by the F/MS AI Driven Marketing Hub, where you can automate your growth and focus on what truly matters, building your business dreams.
Boost your visibility, optimize your budget, and watch your business thrive in 2025.

FAQ on SEMrush vs Google Keyword Planner in 2025

1. What is the main difference between SEMrush and Google Keyword Planner?

SEMrush is best for in-depth SEO analysis, providing tools like the Keyword Magic Tool and comprehensive competitor research. Google Keyword Planner focuses on PPC advertising and is free. Learn more about SEMrush

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 startup budgets?

Google Keyword Planner is free, making it accessible for startups with strict budgets. However, SEMrush’s paid plans offer more robust data for scaling businesses. Compare SEMrush and Google Keyword Planner

4. Which tool is ideal for content-driven strategies?

For long-term SEO and content creation, SEMrush excels with its advanced keyword tracking, backlink analysis, and AI-powered tools like the Keyword Magic Tool. Explore SEMrush Features

5. Can I use both tools together?

Yes, many startups use Google Keyword Planner for initial keyword research and SEMrush for advanced planning and optimization. This hybrid approach maximizes both budgets and results. Learn how to combine these tools

6. What makes SEMrush worth the investment?

SEMrush offers tools for all-in-one SEO, from keyword research to competitor analysis and content optimization. It’s ideal for startups that aim to grow their online visibility. Discover SEMrush Benefits

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 PPC campaigns?

Google Keyword Planner is optimized for pay-per-click campaigns and integrates seamlessly with Google Ads, making it highly effective for PPC strategies. Learn about Google Keyword Planner

9. What are the main drawbacks of SEMrush for beginners?

SEMrush has a steep learning curve, especially for beginners. However, its AI-driven recommendations introduced in 2025 simplify the onboarding process. Check out SEMrush’s ease of use

10. How does SEMrush help with competitive analysis?

SEMrush allows you to analyze the keywords your competitors are ranking for, their backlinks, and overall digital strategy. This insight empowers SMEs to outperform competitors. Explore competitive analysis with SEMrush

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.