Long Tail Pro vs Rank Tracker: Best Tools for Keyword Research & SEO in 2025
As the digital marketing landscape evolves, keyword research and SEO tools have become indispensable for startups and SMEs aiming to gain visibility and attract customers online. While numerous SEO platforms flood the market, two names, Long Tail Pro and Rank Tracker, were frequently debated among marketers. But with new developments in 2025, choosing the right tool for your digital growth strategy requires an in-depth comparison of features, pricing, and usability - especially for lean teams with ambitious growth goals.
This article dives deep into the best SEO tools available today, explains why Long Tail Pro is no longer a viable choice, and highlights practical alternatives to Rank Tracker for efficient SEO and keyword research.
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Why Keyword Research Matters for Startups
For budding entrepreneurs, marketing is the hardest part of building traction, not the product itself. Validating your idea often starts with understanding what your audience is searching for via keyword research. Identifying long-tail keywords with high intent and low competition can position your startup as a trusted source in niche markets.
But, what tools make this process efficient and actionable? Let’s explore.
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Why Long Tail Pro Is No Longer Relevant
Once considered a must-have tool for long-tail keyword research, Long Tail Pro shut down in 2024. While this tool excelled at uncovering niche-specific keywords with low competition, its closure has left marketers scrambling for alternatives.
If you were a fan of Long Tail Pro, fear not! Tools like KWFinder by Mangools and Semrush have stepped in to fill the gap, offering even more features for entrepreneurs and SMEs.
Check out KWFinder and Semrush for simple yet powerful keyword research options tailored for startups aiming to grow fast in competitive markets.
Comparing Rank Tracker to Modern Alternatives
Rank Tracker remains a solid choice for monitoring keyword rankings and tracking progress. But many modern SEO tools have emerged, offering not just rank tracking but also broader functionalities like market trend analysis and AI-driven insights.
Here are 5 competitive alternatives to Rank Tracker:
- Ahrefs – A versatile tool for keyword research, rank tracking, and competitor analysis. With its affordable plans starting at $29/month, it’s an excellent pick for startups seeking detailed data. Explore Ahrefs.
- SE Ranking – Combines rank tracking, website audits, and keyword research, making it a well-rounded solution for small businesses with limited resources. Learn more about SE Ranking.
- Ubersuggest – Known for its simplicity and affordability, it offers rank tracking alongside content suggestions. See what Ubersuggest offers.
- Moz Pro – Renowned for its accuracy in calculating keyword difficulty. It’s perfect for startups targeting competitive industries. Visit Moz Pro.
- AccuRanker – Tailored for rank tracking, this tool excels in uncovering SERP insights and keyword opportunities. Discover AccuRanker.
Each tool has its unique strengths, but ultimately, the choice depends on your team’s specific SEO needs and budget.
Pro Tip: Start SEO on Auto-Pilot with AI Tools
If managing SEO feels overwhelming, a powerful solution exists, the AI Article Writer Tool from F/MS.
This AI tool enables entrepreneurs to set up and run SEO on auto-pilot. Unlike typical generators, it ranks content not only on Google and Bing but also in AI-driven tools like Perplexity and ChatGPT, ensuring maximum visibility for your startup’s blog or website.
Imagine having high-performing, human-vetted articles tailored to your audience, and backlinks to grow authority, while you focus on scaling your business. Test the F/MS AI Article Writer today and experience effortless SEO success!
How to Choose the Right SEO Tool
Selecting the best tool for your startup’s SEO needs doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
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Step 1: Define Your Goals
Are you trying to improve rankings, generate leads, or build brand authority? Tools like Ahrefs and SE Ranking excel at delivering actionable insights depending on your priorities.
Step 2: Assess Your Budget
Entrepreneurs bootstrapping their startup may lean towards budget-friendly but effective options like KWFinder or Ubersuggest, while more established SMEs might opt for premium tools like Moz Pro or Semrush.
Step 3: Test and Iterate
Most SEO tools offer free trials, giving you the chance to experiment before committing to a paid plan. You can test detailed rank-tracking features or content optimization workflows to see what fits your style.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Keyword Research
- Focusing Solely on Short-Tail Keywords – Long-tail keywords often carry higher intent and convert better for startups targeting niche audiences.
- Ignoring Competitor Insights – Tools like Ahrefs provide invaluable competitor data that can highlight opportunities you may have missed.
- Set-and-Forget Approaches – Continuously refine your strategy as market dynamics evolve.
Inspiring Success: Tools Startups Share
With options tailored towards startups, modern SEO tools simplify growth strategies and amplify results. Platforms like Ahrefs, KWFinder, and the F/MS AI Blog Tool are reshaping the way founders execute their marketing vision.
For actionable guidance, explore our curated list of the Top Marketing Strategies for Entrepreneurs to kickstart your own journey. Entrepreneurs who leverage smart SEO frameworks now will stand apart from their competitors, especially in competitive markets where the first mover advantage is game-changing.
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Final Thoughts
While Long Tail Pro may have shut down, its approach to deep, niche-driven keyword discovery lives on in tools like KWFinder, Semrush, and SE Ranking. For startups and SMEs in 2025, building a robust online footprint begins with choosing the right SEO tool to streamline keyword research and monitor progress.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly solution or a comprehensive SEO suite, tools like Ahrefs or Ubersuggest are worth every dollar you invest. If SEO feels overwhelming, kickstart your strategy with the F/MS AI SEO Tool, delivering effortless keyword optimization and expert-level rankings across search engines.
Your startup’s idea is important, make sure the world sees it! What tools will you choose for 2025 and beyond?
FAQ for Long Tail Pro vs Rank Tracker: Best Tools for Keyword Research & SEO in 2025
1. What is the best alternative to Long Tail Pro for keyword research in 2025?
With Long Tail Pro shutting down in 2024, KWFinder by Mangools is an excellent alternative, offering simple and powerful long-tail keyword research capabilities. Explore KWFinder | 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 startups focusing on rank tracking?
Rank Tracker is still a great option for monitoring keyword rankings, but modern platforms like Ahrefs offer additional features like competitor analysis and detailed SERP insights. Learn more about Ahrefs
4. Are there any affordable alternatives to Rank Tracker for SMEs?
SE Ranking and Ubersuggest are budget-friendly tools featuring both rank tracking and keyword research functionalities while maintaining simplicity. Check out SE Ranking | Explore Ubersuggest
5. What tools are best for niche-specific keyword strategies?
Moz Pro excels in niche-specific keyword research with accurate difficulty scores, while AccuRanker provides detailed insights on SERPs for focused strategies. Discover Moz Pro | Learn more about AccuRanker
6. Which tool is best for SMEs aiming at broader SEO management?
Semrush provides a comprehensive suite for SEO management, making it ideal for established SMEs looking to track rankings, audit sites, and analyze competitors. Learn more about Semrush
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. Are there free tools available for SEO and keyword research?
Google Keyword Planner and Google Search Console remain excellent free options for basic keyword research and SEO insights. Learn more about using Google Search Console
9. What is the best SEO tool for competitor analysis?
Ahrefs is widely regarded as the best tool for competitor analysis, offering detailed keyword insights and backlink profiles. Explore Ahrefs
10. How can startups avoid common mistakes in keyword research?
Startups should prioritize long-tail keywords, analyze competitor insights through tools like Ahrefs, and continually refine their strategies instead of relying on static approaches. Learn more about best practices with Ahrefs
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.
