7 Free SEO Tools to Improve Your Rankings, Measure Your Competitiveness and Succeed Online

A quick search on the Internet for search engine optimization tactics will bring up a variety of different tips, suggestions and guidelines. With so many conflicting ideas, it can be difficult to know where to turn for a real expert opinion. For a fresh look at successful SEO principles, try following examples from what the most successful bloggers and companies are already doing. Check out this list of free SEO tools that can help you to start obtaining better results  FREE SEO TOOLS .

In order to get the most from these tools, you'll need to take note of a few general areas within the field of SEO. By focusing on these particular principles one at a time, you can easily implement a new strategy that will take care of itself in no time. Consider focusing on your keyword optimization, links and publicity and the quality of your content. When your site is properly optimized for keywords, users can easily find your pages from a simple search term. Links back to your site from other credible sources lend you authority, showing users that your site deserves to be trusted and improving your rankings in the eyes of major search engines. Finally, the quality of your content is also essential. You need to deliver excellent content consistently if you want to provide value to your visitors and show search engines that your site is worthy of traffic.

Though you might eventually want to invest in a premium service to track your efforts, the following free SEO tools are fantastic resources for anyone beginning a new website or blog, as well as for the users who like to try a new strategy before laying down the cash. Check out these seven popular tools that can help you improve your rankings and bring you more traffic.

1. Wordtracker

With Wordtracker, you can easily figure out what search terms your customers are looking for with their keyword tool. There is also a feature that allows you to see which of these terms are not being targeted by your competitors. For owners of new sites and blogs, Wordtracker also features a tool that can help you find keywords for your site and figure out when and where they should be used on your site. Wordtracker is a great free product for anyone looking to get started in keyword optimization.

2. KeywordSpy

If you're interested in coming out on top over your competitors, the search tools in KeywordSpy can help you. KeywordSpy offers users the opportunity to figure out the keywords a competing business is using, as well as to see how much the other company is spending on Adwords. You can also look for popular keywords and tips on integrating keywords into ad copy in order to improve profits.

3. Xinu Returns

Users who need a good all-around tool will love the simplicity that Xinu Returns offers. This option focuses on helping you to figure out your page and SEO ranks, while also helping you determine where your backlinks are coming from. With options to check out your own site and others, it's easy to track links, bookmarks and rankings in one simple place. Xinu Returns makes SEO easy, saving you time and streamlining your efforts.

4. Compete

Compete is specifically designed for users to track their competitors and compare their standings. You 'll receive access to analytics on searches and traffic numbers for other sites, which can help you determine how much progress you're making with your other SEO efforts. Whether you've been blogging for three months or three years, you can benefit from the search tools and reports offered in Compete. The information you'll receive can change the way you view your own site and help you to get a clearer picture of your efforts.

5. Website Grader

Though you can easily compare some numbers yourself with tools like Compete and Xinu Returns, the tools offered in Website Grader can save you time and trouble. Website Grader is easy to use and gives you instant results. You simply put in your own web address, along with several of your competitors, and you'll receive statistics and a grade to tell you how you're doing. In addition to giving you numbers and reports for traffic, Website Grader also shows you your results in social media and SEO. This is a great way to get an all-around review of your SEO efforts and to study up on what the competition might be doing better.

6. Seomoz

For the entrepreneur on the go, Seomoz is an easy to use toolbar that can easily be activated while visiting any website. When you use the toolbar within the Mozilla Firefox browser, you can instantly receive analytic data each time you open up a new website. You'll get a great overview of the page while you browse, allowing you to investigate further or move on quickly to the next source. When you're looking for your competition early on, Seomoz is a great way to figure out who you're really up against and who you should be paying attention to.

7. SEO Book

SEO Book is a great comprehensive source that shows you numerous premium and free SEO tools. You'll find information easily categorized and searchable so that you can find a tool for any of your needs. Be sure to check out their RankChecker tool to see how your keywords are ranking in the search engines.