The digital marketing space is one of the best spaces to be in when it comes to having the tool-sets to research your competitors for the purpose of finding new opportunities. When it comes to researching your competitors online ads, backlink portfolios, landing pages, keyword rankings, and more, there’s always a tool to do it! The goal of these tools- Track your competitors, learn from them, and then beat them!
In this section of the website, we’ll review the top features which come from digital marketing research tools and we’ll cover the best tools in the business.
Which Software Is Best for Digital Marketing Competitive Research?
Which Software Provides Which Research Tools?
Finding the best tool to research your competitors begins with focusing on the features which are most important to you.
| Feature Type | Details | Learn More | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Technical SEO Analysis | Search your website to find errors and look for technical SEO issues | Learn More | @semrush @seopowersuite @raventools |
 | Backlink Research | Review current backlinks on a website | Learn More | @semrush @spyfu @mangools @seopowersuite @raventools |
 | Backlink Management | Stay on top of link building efforts | Learn More | @semrush @spyfu @seopowersuite |
 | Keyword Rank Tracking | Your website rank for keywords | Learn More | @semrush @spyfu @mangools @seopowersuite @raventools |
 | Ranking History | Track historical SEO data to compare performance | Learn More | @seopowersuite |
 | Organic Traffic Estimates | See estimates of how much organic traffic a website gets | Learn More | @semrush @spyfu @mangools @seopowersuite @raventools |
 | Local Rankings | Analysis of ranking based on a location | Learn More | @semrush @mangools @seopowersuite @raventools |
 | Local Citation Tracking | Analysis of information on local business listings | Learn More | @semrush |
 | Keyword Competitors | Identify which competitors rank for specific keywords | Learn More | @semrush @spyfu @mangools @seopowersuite |
 | Paid Search Research | Analysis into competitors advertisments | Learn More | @semrush @spyfu |
 | PPC Keyword Research | See keyword volume and cost per click | Learn More | @semrush @spyfu |
 | PLA Research | Analysis of competitor product listing ads | Learn More | @semrush |
 | Display Ad Research | Research competitor display ads | Learn More | @semrush |
 | PPC Ad Research | Analysis of competitor search ads and landing pages | Learn More | @semrush @spyfu |
 | Competitor Traffic Analysis | Estimates of competitor traffic and on-site metrics. | Learn More | @semrush @seopowersuite |
Find the Best Link and Ad Research Tools
| Provider | Pricing | Organic SEO | Paid SEM | Competitor Traffic | Review | Free Trial | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 SEMrush | $99 Month | Yes, full suite of organic SEO research tools | Yes, the best selection of tools | Yes, estimates on competitor on-site metrics | Review | Free Trial | @semrush | Technical SEO Analysis, Backlink Research, Backlink Management, Keyword Rank Tracking, Ranking History, Organic Traffic Estimates, Local Rankings, Local SEO Listing Research, Keyword Competitors, PPC Keyword Research, PLA Research, Display Ad Research, PPC Ad Research, Paid Search Research, Competitor Traffic Analysis, |
 Spy Fu | $40 Month | Yes, limited to backlinks and keywords | Yes, limited to search PPC only | No | Review | Free Trial | @spyfu | Backlink Research, Ranking History, Backlink Management, Keyword Rank Tracking, Organic Traffic Estimates, Keyword Competitors, Paid Search Research, PPC Keyword Research, PPC Ad Research, |
 Mangools | $50 Month | Yes, limited only backlinks and keywords | Yes | Yes | Review | Free Trial | @mangools | Backlink Research, Keyword Rank Tracking, Organic Traffic Estimates, Local Rankings, Keyword Competitors, |
 SEO Power Suite | $299 License | Yes, robust and full featured | No | Yes, traffic estimates and other metrics | Review | Free Trial | @seopowersuite | Technical SEO Analysis, Backlink Research, Backlink Management, Keyword Rank Tracking, Ranking History, Organic Traffic Estimates, Local Rankings, Keyword Competitors, Competitor Traffic Analysis, |
 Raven Tools | $110 Month | Yes, well-featured only missing competitor keyword analysis | No | No | Review | Free Trial | @raventools | Technical SEO Analysis, Backlink Research, Keyword Rank Tracking, Organic Traffic Estimates, Local Rankings, |
Choosing the Right Link, Ad, & Competitor Research Tools
Data + Features
The most important thing we consider when choosing the right competitive intelligence tools are the features. That is, what data can be provided on your competitors and how easy is it to use that data to your advantage. For example, backlink research is one of the most sought after tools for digital research. Who links to who, how often, when, etc.? Most of the software which we review on this site offers some form of this and other data points to help you compete better in your space.
Cost
Backlink research, ad research, and competitor traffic analysis tools can be costly ($100+ per month). The value of using this software (or the lost value in NOT using it), should always be considered. What is it worth in your time and resources to lack a quick view of your competitors strengths and weaknesses?
Out-Perform Your Competitors with Link and Digital Advertising Research Tools
Today’s digital marketer works in a complex environment and utilizes countless tools to drive business. Here are some common features which you’ll find in today’s top digital marketing competitive analysis tools.
- Technical SEO Analysis Tools
- Backlink (Link Building) Research Tools
- Keyword Rank Tracking
- Local SEO Analysis Tools
- Keyword Research Tools
- PPC Keyword Research Tools
- Display Ad Research Tools
- Product Listing Ad Research Tools
- Paid Search Landing Page Research Tools