7 Best SEO Keywords for Software Company Growth in 2025

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In the competitive software market, visibility is everything. A strong SEO strategy is your key to standing out, and it all begins with targeting the right terms. Getting your product in front of the right audience requires more than just building a great website; you need to connect with potential customers precisely when they are searching for a solution like yours. This is where a focused keyword strategy becomes your most powerful marketing tool.

This guide moves beyond generic advice to provide a strategic roadmap for finding and implementing the best SEO keywords for a software company. We will explore the top platforms like Semrush, Ahrefs, and Moz, which are essential for uncovering high-value keyword opportunities. For each tool, we provide a detailed look at its features, screenshots for clarity, and direct links to help you get started immediately.

We'll break down the specific types of keywords that attract high-value customers, from those just starting their research to those ready to purchase. You will learn how to analyze search intent, evaluate keyword difficulty, and build a content plan that drives qualified traffic. Get ready to transform your approach to SEO and connect with the audience that needs your software.

1. Competitor-Based Keywords

One of the most effective sources for SEO keywords for a software company isn't a single website but a strategic approach: analyzing your direct competitors. This method involves using SEO reconnaissance tools to uncover the exact terms your rivals are ranking for, giving you a proven roadmap of what works in your niche. By targeting these keywords, you're not just guessing; you're leveraging their hard-earned data to your advantage.

The real power lies in identifying high-intent, bottom-of-the-funnel keywords. These often take the form of comparison queries, which signal a user is in the final stages of making a decision.

Key Keyword Formats to Target

"[Competitor Name] alternative": This search comes from users who know about your competitor's solution but are actively seeking other options. They might be unhappy with the price, features, or customer support, making them prime candidates for your software.

"[Your Software] vs [Competitor Name]": Users searching this are directly comparing you against a known player. This is your opportunity to control the narrative and highlight your unique strengths.

"[Competitor Name] pricing": While it seems counterintuitive, creating content around a competitor's pricing can attract users evaluating their budget. You can frame your own pricing as a more transparent or valuable alternative.

How to Implement This Strategy

To execute this, you need a robust SEO tool. Platforms like Semrush or Ahrefs are industry standards and essential for this kind of analysis.

Identify Competitors: List your top 3-5 direct competitors.

Use a Keyword Gap Tool: Input your domain and your competitors' domains into a tool like Semrush’s Keyword Gap or Ahrefs’ Content Gap. This will show you keywords they rank for that you don't.

Filter for High-Intent Terms: Look specifically for the "alternative" and "vs" formats mentioned above. Pay attention to keywords that trigger your competitors' pricing or feature pages.

Create Superior Content: Don't just copy. Build a detailed, unbiased comparison page or article. Use comparison tables, feature checklists, and customer testimonials to clearly demonstrate why your software is a better choice. Honesty is crucial; acknowledge where a competitor might be strong, as it builds trust with the reader.

By ethically intercepting your competitors' traffic, you connect with an audience that is already educated on the problem and actively searching for the best solution.

2. Ahrefs

Ahrefs is a powerhouse SEO toolset that provides the deep, data-driven insights essential for finding high-value SEO keywords for a software company. While it's known for its world-class backlink index, its "Keywords Explorer" tool is a goldmine for SaaS businesses looking to uncover opportunities beyond the obvious. It allows you to move past basic search volume and analyze what users actually click on, which is critical in a competitive software market.

The platform's strength lies in its comprehensive metrics. You can identify not just what people search for, but also the intent and potential traffic behind those searches. For a software company, this means pinpointing problem-aware users who are actively looking for a solution like yours.

Key Keyword Formats to Target

Problem-Based Keywords: Searches like "how to automate invoicing" or "best way to manage customer support tickets." These identify users experiencing a pain point your software solves.

Integration Keywords: Terms such as "[your software] + slack integration" or "zapier integration for [competitor name]." These attract users looking to connect their existing tools, signaling they are tech-savvy and ready to adopt new software.

"Top/Best" List Keywords: Queries like "best project management software for small teams" or "top CRM tools 2024." Ranking for these positions your software as a leading contender in its category.

How to Implement This Strategy

Ahrefs provides all the tools you need to build a complete keyword strategy from scratch, moving from broad ideas to specific, actionable terms.

Use Keywords Explorer: Start by entering a broad "seed" keyword related to your software's core function (e.g., "email marketing").

Analyze Matching Terms: Go to the "Matching terms" report. Use the filters to find questions, "best of" lists, or terms with low Keyword Difficulty (KD) scores. Look for keywords with a high Clicks Per Search (CPS) metric, indicating the search results are compelling.

Explore the Content Explorer: Enter a topic to find the most shared and linked-to articles in your niche. Analyze these articles to see what keywords they are targeting and what questions they answer.

Create Topic Clusters: Group related keywords into "topic clusters." For example, if your seed keyword is "CRM," you might create content around clusters like "CRM for sales," "CRM implementation," and "CRM pricing models." This establishes topical authority and helps you rank for a wider range of terms.

While Ahrefs' pricing can be a consideration for early-stage startups, the depth of its data provides an undeniable competitive edge. For those weighing their options, you can learn more about how Ahrefs compares to other tools. By leveraging its powerful features, you can build a keyword strategy that attracts highly qualified, solution-aware customers.

3. Moz Keyword Explorer

For software companies looking to build a foundational SEO strategy without an overwhelming learning curve, Moz Keyword Explorer is an exceptional starting point. It simplifies the complex world of keyword research, presenting data in an intuitive and actionable way. This tool is particularly adept at helping you find and prioritize the right SEO keywords for a software company by balancing search volume, difficulty, and opportunity.

What sets Moz apart is its "Priority Score," a metric that combines volume, difficulty, and organic click-through rate (CTR) to highlight keywords with the highest potential for success. This feature helps you move beyond basic metrics and focus your efforts on terms that will actually drive relevant traffic.

Key Keyword Formats to Target

Problem-Aware Keywords: These are terms used by potential customers who know they have a problem but aren't yet aware of solutions like yours. For example, "how to automate team reporting" or "best way to manage customer feedback."

Solution-Aware Keywords: Users at this stage are searching for specific types of software. Examples include "project management software for small business" or "crm with email integration."

Long-Tail Question Keywords: These highly specific queries, such as "can I integrate slack with my task manager," indicate strong user intent and are often less competitive.

How to Implement This Strategy

Moz Keyword Explorer, part of the Moz Pro suite, is designed for straightforward execution. While a free account offers limited queries, a subscription unlocks its full potential.

Start with a Seed Keyword: Enter a broad term related to your software, like "data visualization tool."

Analyze Keyword Suggestions: Moz will generate a list of related keywords. Use the "Group Keywords" feature to sort them into topics, making it easier to identify content clusters.

Prioritize with Scores: Sort the list by the "Priority Score" to immediately see high-impact, low-difficulty opportunities. Pay close attention to keywords with a high Organic CTR, as they are less likely to have their clicks stolen by ads.

Use SERP Analysis: For your top keyword targets, click on "SERP Analysis" to see the current top-ranking pages. This reveals what type of content (e.g., blog posts, landing pages, listicles) is performing well, guiding your content creation strategy. By understanding the competitive landscape through Moz, you can make more informed decisions, which you can explore further by comparing its metrics with other tools.

By leveraging Moz’s user-friendly interface and unique scoring system, you can efficiently build a keyword list that aligns perfectly with your software’s value proposition and your customers' search behavior.

4. Ubersuggest

For software companies needing a powerful yet budget-friendly tool, Ubersuggest is an excellent starting point for keyword discovery. Developed by marketer Neil Patel, it simplifies the process of finding valuable SEO keywords for a software company by blending core SEO metrics with content ideas, making it ideal for startups and SMBs that need to move quickly without a steep learning curve or high costs.

The platform excels at generating long-tail keywords and content topics that resonate with specific user problems. By entering a broad term like "project management software," Ubersuggest provides hundreds of related questions, comparisons, and preposition-based queries that real users are searching for.

Key Keyword Formats to Target

Question-Based Keywords: Look for terms starting with "how," "what," or "why," such as "how to manage remote development teams." These are perfect for creating top-of-funnel blog posts or help center articles that address user pain points.

Feature-Specific Keywords: Find keywords like "[your feature] tool" or "[problem] solution software." These attract users who know what they need but are looking for the right tool to provide it.

"Top/Best" List Keywords: Ubersuggest’s "Content Ideas" report shows popular articles for a given topic. You can find keywords like "best CRM for small business" and create your own definitive list, positioning your software as a top contender.

How to Implement This Strategy

Ubersuggest’s strength is its user-friendly interface, which makes implementation straightforward even for those new to SEO.

Start with a Seed Keyword: Go to the "Keyword Ideas" section and enter a core term related to your software (e.g., "customer support platform").

Analyze the Suggestions: Ubersuggest will return a list of keywords with search volume, SEO difficulty (SD), and cost-per-click (CPC) data. Pay close attention to keywords with a high search volume and a low SD score (under 40 is a good target).

Explore Content Ideas: Click on the "Content Ideas" tab. This shows you top-ranking articles for your keyword. Analyze their titles, estimated traffic, and social shares to understand what kind of content performs well.

Create Actionable Content: Use the insights to build blog posts, landing pages, or free tools. For example, a keyword like "calculate customer lifetime value" could inspire a free calculator tool on your website, capturing leads while providing immediate value.

With its accessible pricing and generous free tier, Ubersuggest democratizes keyword research, allowing even small software companies to compete effectively. You can access it at https://neilpatel.com/ubersuggest/.

5. SE Ranking

For software companies seeking a powerful, all-in-one SEO platform without the enterprise-level price tag, SE Ranking offers a compelling and budget-friendly solution. It provides a comprehensive suite of tools designed to help you discover, analyze, and track SEO keywords for a software company, making it an excellent starting point for businesses wanting to build a robust organic presence. Its standout feature is its balance of affordability and extensive functionality.

While platforms like Ahrefs and Semrush are industry titans, SE Ranking provides much of the same core functionality at a fraction of the cost. This makes it particularly attractive for startups, small businesses, and marketing teams with tighter budgets who still need reliable data to drive their content strategy. For those evaluating their options, it’s worth exploring various SEO software solutions for small businesses to see how it compares.

Key Keyword Formats to Target

Problem-Based Keywords: Use the keyword research tool to find terms like "how to automate [task]" or "best software for [business need]." These searches come from users who are aware of a problem but haven't found a solution yet.

Feature-Specific Keywords: Target long-tail keywords related to specific features of your software, such as "[your feature] tool for startups" or "[competitor feature] alternative."

Integration Keywords: Identify searches for integrations your software offers, like "[your software] integration with Slack" or "Zapier [your software] workflow."

How to Implement This Strategy

SE Ranking makes it straightforward to build a keyword list from the ground up and spy on competitors.

Start with Seed Keywords: Enter broad terms related to your software's core function into the Keyword Research tool to get thousands of suggestions.

Analyze Competitor Keywords: Use the Competitor Research tool to enter a rival's domain. The tool will reveal their top organic keywords, traffic estimates, and highest-performing pages.

Filter for Opportunity: Use the keyword difficulty score and search volume metrics to find achievable, high-value targets. Look for low-difficulty keywords with decent search volume to secure quick wins.

Track Your Rankings: Once you create content around your chosen keywords, add them to the Rank Tracker tool. This allows you to monitor your performance across different search engines and locations, ensuring your efforts are paying off.

SE Ranking’s user-friendly interface and detailed reporting empower you to make data-driven decisions without a steep learning curve, effectively democratizing access to powerful SEO insights.

6. KeywordTool.io

While broad head terms have their place, the real conversion magic often happens in the long tail. KeywordTool.io is a powerful engine designed specifically to uncover these highly specific, multi-word search queries. It scrapes Google’s Autocomplete suggestions to generate hundreds of long-tail keyword ideas, providing a direct line into the exact phrasing your potential customers are using. This makes it an invaluable source for finding SEO keywords for a software company that address niche problems and user needs.

The platform excels at moving beyond simple search. You can find keywords not just for Google, but also for YouTube, Bing, Amazon, and even the App Store, which is critical for software companies with a multi-platform presence. This allows you to tailor your content strategy precisely to where your audience is searching.

Key Keyword Formats to Target

Question-based keywords: KeywordTool.io has a dedicated tab to find questions people are asking. Phrases like "how to automate invoicing for small business" or "can project management software track billable hours?" are gold mines for creating targeted blog posts, FAQ pages, and video tutorials.

Preposition-based keywords: The tool also finds keywords that include prepositions like "for," "with," or "without." This can uncover queries like "CRM software for real estate agents" or "analytics platform without data sampling."

App Store keywords: For mobile apps, you can research terms like "[feature] app for android" or "best [software category] app ios" to optimize your app store listing.

How to Implement This Strategy

The user-friendly interface makes it easy to get started, even without an account for basic suggestions. For full data access, a subscription to Keyword Tool Pro is required, which unlocks search volume, CPC, and competition metrics.

Enter a Seed Keyword: Start with a broad term related to your software, such as "collaboration tool" or "data visualization."

Select Your Platform and Region: Choose the search engine (Google, YouTube, etc.) and the specific country/language you are targeting.

Analyze the Suggestions: Switch between the "Keyword Suggestions," "Questions," and "Prepositions" tabs to explore different angles. Look for long-tail phrases that align with your software's core features and target audience.

Export and Prioritize: The free version allows you to copy keywords, while the paid version lets you export them to a CSV. Filter this list for relevant terms and use the data to prioritize content creation around queries with reasonable volume and high purchase intent.

By focusing on long-tail keywords from KeywordTool.io, you can attract highly qualified traffic that is further along in the buyer's journey and looking for specific solutions.

7. SpyFu

SpyFu is a competitive intelligence tool designed to give software companies a powerful advantage in their keyword research. While other platforms offer a broad suite of SEO features, SpyFu’s core strength is its laser focus on reverse-engineering your competitors' strategies. It allows you to see every keyword they've ever ranked for, every ad they've run, and every variation of their ad copy for the last 15+ years.

This historical data is SpyFu's unique selling point. It helps you find profitable SEO keywords for a software company by identifying terms that competitors have consistently targeted over time, proving their long-term value.

Key Keyword Formats to Target

PPC-to-Organic Keywords: Identify keywords your competitors are spending money on in Google Ads. If a keyword is profitable enough for them to pay for, it's a strong candidate for an organic content strategy.

"Weak" Ranking Keywords: SpyFu's "Kombat" feature shows you keywords where your competitors rank but not on the first page (e.g., positions 11-20). These are often "low-hanging fruit" opportunities you can target with superior content and overtake them.

Historical Top Performers: Look at keywords that drove significant traffic for a competitor in the past. They may have stopped targeting it, leaving a gap for you to fill.

How to Implement This Strategy

SpyFu offers an affordable entry point for deep competitor analysis, with plans starting at a lower price than many all-in-one tools. It stands out as one of the top Semrush alternatives for focused competitive research.

Enter a Competitor's Domain: Start by simply typing a competitor's URL into the main search bar.

Navigate to "Organic Keywords": This report will show you every organic keyword they rank for, along with estimated clicks, ranking position, and changes.

Use the "Kombat" Tool: Input your domain alongside two competitors. Filter for "Weaknesses" to instantly find keywords they rank for poorly, which represent your best opportunities.

Analyze Ad History: Go to the "PPC Research" section and look at their ad history. This provides invaluable insight into the messaging and keywords that convert best in your niche.

Build Your Keyword List: Export promising keywords and organize them into content clusters. Create content that directly addresses the user intent behind these proven terms.

By leveraging SpyFu's deep historical data, you can uncover keyword strategies that are not just theoretical but have been market-tested and proven profitable by your direct rivals.

SEO Keyword Tool Features Comparison

Tool	Implementation Complexity 🔄	Resource Requirements ⚡	Expected Outcomes 📊	Ideal Use Cases 💡	Key Advantages ⭐
Semrush	Moderate; some features have learning curve	High; premium pricing tiers	Comprehensive SEO insights and competitive analysis	Software companies needing all-in-one SEO platform	Extensive keyword database; Integrations with Google tools
Ahrefs	Moderate to High; feature-rich interface	High; premium pricing	Detailed keyword & backlink data; site audits	SEO professionals requiring robust backlink analysis	Accurate data; Visual data representation
Moz Keyword Explorer	Low to Moderate; beginner-friendly	Moderate; subscription required	Actionable keyword insights and SERP analysis	Beginners and mid-level SEO; content optimization	Intuitive UI; Strong support resources
Ubersuggest	Low; very user-friendly	Low; affordable with free tier	Basic SEO data; content ideas	Small to medium businesses with budget constraints	Cost-effective; Simple interface
SE Ranking	Low to Moderate; user-friendly interface	Moderate; flexible pricing plans	Good SEO monitoring and ranking tracking	Small to medium businesses wanting all-in-one SEO	Cost-effective; Detailed reports
KeywordTool.io	Low; simple to use, no account needed	Low to Moderate; subscription for full features	Long-tail keyword generation across platforms	Multi-platform and long-tail SEO strategies	Supports multiple platforms and languages
SpyFu	Moderate; less intuitive for beginners	Moderate; affordable pricing	In-depth competitor and historical keyword/ad data	Competitive keyword research and ad campaign analysis	Strong competitor insights; Historical data

Putting Your Keyword Strategy into Action

Navigating the world of SEO can feel complex, but this guide has equipped you with a strategic arsenal of tools and keyword categories to conquer the digital landscape. We've moved beyond generic advice, diving deep into the specific SEO keywords for a software company that drive meaningful traffic and conversions. From high-intent "alternative" keywords that capture ready-to-buy prospects to informational "how-to" phrases that establish your brand as an industry authority, the path to organic growth is now clearer than ever.

The key takeaway is that a successful keyword strategy is not a one-off task; it's a dynamic, ongoing process. Your goal is to build a comprehensive content ecosystem that addresses your audience's needs at every stage of their journey, from initial problem awareness to the final purchase decision.

Your Actionable Next Steps

To transform this knowledge into tangible results, here are your immediate next steps:

Prioritize Your Keyword Categories: Start by selecting two or three keyword categories from this article that align most closely with your immediate business goals. Are you aiming to increase trial sign-ups? Focus on bottom-of-funnel keywords like "[your competitor] alternative" or "[your software type] pricing." Need to build brand awareness? Prioritize top-of-funnel, problem-solving keywords.

Select the Right Tool for Your Stage: Your budget and team size will heavily influence your choice.

For Comprehensive Data & Competitor Analysis: If you have the budget, premium tools like Ahrefs or Semrush offer an unmatched, all-in-one solution for deep research and tracking.

For Growing Teams & Solopreneurs: Tools like Ubersuggest or SE Ranking provide an excellent balance of powerful features and affordability, making them perfect for scaling your efforts without a massive initial investment.

For Niche & Long-Tail Discovery: When you need to dig deep for untapped opportunities, KeywordTool.io is a fantastic supplementary tool for generating a vast list of long-tail variations.

Integrate and Execute Consistently: A list of keywords is just a list. True success comes from integrating these terms into high-value content. Develop a content calendar that maps your chosen keywords to specific blog posts, landing pages, and comparison articles. Consistency is your greatest asset in SEO.

Ultimately, finding the right SEO keywords for your software company is about understanding your customer's mindset. By using these tools and strategies to uncover what your audience is searching for, you can create a powerful, sustainable engine for organic growth that attracts, engages, and converts the right users month after month.

Ready to turn your keyword research into high-ranking content without the manual effort? Outrank uses AI to help you build a complete content strategy, generate SEO-optimized articles, and execute your plan with incredible speed. Stop just finding keywords and start dominating the SERPs by visiting Outrank to see how it works.