Tools
SEO tools: what to use, what is free and what we actually run
Independent guides to SEO software and tools by job, from an agency that pays for most of them.
Independent guides to SEO software and tools, grouped by job, from an agency that pays for most of them. Each guide lists what the tool is for, whether there is a free tier and the price as shown on the vendor’s site, with no affiliate links. Start with the free tools if you are on a budget, or the best tools by job if you want the short answer.
Index
SEO Tools
Best SEO tools
What to use for each job.
SEO audit tools
Checkers, crawlers and Google’s free tools.
Keyword research tools
Free and paid, compared.
Rank tracking tools
Monitor rankings properly.
Backlink checkers
Analyse and audit links.
SEO reporting tools
Dashboards and templates.
SEO software compared
Ahrefs vs Semrush vs Moz vs Surfer.
Free SEO tools
The free stack worth using.
AI SEO tools
What AI is useful for.
Local SEO tools
Map-pack software.
WordPress SEO plugins
Rank Math vs Yoast vs AIOSEO.
SEO Chrome extensions
Browser tools worth installing.
FAQ
Questions we get asked
Do you earn commission from these tools?
No. We have no affiliate or commercial relationship with any tool listed; prices are copied from vendor sites and change often.
Which tools does MHAFs actually use?
Google Search Console, GA4, Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, a rank tracker and Looker Studio cover most of our work; the guides say which we use for each job.
How much does SEO cost with MHAFs?
Packages are £450 (Starter), £1,250 (Growth) and £2,250 (Scale) per month, with one-off audits from £600. Every price is on the pricing page; there is no minimum term.
How do I get started?
Send your URL through the contact page or WhatsApp. Within three working days you receive a free written growth plan: the three biggest opportunities, their value and the cost to win them.
Do you work with businesses outside Hampshire?
Yes — most clients are across the UK. We work remotely with video calls as standard and in-person workshops when useful.
Need help rather than reading?
Book a free consultation and we will tell you where your site stands.