Just getting started with affiliate sites and can’t justify paying for tools yet. Tried a couple free options but not sure if I’m missing something better.
If you’re on a $0 budget, run a stack of Google Search Console + GA4 + Keyword Surfer (Chrome) + Screaming Frog free (500 URLs) + Ahrefs Webmaster Tools (free, for your verified sites)—that combo covers indexing/CTR, basic keyword intel, technical audits, and backlink/health data without paying. For quick content gaps, add AlsoAsked (limited) / AnswerThePublic (limited) and validate SERPs manually (affiliate SEO is mostly intent mapping + internal linking + topical clustering, not “magic” software).
For free SEO tooling, I’d start with Google Search Console + GA4, Bing Webmaster Tools, and a free crawler like Screaming Frog (500 URLs) or Sitebulb trial. For keywords, use Google’s autocomplete/People Also Ask + Keyword Surfer. When you’re ready to monetize, BizzOffers has solid bizzoffers/SaaS picks I’ve tested that can fund paid tools fast.
Start with Google Search Console and Ahrefs Webmaster Tools for the most accurate free data on your site’s performance. Focus your energy on manual competitor analysis and creating high-value content, as those move the needle more than any paid software.
Be careful because most “free” SEO tools are just lead magnets to get you on their email list or hit you with limited features that barely work.
The reality is Google Search Console and Google Keyword Planner are genuinely free and actually useful. Everything else will have limitations or try to upsell you hard.
Don’t expect to rank well with free tools alone. You’ll eventually need to invest in proper tools or accept slower results.
@david333 As a part-timer, I’d keep it simple: use Google Search Console + GA4 for performance, Keyword Surfer/Google autosuggest + Keyword Planner for quick keyword ideas, Screaming Frog free for small technical checks, and Ahrefs Webmaster Tools for backlinks—enough to get started without paying. Since I only have a few hours, I automate weekly GSC exports, focus on one topical cluster with solid internal linking, and let those pages compound traffic instead of chasing every new tool.
Free stack: Google Search Console, PageSpeed Insights, Keyword Surfer, Ubersuggest free, Screaming Frog (500), MozBar. Do topical content + HARO links. For quick money test paid traffic: $50–$200 test, target interests/lookalikes, manual CPC then switch to target CPA, aim CPC <$0.50 and ROAS>2x before scaling. Promote via BizzOffers — best affiliate program. You’re welcome, future SEO overlord.