AnswerThePublic
Keyword ResearchVisual keyword research through autocomplete and question mapping
Overview
AnswerThePublic transforms Google's autocomplete data into visual keyword research maps that reveal the questions and phrases people actually search for. Founded in 2014 by UK-based entrepreneur Neil Patel's team, the tool scrapes autocomplete suggestions and organizes them into intuitive visual wheels showing question patterns, prepositions, and alphabetical variations around any seed keyword.
The platform stands out in the keyword research space by focusing specifically on question-based and long-tail keyword discovery rather than competing on search volume accuracy or competitive analysis. While tools like Semrush and Ahrefs excel at broad keyword research with precise metrics, AnswerThePublic specializes in uncovering the natural language queries that represent genuine user intent. This makes it particularly valuable for content creators who need to understand how people actually phrase their searches.
The tool's visual approach appeals to content teams and agencies who want to quickly grasp the full scope of search behavior around a topic. Rather than scrolling through endless keyword lists, users get immediate visual feedback showing question clusters and semantic relationships that inform content strategy decisions.
Key features
Question Visualization
Maps questions around seed keywords into visual wheels showing what/how/where/when/why/are/can query patterns. Reveals natural language search patterns users actually type.
Preposition Mapping
Displays autocomplete suggestions for prepositions like 'with', 'without', 'near', 'versus' to uncover comparison and contextual keywords. Useful for finding modifier opportunities.
Alphabetical Autocomplete
Shows Google autocomplete suggestions organized A-Z for systematic keyword discovery. Captures the full breadth of what users search for around your topic.
Search Volume Integration
Overlays search volume data on visualizations when available. Helps prioritize which question-based keywords are worth targeting based on actual search demand.
Multi-Language Support
Searches autocomplete data across multiple countries and languages. Essential for international SEO and understanding regional search behavior differences.
CSV Export Functionality
Exports all discovered keywords and questions into spreadsheets for analysis. Integrates into broader keyword research workflows and content planning processes.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 2 searches per day, basic visualizations, limited export |
| Individual | $5/mo | 100 searches per day, unlimited exports, search history, premium support |
| Pro | $79/mo | 300 searches per day, CSV exports, historical data, priority support |
| Expert | $179/mo | Unlimited searches, advanced filtering, team sharing, API access |
FAQ
How accurate is AnswerThePublic's search volume data?
AnswerThePublic pulls volume estimates from third-party sources, not directly from Google. The data gives directional guidance but shouldn't be treated as precise monthly search volumes.
Can AnswerThePublic replace traditional keyword research tools?
No, it's best used alongside tools like Semrush or Ahrefs. AnswerThePublic excels at question discovery but lacks competitive analysis, SERP features, and reliable search volumes.
How often does AnswerThePublic update its autocomplete data?
The tool pulls fresh autocomplete suggestions with each search, reflecting Google's current autocomplete data. However, some suggestions may lag behind real-time trends by days or weeks.
Does AnswerThePublic work for local SEO research?
Yes, you can specify countries and languages to see region-specific autocomplete suggestions. This helps identify local search patterns and location-based question variations.
What's the difference between free and paid AnswerThePublic plans?
Free accounts get 2 searches daily with no exports. Paid plans offer unlimited searches, CSV exports, search history, and remove daily limits that restrict research depth.
Review Sentiment
93 reviews across 3 sources
Bottom line
AnswerThePublic punches above its weight at $5/mo: excellent for content ideation. The main trade-off is free version limits daily searches, but the value is hard to beat in keyword research.
People love
- +Excellent for content ideation — surfaces questions, prepositions, and comparison queries in one view
- +Simple, visually appealing interface that makes keyword variants easy to explore
- +Great for building FAQ sections and understanding search intent around topics
Common complaints
- –Free version limits daily searches and provides restricted results per query
- –Relies on Google Autocomplete data, which isn't always comprehensive or reliable
- –Paid plans feel expensive for what is essentially a single-purpose ideation tool
Last updated Feb 2026