Building a startup is tough. Getting it found online? Even tougher. You’ve got a lean team, a leaner budget, and zero time for bloated tools that charge enterprise prices. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune to compete on Google. 

Whether you’re looking to boost traffic, sharpen your content strategy, or track your rankings without blowing your budget, we’ve done the legwork for you. Below are ten SEO tools for startups – each priced under $100/month – that pack a serious punch without draining your wallet. 

Let’s explore the best cheap SEO tools that deliver real value for new businesses trying to grow online. 

1. Mangools (Starts at $29.90/month)

This all-in-one SEO suite covers keyword research, SERP analysis, backlink tracking, and rank monitoring. Mangools is known for its clean UI and actionable insights, making it ideal for non-technical teams. Their KWFinder tool alone is worth the subscription for finding long-tail keywords fast.

2. Ubersuggest (Starts at $29/month)

Created by Neil Patel, Ubersuggest is one of the most affordable SEO tools that still delivers comprehensive analytics. You’ll get keyword ideas, competitive research, traffic estimations, and SEO site audits—all in one place. Bonus: It’s beginner-friendly.

3. Serpstat (Starts at $59/month)

If your startup is scaling, Serpstat offers team collaboration features, API access, and multi-project tracking at a low cost. It excels in keyword clustering, which helps structure your content strategy smartly from the start.

4. Screaming Frog SEO Spider (Free for basic use, $259/year for full features)

Break that down and you’re paying roughly $22/month. Screaming Frog is a desktop crawler that’s perfect for site audits. It uncovers broken links, redirects, duplicate content, and more. It’s lightweight, fast, and brutally honest about your site health.

5. SE Ranking (Starts at $44/month)

SE Ranking gives you keyword position tracking, website audits, competitor research, and even social media management tools. For startups juggling multiple marketing tasks, it’s a cost-effective way to keep everything under one dashboard.

6. Keyword Chef (Pay-as-you-go model)

This one’s for lean SEO hunters. Keyword Chef helps you discover low-competition keywords that others miss. You only pay for the credits you use, which means no recurring charges. Perfect for micro-startups or niche sites.

7. Rank Math PRO (Starts at $69/year)

A one-time annual fee makes this WordPress plugin a steal. Rank Math PRO enhances your on-page SEO game with schema support, automated image SEO, and advanced analytics. It’s especially useful for startups that run content-heavy websites or blogs.

8. SEO Powersuite (Free version available; Pro starts at $299/year)

That’s just under $25/month. This desktop software gives you access to four robust tools: Rank Tracker, WebSite Auditor, SEO SpyGlass, and LinkAssistant. It’s geared toward teams who want full ownership of their SEO data without cloud-based constraints.

9. Surfer SEO (Basic plan at $89/month)

If content is your growth engine, Surfer is your fuel. It helps you write SEO-optimized articles in real time by analyzing SERPs and giving you a content score as you write. Combine this with Google Docs or Jasper, and you’re scaling content without guesswork.

10. Nightwatch.io (Starts at $39/month)

Nightwatch is a hidden gem among low-cost SEO tools for rank tracking. It offers super-accurate location-based tracking, custom reporting, and integration with Google Data Studio. Its clean UX and white-label options make it great for agencies, too.

What Makes These Inexpensive SEO Tools Ideal for Startups? 

Startups don’t just need features – they need focus. Every tool on this list: 

• Offers core SEO functions like keyword tracking, site audits, or backlink analysis

• It fits into a lean marketing budget

• It is scalable, intuitive, and requires minimal onboarding  

• Includes some form of customer support or knowledge base

Many competitors’ blogs just list tools. But here’s what they often miss: context. You’re not just buying tools – you’re buying time, accuracy, and clarity. That’s what these tools offer. They help startups avoid bloated enterprise platforms while still keeping SEO front and center. 

Latest Trends: What’s New in Budget SEO Tools? 

• AI-assisted optimization is becoming standard. Tools like Surfer and Rank Math are already using AI to optimize content in real-time.

• Keyword clustering is on the rise. Tools like Serpstat and Keyword Chef now help organize keywords into thematic groups for better content planning.

• Location-based rank tracking is getting sharper. Nightwatch, in particular, nails this with hyper-local tracking and customizable alerts.

• APIs and integrations matter more than ever. Most tools now sync with Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Data Studio—even at lower pricing tiers.

Why Startups Should Invest in SEO Early 

Organic traffic compounds. The earlier your startup invests in a solid SEO foundation, the faster you’ll reap long-term rewards like consistent inbound traffic, lower ad spend, and improved brand credibility. These inexpensive SEO tools give you that edge – without needing to hire a full-time SEO team right away. 

Final Thoughts 

Choosing the right SEO tools under $100/month isn’t about grabbing the cheapest option. It’s about aligning the tool with your startup’s current goals, skill level, and growth strategy. Whether you’re publishing content, optimizing for search, or tracking performance, there’s a tool here to help you do it smarter and cheaper. 

At Agency Partner Interactive, we help startups make the most of every dollar, including your SEO stack. Need help choosing the right tool or building your SEO roadmap? We’ve got you. 

Let’s get your SEO budget moving for real results. Contact us today to build a smarter growth plan with the right tools in hand.