The dream of every SEO person like you and me is to get more traffic in short span of time. One of the way to achieve this in record time is by finding high search volume but low competition keywords. Finding keywords with low competition will ensure we rank higher in SERP, and high volume will ensure that we get enough traffic to enjoy the fruits of our effort.
But let’s be honest; the chances of finding such keywords are slim.
Here’s why.
High search volume keywords are an obvious choice, which means your competitors especially those with established domain authority have likely already covered them.
For example, if you’re trying to target a popular high-volume keyword such as digital marketing tool, behemoths like HubSpot, Zapier, and MailChimp have covered the industry from every aspect and angle. Trying to compete with them head-on will simply be time and resource-draining. I’m not saying you can’t rank, or you should not try to rank, but outranking them will be quite challenging, and costly affair.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t carve out your space in organic search results.
Instead of chasing short, high-volume keywords, you can focus on low-competition keywords that are easier to rank for. Once your domain starts ranking for such keywords, you can start targeting high-volume and high-competition keywords as well.
Note: Your keyword strategy should be planned in a way that will help you gain topical authority. A combination of short, high-volume keywords + low-competition keywords will be a good strategy to begin with.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through seven clever ways to find low-competition keywords to drive organic traffic to your site.
The dream of every SEO person like you and me is to get more traffic in short span of time. One of the way to achieve this in record time is by finding high search volume but low competition keywords. Finding keywords with low competition will ensure we rank higher in SERP, and high volume will ensure that we get enough traffic to enjoy the fruits of our effort.
But let’s be honest; the chances of finding such keywords are slim.
Here’s why.
High search volume keywords are an obvious choice, which means your competitors especially those with established domain authority have likely already covered them.
For example, if you’re trying to target a popular high-volume keyword such as digital marketing tool, behemoths like HubSpot, Zapier, and MailChimp have covered the industry from every aspect and angle. Trying to compete with them head-on will simply be time and resource-draining. I’m not saying you can’t rank, or you should not try to rank, but outranking them will be quite challenging, and costly affair.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t carve out your space in organic search results.
Instead of chasing short, high-volume keywords, you can focus on low-competition keywords that are easier to rank for. Once your domain starts ranking for such keywords, you can start targeting high-volume and high-competition keywords as well.
Note: Your keyword strategy should be planned in a way that will help you gain topical authority. A combination of short, high-volume keywords + low-competition keywords will be a good strategy to begin with.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through seven clever ways to find low-competition keywords to drive organic traffic to your site.
What are Low Competition Keywords?
Low-competition keywords (also referred to as low-difficulty keywords) are search terms with few websites actively competing for top positions in SERPS.
This means that with well-written, valuable, and optimized content, it is easier for smaller websites to rank for these keywords.
Basically, low-competition keywords have two major criteria that define them.
Firstly, they have a low search volume.
They target specific queries, which naturally limits the number of people searching for them.
For example, a keyword like “best dog food for small breeds with sensitive stomachs” is more specific than “best dog food.”
Only dog owners whose dogs are both small breeds and have sensitive stomachs are likely to use such a query—representing a small segment of dog owners.
If we plug the keyword into a tool like Ahrefs, we can see that it has a low search volume.
Low-competition keywords are often long-tail keywords, meaning they are longer and more specific phrases. They act as filters, helping users find precise solutions to particular problems.
For instance, the search term “best organic shampoo for curly hair and sensitive scalp” targets a very specific hair type and concern, as opposed to a more general search for “best shampoo,” which makes the keyword longer.
Why Find Low-Competition Keywords?
Low-competition keywords generally have low search volume. As such, it’s tempting for most marketers and SEOs to ignore them because they assume that they’ll likely not attract any significant business results.
But here’s why you should target low-difficulty keywords.
1. Low Competition Keywords Are Easy for a Small Site to Rank For
Many of these keywords have a low search volume, making them less attractive to high-authority websites.
Typically, big sites will commit their resources to high-volume keywords that drive substantial organic traffic.
As a small brand, this represents a unique opportunity to compete.
By creating valuable and well-optimized content around these keywords, you can rank more easily, gaining visibility and traffic that would be difficult to achieve with more competitive keywords.
2. Cumulative Traffic Effect
Although individual low-competition keywords may not generate significant search traffic, the cumulative effect of ranking for multiple keywords can lead to substantial overall traffic.
For example, individually, a keyword like “meal plan for weight loss and muscle gain” might not drive a ton of traffic.
However, if you’re a small fitness blog targeting a cluster of similar low-competition keywords, such as “high-protein snacks for muscle gain” and “low-carb meal prep ideas,” the combined traffic from all these terms can add up significantly.
By ranking for multiple related low-competition keywords, your site can build a substantial and steady stream of highly relevant visitors.
3. They Have High Conversion Potential
Since many of these keywords target niche queries, users using the search terms tend to have clear intent and are often down in the conversion funnel.
For instance, someone searching for a “time management app for remote teams” is likely further along in the buying process than someone searching for “time management tips”.
If you run a small software blog or provide tools, targeting such longtail keywords means you’ll attract users specifically looking for solutions rather than just educational content.
This focused approach allows your site to capture high-intent traffic that larger competitors overlook due to the low search volume.
4. Enables You to Establish Topical Authority
Building topical authority is essential if you’re a small site. Targeting a cluster of low-competition keywords can establish you as a niche expert.
For instance, if you run a personal finance blog, you can start by targeting a series of low-competition keywords related to specific topics, such as “budgeting tips for freelancers.”
By consistently creating content around related keywords like “tax strategies for self-employed individuals” and “retirement planning for gig workers,” your blog can become a valuable resource for freelancers managing their finances.
As the website gains authority in this niche, search engines are more likely to rank it higher for both the targeted low-competition keywords and related higher-competition terms over time.
7 Clever Ways to Find Low-Competition Keywords
Low-competition keywords are like hidden gems for low-authority sites. They can drive organic traffic without competing directly with their larger competitors. In this section, we’ll explore 7 proven methods for finding easy-to-rank keywords to incorporate into your content strategy.
1. Find Easy-to-Rank Keywords Using Mangools’ KWFinder
KWFinder is one of the most robust tools in the Mangools SEO suite. Besides its aesthetically appealing design, it also allows you to find tons of keyword ideas from your seed term—not to mention it’s affordable for budget content teams.
Here’s how to find low-competition keywords using KWFinder.
First, start by entering a broad search phrase or topic related to your industry in the search bar, then click “Find Keywords”.
2. Using Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool to Find Low-Difficulty Keywords
Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool is a valuable feature for discovering thousands of search phrases related to your main keyword.
Here’s how you can use it to identify low-competition keywords.
Start by logging in to your Semrush account. If you don’t have one, you can create a free account to get started. Once logged in, navigate to the “Keyword Magic Tool” on the left sidebar. This will open a dialog box where you can enter your seed keyword.
Let’s say you’re a recent email marketing software looking to rank for low-competition keywords in the same niche.
3. Analyzing Your Competitors’ Websites to Find Low-Hanging Fruits
Traditional keyword research typically involves entering a seed keyword to discover related terms.
However, analyzing your competitors’ websites provides a more data-driven approach. By examining the keywords that drive traffic and conversions for your competitors, you can identify gaps in your strategy and find keywords that are easier to rank for.
Here’s how to find easy-to-rank keywords from your competitor sites.
Login to the Semrush dashboard, and head over to the “Keyword Gap” section. This tool allows you to compare your site’s keywords with those of your competitors.
4. Use Google’s People Also Ask box to get Long-tail Keywords
Google’s People Also Ask (PAA) box is a valuable yet often overlooked tool for discovering low-competition long-tail keywords.
It allows you to understand questions that users are asking related to the search term.
The good thing is that the search phrases are actual keywords that users are using.
Here’s how to use the PAA box to find these long-tail keywords.
Go to Google and enter your core topic or main keyword into the search bar. For example, if your main topic is “gaming chairs,” type that into the search field and press “Enter.”
After that, proceed to the PAA box and note down the questions and phrases that are relevant to your topic. These long-tail keywords often reflect user intent and can help you identify less competitive, niche topics.
The dream of every SEO person like you and me is to get more traffic in short span of time. One of the way to achieve this in record time is by finding high search volume but low competition keywords. Finding keywords with low competition will ensure we rank higher in SERP, and high volume will ensure that we get enough traffic to enjoy the fruits of our effort.
But let’s be honest; the chances of finding such keywords are slim.
Here’s why.
High search volume keywords are an obvious choice, which means your competitors especially those with established domain authority have likely already covered them.
For example, if you’re trying to target a popular high-volume keyword such as digital marketing tool, behemoths like HubSpot, Zapier, and MailChimp have covered the industry from every aspect and angle. Trying to compete with them head-on will simply be time and resource-draining. I’m not saying you can’t rank, or you should not try to rank, but outranking them will be quite challenging, and costly affair.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t carve out your space in organic search results.
Instead of chasing short, high-volume keywords, you can focus on low-competition keywords that are easier to rank for. Once your domain starts ranking for such keywords, you can start targeting high-volume and high-competition keywords as well.
Note: Your keyword strategy should be planned in a way that will help you gain topical authority. A combination of short, high-volume keywords + low-competition keywords will be a good strategy to begin with.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through seven clever ways to find low-competition keywords to drive organic traffic to your site.
What are Low Competition Keywords?
Low-competition keywords (also referred to as low-difficulty keywords) are search terms with few websites actively competing for top positions in SERPS.
This means that with well-written, valuable, and optimized content, it is easier for smaller websites to rank for these keywords.
Basically, low-competition keywords have two major criteria that define them.
Firstly, they have a low search volume.
They target specific queries, which naturally limits the number of people searching for them.
For example, a keyword like “best dog food for small breeds with sensitive stomachs” is more specific than “best dog food.”
Only dog owners whose dogs are both small breeds and have sensitive stomachs are likely to use such a query—representing a small segment of dog owners.
If we plug the keyword into a tool like Ahrefs, we can see that it has a low search volume.
Secondly, they are longtail-focus.
Low-competition keywords are often long-tail keywords, meaning they are longer and more specific phrases. They act as filters, helping users find precise solutions to particular problems.
For instance, the search term “best organic shampoo for curly hair and sensitive scalp” targets a very specific hair type and concern, as opposed to a more general search for “best shampoo,” which makes the keyword longer.
Why Find Low-Competition Keywords?
Low-competition keywords generally have low search volume. As such, it’s tempting for most marketers and SEOs to ignore them because they assume that they’ll likely not attract any significant business results.
But here’s why you should target low-difficulty keywords.
1. Low Competition Keywords Are Easy for a Small Site to Rank For
Many of these keywords have a low search volume, making them less attractive to high-authority websites.
Typically, big sites will commit their resources to high-volume keywords that drive substantial organic traffic.
As a small brand, this represents a unique opportunity to compete.
By creating valuable and well-optimized content around these keywords, you can rank more easily, gaining visibility and traffic that would be difficult to achieve with more competitive keywords.
2. Cumulative Traffic Effect
Although individual low-competition keywords may not generate significant search traffic, the cumulative effect of ranking for multiple keywords can lead to substantial overall traffic.
For example, individually, a keyword like “meal plan for weight loss and muscle gain” might not drive a ton of traffic.
However, if you’re a small fitness blog targeting a cluster of similar low-competition keywords, such as “high-protein snacks for muscle gain” and “low-carb meal prep ideas,” the combined traffic from all these terms can add up significantly.
By ranking for multiple related low-competition keywords, your site can build a substantial and steady stream of highly relevant visitors.
3. They Have High Conversion Potential
Since many of these keywords target niche queries, users using the search terms tend to have clear intent and are often down in the conversion funnel.
For instance, someone searching for a “time management app for remote teams” is likely further along in the buying process than someone searching for “time management tips”.
If you run a small software blog or provide tools, targeting such longtail keywords means you’ll attract users specifically looking for solutions rather than just educational content.
This focused approach allows your site to capture high-intent traffic that larger competitors overlook due to the low search volume.
4. Enables You to Establish Topical Authority
Building topical authority is essential if you’re a small site. Targeting a cluster of low-competition keywords can establish you as a niche expert.
For instance, if you run a personal finance blog, you can start by targeting a series of low-competition keywords related to specific topics, such as “budgeting tips for freelancers.”
By consistently creating content around related keywords like “tax strategies for self-employed individuals” and “retirement planning for gig workers,” your blog can become a valuable resource for freelancers managing their finances.
As the website gains authority in this niche, search engines are more likely to rank it higher for both the targeted low-competition keywords and related higher-competition terms over time.
7 Clever Ways to Find Low-Competition Keywords
Low-competition keywords are like hidden gems for low-authority sites. They can drive organic traffic without competing directly with their larger competitors. In this section, we’ll explore 7 proven methods for finding easy-to-rank keywords to incorporate into your content strategy.
1. Find Easy-to-Rank Keywords Using Mangools’ KWFinder
KWFinder is one of the most robust tools in the Mangools SEO suite. Besides its aesthetically appealing design, it also allows you to find tons of keyword ideas from your seed term—not to mention it’s affordable for budget content teams.
Here’s how to find low-competition keywords using KWFinder.
First, start by entering a broad search phrase or topic related to your industry in the search bar, then click “Find Keywords”.
KWFinder will generate a list of keywords related to your seed term, along with important metrics like CPC, trend, keyword difficulty (KD), search volume, and more.
Note: The number of keywords displayed will depend on your plan.
To narrow down the list to less competitive keywords, click on the “Filter” tab. In the “Keyword Difficulty” section, set the minimum and maximum KD scores to focus on keywords with low difficulty.
KWFinder will now display keywords that match your specified KD range. These are the keywords with lower competition that are easier to rank for.
For additional keyword ideas, switch to the “Questions” tab. This will generate question-based keywords, which can help you target search intent more precisely.
Once you’ve identified your target keywords, you can export the list as a CSV file for further analysis or integration into your content strategy.
2. Using Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool to Find Low-Difficulty Keywords
Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool is a valuable feature for discovering thousands of search phrases related to your main keyword.
Here’s how you can use it to identify low-competition keywords.
Start by logging in to your Semrush account. If you don’t have one, you can create a free account to get started. Once logged in, navigate to the “Keyword Magic Tool” on the left sidebar. This will open a dialog box where you can enter your seed keyword.
Let’s say you’re a recent email marketing software looking to rank for low-competition keywords in the same niche.
Enter your seed keyword, say “email marketing tool” and hit “Search”.
Semrush will display all the keywords related to the search term. And as you can tell, many of the keywords are pretty competitive.
To focus on low-competition options, go to the filters tab and select the “KD” filter. Then, choose the “Easy” option to filter out the more competitive terms.
And bingo!
Here’s a list of less competitive keywords you can begin targeting right away.
Pro tip: When finding easy-to-rank keywords, prioritize CPC value over traffic. A higher CPC indicates that users searching for those keywords are more likely to convert.
3. Analyzing Your Competitors’ Websites to Find Low-Hanging Fruits
Traditional keyword research typically involves entering a seed keyword to discover related terms.
However, analyzing your competitors’ websites provides a more data-driven approach. By examining the keywords that drive traffic and conversions for your competitors, you can identify gaps in your strategy and find keywords that are easier to rank for.
Here’s how to find easy-to-rank keywords from your competitor sites.
Login to the Semrush dashboard, and head over to the “Keyword Gap” section. This tool allows you to compare your site’s keywords with those of your competitors.
Enter your site domain and your competitor’s, and hit “Compare”.
Semrush will generate a comparison of keywords that your site ranks for against those that your competitors rank for.
Scroll down to the “All keyword details for” section and click on the “Untapped” tab. This section shows keywords that your competitors are ranking for, but your site isn’t.
Review the list of untapped keywords, then apply the KD filter by selecting the “Easy” or “Possible” options. This will display keywords with lower competition that you can target for quicker wins.
4. Use Google’s People Also Ask box to get Long-tail Keywords
Google’s People Also Ask (PAA) box is a valuable yet often overlooked tool for discovering low-competition long-tail keywords.
It allows you to understand questions that users are asking related to the search term.
The good thing is that the search phrases are actual keywords that users are using.
Here’s how to use the PAA box to find these long-tail keywords.
Go to Google and enter your core topic or main keyword into the search bar. For example, if your main topic is “gaming chairs,” type that into the search field and press “Enter.”
After that, proceed to the PAA box and note down the questions and phrases that are relevant to your topic. These long-tail keywords often reflect user intent and can help you identify less competitive, niche topics.
5. Uncover Overlooked Keywords on Reddit
It’s not uncommon that Reddit is popping on search queries nowadays.
Aside from the fact that Google is paying to train its AI systems on Reddit data, users are also opting to embed the word “Reddit” at the end of their search queries to find more relevant results.
Reddit-based queries are often overlooked because it’s easy to assume they have super low search volume.
6. Use Google Search Console to Reverse Engineer Keywords You’re Already Ranking for
Google Search Console is one of the most valuable tools for any SEO professional.
It not only provides critical insights into your site’s search performance but also helps you identify low-competition keywords.
Using it, you can identify related keyword opportunities that your site is already ranking for but has room for improvement. You can then leverage the keywords to optimize existing content or create topical clusters and develop content around them.
Here’s how you can use GSC to discover high-value, low-competition keywords:
Log in to your GSC account and navigate to the “Search Results” section, then click on “Pages.” This will show you a list of pages on your site, along with their impressions and CTR data.
7. YouTube Autocomplete
YouTube is one of the largest search engines around for video content. But beyond that, it can help you uncover less competitive keywords often ignored in web and written content.
If you think about it, people first search for something on Google:
When they can’t find what they’re looking for, they turn to YouTube.
This means that YouTube can be a good place to find keywords and topics that your competitors are ignoring.
The question is, how do you tap into such keywords? YouTube autocomplete.
All you need to do is go to YouTube and enter a word or phrase related to your niche.