How to find low competition keywords can be the difference between your content getting buried on page 10 of Google or ranking on the first page where people actually see it. If you’ve been struggling to get your website noticed, understanding what are low competition keywords and how to use them effectively will change your entire SEO game.
What Are Low Competition Keywords?
What is low competition keywords exactly? These are search terms that people type into Google, but not many websites are trying to rank for them. Think of it like finding a parking spot in a busy city – low competition keywords are like finding an empty parking lot while everyone else is fighting over the same crowded street.
Low competition keywords typically have these characteristics:
- Fewer than 50 websites are actively trying to rank for them
- Lower domain authority websites appearing in search results
- Less content specifically targeting these terms
- Often longer, more specific phrases (called long-tail keywords)
What are high volume low competition keywords? These are the golden tickets of SEO – search terms that many people look for but few websites target. For example, while “fitness” might have millions of searches but massive competition, “home workout routines for busy moms” might have thousands of searches with much less competition.
Why Should I Use Low Competition Keywords?
Should I use low competition keywords? Absolutely, and here’s why:
Faster Rankings
When you target low competition keywords, you can often see results in weeks rather than months or years. Instead of competing against massive websites with huge budgets, you’re playing in a smaller pond where your content has a real chance to shine.
Better Conversion Rates
Low competition keywords are usually more specific, which means people searching for them know exactly what they want. Someone searching for “best running shoes” might just be browsing, but someone searching for “best running shoes for flat feet under $100” is ready to buy.
Building Authority
By ranking for multiple low competition keywords, you build topical authority in your niche. Google starts to see your site as an expert in your field, making it easier to rank for more competitive terms later.
Cost-Effective Strategy
If you’re running ads, low competition keywords often have a lower cost per click. What is keyword cost per click? It’s how much you pay each time someone clicks your ad. Which cost-per-click is best? Generally, lower is better, but you want to balance cost with relevance and conversion potential.
How to Search Low Competition Keywords for Blogs
How to search low competition keywords for blogs requires a systematic approach. Here’s a step-by-step method that works:
Step 1: Start with Seed Keywords
Begin with broad topics related to your niche. If you run a cooking blog, your seed keywords might be “recipes,” “cooking tips,” or “meal planning.”
Step 2: Use the Alphabet Soup Method
Type your seed keyword into Google, followed by each letter of the alphabet:
- “healthy recipes a”
- “healthy recipes b”
- “healthy recipes c”
Google’s autocomplete will show you what people are actually searching for.
Step 3: Check “People Also Ask” and Related Searches
Scroll to the bottom of Google search results to find related searches. The “People Also Ask” section is a goldmine for find low competition keywords that are question-based.
Step 4: Analyze Search Results
Look at the first page results for your potential keywords. If you see:
- Forum posts or Q&A sites ranking
- Older content (2+ years old)
- Websites with low domain authority
- Content that doesn’t fully answer the search query
These are good signs that you can compete.
How to Find High Volume Low Competition Keywords
How to find low competition keywords with high traffic requires using the right tools and knowing what metrics to look for.
Free Tools for Finding Keywords
Google Keyword Planner: While designed for advertisers, it’s free and shows search volume ranges. Look for keywords with decent search volume but lower competition ratings.
Ubersuggest: Offers limited free searches daily. Shows keyword difficulty scores and search volumes.
AnswerThePublic: Great for finding question-based keywords that often have lower competition.
Key Metrics to Watch
When evaluating high search volume low competition keywords, focus on:
Keyword Difficulty Score: Most tools rate this from 0-100. Look for scores under 30 for easier ranking opportunities.
Search Volume: Aim for keywords with at least 100-1000 monthly searches. How to find zero volume keywords isn’t usually helpful unless they’re brand new trending terms.
Search Intent: Make sure the keyword matches what your content provides. If someone searches “buy running shoes,” but your content is about “how to choose running shoes,” there’s a mismatch.
The Sweet Spot Formula
The perfect low competition keyword has:
- 500-5000 monthly searches
- Keyword difficulty under 25
- Clear search intent that matches your content
- Commercial value if you’re trying to make money
Using SEMrush to Find Low Competition Keywords
How to find low competition keywords with SEMrush is straightforward once you know the right features to use:
Keyword Magic Tool
- Enter your seed keyword
- Set filters for keyword difficulty (0-30)
- Set minimum search volume (100+)
- Look for keywords with high CPC (indicates commercial value)
Organic Research Feature
Enter competitor websites to see what keywords they rank for. Look for keywords where they rank on page 2-3 – these might be opportunities for you to outrank them.
Keyword Gap Analysis
Compare your site to competitors to find keywords they rank for but you don’t. This often reveals how to find low ranking keywords that you can target.
How much Google pays per click varies widely by industry and keyword, but SEMrush shows you the average CPC, helping you identify valuable keywords.
How to Check Niche Competition requires considering multiple factors
Domain Authority Analysis
Use tools like Moz or Ahrefs to check the domain authority of sites ranking on page 1. If you see sites with DA under 40 ranking well, that’s a good sign.
Content Quality Assessment
Look at the top-ranking content and ask:
- Is it comprehensive?
- Is it up-to-date?
- Does it fully answer the search query?
- Are there gaps you could fill better?
SERP Feature Analysis
Check if Google shows featured snippets, local results, or shopping results. These can make it harder to get clicks even if you rank well.
Understanding Keyword Cost Per Click
What is keyword cost per click and why should you care? CPC indicates how valuable a keyword is commercially. Higher CPC usually means:
- More competition from advertisers
- Higher potential for making money
- More commercial intent from searchers
Even if you’re not running ads, CPC data helps you prioritize which keywords to target first.
Low Competition Keywords List Examples
Here’s a low competition keywords list across different niches:
Health and Fitness
- “home gym equipment for small apartments”
- “meal prep ideas for weight loss beginners”
- “yoga poses for lower back pain relief”
Technology
- “how to speed up old Android phone”
- “best free photo editing apps for iPhone”
- “laptop buying guide for college students 2024”
Business
- “small business accounting tips for beginners
- “how to create a business plan template”
- “social media marketing for local restaurants”
Lifestyle
- “budget-friendly date ideas for couples”
- “organization hacks for small bedrooms”
- “sustainable living tips for apartment dwellers”
What is an example of a competitor keyword? If you run a fitness blog, a competitor keyword might be “home workout routines” that your competitors rank for, but you don’t.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Targeting Only Zero-Volume Keywords
How to find zero volume keywords might seem like a good strategy, but keywords with no search volume won’t drive traffic. Aim for keywords with at least some monthly searches.
Ignoring Search Intent
Just because a keyword has low competition doesn’t mean it’s right for your content. Make sure the search intent matches what you’re offering.
Forgetting About Relevance
Stay relevant to your niche. A cooking blog shouldn’t target keywords about car repair just because they’re low competition.
Not Considering User Experience
Even if you can rank for a keyword, ask yourself: “Will this content actually help my audience?” Google increasingly rewards content that satisfies user intent.
Action Steps to Get Started
How to find low competition keywords isn’t just about theory – you need to take action:
- Start with one seed keyword related to your niche
- Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest to expand your list
- Analyze the top 10 results for each potential keyword
- Choose 5-10 keywords with good potential
- Create high-quality content targeting these keywords
- Track your rankings and adjust your strategy based on results
The key to success with how to find high search low competition keywords is consistency and patience. Start with easier keywords to build your site’s authority, then gradually target more competitive terms.
What are low competition keywords that change over time? Keywords that are low competition today might become more competitive as more people discover them. That’s why it’s essential to research and update your keyword strategy continuously.
Your journey to better search rankings starts with understanding how to identify and target the right keywords. Focus on providing value to your audience while strategically targeting these easier-to-rank keywords, and you’ll see your organic traffic grow steadily over time.
What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to finding the right keywords for your content? Please share your experience in the comments below, and let’s help each other succeed in this competitive digital landscape.
FAQs
What exactly are low competition keywords with high search volume?
These are search terms that many people look for online (high search volume) but not many websites are trying to rank for (low competition). Think of them as hidden gems – popular topics that aren’t overcrowded with competitors yet.
Why should I focus on these types of keywords instead of popular ones?
Popular keywords usually have tons of big websites competing for them, making it nearly impossible for smaller sites to rank. Low competition keywords give you a better shot at getting on the first page of Google while still bringing in decent traffic.
How do I actually find these keywords?
Start with keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or SEMrush. Look for keywords with search volumes above 500-1000 monthly searches but competition scores below 30-40. You can also check Google’s “People also ask” section for ideas.
What tools do I need to get started with keyword research?
You can begin with free tools like Google Keyword Planner and Google Trends. For more detailed data, consider paid tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or KWFinder. Many offer free trials so you can test them out first.
How do I know if a keyword actually has low competition?
Look at the first page of Google results for that keyword. If you see mostly small websites, blog posts, or forum discussions instead of big brand websites, that’s a good sign. Also check the competition metrics in your keyword tools.
What’s considered a good search volume for these keywords?
For most small to medium websites, keywords with 500-5000 monthly searches work well. Don’t ignore keywords with 100-500 searches either – they can add up and are often easier to rank for.
How long does it take to rank for these keywords?
With low competition keywords, you might see results in 2-6 months, compared to 6+ months for highly competitive terms. The exact time depends on your website’s authority, content quality, and how well you optimize.
Can I target multiple low competition keywords in one piece of content?
Yes, you can target related keywords in the same article. Focus on one main keyword and include 2-3 related ones naturally. This helps you capture more search traffic without diluting your content’s focus.
What mistakes should I avoid when choosing these keywords?
Don’t pick keywords with zero search volume just because they’re easy to rank for. Also avoid keywords that don’t match what your audience actually wants. Make sure the keywords fit naturally into valuable content.
How often should I research new low competition keywords?
Do keyword research monthly or quarterly to stay ahead of trends. What’s low competition today might become competitive tomorrow as more people discover these opportunities. Regular research keeps your content strategy fresh and effective.
