How to Find Low Competition Keywords for SEO
Finding low-competition keywords is the secret weapon of savvy SEOs. These hidden gems let you rank faster with less effort. Here’s your step-by-step guide to uncovering them.
Why Low Competition Keywords Matter
Low competition keywords give you a shortcut to ranking. While everyone fights over high-volume terms, you can dominate easier targets and still drive traffic.
Step 1: Use Keyword Research Tools
Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Ubersuggest show competition levels. Look for keywords with:
- Low Keyword Difficulty (KD) scores
- High search volume relative to competition
- Few authoritative pages ranking
Step 2: Target Long-Tail Keywords
Phrases with 3+ words often have lower competition. For example: "best running shoes for flat feet women" instead of "running shoes".
Step 3: Analyze SERP Competition
Search your keyword. If you see forum posts or weak content ranking, that’s a green light. If all results are from major sites, move on.
Step 4: Find Question Keywords
People search questions like "how to fix squeaky floorboards". These often have lower competition than commercial terms.
Step 5: Check Google Autocomplete
Start typing in Google and note the suggestions. These real searches often reveal low-competition opportunities.
Step 6: Mine Competitor Weak Spots
Find keywords where competitors rank but their content is thin or outdated. You can outrank them with better content.
Step 7: Target Emerging Trends
Use Google Trends to spot rising searches before competition heats up.
Putting It Into Action
Combine these tactics to build a list of easy-to-rank keywords. Focus on creating quality content around them, and watch your traffic grow without the uphill battle.