We're always on the lookout for those "hidden gem" keywords - the ones with lower competition but high potential for driving valuable traffic. Our go-to method involves a combination of brainstorming and leveraging SEO tools. We start by brainstorming a list of relevant topics and keywords related to our services. Then, we use tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Google Keyword Planner to analyze search volume, competition, and keyword difficulty. We also look at the search engine results pages (SERPs) to see who's currently ranking for those keywords and what kind of content they're creating. One example of a keyword we successfully targeted was "creative website design for healthcare startups." We noticed that while there was significant search volume for broader terms like "website design," the competition was fierce. By focusing on a more specific niche and long-tail keyword, we were able to rank higher in search results and attract a highly targeted audience. This approach has helped us identify numerous low-competition keywords that have driven significant traffic and leads to our website. It's all about finding those sweet spots where we can provide unique value and stand out from the crowd.
When identifying low-competition keywords, we take a systematic approach using tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to generate ideas around broad topics within the niche. We zero in on long-tail keywords with moderate search volume and low keyword difficulty, as these tend to offer the right balance between reach and competition. Checking the top-ranking pages for these keywords helps assess the quality and strength of the competition, ensuring we're not only filling a gap but also providing content that can genuinely stand out. Search intent is another key factor. We want to make sure that the keywords align with content that matches what users are actually looking for. This helps drive more relevant traffic and improves the chances of engaging users effectively. For example, while optimising a bridal shower planning article, we identified and targeted low-competition keywords like "How long are bridal showers," "Bridal shower planning," and "Who plans the bridal shower." By aligning our content with these search terms and addressing specific user questions, we saw a noticeable increase in organic clicks shortly after optimisation. This strategy continues to be a reliable way to boost visibility and connect with our target audience on topics that matter to them.
I like to keep my low-competition keywords actionable or purchase-oriented, so I ensure we see ROI from them even if they don't provide a lot of volume. The first thing I do is keyword research (usually using LowFruits.io). I filter keywords by the competition level and the number of weak spots (low-DA websites that rank on the first page, which is usually a good signal that my site can also rank). Then, I analyze the top 20-30 keywords with search intent in mind. For example, one of the keywords I recently targeted was "How to do SEO for Webflow." It had low search difficulty, an actionable and specific nature (SEO for a specific CMS), and ultimately resulted in a highly-targeted article that resonated with searchers and generated dozens of new leads in just a month.
My simple strategy to discover low-competition keywords begins with understanding search intent and using keyword research tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush. I start with medium to high search volume keywords that have low difficulty scores. Then, I examine my long-tail keywords. If the monthly search volume is lower, it's usually not a problem, as these keywords tend to be much less competitive and more relevant for targeted audiences, leading to higher conversions. One of the best techniques I use is to explore the "Questions" section on these tools or on AnswerThePublic. This approach allows us to create content focused on specific queries, helping us avoid generic terms that are very competitive while directly addressing user needs. I also review the various pages that rank for those keywords to see if my content could perform better or offer something new. For example, I was able to rank for phrases like "affordable custom web design for small businesses." Instead of competing for the broad term "web design services," I chose to create a blog that people would read and a landing page that highlights low-cost, customized options. We recognized that small businesses would be searching for affordable, tailored web design services online. By targeting this long-tail keyword and successfully ranking for it, DIGITECH was able to generate a number of high-quality leads.
Subject: Why "Keyword Golden Ratio" is our secret weapon for low-competition keywords Brogan Renshaw here, Director at Firewire Digital. In the world of SEO, finding low-competition keywords can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, one method that has consistently been delivered to us is the keyword golden ratio (KGR). KGR is a data-driven approach that compares the number of Google results with the exact keyword phrase in the title, to the monthly search volume. The sweet spot is a ratio less than 0.25. Here's how we used KGR to great effect for a client in the financial services industry: - The broad keyword "investment advice" had a staggering 1.2B results. Far too competitive. - Using KGR, we identified "investment advice for millennials" as a promising alternative. It had a monthly search volume of 800 and only 32 results with the exact phrase in the title. - This gave a KGR of 0.04 (32 / 800), well below the 0.25 threshold, indicating low competition. We created a comprehensive guide optimized for this keyword, and the results were impressive: - Within 3 months, our guide ranked on the first page for "investment advice for millennials" - This keyword proved to be a gateway to related searches, with the guide also ranking for "best investment options for millennials", "how to start investing in your 30s", and more.= - Organic traffic to the guide grew consistently, reaching 5,000 monthly visits within 6 months. The power of KGR lies in its simplicity and specificity: 1. Data-driven: By focusing on hard data rather than subjective assessments, KGR removes much of the guesswork from keyword research. 2. Long-tail focus: KGR naturally steers you towards long-tail keywords that, while lower in search volume, often convert better due to their specificity. 3. Efficient targeting: By aiming for a KGR below 0.25, you can focus your efforts on keywords that offer the best return on investment in terms of ranking potential. Of course, KGR is just one tool in the keyword research toolkit. But in our experience, it's an incredibly effective way to uncover hidden gems in a crowded SEO landscape. I'm happy to dive deeper into our KGR strategy and share more examples if they would be helpful for your piece. Just let me know! Cheers, Brogan Renshaw Director, Firewire Digital firewiredigital.com
My go-to method for identifying low-competition keywords is to focus on zero-volume keywords, which are often overlooked by competitors but hold strong intent and relevance. I use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to analyze niche topics and pair them with insights from forums like Reddit or Quora to find specific, conversational queries people are asking but aren't widely targeted. For example, while working with a Web3 client, I targeted the zero-volume keyword "linea web3 explorer" Despite its lack of initial search volume, it brought highly engaged traffic because it addressed a niche concern. The blog post we created ranked quickly, earned backlinks, and became a top driver of inquiries, proving that focusing on these overlooked keywords can deliver big results.
I love using Google's "related searches" at the bottom of search results-it's a treasure trove for finding long-tail keywords with less competition and high intent. By diving into these related terms, we discover variations of popular keywords that aren't as saturated. It's a simple but powerful trick to uncover unique angles on competitive topics. For a real estate client, we tapped into the keyword "best home office setups for productivity," aligning with the rise in remote work and low competition. This keyword connected with an audience looking for actionable tips, and it drove significant traffic while building the client's reputation in a timely niche. It was a perfect example of connecting content to a relevant cultural shift.
Our go-to method for identifying low-competition keywords revolves around long-tail, question-based queries that align closely with user intent. These queries often address specific pain points or niche topics, making them less competitive but highly valuable for targeted traffic. We use tools like Google's "People Also Ask," AnswerThePublic, and keyword research platforms to uncover opportunities with moderate search volume but minimal competition. We also utilise Ahrefs to analyse competitor content gaps and user FAQs to find untapped topics. One particularly effective strategy we've used is building glossaries as authoritative resources. Glossaries naturally lend themselves to ranking for long-tail, low-competition keywords because they address specific terms and concepts in a clear, concise way. For example, for one of our bigger clients (a global technology leader specialising in Enterprise, Cloud, AI, Metaverse, and 5G Telco/Edge IT Infrastructure) instead of targeting a broad term like "AI infrastructure," we focused on queries like "what is AI edge computing?" and "AI infrastructure glossary terms explained." This allowed us to dominate niche search results while establishing authority in the industry. By combining these methods, we not only identify keywords that are easier to rank for but also create content that meets user needs in a structured, meaningful way. This strategy consistently delivers highly relevant traffic and strengthens the overall SEO performance of our clients' websites.
Low competition keywords can be hard to find, but they still exist. My business is still small, and so what we have been working on recently is targeting our content for long-tail keywords. Long-tail keywords are a type of keyword which consists of longer phrases. These can be more specific than typical keywords, tend to be lower in search volume, and have less competition. To find these, the best tool I've used to date is Moz. I have tried a few other platforms, but this is my favorite for finding low competition keywords. Moz allows for ten free searches per month, and when given a topic generates 100+ keywords which are similar on some metric. You can filter by difficulty level, search volume, and more. This has transformed the way I write content. Some keywords I have successfully targeted via this method include: self care activities for groups, best travel board games, and fun exercise alternatives. I have found these posts, though unconventional, tend to be some of my blog's best performing. As a platform trying to grow from zero, this has been instrumental to my growth.
My go-to method for identifying low-competition keywords is all about finding the sweet spot between relevance, search volume, and difficulty. I start by using tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to dig into long-tail keywords that are super specific to my audience's needs. These often have lower competition but still attract valuable traffic. I also pay close attention to the "People Also Ask" section on Google and niche forums where potential customers are asking questions. One example that worked really well for us was targeting the keyword "affordable website redesign for small businesses." It wasn't as competitive as broader terms like "website design," but it directly aligned with what our audience was searching for. By crafting content around that keyword-like blog posts and case studies-we saw a noticeable uptick in leads coming through, specifically from small businesses looking for cost-effective solutions. The key is being patient and strategic. Instead of chasing the big, flashy keywords, focus on the ones where you can genuinely add value and carve out a niche. It's a slower burn, but the results are worth it.
At our company, where standing out in search results is essential, finding low-competition keywords has been a game-changer for our strategy. My go-to method starts with focusing on long-tail keywords that speak directly to niche interests within the gaming community. I use tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush to dig deep into search volumes, competitor rankings, and potential gaps. One keyword we successfully targeted was "multiplayer browser games without download." It's specific enough to attract players looking for a quick gaming experience without the hassle of downloading software. We created a dedicated landing page and curated a list of popular games fitting this category. The page quickly gained traction, bringing in highly engaged traffic that was exactly the audience we wanted. This approach not only drove organic traffic but also improved retention, as we provided the exact experience players were searching for. Keeping the focus on niche, actionable keywords has been key to reaching our audience more effectively.
Our strategy is focused on low-competition keywords. The phrase "hyperlocal advertising Los Angeles" is one keyword we successfully targeted. Our method for finding these keywords is making a list of all the relevant keywords that we could possibly own. This happens in an excel sheet where we write out common phrases in our business and merge words together. For example "hyperlocal" can be matched with "advertising", "los angeles", and "marketing". We'll end up with a few thousand variations. Then we put the terms into SEMRush to get insights into the phrase rankings. Then we look at the Keyword Explorer tool in Moz for more detail. After all that we write content.
Effective Method for Finding Low-Competition Keywords Identifying low-competition keywords is essential for creating content that ranks quickly and drives targeted traffic. Our go-to method combines data-driven research with audience insights to uncover opportunities that align with both search intent and strategic goals. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the approach we've successfully used, along with an example. 1. Use Keyword Research Tools Strategically We begin by leveraging tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Keyword Planner to identify keywords with: - Low competition scores (measured by difficulty or search volume metrics). - Long-tail phrases with moderate traffic potential but specific search intent. For example, instead of targeting "email marketing," which is highly competitive, we looked for niche variations like "best email marketing templates for small businesses." 2. Analyze Competitor Gaps Next, we perform a competitor gap analysis using tools like Ahrefs' "Content Gap" or SEMrush's "Keyword Gap." This identifies keywords competitors are ranking for, but where content opportunities still exist. For instance, we found that competitors in the digital marketing space had minimal content targeting the keyword "email drip campaign examples." This became a key focus for us. 3. Focus on Intent and Questions We pay special attention to keywords framed as questions, which often reveal low-competition yet high-value opportunities. Using tools like AnswerThePublic and Google's "People Also Ask" section, we identified queries such as "How to automate follow-up emails?" These tend to rank well because they align with specific search intent and often lack comprehensive answers. 4. Test and Track Performance After identifying the keyword, we create optimized content tailored to its intent. For example, our blog targeting "email drip campaign examples" not only ranked in the top 5 on Google but also drove consistent traffic and engaged readers over several months. Regular performance tracking ensures we refine and scale this approach. This method of combining keyword tools, competitor analysis, and search intent has consistently helped us identify low-competition keywords that generate results. It's both scalable and adaptable for any content strategy.
My go-to method for identifying low-competition keywords involves using a combination of Google's Keyword Planner, low-volume keyword research tools, and competitor analysis. I start by plugging in a broad, high-level keyword related to the client's niche into Google's Keyword Planner to find variations with lower search volumes. Then, I analyze competitors' pages ranking in our target area to spot keywords they may be overlooking. I also look at long-tail keywords-these often have less competition but high intent. By combining these keywords with specific location or service modifiers, I can narrow in on terms with low competition and strong relevance for local SEO. For instance, I successfully targeted the keyword "affordable lawn care Richmond VA" for a landscaping client. This keyword had fewer direct competitors but was specific enough to capture local searchers looking for budget-friendly options. Optimizing for this keyword helped our client's page rank on the first page, driving steady traffic from an audience with high purchase intent, ultimately increasing leads by 30% in just a few months.
I rely on customer questions and search intent to find low-competition keywords. We check search query data from tools like Google Search Console and cross-reference it with keyword research tools to spot long-tail phrases with solid search volume but low competition. For instance, we noticed people searching for "how to fix low water pressure in apartment buildings," which wasn't heavily targeted by competitors. We created a blog post with step-by-step solutions and linked it to our services. That keyword alone brought in steady traffic and several new service calls from property managers looking for professional help. Listening to customer pain points and targeting those specific queries works every time.
Software Developer, AI Engineer & SEO Expert at Vincent Schmalbach
Answered a year ago
I ignore fancy tools and just search my target keywords in Google. If the top results are mostly forum posts, Reddit threads, or poorly optimized content from small sites, that's an opportunity - regardless of what keyword tools say about competition. I recently found several trending software tools in my industry this way. The search results were full of surface-level reviews from people who clearly hadn't used the tools extensively. Since I work with these tools daily, I wrote detailed, experience-based comparisons that ranked quickly because they actually answered what users were trying to learn. The trick is looking for keywords where bigger sites haven't bothered to create good content yet. You'll often find these in narrow technical topics or specific how-to queries that are too niche for major publishers to target. Pro tip: Check if the top results actually answer the search intent. Sometimes you'll find high-authority sites ranking with barely relevant content just because of their domain strength. Those are perfect opportunities to create something better.
Our method for identifying low-competition keywords starts with analyzing search intent and prioritizing niche topics where our expertise can be showcased. Using tools such as SEMrush and Ahrefs, we look for keywords with a combination of moderate search volume and low keyword difficulty to ensure they're relevant to the needs of our audience. We often cross-reference this data with Google Search Console to identify emerging terms where we're already getting impressions but not yet ranking highly. One example was targeting specific long-tail keywords focusing on exact features of our software; while these weren't highly competitive terms, they were perfectly aligned with questions customers often search for when looking for a new solution. By creating a detailed blog post around these keywords, combined with internal links to our related service pages, we gained significant traction. Within two months, the post ranked on page one and drove a 25% increase in organic traffic.
I've found searching for longer, specific feature-related keywords like 'drag and drop portfolio gallery widget' works great because they have decent search volume but way less competition than broad terms. Just last month, we ranked #2 for 'WordPress popup builder without coding' within three weeks, bringing in about 800 monthly visitors who actually convert better than our general traffic.
A Moz article introduced me to a reliable method: combining long-tail keyword research with competitor gap analysis using tools like SEMrush. I look for keywords with moderate search volume but low domain authority requirements in my niche. For example, I targeted "eco-friendly cleaning products for small apartments" for a client. It had only 400 monthly searches but very little competition. By creating a comprehensive guide around this keyword, the page ranked on Google's first page within two months, driving 15% of site traffic. The key? Focusing on highly specific, underserved topics to carve out a competitive edge.
A secret to finding low-competition keywords is to take advantage of long-tail keyword permutations that aren't immediately obvious. Take a topic and think of variations in phrasing and context. For instance, if you're in the non-profit grant space, instead of using "non-profit grants," you might explore "small charity funding tips" or "beginner grants for new non-profits." Using a keyword research tool, filter these variations by search volume and competition. Look for low-volume searches where the competition rating is low. These are often untapped and can drive targeted traffic. Another trick is to monitor community forums and Q&A websites. Users ask real questions that aren't always covered in existing content. These questions can uncover keywords you might not find in typical tools. Suppose you notice a trend of people asking "How can small-town charities secure funding fast?" That phrase might not appear in popular keyword databases but could be a gem. Targeting such words can give you an edge by fulfilling a direct user need before your competitors jump on it.