Finding low competition keywords is one of the most important steps in SEO, especially if you are a new website owner or a blogger. Low competition keywords can help your website rank faster on search engines while attracting targeted traffic. In this guide, we will explore how to identify these keywords effectively and use them strategically.
Understanding Low Competition Keywords for SEO
Before diving into the process, it’s crucial to understand what low competition keywords are. These are keywords that have fewer websites trying to rank for them. Unlike high-competition keywords, which are dominated by authority websites, low competition keywords offer an opportunity to rank quickly and attract niche audiences.
Generally, low competition keywords have the following characteristics:
- Low search volume – They may not attract thousands of searches per month, but they are easier to rank for.
- Specific intent – They are often long-tail keywords, meaning they are more specific and targeted.
- High relevance – Despite having low competition, they match your content closely and attract users who are likely to convert.
By focusing on these keywords, you can gradually build authority and expand into higher competition areas over time.
Step 1: Brainstorm Keyword Ideas
The first step in finding low competition keywords is brainstorming. Start by listing topics related to your niche. For example, if you have a fitness blog, you could list topics like “home workouts,” “weight loss tips,” or “healthy diet plans.”
Once you have a list of topics, break them down into subtopics. This helps in identifying long-tail keywords, which are usually less competitive. For instance, under “home workouts,” you could explore:
- “home workouts for beginners”
- “home workouts without equipment”
- “20-minute home workouts”
Brainstorming is a simple but effective way to generate hundreds of potential keyword ideas before moving to more technical tools.
Step 2: Use Keyword Research Tools
After brainstorming, you need to validate your ideas using keyword research tools. Several tools can help you identify low competition keywords:
- Google Keyword Planner – A free tool that provides search volume and competition data. Look for keywords with medium or low competition.
- Ubersuggest – This tool shows search volume, SEO difficulty, and suggested keywords.
- Ahrefs Keyword Explorer – A paid tool that provides detailed insights, including the number of backlinks competitors have for a specific keyword.
- SEMrush – Offers keyword difficulty scores and helps identify gaps in your competitors’ strategies.
While using these tools, focus on the keyword difficulty score. Low competition keywords usually have difficulty scores below 30, though this can vary depending on your niche.
Step 3: Analyze Low Competition Keywords for SEO
Competitor analysis is another effective method to find low competition keywords. Start by identifying websites that rank for keywords you are interested in. Then, analyze:
- Their content length and quality – If top-ranking pages are short or poorly optimized, it’s easier to outrank them.
- Backlink profiles – Websites with fewer backlinks are easier to beat.
- User engagement – Check comments and social shares. If engagement is low, there might be an opportunity for you.
By combining these insights, you can discover keywords that competitors overlook or fail to optimize fully.
Step 4: Focus on Long-Tail Keywords for SEO
Long-tail keywords are phrases containing three or more words. They are usually low competition and highly specific. For example, instead of targeting “weight loss,” which is highly competitive, target “weight loss tips for busy moms.”
Long-tail keywords have several advantages:
- They attract qualified traffic. Users searching for specific terms are more likely to convert.
- They are easier to rank for, especially for new websites.
- They allow you to create highly targeted content, which improves engagement.
Therefore, always prioritize long-tail keywords in your SEO strategy.
Step 5: Evaluate Search Intent
Search intent is crucial when selecting low competition keywords. Google wants to provide results that match what users are actually looking for. Keywords generally fall into three types of intent:
- Informational – Users want to learn something (e.g., “how to cook quinoa”).
- Transactional – Users want to buy something (e.g., “best running shoes under $100”).
- Navigational – Users are looking for a specific website or brand (e.g., “Nike store near me”).
Even if a keyword has low competition, it will not benefit your website if it doesn’t align with your content or audience intent. Therefore, analyze search intent before finalizing keywords.
Step 6: Check Google Autocomplete and Related Searches
Google itself can be a powerful tool for finding low competition keywords. Start typing your main topic into Google and observe the autocomplete suggestions. These are phrases people often search for.
Additionally, scroll to the bottom of the search results page to find related searches. These related terms often include low competition keywords that can inspire content ideas.
Step 7: Use Question-Based Keywords
Many users type questions directly into Google. Targeting question-based keywords can be highly effective for low competition SEO. Examples include:
- “What is the best way to lose belly fat?”
- “How to start a blog for free?”
- “Tips for improving sleep quality naturally”
Tools like AnswerThePublic or AlsoAsked can help you find commonly asked questions in your niche. By creating content that answers these questions, you can rank faster and attract highly targeted traffic.
Step 8: Monitor and Adjust
Finally, SEO is not static. After implementing your low competition keywords, monitor your rankings, traffic, and engagement. Tools like Google Search Console and Ahrefs can help track performance.
If certain keywords are not performing, consider:
- Modifying the content to better match search intent
- Adding internal links to boost authority
- Updating your content with fresh information
By continually analyzing and adjusting, you can maintain and improve your rankings over time.
Finding low competition keywords is both an art and a science. By brainstorming ideas, using keyword tools, analyzing competitors, focusing on long-tail phrases, considering search intent, and monitoring results, you can create an effective SEO strategy. Not only will this approach help your website rank faster, but it will also attract targeted traffic that is more likely to convert.
Remember, while high-volume keywords are tempting, low competition keywords often provide the quickest wins for new or small websites. Consistency, research, and high-quality content are the keys to long-term success in SEO.