How to Find Low-Competition Keywords for Your Website (Complete Tutorial)

Learning how to find low-competition keywords for your website is an essential SEO skill, especially if you want to improve organic visibility without competing immediately for highly competitive search terms.

However, ranking on Google does not always require targeting keywords with thousands of monthly searches. In fact, targeting low-competition keywords is one of the most effective SEO strategies for new websites, bloggers, affiliate marketers, and businesses looking to build organic traffic.

Instead of competing against established websites for highly competitive keywords, you can identify specific search queries that have lower competition, clear search intent, and realistic ranking opportunities.

The challenge is knowing where to find these keywords, how to evaluate their competition, and which ones are worth targeting.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to find low-competition keywords using Semrush, Google Search, Google Keyword Planner, and other SEO tools. We will also cover keyword difficulty, search intent, competitor analysis, keyword clustering, and practical strategies to turn keyword research into a successful SEO content plan.

Whether you are building a new website or improving an existing one, this tutorial will help you discover keyword opportunities that align with your website’s authority, audience, and business goals.

 

1. What Are Low-Competition Keywords?

Low-competition keywords are search queries that have relatively fewer strong competitors targeting them in organic search results.

These keywords generally provide opportunities for websites to rank without competing directly against highly authoritative domains, established brands, or pages with extensive backlink profiles.

For example, consider these two search queries:

Keyword	Search Intent	Competition
SEO	Broad informational	Very High
SEO tips for small business websites	Informational	Moderate
How to improve local SEO for a dental clinic	Specific informational	Potentially Lower
Local SEO checklist for new dental practices	Highly specific	Potentially Lower

The broader keyword “SEO” is extremely competitive because it attracts publishers, agencies, software companies, educational websites, and established SEO platforms.

However, a more specific keyword such as “local SEO checklist for new dental practices” targets a narrower audience and may have fewer pages directly addressing the query.

This creates a potential ranking opportunity.

Important: Low Competition Does Not Always Mean Low Search Volume

A common misconception is that low-competition keywords have almost no searches.

That is not necessarily true.

Some specific keywords may receive hundreds or even thousands of monthly searches while still having relatively weak competition.

The goal is to identify keywords that balance:

• Relevant search demand
• Lower competition
• Clear search intent
• Realistic ranking potential
• Business or audience value

The best low-competition keyword is not necessarily the one with the lowest difficulty score. It is the one that gives your website a realistic opportunity to attract relevant organic traffic.

2. Why Low-Competition Keywords Matter for SEO

Keyword research is the foundation of an effective SEO strategy. Choosing the right keywords helps you create content that matches what your audience is searching for.

For websites with limited authority, low-competition keywords offer several important advantages.

2.1 Easier Ranking Opportunities

New websites often struggle to rank for highly competitive keywords because established websites already have strong backlink profiles, extensive content libraries, and recognized authority.

Targeting less competitive keywords allows you to identify search results where your content may have a realistic chance of appearing.

Instead of competing for “best SEO tools,” you could target:

• Best SEO tools for freelance writers
• Free SEO tools for small business owners
• SEO tools for local service businesses
• Affordable SEO tools for beginners

These searches are more specific and may have fewer pages directly competing for the same audience.

2.2 Faster Organic Traffic Growth

Ranking for multiple specific keywords can gradually build organic traffic.

Although individual low-competition keywords may have modest search volumes, their combined traffic can become substantial.

For example:

Keyword	Estimated Monthly Searches
SEO tools for bloggers	500
Free SEO tools for beginners	300
SEO tools for small websites	200
SEO tools for affiliate marketers	150
SEO tools for WordPress websites	400
Total potential search demand	1,550

Illustrative figures only. Actual search volumes depend on location, tool, and current search demand.

Instead of targeting one broad keyword, a website can develop multiple pages that address specific audience needs.

2.3 Better Audience Targeting

Specific keywords often reveal more about the searcher’s needs.

Someone searching for “email marketing” may be researching the subject broadly.

Someone searching for “how to automate email marketing for Shopify abandoned carts” has a more specific problem.

Creating content around specific search queries helps you attract readers who are more likely to engage with your website, explore related content, or take action.

2.4 Improved Topical Authority

Publishing high-quality articles around related low-competition keywords helps establish topical relevance.

For example, a website covering SEO could publish articles about:

• Keyword research
• Technical SEO
• On-page optimization
• Link building
• SEO audits
• Content optimization
• Local SEO
• Search engine ranking factors

When these articles are connected through relevant internal links, they help create a comprehensive resource for readers.

2.5 More Sustainable SEO Growth

Rather than relying on a few highly competitive pages, a website can gradually build rankings across a broader collection of relevant search queries.

This strategy is particularly useful for:

• New websites
• Small businesses
• Affiliate marketing websites
• Niche blogs
• SaaS companies
• Content publishers
• Websites with limited SEO budgets

3. Understanding Keyword Difficulty and SEO Competition

Before finding low-competition keywords, it is important to understand how SEO tools evaluate keyword competition.

Several metrics can help you assess whether a keyword is worth targeting.

3.1 Keyword Difficulty (KD)

Keyword Difficulty is an SEO metric that estimates how difficult it may be to rank organically for a particular keyword.

In Semrush, Keyword Difficulty is expressed as a percentage from 0 to 100.

A general interpretation is:

Keyword Difficulty	General Interpretation
0–14	Very easy
15–29	Easy
30–49	Moderate
50–69	Difficult
70–84	Very difficult
85–100	Extremely difficult

These ranges are useful as an initial screening guide, not universal ranking rules.

A keyword with a KD of 20 may still be difficult for a new website if the search results are dominated by highly authoritative domains.

Similarly, a keyword with a KD of 45 might offer a realistic opportunity if the existing results are outdated, poorly structured, or do not fully satisfy search intent.

Always analyze the actual Google search results instead of relying exclusively on a difficulty score.

3.2 Search Volume

Search volume estimates how frequently a keyword is searched within a specific location and time period.

A keyword with higher search volume may attract more traffic if your page ranks well.

However, search volume should not be your only selection criterion.

A keyword with 100 monthly searches and strong business relevance may be more valuable than a keyword with 10,000 searches and little relevance to your audience.

3.3 Competitive Density

Competitive Density is different from organic Keyword Difficulty.

In Semrush, Competitive Density primarily measures competition among advertisers targeting a keyword through paid search.

It is commonly represented on a scale from 0 to 1.

Competitive Density	Interpretation
0.00–0.30	Lower paid advertising competition
0.31–0.60	Moderate paid advertising competition
0.61–1.00	Higher paid advertising competition

Do not confuse this metric with organic SEO competition.

A keyword may have low advertising competition but still be extremely difficult to rank for organically.

3.4 Backlinks and Referring Domains

Backlinks are links from other websites pointing to your page.

When evaluating competitors, look at:

• Number of referring domains
• Quality of backlinks
• Relevance of linking websites
• Domain authority metrics
• Page-level backlink strength
• Internal linking structure

If the top-ranking pages have thousands of strong backlinks, ranking may require considerably more effort.

If the top results have very few backlinks and still provide incomplete content, the keyword may present an opportunity.

3.5 Search Intent

Search intent refers to the reason behind a user’s search query.

The four major types are:

Search Intent	Purpose	Example
Informational	Learn something	How does keyword research work?
Navigational	Find a specific website	Semrush login
Commercial	Compare products or services	Best keyword research tools
Transactional	Take an action or purchase	Buy Semrush subscription

Understanding search intent helps you create the correct type of content.

A keyword with low difficulty may still be unsuitable if your website cannot satisfy the user’s actual needs.

4. Types of Low-Competition Keywords

Understanding different keyword types helps you identify opportunities that are easier to rank for.

4.1 Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are specific search queries that usually contain three or more words.

Examples:

• Best SEO plugins for small WordPress websites
• How to find keywords for a new blog
• Affordable email marketing software for startups
• How to improve website speed without coding

Long-tail keywords often have lower search volumes than broad keywords, but they can attract more targeted traffic.

4.2 Question-Based Keywords

Question keywords begin with terms such as:

• How
• What
• Why
• When
• Where
• Which
• Can
• Does

Examples:

• How do I find keywords for my blog?
• What is keyword difficulty in SEO?
• Why is my website not ranking for keywords?
• How can beginners improve organic traffic?

These queries are useful for informational blog posts, tutorials, and FAQ sections.

4.3 Location-Based Keywords

Location-based keywords include a city, region, or geographical reference.

Examples:

• SEO agency for small businesses in Delhi
• Website development company in Jaipur
• Digital marketing services in Bareilly
• Best coworking spaces in Gurgaon

These keywords can be particularly valuable for businesses targeting local customers.

4.4 Problem-Solving Keywords

Problem-solving keywords describe a specific challenge.

Examples:

• How to fix duplicate content in WordPress
• Why Shopify products are not appearing on Google
• How to reduce website bounce rate
• How to fix indexing issues in Google Search Console

These keywords are valuable because they connect content directly to a user’s problem.

4.5 Comparison Keywords

Comparison keywords include phrases such as:

• vs
• alternative
• comparison
• better than
• pros and cons

Examples:

• Semrush vs Ahrefs for beginners
• Mailchimp alternatives for small businesses
• Shopify vs WooCommerce for dropshipping
• Rank Math vs Yoast SEO

Comparison articles can attract users who are actively evaluating solutions.

4.6 Low-Competition Commercial Keywords

Commercial keywords often indicate that users are researching a product or service before making a decision.

Examples:

• Best CRM software for real estate agencies
• Affordable SEO tools for freelancers
• Best email marketing platform for small businesses
• WordPress hosting with automatic backups

These keywords may be valuable for affiliate websites and software review publishers.

5. How to Find Low-Competition Keywords Using Semrush

Semrush is one of the most useful platforms for identifying keyword opportunities because it combines keyword research, difficulty metrics, competitor analysis, and search volume data.

Official platform: https://www.semrush.com/

Let’s walk through the process.

Step 1: Open Semrush Keyword Magic Tool

Log in to your Semrush account.

Navigate to:

SEO → Keyword Research → Keyword Magic Tool

Enter a broad keyword related to your website.

For example, if you operate an SEO blog, start with:

keyword research

Select your target country and click Search.

Semrush will generate a list of related keyword suggestions.

Step 2: Analyze Keyword Suggestions

The Keyword Magic Tool provides multiple metrics, including:

Metric	What It Tells You
Keyword	Search query
Volume	Estimated monthly searches
KD %	Organic keyword difficulty
Intent	Search intent classification
CPC	Estimated cost per click
Competitive Density	Paid advertising competition
SERP Features	Search result features

Look for keywords with relatively low KD and relevant search intent.

For a new website, you could initially investigate keywords with KD below 30.

This is only a starting filter. You should adjust it based on your site’s authority and the quality of the search results.

Step 3: Apply the Keyword Difficulty Filter

Click the KD filter and choose a suitable range.

For example:

• Minimum KD: 0
• Maximum KD: 29

This will narrow your keyword list to terms that Semrush estimates may be easier to rank for.

You can also set a minimum search volume.

For example:

• Minimum volume: 50
• Maximum volume: Leave unrestricted

This helps remove keywords with negligible estimated demand.

Important: Do not exclude every keyword with zero reported volume. Some niche queries receive impressions despite having no reliable volume estimate in third-party tools.

Step 4: Filter by Search Intent

Use the Intent filter to select keywords based on the type of content you want to create.

For informational blog posts, prioritize:

• Informational keywords
• Relevant question-based keywords
• Educational search queries

For affiliate articles, investigate:

• Commercial keywords
• Comparison keywords
• Product evaluation queries

This ensures that your keyword list aligns with your content strategy.

Step 5: Explore Keyword Groups

Semrush groups keywords by related topics and modifiers.

For example, searching for “keyword research” may generate groups such as:

• Keyword research tools
• Keyword research tutorial
• Keyword research for SEO
• Keyword research for beginners
• Keyword research strategy
• Keyword research software

These groups can help you identify separate content opportunities.

However, do not create separate articles for every keyword variation. Some terms may share the same search intent and belong on one comprehensive page.

Step 6: Export Your Keyword List

After applying the filters, export your keyword data.

Download the results as a CSV or Excel file.

Create a spreadsheet containing these columns:

| Keyword | Search Volume | KD | Intent | Content Type | Priority |
|—|—:|—:|—|—|
| Keyword research for beginners | 500 | 22 | Informational | Tutorial | High |
| How to find keywords for a blog | 250 | 18 | Informational | Guide | High |
| Free keyword research tools | 800 | 28 | Commercial | Listicle | Medium |
| Keyword research for local SEO | 150 | 19 | Informational | Guide | High |

Example dataset for illustrating keyword organization, not live Semrush metrics.

This spreadsheet will become your keyword research database.

Step 7: Analyze the SERP for Selected Keywords

Select your most promising keywords and review their SERP data.

Ask the following questions:

• Are the top results from major brands?
• Are smaller websites ranking?
• Are the articles outdated?
• Do the results fully answer the search query?
• Are there forum discussions or community pages?
• Are the ranking pages well structured?
• Do the pages have strong backlinks?
• Is there a clear opportunity to provide better information?

If the results include smaller websites with relatively weak content, the keyword deserves further investigation.

Pro Tip

Do not select keywords based on KD alone.

A keyword with KD 15 and 100 monthly searches may be less valuable than a keyword with KD 28 and 1,000 searches, provided the latter has realistic ranking potential and strong relevance to your website.

6. How to Find Low-Competition Keywords Using Google

You do not always need a paid SEO tool to discover keyword opportunities.

Google itself provides several useful ways to understand what people search for and which content is currently ranking.

6.1 Use Google Autocomplete

Google Autocomplete suggests searches as you type.

Start by entering a broad topic into Google.

For example:

how to find keywords

Google may suggest variations such as:

• How to find keywords for SEO
• How to find keywords for a website
• How to find keywords for YouTube
• How to find keywords for a blog
• How to find keywords without paid tools

These suggestions reveal related search queries that users may be interested in.

How to Use Autocomplete Effectively

Try different keyword combinations:

• How to + keyword
• Best + keyword
• Keyword + for beginners
• Keyword + alternatives
• Keyword + without
• Keyword + checklist
• Keyword + examples

You can also add different letters after your primary keyword to uncover additional suggestions.

For example:

keyword research a

keyword research b

keyword research c

This technique can reveal a wide range of keyword variations.

Remember that Autocomplete suggestions are not guaranteed to have low competition. You still need to validate them.

6.2 Use Google Related Searches

Scroll to the bottom of the Google search results page.

You may find a section titled “Related searches.”

These suggestions can help you identify closely related search queries.

For example, searching for “email marketing automation” might reveal related searches involving:

• Email automation tools
• Automated email campaigns
• Email marketing workflows
• Email automation for small businesses

These related queries can become new keyword research opportunities.

6.3 Use the People Also Ask Section

The People Also Ask (PAA) section displays questions related to the original search query.

For example, searching for “keyword research” may reveal questions such as:

• What is keyword research in SEO?
• How do beginners do keyword research?
• Which tools are best for keyword research?
• How do I find keywords for my website?

These questions can help you identify content gaps and develop useful supporting sections.

You can use them to:

• Expand an existing article
• Develop FAQ sections
• Discover future blog topics
• Identify supporting keywords
• Understand search intent

Important: A PAA question is a content idea, not automatically a separate article. Determine whether it deserves a dedicated page or should be addressed within a larger guide.

6.4 Analyze Google’s First Page

Search for your target keyword and examine the first page of results.

Look at the types of websites and pages that rank.

Search Result	What to Analyze
Established websites	Domain authority and topical relevance
Smaller blogs	Content quality and backlinks
Product pages	Commercial search intent
Tutorials	Informational intent
Forum discussions	Unanswered user questions
Outdated articles	Potential content freshness gaps

If Google ranks pages that do not adequately answer the search query, there may be an opportunity to create something better.

However, search results can change, and weak competitors do not guarantee that a keyword will be easy to rank for.

7. Using Google Keyword Planner for Keyword Research

Google Keyword Planner is a free keyword research tool available through Google Ads.

Official access: https://ads.google.com/home/tools/keyword-planner/

Although it was designed primarily for advertising research, it can also help SEO professionals discover keyword ideas.

Step 1: Access Google Keyword Planner

Sign in to your Google Ads account.

Navigate to:

Tools → Planning → Keyword Planner

Choose:

Discover new keywords

Step 2: Enter Your Seed Keywords

Enter a broad keyword related to your niche.

For example:

SEO tools

You can also enter multiple related keywords.

Google will generate keyword suggestions based on your input.

Step 3: Select Your Target Location

Choose the country, region, or geographical location relevant to your website.

Search volume varies by location.

For example, a keyword may have significant search demand in the United States but limited demand in India.

Step 4: Review Keyword Metrics

Keyword Planner provides:

• Average monthly searches
• Competition
• Top-of-page bid estimates
• Keyword suggestions
• Historical search trends

Remember that the Competition metric in Keyword Planner reflects paid advertising competition, not organic ranking difficulty.

Use these metrics alongside manual SERP analysis.

Step 5: Export Your Keyword Data

Download the keyword suggestions.

Then filter them according to:

• Relevance to your website
• Search volume
• Search intent
• Potential business value
• Ranking feasibility

Keyword Planner is especially useful for expanding your keyword list when you do not have access to paid SEO software.

8. Finding Keyword Opportunities Through Competitor Analysis

Competitor analysis is one of the most effective ways to discover low-competition keywords.

Instead of starting from scratch, analyze the keywords your competitors are already ranking for.

Some of those keywords may be easier to rank for than the topics you initially planned to target.

Step 1: Identify Your SEO Competitors

Your SEO competitors are not always your direct business competitors.

They are the websites competing for the same search queries.

For example, if you run a website about SEO tools, your search competitors may include:

• SEO blogs
• Software review websites
• Affiliate publishers
• Marketing agencies
• Educational websites
• Industry publications

Search for your primary topics on Google and identify websites that frequently appear in the results.

Step 2: Open Semrush Organic Research

Navigate to:

SEO → Competitive Research → Organic Research

Enter a competitor’s domain.

Semrush will show information about its organic search performance.

You can explore:

• Organic keywords
• Estimated organic traffic
• Keyword positions
• Top-ranking pages
• Keyword position changes
• Competitor keyword overlaps

Step 3: Find Competitor Keywords

Open the Organic Positions report.

Apply filters to identify keywords that:

• Have relatively low Keyword Difficulty
• Have relevant search intent
• Are ranking on the first or second page
• Are not dominated by extremely strong websites
• Match your content capabilities

Look for keywords where competitors rank but your website does not.

These represent potential keyword gaps.

Step 4: Use Keyword Gap Analysis

Navigate to:

SEO → Competitive Research → Keyword Gap

Enter your website and competitor domains.

Semrush compares their keyword rankings and identifies opportunities.

Look for keywords categorized as:

• Missing
• Weak
• Untapped
• Shared

The most valuable opportunities are often keywords that competitors rank for but your website has not targeted yet.

Step 5: Evaluate Competitor Content

Open the pages ranking for your selected keywords.

Analyze:

• Article structure
• Content depth
• Search intent
• Internal links
• Backlinks
• Page freshness
• User experience
• Content originality

Do not simply copy competitors.

Instead, identify what they are missing and create content that provides a better experience.

Example: Competitor Keyword Discovery

Imagine you operate a website about email marketing.

A competitor ranks for:

Competitor Keyword	Potential Content Opportunity
Email automation for beginners	Beginner-friendly tutorial
Email marketing for nonprofits	Specialized guide
Email automation workflow examples	Practical examples
Best email tools for freelancers	Comparison article
How to automate welcome emails	Step-by-step tutorial

You can evaluate these keywords and prioritize those that align with your audience and have realistic ranking opportunities.

9. How to Use Google Search Console for Keyword Discovery

Google Search Console is one of the most valuable free tools for finding keyword opportunities because it shows how your website already performs in Google Search.

Official platform: https://search.google.com/search-console/

Step 1: Open the Performance Report

Log in to Google Search Console.

Navigate to:

Performance → Search Results

You will see metrics such as:

• Total clicks
• Total impressions
• Average CTR
• Average position

These metrics help you understand how users discover your website.

Step 2: Review the Queries Tab

Click the Queries tab.

You will see the search terms for which your website has appeared in Google results.

Look for queries with:

• High impressions
• Low clicks
• Average positions between 8 and 30
• Relevant search intent
• Existing content that could be improved

These queries may represent opportunities to improve your rankings.

Step 3: Identify Keywords Ranking on Page Two

Keywords ranking between positions 11 and 20 are particularly worth investigating.

Your website is already visible for these searches, but the pages are not yet receiving substantial clicks.

Consider whether you can improve the ranking by:

• Updating content
• Improving search intent alignment
• Adding relevant sections
• Strengthening internal links
• Improving title tags
• Addressing missing information
• Adding supporting content

Step 4: Find Unexpected Keywords

Sometimes Google ranks your page for queries that you did not explicitly target.

For example, an article about “email marketing tools” might receive impressions for:

• Email automation tools for startups
• Best free email marketing software
• Email marketing platforms for small businesses
• Email campaign management software

These unexpected queries may reveal new content opportunities.

If several queries have different search intent, consider creating separate supporting articles.

Step 5: Compare Queries and Pages

Click a keyword and then open the Pages tab.

This shows which page Google associates with that query.

If the wrong page is ranking, you may need to improve content organization or internal linking.

If the correct page is ranking but has low visibility, improving its content may be the best strategy.

Google Search Console Keyword Opportunity Checklist

Metric	What to Look For
Impressions	Search queries generating visibility
CTR	Queries receiving fewer clicks than expected
Position	Rankings between 8 and 30
Search intent	Relevant queries your content can satisfy
Landing page	Page that currently ranks
Content gap	Information missing from the page

Google Search Console is particularly useful for established websites because it provides actual performance data rather than relying exclusively on third-party estimates.

10. Finding Low-Competition Keywords Using Free SEO Tools

You can combine several free SEO tools to expand your keyword research without immediately investing in a paid subscription.

10.1 Google Trends

Google Trends helps you understand how search interest changes over time.

Official platform: https://trends.google.com/trends/

Use it to identify:

• Seasonal keyword opportunities
• Emerging search trends
• Regional interest
• Related queries
• Topics gaining popularity

Google Trends does not provide exact search volume or organic Keyword Difficulty.

However, it helps you avoid targeting keywords with declining interest and identify topics that are becoming more popular.

10.2 AnswerThePublic

Official platform: https://answerthepublic.com/

AnswerThePublic organizes search suggestions into question-based and related keyword variations.

It is useful for finding:

• Informational queries
• Comparison searches
• Question-based keywords
• Content ideas
• Topic clusters

For example, entering “WordPress SEO” may reveal questions about plugins, optimization, rankings, and website performance.

10.3 Keyword Surfer

Official platform: https://surferseo.com/keyword-surfer/

Keyword Surfer provides keyword research insights and search-related information through its browser extension and platform.

It can help you discover related keyword ideas while analyzing Google search results.

10.4 Ubersuggest

Official platform: https://neilpatel.com/ubersuggest/

Ubersuggest provides keyword suggestions, search volume estimates, SEO difficulty metrics, and competitor insights.

It can be useful for beginners who want a relatively straightforward keyword research workflow.

10.5 Ahrefs Free Keyword Tools

Official platform: https://ahrefs.com/free-seo-tools

Ahrefs offers free SEO tools that can help with keyword research, search volume estimates, and related keyword discovery.

Its free tools are useful for expanding keyword lists and exploring search opportunities.

10.6 KeywordTool.io

Official platform: https://keywordtool.io/

KeywordTool.io uses search autocomplete data to generate keyword suggestions.

It can help discover long-tail and question-based queries across multiple platforms.

Free Keyword Research Tool Comparison

Tool	Best Use	Useful for Beginners
Google Search	Autocomplete, PAA, related searches	Yes
Google Keyword Planner	Search demand and keyword ideas	Yes
Google Search Console	Existing keyword performance	Yes
Google Trends	Trends and seasonality	Yes
AnswerThePublic	Question-based keyword ideas	Yes
Ubersuggest	Keyword suggestions and difficulty estimates	Yes
Ahrefs Free Tools	Keyword exploration	Yes
KeywordTool.io	Autocomplete-based suggestions	Yes
Semrush	Comprehensive keyword research and competitor analysis	Yes, with learning

The most effective approach is not necessarily using every tool.

Start with Google Search, Google Search Console, and one keyword research platform. Expand your toolkit when you need additional insights.

11. How to Evaluate and Select the Right Keywords

Finding hundreds of keywords is easy.

Choosing the right ones requires a systematic evaluation process.

You should evaluate each keyword based on its relevance, search demand, competition, search intent, and potential value.

11.1 Keyword Relevance

Ask yourself:

Does this keyword directly relate to my website, audience, or business?

For example, a website specializing in SEO tools should prioritize:

• SEO software
• Keyword research
• Website optimization
• Search engine rankings
• Technical SEO

A keyword about unrelated lifestyle topics may attract traffic but will not strengthen your website’s topical relevance.

11.2 Search Volume

Look for keywords with enough search demand to justify creating content.

However, avoid rejecting keywords only because their search volume is low.

Some highly specific queries have limited reported volume but may attract valuable visitors.

11.3 Keyword Difficulty

Use Keyword Difficulty as a preliminary screening metric.

For a newer website, you might start by prioritizing keywords with lower difficulty scores.

As your website gains authority and organic visibility, you can gradually target more competitive keywords.

11.4 SERP Competition

Review the actual search results.

Look for:

• Smaller websites ranking
• Weak content
• Outdated information
• Incomplete guides
• Forum pages
• Pages that do not match search intent
• Limited backlinks to ranking pages

The quality of the competition matters as much as the number of competing pages.

11.5 Business Value

Not every keyword generates the same value.

Consider these examples:

Keyword	Potential Value
What is SEO?	Broad informational
SEO checklist for small businesses	Relevant informational
Best SEO tools for agencies	Commercial
Semrush alternatives for freelancers	Commercial
Affordable SEO software for startups	Commercial

A commercial keyword may attract fewer visitors but have greater potential to generate revenue.

11.6 Create a Keyword Scoring System

You can create a simple scoring system to prioritize keywords.

Factor	Score
High relevance	1–5
Search demand	1–5
Low competition	1–5
Search intent match	1–5
Business value	1–5
Maximum score	25

Example:

Keyword	Relevance	Demand	Competition	Intent	Value	Total
SEO tools for beginners	5	4	4	5	3	21
Best SEO software for agencies	5	4	2	5	5	21
What is SEO?	5	5	1	5	2	18
SEO tips for photographers	4	2	4	4	3	17

Illustrative scoring model. Adjust the criteria based on your website’s goals.

This method helps you compare keywords systematically instead of choosing them based on search volume alone.

12. Understanding Search Intent Before Targeting Keywords

Search intent is one of the most important factors in keyword selection.

Even if a keyword has low competition, your content may not rank if it does not match what users expect to find.

12.1 Informational Intent

Users want to learn something.

Examples:

• What is keyword research?
• How does SEO work?
• How to optimize a blog post
• How to improve website rankings

Recommended content formats:

• Tutorials
• Guides
• Educational articles
• Explainer posts
• Checklists

12.2 Commercial Investigation

Users are evaluating different solutions before making a decision.

Examples:

• Best SEO tools for small businesses
• Semrush vs Ahrefs
• Best WordPress SEO plugins
• Mailchimp alternatives

Recommended content formats:

• Comparison articles
• Product reviews
• Best-of lists
• Alternatives articles
• Buying guides

12.3 Transactional Intent

Users want to take an action.

Examples:

• Buy SEO software
• Subscribe to email marketing software
• Hire an SEO agency

Recommended content formats:

• Product pages
• Service pages
• Landing pages
• Pricing pages

12.4 Navigational Intent

Users want to find a specific brand or website.

Examples:

• Semrush login
• Ahrefs dashboard
• Google Search Console

These queries are generally not appropriate targets for unrelated informational blog content.

How to Check Search Intent

Search the keyword on Google.

Observe the dominant content formats:

• Blog posts
• Product pages
• Videos
• Comparison pages
• Forums
• Service pages

Create content that aligns with the dominant intent while providing additional value.

13. How to Find Long-Tail Keywords That Are Easier to Rank For

Long-tail keywords are particularly valuable for websites that are still building authority.

They allow you to target more specific search queries rather than competing directly for broad terms.

Step 1: Start With a Broad Topic

For example:

email marketing

Step 2: Add Specific Modifiers

Try different combinations.

Modifier	Example
Audience	Email marketing for freelancers
Business type	Email marketing for ecommerce
Problem	How to fix email deliverability
Platform	Email marketing for Shopify
Budget	Free email marketing tools for startups
Skill level	Email marketing for beginners
Objective	How to increase email open rates
Comparison	Best email marketing tools for nonprofits

Step 3: Explore Question Keywords

Use question modifiers to find specific informational opportunities.

Examples:

• How to create an email marketing campaign
• How to automate emails for new subscribers
• Why email marketing campaigns fail
• What is email segmentation?
• How to improve email deliverability

Step 4: Analyze Each Keyword

Evaluate:

• Search volume
• Keyword Difficulty
• Search intent
• Ranking pages
• Relevance
• Potential value

Step 5: Group Similar Keywords

Do not create a separate article for every long-tail keyword.

For example:

• How to create an email marketing campaign
• Steps to create an email campaign
• Email campaign creation for beginners

These keywords may share the same intent.

They can potentially be targeted within a single comprehensive article.

Long-Tail Keyword Formula

You can use this formula to generate keyword ideas:

Primary Topic + Audience + Problem + Desired Outcome

Example:

Primary topic: WordPress SEO

Audience: Beginners

Problem: Poor rankings

Desired outcome: Improve visibility

Potential keyword:

“How beginners can improve WordPress SEO rankings”

This approach helps generate specific and relevant keyword ideas.

14. Keyword Clustering and Content Planning

Keyword clustering involves grouping keywords with similar search intent into a single content topic.

It helps prevent keyword cannibalization and creates a more organized SEO content strategy.

14.1 Why Keyword Clustering Matters

Suppose you discover the following keywords:

• How to find low-competition keywords
• Low-competition keyword research
• Finding easy keywords for SEO
• How to identify keywords with low difficulty
• Best ways to find easy-to-rank keywords

Creating five separate articles may lead to overlapping content.

Instead, group these keywords into one comprehensive article.

14.2 Create Topic Clusters

A topic cluster includes one primary article supported by related articles.

For example:

Pillar Page

Keyword Research: Complete Guide for Beginners

Supporting Articles

• How to Find Low-Competition Keywords
• How to Use Semrush for Keyword Research
• Long-Tail Keyword Research Guide
• Keyword Mapping for SEO
• Search Intent Analysis
• Keyword Clustering Explained
• How to Find Competitor Keywords
• How to Track Keyword Rankings

Each supporting article links to the pillar page where relevant.

The pillar page also links to relevant supporting content.

This creates a structured internal linking system.

14.3 Create a Keyword Mapping Spreadsheet

Organize your keywords into a content planning spreadsheet.

| Primary Keyword | Secondary Keywords | Search Intent | Content Type | URL |
|—|—|—|—|
| Low-competition keywords | Easy keywords, low KD keywords | Informational | Tutorial | /find-low-competition-keywords/ |
| Semrush keyword research | Semrush keyword tutorial | Informational | Guide | /semrush-keyword-research/ |
| Long-tail keywords | Long-tail keyword examples | Informational | Guide | /long-tail-keywords/ |
| Keyword clustering | SEO keyword grouping | Informational | Tutorial | /keyword-clustering/ |
| Competitor keyword analysis | Find competitor keywords | Informational | Guide | /competitor-keyword-analysis/ |

This helps you maintain an organized content calendar.

15. How to Create Content Around Low-Competition Keywords

Finding low-competition keywords is only the first step.

To achieve rankings, you need to create content that satisfies search intent and provides meaningful value to readers.

15.1 Create a Helpful and Relevant Title

Your title should clearly communicate the topic.

For example:

How to Find Low-Competition Keywords for Your Website (Complete Tutorial)

This title includes the primary keyword and indicates that the article provides practical instructions.

Avoid unnecessarily repeating the same keyword in the title.

15.2 Create a Strong Introduction

The introduction should:

• Identify the reader’s problem
• Explain why it matters
• Introduce the solution
• Set expectations for the article

Avoid lengthy introductions that delay the actual answer.

15.3 Use Proper Heading Structure

Organize your content with logical headings.

• H1: Main article title
• H2: Major sections
• H3: Supporting topics
• H4: Additional details when needed

Headings should improve readability and organization rather than serve as containers for keyword repetition.

15.4 Answer the Main Question Early

If your article targets “how to find low-competition keywords,” explain the process near the beginning.

Readers should not need to scroll through several unrelated sections before receiving a useful answer.

15.5 Include Practical Examples

Examples make SEO content more useful.

Instead of merely explaining keyword difficulty, show readers how to evaluate keywords using actual search results, spreadsheets, and keyword research tools.

15.6 Add Relevant Internal Links

Internal links help users discover related content and help search engines understand relationships between pages.

For example, within this article, you could link to:

• Semrush review
• Keyword research guide
• SEO audit tutorial
• Competitor analysis guide
• Long-tail keyword research article
• On-page SEO checklist

Use descriptive anchor text.

Avoid forcing internal links into sentences where they do not naturally belong.

15.7 Optimize for Readability

Use:

• Short paragraphs
• Clear headings
• Lists
• Tables
• Examples
• Relevant screenshots
• Step-by-step instructions

A useful article should be easy to navigate, especially for beginners.

15.8 Focus on Content Quality

Google does not guarantee rankings simply because an article contains a particular keyword.

Your content should:

• Demonstrate subject understanding
• Provide accurate information
• Address the reader’s needs
• Offer original insights
• Avoid unnecessary repetition
• Be easy to navigate
• Remain relevant and updated

The goal is to create content that deserves to rank, not merely content that contains the right keywords.

16. Common Keyword Research Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced marketers make mistakes during keyword research.

Avoid the following problems when building your SEO strategy.

16.1 Targeting Only High-Volume Keywords

High search volume does not guarantee traffic or business value.

A keyword with 50,000 searches may be extremely competitive and difficult to rank for.

Instead, balance search volume with competition, relevance, and search intent.

16.2 Relying Completely on Keyword Difficulty

Keyword Difficulty is an estimate.

Different tools calculate it differently, and no third-party metric can perfectly predict Google’s ranking decisions.

Always analyze the actual SERP.

16.3 Ignoring Search Intent

A keyword may appear easy to rank for, but the search results may consist entirely of product pages when you intend to publish an informational blog.

Your content format should match what users are looking for.

16.4 Targeting Irrelevant Keywords

Attracting traffic from unrelated keywords may not help your website achieve its goals.

Prioritize keywords that align with your niche, audience, and content strategy.

16.5 Creating Separate Pages for Similar Keywords

Publishing multiple articles targeting nearly identical search queries can create unnecessary overlap.

Use keyword clustering to identify when multiple keywords belong to the same page.

16.6 Ignoring Existing Keyword Rankings

Before publishing a new article, check whether your website already has a page ranking for that keyword.

Sometimes updating an existing page is more effective than creating another one.

16.7 Choosing Keywords Without Reviewing the SERP

Keyword tools provide useful data, but they cannot replace actual search result analysis.

Review the pages currently ranking to understand what Google considers relevant.

16.8 Neglecting Internal Linking

Even useful content may remain difficult to discover if it has no relevant internal links.

Connect related pages through a logical internal linking structure.

16.9 Overusing Keywords

Keyword stuffing makes content unnatural and can negatively affect the user experience.

Use your primary keyword naturally in relevant places, such as:

• Page title
• Introduction
• Main heading
• Relevant subheadings
• URL
• Meta description
• Image alt text when appropriate

Do not force exact-match keywords into every heading.

17. Advanced Strategies for Finding Untapped Keyword Opportunities

Once you understand the basics, you can use advanced techniques to uncover keywords that competitors may have overlooked.

17.1 Explore Reddit and Quora

Community platforms reveal the questions people ask in their own words.

Search Reddit and Quora for topics related to your niche.

For example:

• What SEO tools do beginners actually need?
• How can small websites compete with larger websites?
• What are the biggest problems with email marketing?
• Which WordPress SEO issues are difficult to fix?

These discussions may reveal specific problems that are not adequately covered by existing articles.

Use community discussions to understand audience needs, not as a substitute for keyword validation.

17.2 Analyze Forum-Based Search Results

Sometimes Google ranks forum discussions for specific queries.

This may indicate that users are looking for practical experiences or detailed answers.

Potential content opportunities include:

• Troubleshooting guides
• Detailed tutorials
• Product comparisons
• Case studies
• Practical examples

However, forum results alone do not guarantee that Google will rank a blog post for the same query.

17.3 Use Google Search Operators

Search operators help you discover specific types of content.

Find Pages Containing a Keyword

intitle:”keyword research”

This searches for pages containing the phrase in their titles.

Search Within a Specific Website

site:example.com keyword research

This helps identify content published by a particular website.

Find Keyword Variations

“low competition keywords”

Quotation marks help search for an exact phrase.

Discover Relevant Educational Content

“keyword research” + “beginners”

These searches can help you explore relevant content and potential competitor pages.

Remember that search operators are discovery techniques, not reliable measurements of ranking difficulty.

17.4 Find Keywords From Product Features

If your website covers software reviews, explore the specific features users search for.

For example, a CRM platform may have features such as:

• Contact management
• Sales automation
• Lead scoring
• Email tracking
• Pipeline management
• Workflow automation

Potential keywords include:

• How to automate CRM follow-ups
• CRM lead scoring explained
• Best CRM with email tracking
• How to manage sales pipelines using CRM software

Feature-based keywords can help attract users with specific needs.

17.5 Explore Industry-Specific Keywords

Instead of targeting a broad topic, focus on a particular industry.

For example:

Broad Topic	Industry-Specific Keyword
SEO	SEO for dental clinics
CRM	CRM software for real estate agents
Email marketing	Email marketing for online stores
Website hosting	Hosting for photography websites
Project management	Project management for marketing agencies
Analytics	Website analytics for small businesses

Industry-specific content can attract more targeted visitors and help build topical authority.

17.6 Discover Keywords Through Content Gaps

Review your existing website.

Ask:

• Which topics have we not covered?
• Which articles are incomplete?
• Which search queries generate impressions?
• Which competitor topics are missing?
• Which articles need supporting content?
• Which keywords deserve dedicated landing pages?

A content gap analysis can help you identify opportunities without constantly searching for entirely new topics.

18. Measuring Keyword Performance and Improving Rankings

Keyword research should not end when you publish an article.

You need to monitor performance and refine your strategy based on actual data.

18.1 Track Keyword Rankings

Use Google Search Console or an SEO rank-tracking tool to monitor:

• Average ranking position
• Organic impressions
• Organic clicks
• Click-through rate
• Search queries
• Ranking changes

Avoid focusing exclusively on one keyword.

A comprehensive article may rank for hundreds of related search queries.

18.2 Monitor Organic Traffic

Use Google Analytics 4 to evaluate organic traffic.

Official platform: https://analytics.google.com/

Track:

• Organic sessions
• Engaged sessions
• Conversions
• Landing page performance
• User engagement
• Traffic trends

This helps you understand whether your keyword strategy attracts the right audience.

18.3 Update Underperforming Content

If an article receives impressions but few clicks, investigate its title and meta description.

If an article ranks between positions 11 and 30, consider:

• Improving search intent alignment
• Adding missing information
• Updating outdated content
• Strengthening internal links
• Improving page structure
• Adding relevant examples
• Improving content readability

Avoid updating content merely to change the publication date.

18.4 Expand Successful Articles

If an article begins ranking for multiple related queries, consider expanding its coverage.

For example, an article about low-competition keywords might begin ranking for:

• Keyword difficulty explained
• Long-tail keyword research
• Finding easy keywords
• Keyword research for beginners

You can improve the article by addressing these related questions where they fit naturally.

If the queries represent distinct search intents, consider creating separate supporting articles and linking them together.

18.5 Build Supporting Content

If one article performs well, identify related keywords that could strengthen the topic cluster.

For example:

Primary Article: How to Find Low-Competition Keywords

Supporting Articles:

• How to Use Semrush for Keyword Research
• Long-Tail Keyword Research Guide
• How to Find Competitor Keywords
• Keyword Difficulty Explained
• How to Perform Keyword Clustering

This strategy helps build a more comprehensive SEO resource.

19. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are low-competition keywords?

Low-competition keywords are search queries with relatively fewer strong websites competing for organic rankings. They may offer opportunities for websites to rank more easily than for broad, highly competitive search terms.

2. How do I find low-competition keywords for free?

You can use Google Autocomplete, Related Searches, People Also Ask, Google Keyword Planner, Google Search Console, Google Trends, and free keyword research tools. Combine keyword suggestions with manual SERP analysis to evaluate ranking opportunities.

3. What is a good keyword difficulty score for beginners?

A Keyword Difficulty score below 30 can be a useful starting point for beginners. However, difficulty scores vary between tools, and actual competition depends on the search results, website authority, content quality, and backlinks.

4. Is Semrush good for finding low-competition keywords?

Yes. Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool helps discover related keywords, evaluate search volume, filter by Keyword Difficulty, and analyze search intent. Its Organic Research and Keyword Gap tools also help identify opportunities through competitor analysis.

5. Are long-tail keywords easier to rank for?

Long-tail keywords can be easier to rank for because they are more specific and may have fewer competing pages. However, some long-tail keywords remain highly competitive, so it is important to evaluate the actual search results.

6. How many low-competition keywords should I target in one article?

There is no fixed number. Focus on one primary keyword and several closely related secondary keywords that share the same search intent. Avoid targeting unrelated keywords simply to increase keyword coverage.

7. Can a new website rank for low-competition keywords?

Yes. A new website can potentially rank for specific, less competitive queries by publishing helpful, relevant, and well-structured content. However, ranking is not guaranteed and depends on multiple factors, including content quality, competition, and technical SEO.

8. Should I prioritize search volume or keyword difficulty?

Neither metric should be considered independently. Prioritize keywords that have relevant search intent, realistic competition, sufficient search demand, and potential value for your website.

9. What is the difference between keyword difficulty and competition?

Keyword Difficulty generally estimates organic ranking difficulty. Competitive Density in advertising tools estimates competition among advertisers. These metrics measure different types of competition and should not be used interchangeably.

10. How often should I conduct keyword research?

Conduct keyword research when planning new content, developing topic clusters, launching campaigns, or reviewing existing content. It is also useful to revisit your keyword strategy periodically as search demand and competition change.

11. Can low-volume keywords generate traffic?

Yes. Low-volume keywords can generate relevant traffic, particularly when your website ranks for multiple related queries. Search volume estimates are also imperfect, so some keywords may receive more impressions than third-party tools report.

12. How do I know whether a keyword deserves a separate article?

Analyze search intent and the existing search results. If the keyword requires a distinct explanation, audience, solution, or content format, it may deserve a separate article. If it shares the same intent as an existing page, include it within that page instead.

13. What are the best free keyword research tools?

Some useful free options include Google Keyword Planner, Google Search Console, Google Trends, Google Autocomplete, Ahrefs Free SEO Tools, and free keyword research features offered by other SEO platforms.

14. Do low-competition keywords guarantee higher rankings?

No. Low competition improves the potential ranking opportunity but does not guarantee results. Content quality, relevance, technical SEO, backlinks, internal linking, and search intent alignment also influence organic rankings.

15. What should I do after finding low-competition keywords?

Organize your keywords into clusters, map them to existing or planned pages, prioritize the most relevant opportunities, create helpful content, add internal links, and monitor performance through Google Search Console.

20. Conclusion

Finding low-competition keywords is one of the most practical ways to build a sustainable SEO strategy, especially for websites that are still developing their authority.

Instead of competing immediately for broad and highly competitive search terms, focus on identifying specific queries that align with your audience’s needs and offer realistic ranking opportunities.

Start by exploring keyword ideas through Google Search, Semrush, Google Keyword Planner, and competitor analysis. Evaluate search intent, keyword difficulty, search volume, and the quality of existing search results before selecting your target keywords.

Once you have identified promising opportunities, organize them into topic clusters, create useful content, and connect related pages through internal links.

Remember that successful keyword research is not about finding the largest number of keywords. It is about finding the right keywords and creating content that genuinely satisfies the people searching for them.

With a consistent approach to keyword research, content creation, and performance analysis, your website can gradually improve its organic visibility and attract more relevant traffic.

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