What are the go-to methods for identifying low-competition keywords? Discover top strategies from 17 experts who reveal how they uncover hidden opportunities to boost search rankings.
- Focus On Long-Tail Keywords
- Use Keyword Golden Ratio
- Combine Local Intent Modifiers
- Balance Relevance, Volume, And Difficulty
- Understand Search Intent
- Target Actionable Purchase-Oriented Keywords
- Combine Data With Audience Insights
- Leverage Customer Questions And Search Intent
- Target Zero-Volume Keywords
- Use Long-Tail Keywords
- Use Tools And Assess Search Intent
- Brainstorm And Use SEO Tools
- Use Related Searches For Long-Tail Keywords
- Explore Niche Forums And Social Media
- Focus On Question-Based Queries
- Combine Keyword Planner And Competitor Analysis
- Make A List Of Relevant Keywords
Focus On Long-Tail Keywords
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.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu
CEO, Online Games
Use Keyword Golden Ratio
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:
- Data-driven: By focusing on hard data rather than subjective assessments, KGR removes much of the guesswork from keyword research.
- Long-tail focus: KGR naturally steers you towards long-tail keywords that, while lower in search volume, often convert better due to their specificity.
- 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.
Brogan Renshaw
Managing Director, Firewire Digital
Combine Local Intent Modifiers
I’ve had great success using local intent modifiers combined with practice area keywords, like “workers comp lawyer in Atlanta suburbs” instead of just “workers comp lawyer Atlanta.” Last quarter, we helped a client rank first for “divorce mediation lawyer Buckhead” within two months because bigger firms were ignoring these neighborhood-specific terms. I recommend checking local business directories and Google My Business Q&As to find how real people actually search for legal services in your area.
Patrick Carver
CEO, Constellation Marketing
Balance Relevance, Volume, And Difficulty
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.
Tom Jauncey
Head Nerd, Nautilus Marketing
Understand Search Intent
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.
Darryl Stevens
CEO, Digitech Web Design
Target Actionable Purchase-Oriented Keywords
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.
Lana Rafaela Cindric
SEO & Content Manager, SiteGuru
Combine Data With Audience Insights
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.
Vaibhav Kamble
CEO, CloudOptimo
Leverage Customer Questions And Search Intent
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.
Blake Beesley
Operations and Technology Manager, Pacific Plumbing Systems
Target Zero-Volume Keywords
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.
victoria olsina
Web3 SEO Agency Founder, VictoriaOlsina.com
Use Long-Tail Keywords
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.
Olivia Chiavegato
Founder, CMO, Head Writer, The Vitallist
Use Tools And Assess Search Intent
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 optimization. This strategy continues to be a reliable way to boost visibility and connect with our target audience on topics that matter to them.
Sandy Nguyen
SEO Manager, Orange Line
Brainstorm And Use SEO Tools
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.
David Abraham
CEO, Bluesoft Design
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.
Jason Hennessey
CEO, Hennessey Digital
I identify low-competition keywords by exploring niche forums and social media groups where coffee enthusiasts gather. These communities often highlight specific topics that aren’t widely covered by larger sites, making it easier to find keywords with good search volume but less competition.
One successful example is the “best hand grinder for espresso.” We noticed people frequently discussing their preferences for hand grinders specifically for espresso in various coffee forums. By focusing on this keyword, we created detailed reviews and guides, which helped us rank higher in search results and attract a dedicated audience looking for precise advice.
Wes Wakefield
Founder, Pro Coffee Gear
Focus On Question-Based Queries
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.
Francesca Bandini
Marketing Executive, Bird marketing
Combine Keyword Planner And Competitor Analysis
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.
Andrew Lee Jenkins
Owner, Andrew Lee Jenkins
Make A List Of Relevant Keywords
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.
Robert Brill
CEO, Brill Media
