When it comes to digital marketing and SEO, keywords are everything. They’re the bridge between your site and the people searching for what you offer. Now, everyone wants those high-traffic keywords. But chasing them is like trying to grab the last piece of pizza at a party — everyone’s fighting for it, and the big sites usually win. That’s where low competition keywords come in. But how do you find them? And is it actually as easy as some claim?
What Exactly Are Low Competition Keywords?
Let’s clear this up. Low competition keywords are search terms that not many websites are fighting over. Sure, they might not get as much traffic as the big, broad keywords, but you have a much better shot at landing on the first page of Google. Usually, these are longer, more specific phrases — the so-called long-tail keywords. Think “vegan gluten-free banana bread recipe” instead of just “banana bread.”
Why Bother Targeting Low Competition Keywords?
Simple: you get better odds.
– You can rank faster and higher because you’re not up against internet giants.
– The people searching these terms usually know what they want, so you get more targeted visitors.
– If you’re running ads, these keywords are often cheaper to bid on.
How Do You Actually Find Low Competition Keywords?
This is where the real work begins. It’s not about luck — you need to dig in, experiment, and think a little differently.
1. Use Keyword Research Tools
There are plenty of tools out there to help. Google Keyword Planner is free and gives you ideas, search volume, and a basic sense of competition. Ahrefs and SEMrush take it further, showing keyword difficulty scores and lots of competitive info. Ubersuggest is simple and beginner-friendly, while Moz Keyword Explorer is great for checking difficulty and potential.
When you use these tools, look for keywords with low difficulty scores, but don’t forget about search volume. It should still fit your niche and audience.
2. Check Out the Actual Search Results
Don’t just trust the numbers. Google your keyword and see what shows up.
– If the top results are old, thin, or just plain bad, you’ve got a good chance to outshine them.
– Watch out for pages from huge sites like Wikipedia or major news outlets. If they fill the whole first page, maybe look for another keyword.
– Pay attention to what type of content Google is showing — is it blog posts, videos, forums? That tells you what’s working.
3. Go After Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords — those longer, more specific phrases — tend to have lower competition and better conversion rates. For example, if you’re selling running shoes, “best running shoes for flat feet women” is a lot more specific (and less competitive) than just “running shoes.” These bring in visitors who know exactly what they’re after.
4. Dive Into Niche Topics
The narrower your focus, the less competition you’ll usually face. Instead of writing about “fitness tips,” go for something like “fitness tips for busy moms over 40.” Dig through forums, social groups, or Q&A sites to see what real people are asking.
5. Use Google’s “People Also Ask” and Related Searches
Scroll through Google’s “People Also Ask” boxes or the related searches at the bottom of the page. You’ll find all sorts of keyword ideas there — many that your competitors probably haven’t even noticed.
6. Spy on Competitors
Take a look at what your competitors, especially the smaller ones, are ranking for. Tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush can show you their keywords, including some low-difficulty gems you might have missed.
So, Is It Easy?
Honestly, it depends. Finding low competition keywords isn’t some magical hack — it takes time, some trial and error, and a bit of patience. You need to know your tools, understand your niche, and be willing to dig deeper than the obvious search terms. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll spot opportunities others overlook, and that’s how you get ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best tool to find low competition keywords?
There is no single best tool. Ahrefs, SEMrush, Google Keyword Planner, Moz, and Ubersuggest are all effective depending on your budget and expertise.
2. Can I rely only on free tools?
Yes, free tools can work well for beginners. However, premium tools offer deeper insights and competitive analysis.
3. How many low competition keywords should I target?
Start with 10–20 relevant keywords and expand gradually as your website gains authority.
4. Are low search volume keywords worth targeting?
Yes. They often bring highly targeted traffic with better conversion potential.
5. How often should I update keyword research?
Review and update your keyword research every 3–6 months to adapt to trends and competition changes.