Finding the right keywords to rank for can be challenging. For new or smaller websites, achieving high rankings for competitive keywords in the short term is particularly difficult. This is where low-competition keywords can come in handy. This blog explores the strategies for discovering low-competition keywords that can help enhance your online presence.
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What Are Low-Competition Keywords?
Low-competition keywords are, as the name suggests, keywords with little competition. Not many businesses try to rank for these keywords. Although they may have a lower search volume than highly competitive keywords, they provide a better opportunity to rank higher and attract more targeted traffic. For example, for a digital marketing agency in Bangalore, a low competition keyword is ‘Top digital marketing agencies in Bangalore’.
Characteristics of Low-Competition Keywords
- Long-tail: They are usually phrases that are 3 or more words long. However, this does not mean low-competition keywords are never shot or medium-tailed.
- Specific keywords: They are precise terms and target niche audiences.
- Fewer authoritative websites: They are keywords where the top results do not come from high-authority domains.
- Lower search volume: They are searched less frequently but can still drive targeted traffic.
How to Find Low-Competition Keywords?
1. Use Keyword Research Tools
Keyword research tools have features that can help you find relatively high search volume but low competition keywords. For example, many tools like Semrush provide a keyword difficulty score, indicating how challenging it is to rank for a particular term. You can filter it to a lower setting to identify words or phrases that are easier to rank for. It is advisable to check across multiple tools for better results.
2. Check SERP Features
Analyze the search engine results pages (SERPs) for your target keywords. If you see many ads or featured snippets among the top results, it could be a sign of higher competition. On the other hand, fewer ads or the absence of featured snippets may indicate lower competition. Suppose you’re targeting the keyword “luxury skincare products.” When you check the SERP, you notice several ads and featured snippets at the top, indicating high competition.
On the other hand, for a more niche keyword like “organic face cream for sensitive skin” you may find fewer ads and no featured snippets, which suggests lower competition and a better chance of ranking higher organically.
3. Analyse Your Competitors for Gaps
Investigate the keywords your competitors are ranking for. This way you can identify what they are missing. Tools like Semrush and Ahrefs allow you to enter competitor domains and see which keywords they rank for, helping you identify gaps in their content that you can exploit. Semrush allows you to compare and analyse up to 4 competitors at once. By identifying the gaps in your competitors’ keyword strategy, you can create new content targeting keywords that aren’t widely used.
4. Utilize Google Autocomplete
An easy way to find low-competition long-tail keywords is by using Google. Start by typing a relevant question into Google but don’t finish it. Let Google’s autocomplete suggest popular searches. In the image below, you can see the options Google shows for your search query.
This gives you an idea about what most people are searching for related to your topic. Now click on the suggestions and check out the top results. If they forums like Quora, Reddit or TripAdvisor, you’ve found a gap that you can capitalise on.
5. Explore Similar Questions
When you search for a question related to your business you can explore the ‘People also ask’ section which will help you find other questions related to your niche. Also, check out the related searches at the bottom of the page to discover additional relevant keywords. The following questions show up in the ‘People also ask’ section for the keyword digital marketing agency.
6. Go to Forums and Online Communities
There are 3000 to 5000 questions being asked on Quora every day. People use platforms like Quora or Reddit to find answers to questions that they can’t find on Google. You can discover less competitive keywords by following topics related to your business in these online communities. Additionally, you’ll gain insight into which topics are in demand. For example, the following questions are being asked about skincare in Quora. You can use them to find low-competition keywords and create content that is useful for your customers.
Additional Tips
- Find the balance between search volume and difficulty. To attract traffic go for keywords that have a reasonable search volume and low difficulty.
- Always consider search intent. Understanding why people are searching for a specific keyword will help you use the keyword better and produce quality content that is useful for the audience.
- Prioritize relevant keywords. There’s no point in using the low-competition keywords if they don’t align with your business goals. So be conscious of the keyword’s applicability to your business before using it.
Identifying low-competition keywords is essential for enhancing online visibility and driving targeted traffic to a website. Focus on long-tail keywords, identify content gaps, and use keyword difficulty metrics to effectively target opportunities that may yield significant organic traffic with less competition. By employing these techniques, you can strategically position your content to achieve better search engine rankings. For professional assistance, you can seek the help of an SEO outsourcing company in India to find the right keywords for your business and improve your online presence.