If you want to rank on Google, keyword research is the foundation. The problem? Most websites target the same high-volume keywords, making it nearly impossible for new sites to compete. The smarter strategy is focusing on low-competition keywords.
In this keyword research guide, you’ll learn how to find low-competition keywords, why they matter, and how to use them to boost your SEO rankings.
What Are Low-Competition Keywords?
Low-competition keywords are search terms that don’t have many strong websites fighting for the top spots. They often:
- Have lower keyword difficulty scores in SEO tools.
- Target specific, long-tail search queries.
- Are easier for smaller or newer websites to rank for.
👉 Example: Instead of targeting “SEO”, you could go after “best SEO tools for beginners 2026”.
Why Low-Competition Keywords Matter
- Faster Rankings: They give your site a better shot at appearing on page one.
- Targeted Traffic: Long-tail keywords bring in visitors who know exactly what they’re looking for.
- Compounding Growth: Ranking for dozens of smaller terms can bring more traffic than one competitive keyword.
According to Ahrefs, long-tail keywords drive the majority of search traffic because they’re less competitive.
Step 1: Brainstorm Keyword Ideas
Think about your audience’s pain points, questions, and goals. Start with broad topics in your niche.
Example (Fitness Niche):
- Home workouts
- Beginner meal plans
- Best fitness apps
From these, you can generate long-tail keyword ideas like:
- “10-minute home workout without equipment”
- “Free meal plan for college students”
Step 2: Use Keyword Research Tools
Keyword tools help you filter out the best opportunities. Some options:
- Google Keyword Planner (free)
- Ubersuggest (freemium)
- SEMrush (paid)
- Ahrefs (paid)
- AnswerThePublic (great for question-based keywords)
👉 Look for keywords with:
- Low competition or low keyword difficulty (KD < 30 is good for new sites).
- Decent search volume (at least 50–500 monthly searches for starters).
- Clear user intent.
Step 3: Focus on Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer, specific phrases. They usually have less competition and higher conversion rates.
Example:
- Short-tail: “running shoes” (hard to rank).
- Long-tail: “best running shoes for flat feet 2026” (easier, targeted).
Pro tip: Add year modifiers, location, or audience type (e.g., “best SEO tips for small businesses 2026”).
Step 4: Analyze Search Intent
Not all keywords are equal. Before choosing, identify the intent:
- Informational: Guides and how-tos (e.g., “how to do keyword research”).
- Transactional: Buyers looking to purchase (e.g., “cheap SEO tools”).
- Navigational: Looking for a brand (e.g., “SEMrush pricing”).
👉 Always align your keyword with your content type. A transactional keyword won’t work well for a blog post.
Step 5: Check the Competition
Search your chosen keyword in Google and review the top results:
- Are they from high-authority domains (Forbes, HubSpot)?
- Do they have hundreds of backlinks?
- Is the content outdated or thin?
If the competition looks weak, you’ve found a good keyword opportunity.
Step 6: Optimize Content for Your Keywords
Once you’ve selected your low-competition keywords, use them strategically:
- Place the main keyword in the title tag, URL, and H1.
- Mention it naturally in the first 100 words.
- Use variations and LSI keywords like:
- keyword difficulty
- keyword analysis
- SEO keyword strategy
- best keyword research tools
- Add keywords to headings (H2/H3).
- Write in-depth content that solves the user’s problem better than competitors.
Step 7: Track and Adjust
SEO takes time, but tracking progress helps. Use tools like:
- Google Search Console (to track impressions and clicks).
- Ahrefs or SEMrush (to monitor keyword rankings).
If a keyword isn’t moving, update your content, improve internal linking, or build backlinks.
FAQs About Low-Competition Keywords
- What is the best free tool for finding low-competition keywords?
Google Keyword Planner and AnswerThePublic are great free tools to start with. - How do I know if a keyword is low competition?
Check the keyword difficulty (KD) score in SEO tools and analyze the top 10 Google results. - Should I only target low-competition keywords?
No. Mix low-competition and medium-competition keywords for a balanced SEO strategy. - How many keywords should I target in one blog post?
One primary keyword + 2–4 related keywords is ideal for most blogs.
Final Thoughts
Finding low-competition keywords is one of the most effective ways to grow your organic traffic, especially if you’re starting out. Instead of fighting for crowded search terms, target specific, long-tail keywords that match your audience’s intent.
Start small, focus on quality, and keep refining your strategy. Over time, you’ll build authority and rank for bigger terms too.
👉 Ready to grow? Begin your keyword research today and unlock rankings that actually stick.