Every blogger, marketer, and business owner wants their content to rank on Google. But with millions of websites competing for the same keywords, how do you stand out? The secret? Finding low-competition, high-traffic keywords.
These are search terms that get a lot of searches but don’t have too many websites fighting for the top spots. By targeting these keywords, you can rank faster, get more traffic, and grow your online presence.
In this guide, we’ll break down step-by-step strategies to uncover these hidden gems. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced SEO, you’ll learn actionable techniques to find the best keywords for your content.
Why Low-Competition, High-Traffic Keywords Matter
Before diving into the “how,” let’s understand the “why.”
- Low Competition: Fewer websites are targeting these keywords, making it easier to rank.
- High Traffic: These keywords get enough monthly searches to bring real visitors.
- Better ROI: Less effort for higher rankings and more organic traffic.
Now, let’s explore how to find them.
Step 1: Use Keyword Research Tools
You can’t find great keywords without the right tools. Here are the best ones:
1. Google Keyword Planner (Free)
- Best for beginners.
- Shows search volume and competition.
- Log in via Google Ads (free account).
2. Ubersuggest (Freemium)
- Provides keyword difficulty scores.
- Gives content ideas and competitor analysis.
3. Ahrefs or SEMrush (Paid, Powerful)
- Advanced keyword difficulty metrics.
- Tracks competitors’ top-performing keywords.
Pro Tip: Start with free tools, then upgrade as needed.
Step 2: Look for Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords (3+ words) have lower competition and higher intent.
Example:
- High Competition: “Best laptops”
- Low Competition: “Best budget gaming laptops under $800”
How to Find Them:
- Use Google’s “People also ask” section.
- Check “Searches related to…” at the bottom of Google.
- Use AnswerThePublic for question-based keywords.
Step 3: Analyze Keyword Difficulty (KD)
Keyword difficulty (KD) measures how hard it is to rank for a keyword.
- KD 0-30: Easy to rank (beginner-friendly).
- KD 30-50: Moderate (needs some backlinks).
- KD 50+: Highly competitive (established sites dominate).
Where to Check KD:
- Ahrefs, SEMrush, Moz, and Ubersuggest.
Strategy: Target keywords with KD below 30 and decent search volume (500+ monthly searches).
Step 4: Check Search Volume & Traffic Potential
A keyword with zero searches won’t help. Aim for:
- 100-1,000 monthly searches (Good for new blogs).
- 1,000-10,000 searches (Great for steady traffic).
Warning: Avoid keywords with high competition and low volume.
Step 5: Spy on Competitors’ Weak Keywords
Find keywords your competitors rank for—but not well.
How?
- Enter a competitor’s URL in Ahrefs/SEMrush.
- Go to “Top Pages” and look for keywords where they rank #5-20.
- These are weak spots—you can outrank them with better content.
Step 6: Target Low-Competition Questions
People search for questions daily. These often have low KD.
Find Them Using:
- AnswerThePublic
- Google’s “People also ask”
- Quora & Reddit
Example:
- Instead of “weight loss tips,” target “how to lose belly fat without exercise.”
Step 7: Use Google Trends for Rising Keywords
Google Trends shows rising search queries before they get competitive.
How to Use It:
- Visit trends.google.com.
- Enter a broad topic (e.g., “vegan diet”).
- Check “Related queries” for rising keywords.
Example: “Plant-based meal prep for beginners” might be trending.
Step 8: Find Untapped Keywords in Forums & Communities
People ask real questions in:
- Quora
- Facebook Groups
- Niche forums
Example: Search “site:reddit.com best budget camera for travel” on Google.
Step 9: Optimize Your Content for the Keyword
Once you find a great keyword:
- Use it in the title (e.g., “10 Best Budget Gaming Laptops Under $800 in 2024”).
- Place it in the first 100 words.
- Use it in H2/H3 subheadings.
- Naturally include variations (LSI keywords).
Step 10: Track & Improve Rankings
SEO isn’t a one-time task. Monitor your rankings with:
- Google Search Console
- Ahrefs/SEMrush
If you’re not ranking:
- Improve content depth.
- Get backlinks.
- Update old posts.
Finding low-competition, high-traffic keywords is the fastest way to grow your organic traffic. Start with long-tail keywords, analyze competition, and leverage forums and tools to uncover hidden opportunities.
