How to Find Low-Competition Keywords with High Traffic

In the world of SEO, one of the most significant challenges is finding keywords that drive high traffic but aren’t too difficult to rank for. Low-competition keywords with high search volume can be the key to boosting your website’s performance in search engine results. This guide walks you through the process of finding these elusive keywords and using them to drive traffic to your site.

What Are Low-Competition Keywords?

Low-competition keywords are terms with moderate to high search volume but with relatively few competing websites targeting them. These keywords offer an opportunity to rank more easily than for highly competitive terms.

For instance, instead of targeting the broad term “best cameras,” you might opt for “best budget cameras for beginners in 2025,” which will likely face less competition but still bring in valuable traffic.

These keywords are especially beneficial for newer websites or businesses looking to build their online presence without fighting established giants. By targeting these keywords, you can quickly generate organic traffic and start building your SEO authority.

Why Target Low-Competition Keywords?

Targeting low-competition keywords provides several key benefits:

• Faster Rankings: With less competition, your website has a higher chance of ranking quickly for these terms. High-competition keywords require significant authority, which can take time to build, but low-competition keywords give you the opportunity to rank fast and establish your presence.
• Higher Conversion Potential: Low-competition keywords often have more specific search intent, leading to higher engagement and conversions. For example, a search like “best budget cameras for beginners” indicates that the user is further along in their decision-making process and is more likely to convert.
• Lower Barrier to Entry: Newer websites or businesses with low authority can more easily rank for these terms compared to extremely competitive keywords. Without the pressure of competing with top-tier brands, your chances of success increase dramatically.

By targeting these keywords, you can build momentum and eventually target more competitive phrases once you’ve established authority.

Also Read: Boost ROI with These Must-Have Strategies for Digital Marketing

How to Find Low-Competition Keywords with High Traffic

Finding these gems requires strategy and the right tools. Below are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Use Keyword Research Tools

Keyword research tools provide valuable data to identify keywords with moderate search volume and low competition. Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz Keyword Explorer help filter out high-competition terms and show keyword difficulty (KD) scores. Here’s how to use these tools effectively:

• Search Volume: Look for keywords that have decent monthly search volume (500–10,000 searches per month). Keywords with search volume under 500 may not bring enough traffic, while those with over 10,000 searches could be too competitive.
• Keyword Difficulty (KD): Choose keywords with a KD score of less than 30%. These are typically easier to rank for and indicate that not many websites are targeting them.

These tools also offer insights into related keywords, helping you discover additional low-competition opportunities. For example, Ahrefs shows keyword difficulty alongside the search volume, making it easier to pick the right balance of competition and traffic.

Step 2: Study Competitor Keywords

One of the most effective ways to discover low-competition keywords is by analyzing what your competitors are ranking for. Tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush let you see which keywords are driving traffic to your competitors’ websites. By identifying gaps, you can find keywords with low difficulty that you can easily rank for.

• Target Competitors with Low Authority: Focus on competitors with a low domain authority who are ranking for terms you can target. If a low-authority site can rank for a keyword, there’s a good chance you can too, especially if your content is better or more targeted.
• Check for Content Gaps: If a competitor is ranking well but has poorly optimized content, you can create more comprehensive, user-focused content to surpass them. For example, if your competitor’s page lacks detailed guides or relevant images, you can create a more in-depth, visually appealing resource to meet user needs.

Competitor analysis lets you uncover keywords that you might have missed in your research. It’s a great way to tap into an existing audience that you can convert into your own.

Step 3: Explore Long-Tail Keyword Opportunities

Long-tail keywords are more specific and tend to have lower competition, even if they have lower search volume. For example, while “healthy recipes” is highly competitive, “healthy dinner recipes for kids under 30 minutes” might have less competition.

Where to find Long-Tail Keywords:

• Google Autocomplete: Start typing a broad keyword into Google’s search bar to see what completions appear. Google provides a variety of long-tail suggestions that reflect real search queries.
• Answer the Public: This tool generates keyword suggestions based on actual questions people ask. By using it, you can find long-tail keywords that address specific user questions or pain points. For example, you might find long-tail queries like “how to make healthy breakfast for kids in 10 minutes.”
• Ubersuggest: Provides long-tail keyword suggestions and competition insights. Ubersuggest allows you to filter keywords by difficulty, ensuring that you focus on the ones with low competition.

Long-tail keywords often bring in more qualified traffic because users who search for them know exactly what they’re looking for. These keywords may have fewer searches but are highly relevant, making it easier to convert traffic into leads or sales.

Also Read: 6 Success Stories to Boost Organic Traffic & Revenue

Step 4: Evaluate Search Volume and Difficulty

Once you have a list of potential keywords, it’s time to evaluate their viability. Use metrics like search volume and keyword difficulty to assess which ones to pursue.

• Moderate Search Volume: Aim for keywords with 500–10,000 searches per month. Too high, and the keyword becomes highly competitive; too low, and the traffic won’t be enough.
• Low Keyword Difficulty: Keywords with a difficulty score under 30% are ideal targets for low-competition terms. If a keyword’s difficulty score is too high, it’s better to move on and focus on others with a better chance of ranking.

Balance between search volume and difficulty is crucial. Choosing keywords that strike a balance between these two metrics will give you the best chance of success. It’s also important to consider the user intent behind each keyword, ensuring that it aligns with the content you plan to create.

Practical Tips for Success

To maximize the effectiveness of your low-competition keyword strategy, follow these best practices:

• Focus on Intent: Understand what users want when they search for a specific keyword. Create content that directly answers their questions or needs. For example, if the search term is “how to find low-competition keywords,” the user is likely looking for actionable tips, so offer step-by-step guidance.
• Optimize for Featured Snippets: Use bullet points, numbered lists, and structured content to increase your chances of appearing in Google’s featured snippets. Featured snippets take up prime real estate at the top of search results, driving more traffic to your page.
• Quality Content: Even if a keyword has low competition, don’t skimp on content quality. Comprehensive, informative, and well-written content will help you rank higher. Include visuals, clear formatting, and up-to-date information to make your content stand out.
• Be Consistent: Regularly target and optimize for low-competition keywords to build long-term SEO momentum. With consistent effort, you’ll start seeing traffic growth and higher rankings.

Keyword Research Tools to Try

To streamline your keyword research process, consider using the following tools:

• Ahrefs: Offers in-depth keyword analysis, including keyword difficulty and search volume.
• SEMrush: Great for competitor research and discovering keywords that are easy to rank for.
• Moz: Provides useful metrics such as keyword difficulty and volume, ideal for beginners.
• Ubersuggest: A beginner-friendly, free tool that suggests long-tail keywords with lower competition.
• Answer the Public: Generates long-tail keywords based on user questions, making it perfect for targeting specific niches.

Each tool has its strengths, so depending on your needs, you can use one or a combination of these to find the best low-competition keywords for your SEO strategy.

Also Read: Answer Engine Optimization (AEO): How to Dominate Voice Search and Featured Snippets

Conclusion

Finding low-competition keywords with high traffic potential is a game-changer for your SEO strategy. By focusing on long-tail keywords, performing competitor analysis, and using the right keyword research tools, you can identify terms that bring targeted traffic to your site without the fierce competition.

This approach allows you to build authority and rank faster, even with a new website or low domain authority. By continuously optimizing for these keywords and maintaining high-quality content, you’ll achieve long-term SEO success.