How Do I Find Low-Competition Keywords?

Low-competition keywords are search terms where a newer or smaller website may have a more realistic chance of appearing in relevant search results. They are often specific, closely connected to a real question, and less dominated by large brands or highly established websites.

The best low-competition keywords are not simply the phrases with the lowest difficulty score. They should also match your audience, fit your website’s topic, reflect a clear search intent, and lead to content you can answer better than existing results.

Keyword research is the process of discovering the words and phrases people use when searching for products, services, information, and solutions online. [756]

Who Is This For?

This guide is for beginner bloggers, WordPress website owners, affiliate marketers, local businesses, freelancers, consultants, online store owners, creators, and small businesses that want to find realistic SEO topics.

This Guide Can Help If You Want To:

• Find blog post ideas with SEO potential
• Get traffic to a new website
• Compete with larger websites more strategically
• Build topic clusters around a niche
• Find product review and comparison topics
• Discover customer questions to answer
• Find local SEO opportunities
• Improve an existing content plan
• Use tools such as Google Search Console or SE Ranking
• Write more useful content for a specific audience

What Is a Low-Competition Keyword?

A low-competition keyword is a search term that may be easier to compete for than a broad or highly contested phrase. It often has fewer strong, highly relevant pages competing for the exact search intent.

For example, a new website is unlikely to rank quickly for a broad phrase such as “SEO.” However, it may have a more realistic opportunity with a specific phrase such as “how to do SEO for a new WordPress website.”

Broad vs. Specific Keywords

A keyword does not need to be long to be low competition, and a long keyword is not automatically easy. Search results, intent, audience relevance, and content quality matter more than word count alone.

Why Low-Competition Keywords Matter

They Are More Realistic for New Websites

New websites usually do not have the content depth, brand recognition, backlinks, or history of larger competitors. Starting with focused topics can help you build visibility and a useful content library over time.

They Often Reveal Clearer Search Intent

Specific searches often show what the person needs. Someone searching “how to choose WordPress hosting for a beginner blog” has a clearer goal than someone searching only “hosting.”

They Can Bring More Qualified Visitors

A visitor using a detailed search phrase may be closer to taking action because they already understand their problem. Specific traffic can be more useful than broad traffic that has no connection to your offer.

They Help Build Topic Clusters

Low-competition keywords can become supporting articles around a larger pillar topic. This creates a useful website structure and gives you more opportunities for internal linking.

They Help You Learn What Your Audience Needs

Specific keywords often expose the exact questions, frustrations, comparisons, and decisions your audience has. These insights can improve your products, services, email campaigns, and sales pages.

Risks and Limitations

Low Difficulty Does Not Guarantee Rankings

A low keyword difficulty score is only an estimate from a particular tool. It cannot account for every ranking factor, content quality, search intent, new competitors, or Google’s interpretation of the query.

Low Search Volume Can Still Be Valuable

Keyword tools may show low or zero estimated volume for a specific phrase, but real people may still search variations of it. A low-volume query can be valuable if it attracts the right audience or supports a high-value business goal.

Not Every Easy Keyword Fits Your Site

Do not target unrelated keywords simply because they look easy. A focused website should publish content that serves its audience and supports its overall purpose.

Tools Can Be Inaccurate or Incomplete

Search volume, difficulty, and competitor data are estimates. Use tools as research aids, then check actual search results and apply your own judgment.

Search Intent Can Change

Google may display different types of pages over time. Review the current results before creating or updating an article.

How to Find Low-Competition Keywords

Step 1: Start With Your Audience

Start with the people you want to help—not with a random keyword tool. Think about their problems, questions, concerns, goals, and the words they use.

Ask These Questions

• Who is my ideal visitor?
• What are they trying to achieve?
• What problems keep them stuck?
• What do they search before buying?
• What terms might confuse them?
• What comparisons do they need?
• What mistakes are they trying to avoid?
• What would help them take the next step?

Example

A beginner blogger may search for: how to choose a domain name, how much WordPress hosting costs, how to install WordPress, what plugins a new blog needs, how to write a first blog post, and how to get traffic to a new website.

Step 2: Create Seed Keywords

A seed keyword is a broad word or phrase related to your website topic. You use it to generate more specific keyword ideas.

Seed Keyword Examples

• WordPress SEO
• Blogging for beginners
• Website design for small business
• Email marketing for creators
• Affiliate marketing disclosure
• Local SEO for plumbers
• Online course platforms
• Budget travel planning

Write down at least 10 to 20 seed keywords connected to your niche, audience, product, or service.

Step 3: Use Google Autocomplete

Google autocomplete can help you discover common searches related to a seed keyword. Start typing a topic into Google and review the suggested completions.

Example Searches to Try

• how to start a WordPress…
• best WordPress plugins for…
• how much does a website…
• SEO for small business…
• email marketing for…
• affiliate disclosure…

Try adding letters, question words, locations, audience types, and modifiers to find more ideas.

Useful Modifiers

• How to
• Best
• For beginners
• For small business
• For bloggers
• Without
• Checklist
• Template
• Examples
• Cost
• Alternatives
• Vs
• Near me
• In [city or area]

Step 4: Review “People Also Ask” Questions

Google’s “People also ask” section can reveal related questions that searchers commonly ask. These can become blog post ideas, article sections, FAQ questions, or supporting content.

Example

Main topic: “How to start a WordPress blog”

Possible supporting questions: “Do I need hosting for WordPress?” “How much does a WordPress blog cost?” “Can I start a blog without coding?” and “What is the best WordPress theme for beginners?”

Do not copy questions without thinking. Choose questions that fit your audience and that you can answer accurately.

Step 5: Check Related Searches

Scroll to the bottom of Google search results and look for related searches. These can show variants, subtopics, and search angles that may help you understand the broader topic.

Use Related Searches To Find:

• Alternative wording
• Comparison topics
• Beginner questions
• Cost-related queries
• Location-based searches
• Tools and software queries
• Problem-solving content ideas

Step 6: Use Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner is a free Google Ads tool that can help you discover keyword ideas and view estimates of search demand. It is primarily designed for advertising, but it can also help with early keyword research.

How to Use Keyword Planner

1. Create or sign in to a Google Ads account
2. Open Tools and Settings
3. Select Keyword Planner
4. Choose “Discover new keywords”
5. Enter seed keywords related to your business
6. Set relevant location and language targeting
7. Review keyword ideas
8. Save relevant topics to a spreadsheet

Google says Keyword Planner can help users discover new keywords related to their business and view search estimates and competition-related data for advertising campaigns. [752]

Remember that Keyword Planner competition measures competition among advertisers, not necessarily how difficult it will be to rank organically in SEO.

Step 7: Use an SEO Keyword Tool

SEO tools such as SE Ranking, Ahrefs, Semrush, Ubersuggest, Moz, and Keywords Everywhere can provide keyword difficulty estimates, SERP analysis, competitor data, search volume estimates, related keywords, and ranking data.

Metrics to Review

• Estimated search volume
• Keyword difficulty score
• Search intent
• Cost per click, if shown
• Related terms
• Question keywords
• Current ranking pages
• Competitor strength
• Content gaps
• Keyword trends

Use difficulty scores as a starting point. Do not treat them as a guarantee or a substitute for reviewing the actual Google results.

Step 8: Analyze the Search Results

The most important step is to search the keyword in Google and evaluate the first page. Ask whether your website can realistically create a more helpful result for the same search intent.

Look for These Signals

• Are most results from major brands or government sites?
• Are there smaller websites ranking on the first page?
• Are the current articles outdated?
• Do results fully answer the question?
• Are the pages thin, vague, or hard to read?
• Is there a mismatch between the query and the results?
• Can you add firsthand experience or better examples?
• Could you create a clearer guide for beginners?
• Are there missing subtopics or unanswered questions?

Potential Opportunity Example

Suppose you search “how to add an affiliate disclosure to WordPress.” If the results are old, technical, unclear, or do not show practical placement examples, you may be able to publish a simpler current guide with clear disclosure examples, WordPress instructions, and common mistakes.

Step 9: Look for Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are more specific phrases that often have clearer search intent. They may have lower individual search volume, but they can attract highly relevant visitors.

Long-Tail Keyword Patterns

• How to [complete a task]
• Best [product] for [specific audience]
• [Product] vs [product]
• How much does [service] cost?
• [Topic] checklist for beginners
• [Topic] mistakes to avoid
• Can I [do something] without [common requirement]?
• How to fix [specific problem]
• Best [service] in [location]
• [Tool] alternatives for [audience]

Examples

• How to write an SEO title for a WordPress blog post
• Best email marketing platform for a small affiliate website
• How much does WordPress hosting cost per month?
• How to create a contact form in WordPress without coding
• SEO checklist for a new local business website

Step 10: Find Questions With Low-Quality Answers

Some of the best keyword opportunities are questions where current results do not fully help the reader. Look for outdated articles, vague explanations, poorly structured pages, weak examples, or missing practical steps.

You May Have an Opportunity If:

• The ranking articles are old
• The page does not match the query clearly
• The information is too technical for beginners
• The article is short but the topic needs more detail
• The article is long but full of filler
• Results do not include examples
• Results do not address important concerns
• Results do not explain limitations or alternatives
• The searcher needs a more current answer

Do not create content merely because competing pages are weak. Make sure you can provide a genuinely better answer.

Step 11: Use Google Search Console for Keyword Opportunities

If your site already receives some search impressions, Google Search Console can provide keyword opportunities based on actual search performance.

How to Find Opportunities in Search Console

1. Open Google Search Console
2. Select your website property
3. Open the Performance report
4. Select a date range, such as the past three months
5. Open the Queries tab
6. Review queries with high impressions
7. Look for pages ranking outside the top results
8. Check whether the related page needs improvement
9. Improve the page or create a focused supporting article

Google’s Performance report allows site owners to review queries, clicks, impressions, click-through rate, and pages to understand how content performs in Google Search. [753]

Example

Your article about WordPress hosting receives impressions for “how much does WordPress hosting cost.” If the article only briefly mentions pricing, create a dedicated pricing guide or add a detailed cost section that directly answers the query.

Step 12: Prioritize Keywords Using Four Questions

Before creating an article, prioritize the keyword using a practical scoring system.

Ask:

1. Is this topic relevant to my audience?
2. Can I create a better or more useful answer?
3. Is the search intent clear?
4. Does the topic support my website or business goal?

If the answer is yes to all four questions, it may be a strong content opportunity even if the search volume is modest.

Step 13: Build a Keyword Map

A keyword map organizes your ideas into topic clusters so you do not accidentally create duplicate articles that compete against each other.

Example Keyword Map

Link these articles naturally. The pillar article can link to each supporting guide, and each supporting guide can link back to the pillar article where relevant.

Programs That Can Help

Google Search

Google Search itself is one of the best free keyword research tools. Use autocomplete, People Also Ask, related searches, and real search results to understand what people want.

Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner can help you generate keyword ideas and view search estimates. It is primarily an advertising tool, so do not confuse its advertising competition data with organic SEO difficulty. [752]

Google Search Console

Google Search Console provides actual queries that bring impressions and clicks to your site. It is valuable for finding existing pages that could be improved or expanded. [753]

SE Ranking

SE Ranking can help with keyword suggestions, keyword difficulty estimates, rank tracking, competitor research, content planning, and SERP analysis. It can be useful for organizing keyword research in one place.

Ahrefs and Semrush

Ahrefs and Semrush offer keyword data, difficulty estimates, competitor analysis, backlink research, site audits, and content gap features. They can be useful when your website has grown enough to justify a paid SEO tool.

Google Trends

Google Trends can help identify seasonal trends, compare search interest between topics, and discover related topics that may be growing in interest.

AnswerThePublic

AnswerThePublic can help generate question-based keyword ideas and content topics based on common search patterns.

Common Mistakes

Choosing Keywords Only by Search Volume

High volume does not automatically mean high value. A smaller keyword may bring more qualified visitors and be easier to serve well.

Trusting Keyword Difficulty Scores Completely

Difficulty scores are estimates. Always review the actual Google results, search intent, and quality of ranking pages.

Targeting Unrelated Easy Keywords

Do not publish unrelated content merely because a keyword appears easy. Keep your website focused on topics that matter to your intended audience.

Ignoring Search Intent

A page will struggle if it does not match what searchers expect. Analyze whether people want a guide, a review, a comparison, a product page, a local result, or a quick answer.

Writing Several Articles for the Same Exact Topic

Publishing multiple pages that target the same search intent can confuse visitors and search engines. Create one strong primary page, then use supporting articles for distinct subtopics.

Using Keyword Stuffing

Repeating the same phrase unnaturally makes content harder to read. Use clear language and cover related terms naturally.

Ignoring Existing Search Console Data

Do not overlook queries your site already receives impressions for. Improving existing content is often more effective than starting every topic from zero.

Publishing Without Adding Value

Keyword research gives you a topic idea. It does not create a useful article. Add practical steps, accurate information, examples, original insights, and clear answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a low-competition keyword?

A low-competition keyword is a search term where a smaller or newer website may have a more realistic chance of competing. It usually has fewer highly relevant, authoritative, or optimized pages matching the same search intent.

Are long-tail keywords always low competition?

No. Long-tail keywords are more specific phrases, but some can still be competitive. Review the search results and consider whether you can create a better answer for the searcher.

What keyword difficulty score should a new website target?

There is no universal score because every SEO tool uses its own calculation. New sites can start with lower-difficulty, specific keywords, but you should always assess relevance, search intent, current results, and your ability to add value.

Can I rank for keywords with zero search volume?

Yes. Keyword tools do not capture every search variation. A page targeting a useful specific question may rank for many related phrases, even if one exact phrase shows low or zero estimated volume.

How many keywords should I target per article?

Focus on one main topic and naturally cover closely related phrases, questions, and subtopics. Do not force unrelated keywords into the same article.

How do I know whether a keyword is worth targeting?

Ask whether the keyword is relevant to your audience, has clear intent, fits your site’s topic, supports a business goal, and gives you an opportunity to create a genuinely useful page.

Should I use Google Keyword Planner for SEO?

Yes, it can help you discover keyword ideas and estimate search demand. However, it was designed for Google Ads, so its competition metric relates to advertising and should not be treated as an organic SEO difficulty score. [752]

How can Google Search Console help with keyword research?

Search Console shows actual queries where your pages receive impressions and clicks. This can reveal content gaps, pages to expand, titles to improve, and specific questions your audience is already using in Google Search. [753]

Should I target high-volume keywords?

High-volume keywords can be valuable, but they are often highly competitive. Build your website with specific low-competition topics first, then gradually create stronger content around broader terms as your content library and topical relevance grow.

Can low-competition keywords bring sales?

Yes. Specific keywords often indicate a clear need or decision. For example, “best email marketing tool for beginner bloggers” may attract fewer visitors than “email marketing,” but the visitor may be closer to choosing a tool.