Low Competition Keywords: How to Find SEO Gold Others Miss

When everyone else is fighting for the same high-volume, high-difficulty keywords, there is a quieter path to SEO wins: low competition keywords. They are the unsung heroes of organic traffic, easier to rank for, often more intent-driven, and a secret weapon for small sites or new domains.

In this guide, we will break down what low competition keywords are, why they work, and how to find them step by step. Plus, we will show you how SearchSEO can boost your click-through rate (CTR) and give you an edge in the SERPs.

What are low competition keywords?

Low competition keywords are search queries with fewer sites targeting them seriously.

Think of them as underserved opportunities: not many high-authority domains are competing, which makes it easier for your content to rank.

Why they matter: Low authority ≠ low value

Just because a keyword does not have massive search volume does not mean it is not valuable. In fact, these keywords often drive high-intent traffic that converts better than vanity terms.

Common myths about low competition keywords

• Myth: Low volume = not worth it
• Truth: 50 searches a month for a bottom-of-funnel keyword can drive more sales than 5,000 broad searches.

Why targeting low competition keywords works

• Quicker wins for small sites or new domains.
• Less reliance on backlinks and authority. Content relevance carries more weight.
• Better match for long-tail, high-intent queries. People searching “best CRM for freelance designers” are closer to buying than those searching “CRM.”

Real-world SEO case studies consistently show that smart targeting of low competition keywords can move a site from invisible to profitable in months, not years.

How to find low competition keywords (step by step)

1. Start with seed keywords (no tools required)

Your own business is keyword gold.

• Browse your product categories.
• Write down customer questions.
• Check internal search queries.

2. Use keyword research tools smartly

Popular tools like Ahrefs, Semrush and Google Keyword Planner are great for filtering opportunities.

• Filter by low keyword difficulty (KD).
• Do not just chase volume, focus on intent.

3. Leverage Google itself

• Autocomplete suggestions hint at popular searches.
• Related searches at the bottom of SERPs = more ideas.
• People Also Ask shows questions to answer in your content.

Pro tip: Use SearchSEO to simulate clicks on different variations of your target keyword. This helps you test which terms have higher CTR potential before you invest in content.

4. Check SERP competition manually

• Look for forums, Reddit, and Quora ranking on page 1. That is a green light.
• Count domains under DR 30 in the top 10, another sign it is a low competition keyword.

Best tools for uncovering low competition keywords

• Ahrefs – Best for deep SERP analysis.
• Semrush – Comprehensive keyword database and strong competitive research features.
• Google Keyword Planner – Free tool, especially useful for identifying search volumes and related queries.
• SurferSEO – Great for on-page optimization insights.
• SE Ranking – Budget-friendly with solid KD metrics.
• AnswerThePublic – Excellent for long-tail ideas.
• Exploding Topics – Helps you spot fresh, trending opportunities.
• Google Search Console – Free and shows keywords you already get impressions for.

Free vs paid: Paid tools give precision, but free tools (GSC, Google itself) are more than enough to start.

Tips for choosing the right opportunity keywords

When it comes to low competition keywords, not every “easy” term is worth your time. The real skill lies in choosing the right opportunities: ones that align with your audience, your content goals, and your ability to create something better than what is already out there. Here is how to do it right:

1. Focus on search intent over volume
Too many marketers get caught up chasing search volume. But 200 searches with buying intent can outperform 2,000 broad, informational searches. Always ask: What is the user really trying to accomplish with this query? For example, “best accounting software for freelancers” is lower volume than “accounting software,” but it is laser-targeted and attracts users closer to conversion. Aligning content with intent ensures you are attracting qualified traffic, not just eyeballs.

2. Find competitor content gaps
One of the easiest wins in SEO is spotting where competitors are falling short. Use tools like Ahrefs or Semrush to analyze their keywords, then look for articles that are thin, outdated, or missing depth. If your competitor ranks with a 500-word blog post written in 2019, you can often outrank them by publishing a fresh, detailed, and better-optimized guide. Think of it as upgrading the conversation where others left off.

3. Look for freshness
Search engines reward content that feels relevant and current, especially for trending or fast-evolving topics. Tools like Exploding Topics can help you spot emerging trends before they get saturated. For instance, if “AI-powered SEO workflows” starts trending, getting in early with a thoughtful article gives you a head start before big players pile in. These early wins are often easier to secure and compound over time as the topic grows.

By combining search intent, competitor analysis, and freshness, you are not just finding low competition keywords, you are choosing the ones that will actually move the needle for your business.

How to rank with low competition keywords

• On-page optimization: Include the keyword naturally in H1, URL, and meta.
• Build topic clusters: Group supporting posts around your easy-win keyword.
• Internal linking: Push authority from existing content.
• Pair with CTR boosting: Use SearchSEO to drive real, organic-looking clicks to your new content and help it climb faster.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Chasing volume only

High-volume keywords look tempting, but they are often dominated by big sites with huge backlink profiles. Instead of wasting months trying to compete, focus on intent-driven, lower competition keywords where you can realistically win.

Example: “CRM software” has huge volume but is nearly impossible for a new site. “CRM for freelancers under $50” might have lower volume but leads to real conversions.

2. Ignoring SERP quality

Not all SERPs are created equal. If the first page is filled with Wikipedia, government sites, or massive brands, ranking is unlikely. Look for SERPs with forums, Quora threads, or smaller blogs, that is your opening.

Pro tip: Check the Domain Rating (DR) of ranking sites. If several results are under DR 30, you have found an opportunity.

3. Stuffing keywords unnaturally

Old-school keyword stuffing hurts readability and can even trigger ranking drops. Google values natural language and user experience. Instead, place your target keyword in:

• H1 and one subheading
• First 100 words of your content
• URL and meta description
• A few natural mentions in body text

Everything else should flow naturally around synonyms, related terms, and questions.

4. Expecting overnight traffic

Even low competition keywords take time. You might see small wins in weeks, but bigger gains take consistent publishing, internal linking, and CTR support.

This is where SearchSEO helps: by simulating real clicks on your target keywords, you can accelerate impressions, test CTR, and get traction faster than waiting passively.

Real examples of low competition keyword success

One site targeting “CRM for nonprofits under $50” went from page 5 to page 1 in under 30 days with minimal backlinks. By focusing on a keyword that big players ignored, they were able to capture a high-intent audience quickly.

Another example: A small SaaS company created content around “best project management tool for architects,” a keyword with modest volume but little competition. Within two months, it became their highest-converting landing page, driving more trial signups than broader terms like “project management tool.”

The lesson: Low competition keywords let you punch above your weight class and win traffic where it matters most.

How SearchSEO boosts results for low competition keywords

Finding low competition keywords is only half the battle. The other half is getting traction in the SERPs. That is where SearchSEO helps.

Unlike keyword research tools, SearchSEO goes a step further. It simulates real, organic-looking clicks on your site for specific keywords. These clicks improve your click-through rate (CTR), which is a known relevance signal for search engines like Google and Bing.

Here is why that matters for low competition keywords:

• Faster traction: New content targeting easy-win keywords can take weeks to gain momentum. SearchSEO helps search engines recognize engagement earlier.
• Keyword testing: Not sure which variation to optimize for? Test multiple phrases with SearchSEO to see which attracts more clicks before doubling down on content.
• Natural patterns: Customize bounce rates, visit times, and geolocation so the traffic mirrors your real audience, keeping it safe and organic-looking.
• Holistic SEO boost: When combined with smart content, internal links, and technical SEO, SearchSEO adds the extra push needed to outperform competitors who rely on organic clicks alone.

The result: instead of waiting passively for traffic, you can actively accelerate rankings for low competition keywords. By pairing traditional SEO strategy with CTR boosting, SearchSEO makes your content more competitive from day one.