Finding the right keywords is often the difference between a blog that stays hidden and one that gets thousands of readers. If you are just starting out, trying to rank for big terms like “fitness tips” or “how to make money” is almost impossible because the biggest websites already own those spots.
To get traffic, you need to find low-competition keywords. These are specific phrases that people are searching for, but not many websites have written high-quality content about them yet. Here is a simple guide to help you find these hidden gems.
Understand the Power of Long-Tail Keywords
Most people focus on short, broad words. These are called “head terms.” However, the real secret to growth lies in “long-tail keywords.” These are phrases that are usually three or more words long.
For example, instead of trying to rank for “shoes,” you could try “best running shoes for flat feet.” While fewer people search for the longer phrase, the people who do are much more likely to click on your link because your content matches exactly what they want.
Use Free Research Tools
You do not need to spend a lot of money on expensive software to find great keywords. There are several free ways to see what people are looking for.
- Google Search Suggest: Start typing a main topic into the Google search bar. Do not press enter. Look at the list of phrases that Google automatically suggests. These are real searches happening right now.
- People Also Ask: After you perform a search, look for the box that says “People Also Ask.” This is a goldmine for low-competition questions that you can answer in your blog posts.
- AnswerThePublic: This tool shows you the specific questions people ask using “who,” “what,” “where,” and “how.”
Look for “Weak” Results on the First Page
Once you have a list of potential keywords, search for them yourself and look at the results. This is the best way to judge competition. You have found a low-competition keyword if you see the following on the first page:
- Forums and Q&A sites: If sites like Reddit or Quora are in the top five results, it means a dedicated article hasn’t covered the topic well enough yet.
- Older Content: If the top results were written three or four years ago, Google might be looking for something fresh.
- Low-Quality Content: If you click the top results and find they are short, poorly written, or hard to read, you can easily beat them by writing something better.
Check the Search Intent
Before you decide on a keyword, ask yourself why the person is searching for it. Do they want to buy something? Are they looking for a tutorial? Or are they just looking for a quick definition?
If your blog post provides exactly what they are looking for, Google will reward you with a higher ranking. For instance, if someone searches “how to fix a leaky faucet,” they want a step-by-step guide with pictures, not a history of plumbing.
Focus on Niche Topics
The more specific you are, the lower the competition will be. Instead of writing about “cooking,” write about “vegan meal prep for busy teachers.” By narrowing your focus, you become an authority in a small area. It is much easier to be the best source for a small topic than a mediocre source for a huge one.
How to Stay Organized
As you find these keywords, keep a simple spreadsheet. List the keyword, how many people search for it if you have that data, and a few notes on what the current top results are missing. This will give you a roadmap for your content for the next several months.
Finding low-competition keywords takes a little bit of time and patience, but it is the most effective way to build a steady stream of visitors to your website. By focusing on what people are actually asking and providing better answers than what is currently available, you will see your traffic grow.
