Finding low competition keywords is one of the most effective ways to rank quickly on Google, especially if you’re just starting your website or trying to grow organic traffic without relying heavily on paid ads. Most beginners focus only on high-volume keywords, which are highly competitive and difficult to rank for. We’ll walk you through step-by-step methods, tools, and strategies to identify low competition keywords that Google loves, allowing your content to rank faster and drive targeted traffic.
Why Targeting Low Competition Keywords Matters
High-volume keywords are attractive but difficult to rank for, especially for new websites. Low competition keywords offer several advantages:
- Faster Ranking: You can see results quickly, even as a small site.
- Better Targeting: These keywords attract a more specific audience likely to convert.
- Cost-Effective: Ideal for SEO-driven growth without spending money on ads.
- Long-Tail Benefits: Low competition keywords are often long-tail phrases, giving your content higher relevance to search intent.
💡 Pro Tip: Combining low competition keywords with high-quality content increases the chances of ranking in the People Also Ask section on Google.

Step 1: Understand Your Niche
Before searching for keywords, it’s essential to understand your audience and niche. Ask yourself:
- What problems does my audience want to solve?
- What questions are they typing into Google?
- Which content topics align with my expertise?
Creating a list of seed keywords from your niche is the first step. For example, if your site is about digital marketing, seed keywords could be:
- SEO tips
- Google Ads strategies
- Social media growth
- Content marketing
Step 2: Use Free and Paid Keyword Tools
Here’s a list of effective tools to find low competition keywords:
| Tool | Description | Best For | Free/Paid |
| Google Keyword Planner | Official Google tool to find keyword volume & competition | Beginners | Free |
| Ubersuggest | Provides keyword ideas, difficulty score, and SEO opportunities | Beginners & intermediates | Freemium |
| Ahrefs Keywords Explorer | An advanced tool with keyword difficulty and traffic potential | Professionals | Paid |
| SEMrush Keyword Magic Tool | Comprehensive keyword research and competitor insights | Professionals | Paid |
| AnswerThePublic | Generates questions and long-tail keywords from search queries | Content marketers | Freemium |
💡 Tip: Look for keywords with low keyword difficulty (KD < 30) and moderate search volume (100–500 searches/month) for faster ranking.
Step 3: Analyze Competitors for Keyword Opportunities
Competitor analysis is crucial to identify low competition keywords. Follow these steps:
- Search your seed keyword on Google.
- Check the top-ranking websites for:
- Content length
- Quality
- Backlinks
- Identify gaps in their content that you can cover.
For example, if your competitor ranks for “best SEO tools for beginners”, you could target:
- “Best free SEO tools for small businesses 2025”
- “SEO tools for bloggers on a budget”
These are long-tail variations with lower competition.

Step 4: Focus on Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are usually 3–6 words or more, highly specific, and easier to rank for. They reflect search intent, which Google prioritizes.
Example:
- Short-tail: “SEO tools” → High competition, vague intent
- Long-tail: “best free SEO tools for beginners 2025” → Low competition, clear intent
💡 Strategy: Create content around multiple long-tail keywords in one article to increase relevance and authority.
Step 5: Evaluate Keyword Difficulty
Keyword difficulty measures how hard it is to rank for a specific term. Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Ubersuggest to check:
- Domain authority of top-ranking pages
- The number of backlinks they have
- Content quality
Focus on keywords where you can compete realistically based on your site’s current authority.
Step 6: Check Search Intent
Google ranks content based on how well it satisfies search intent. Types of search intent:
| Intent Type | Example | Strategy |
| Informational | “How to find low competition keywords” | Create step-by-step guides, tutorials |
| Navigational | “Ahrefs login” | Create tool reviews or guides |
| Transactional | “Buy SEO tools” | Add call-to-action, product recommendations |
| Commercial Investigation | “Best SEO tools 2025” | Compare tools, including pros & cons |
Always match your content with the user’s intent for better ranking.
Step 7: Organize Keywords by Priority
Create a keyword map:
- High priority → Low competition, high relevance, high conversion potential
- Medium priority → Moderate competition, relevant content opportunity
- Low priority → Very low volume but can target long-tail clusters
This helps in planning blog posts, landing pages, and FAQs.
Step 8: Create Google-Loving Content
Tips to make your content SEO-friendly:
- Use H1, H2, H3 headings with keywords naturally
- Add short paragraphs, bullet points, and tables
- Include internal links to related posts
- Use schema markup for FAQs and articles
- Optimize images with alt text, including keywords
- Add a call-to-action (CTA) to keep users engaged
💡 Pro Tip: Google favors authoritative and comprehensive content that answers multiple related questions in one article.
Step 9: Track, Update & Refine
After publishing:
- Track keyword performance with Google Search Console
- Monitor traffic and ranking changes
- Update content every 3–6 months to keep it relevant
- Add new long-tail variations to strengthen content authority
Consistency is key. Ranking faster requires quality content + proper SEO + smart keyword targeting.
Example of Low Competition Keywords You Can Target Today
| Keyword | Volume | KD (Difficulty) | Suggested Content Type |
| “Best free SEO tools for beginners” | 250 | 18 | Blog Guide |
| “How to find long-tail keywords 2025” | 200 | 22 | Step-by-Step Tutorial |
| “low competition keywords for small websites” | 150 | 15 | Case Study / Tips |
| “Quick ways to rank on Google fast” | 300 | 20 | How-to Article |
| “keyword research tips for beginners” | 400 | 25 | Beginner Guide |
Final Thoughts
Finding low competition keywords is a powerful strategy to rank faster, drive targeted traffic, and grow your website. By using tools, competitor analysis, long-tail keywords, and SEO-friendly content, you can dominate niches even as a beginner. Always track performance, refine content, and answer your audience’s questions in detail.
Remember: Quality content + smart keyword strategy = Google-friendly and high-ranking pages.
FAQs
Q1: How many low competition keywords should I target per article?
A1: Target 3–5 long-tail, low competition keywords per article naturally. Focus on user intent and provide detailed answers.
Q2: Can I rank for low competition keywords without backlinks?
A2: Yes, if your content is high-quality, user-focused, and optimized for SEO. Backlinks help but aren’t always necessary for low-competition keywords.
Q3: How long does it take to rank using low competition keywords?
A3: Typically 1–3 months, depending on content quality, competition, and website authority.
Q4: Should I mix low- and medium-competition keywords?
A4: Yes. Low-competition keywords bring faster wins, while medium-competition ones help with long-term growth and authority.

