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How to Find Low Competition Keywords You Can Actually Rank For

August 14, 2025
How to Find Low Competition Keywords You Can Actually Rank For

Let’s be honest: ranking for “best shoes” is about as likely as winning the lottery while getting struck by lightning. Twice. But what if you could find those magical low competition keywords that don’t require a million-dollar SEO budget or a team of caffeinated interns? Welcome to the world of realistic SEO, where we (at bloggingmachine.io) help you outsmart the competition — without needing to outspend them.

Why Low Competition Keywords Matter (and Why You Should Care)

Low competition keywords are the unsung heroes of SEO. They might not have the glitz and glamour of high-volume terms, but they’re easier to rank for, especially if you’re not exactly a household name (yet). According to industry data, these keywords typically have lower search volumes but offer a much quicker path to that coveted page-one ranking. For small businesses and new websites, that’s not just good news — it’s survival.

Long-tail keywords (think “best running shoes for beginners with flat feet” instead of just “running shoes”) are especially powerful. They’re more specific, less competitive, and — bonus — often have higher conversion rates. Geo-specific keywords, like “best sushi restaurant in Austin, TX,” are another secret weapon for local businesses looking to dominate their neighborhood (or at least their block).

The Stepping Stone Strategy: Start Small, Dream Big

Here’s a little-known secret: ranking for low competition keywords isn’t just about quick wins. It’s a stepping stone. As your site gains credibility and authority, you can gradually target more competitive terms. Think of it as leveling up in a video game, but with fewer dragons and more spreadsheets.

How to Find Low Competition Keywords (Without Losing Your Mind)

1. Start With Seed Keywords

Begin with broad terms related to your niche. For example, if you’re in the business of AI-powered blogging (like us), your seed keyword might be “AI content creation.” From there, use keyword research tools to find more specific, less competitive variations.

2. Use Keyword Research Tools (Because Guesswork is So 2010)

Tools like KeySearch and Surfer SEO are your best friends here. They’ll show you search volumes, keyword difficulty scores, and even what your competitors are up to. Pro tip: aim for keywords with a difficulty score under 30. That’s the SEO equivalent of “easy mode.”

3. Analyze the Competition (A.K.A. “Friendly Espionage”)

Check out what your competitors are ranking for. Sometimes, they miss obvious opportunities — like that one coworker who never refills the coffee pot. Tools like Surfer SEO let you filter keywords by difficulty and spot gaps your rivals have overlooked.

4. Check Search Intent (Because Robots Don’t Buy Your Products — People Do)

Make sure your keywords match what real humans are actually searching for. Analyze the search engine results page (SERP) for your target keywords. Are the top results blog posts, product pages, or something else? Align your content accordingly.

5. Look for Emerging Content and Trends

Jumping on trending topics can be a goldmine for low competition keywords. Platforms like TikTok and Google Trends are surprisingly useful for spotting what’s about to blow up (and what’s already yesterday’s news).

6. Don’t Forget Geo-Specific and Long-Tail Keywords

If you’re a local business, geo-specific keywords are your best friend. And long-tail keywords? They’re like the comfy sweatpants of SEO — maybe not glamorous, but incredibly effective.

Professional Advice (From People Who’ve Been There)

SEO pros agree: quality content and user experience are just as important as the keywords themselves. You can rank for all the low competition keywords you want, but if your content is as exciting as a tax form, don’t expect visitors to stick around.

As one expert put it:

“Ranking for low-competition keywords is a great way to build authority, but it only works if your content actually solves the user’s problem.” — Rand Fishkin, Moz

Staying on the Right Side of the Law (and Google)

While there aren’t any government regulations specifically about keyword selection, it’s important to play fair. Avoid deceptive practices, respect privacy laws (like GDPR), and focus on providing real value to your users. In other words, don’t be that guy.

How We Make It Effortless

At bloggingmachine.io, we take the guesswork (and the grunt work) out of finding and using low competition keywords. Our AI agent does the heavy lifting — automating content creation, keyword optimization, and topic research — so you can focus on, well, literally anything else. Whether you’re a small business, an agency, or just someone who’d rather not spend their lunch break staring at keyword spreadsheets, we’ve got you covered.

FAQ: Low Competition Keywords

What are low competition keywords?

Low competition keywords are search terms that have relatively few websites trying to rank for them. They’re usually more specific (long-tail) and have lower search volumes, but they’re much easier to rank for — especially for new or smaller sites.

How do I find low competition keywords?

Start with seed keywords, use research tools like KeySearch, Surfer SEO, or Google Trends, and look for long-tail or geo-specific phrases. Analyze your competitors and check the search intent behind each keyword.

Are low competition keywords worth targeting?

Absolutely. They offer a faster path to ranking, help you build authority, and can drive highly targeted traffic. They’re especially valuable for new websites or those with limited resources.

How many low competition keywords should I target per article?

There’s no magic number, but focusing on one primary low competition keyword per article (with a few related secondary keywords) is a good rule of thumb. Quality over quantity — always.

Can AI really help with keyword research and content creation?

Yes! Platforms like bloggingmachine.io use advanced AI to automate keyword research, optimize content, and even generate entire articles. It’s like having an SEO expert on call — minus the hourly rate.

Final Thoughts

Finding low competition keywords isn’t rocket science, but it does take a bit of strategy (and maybe a little help from AI). By focusing on specific, relevant terms and creating genuinely useful content, you can boost your rankings, attract more visitors, and grow your business — without losing your sanity.

Ready to let AI handle the keyword grind? Check out bloggingmachine.io and see how effortless SEO blogging can be. Your lunch break will thank you.