How to Find Low-Competition Keywords You Can Actually Rank For

Let’s be honest: ranking for “best shoes” is about as likely as finding a unicorn in your backyard. For most of us — mere mortals running small businesses, agencies, or content-driven enterprises — chasing after high-competition keywords is a fast track to existential dread (and page 12 of Google). That’s why low-competition keywords are the unsung heroes of SEO, quietly driving organic traffic while the big dogs fight over the scraps.

So, how do you find these elusive, low-competition keywords you can actually rank for? Settle in, grab your beverage of choice, and let’s break it down — minus the jargon and with just enough irony to keep things interesting.

What Are Low-Competition Keywords, Anyway?

Low-competition keywords are search terms that aren’t being aggressively targeted by every website and their dog. They usually have lower search volumes, but the upside? They’re much easier to rank for, and they often attract visitors who are ready to take action — like buying, subscribing, or at least not immediately bouncing off your site.

Fun fact: According to industry data, keywords with a difficulty score (KD) below 30 are generally considered low-competition. And while they might not bring in a tidal wave of traffic individually, stacking several together can create a steady stream of visitors who actually care about what you’re offering.

Why Bother With Low-Competition Keywords?

• Higher Conversion Rates: People searching for specific, long-tail keywords (think “vegan dog treats in Austin”) are often closer to making a purchase.
• Faster Results: You’re not competing with the digital equivalent of Goliath.
• Cumulative Traffic: Targeting multiple low-competition keywords can add up to meaningful, sustainable growth.

As one SEO expert put it:

“Choosing smart keywords and shoving them into spammy or AI-generated content is like putting lipstick on a pig. If you want great results, always pair your best keywords with top-quality writing.”

We couldn’t agree more. (And yes, our AI at bloggingmachine.io is more “Michelangelo” than “pig with lipstick,” but we digress.)

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

1. Use Keyword Research Tools (But Don’t Let Them Use You)

Tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, and SurferSEO let you filter keywords by difficulty and search volume. Look for:

• Keyword Difficulty (KD) below 30: This is your sweet spot.
• Low-to-medium search volume: Don’t get greedy — remember, we’re after winnable battles.

Pro tip: Most tools let you export lists, so you can pretend you’re working on a Very Important Spreadsheet during meetings.

2. Analyze the SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages)

Before you commit, Google your keyword. If the top results are dominated by forums, Q&A sites, or local businesses (instead of mega-brands), you’re in luck. Fewer authoritative sites = lower competition.

3. Jump on Emerging and Trending Topics

Use tools like Google Trends or Exploding Topics to spot what’s heating up before everyone else piles on. Early movers get the rankings.

4. Lurk in Social Platforms and Forums

Reddit, Quora, and even TikTok’s “Others searched for” tab are goldmines for untapped topics. If people are asking questions there, chances are the keyword isn’t saturated in Google yet.

5. Spy on Your Competitors (Ethically, Of Course)

With tools like Ahrefs’ Site Explorer, you can see what keywords your competitors rank for but aren’t really targeting. These gaps are your opportunity to swoop in and claim the traffic.

What Actually Makes a Keyword “Low Competition”?

• Domain Authority: If the top-ranking pages have similar or lower authority than yours, you’ve got a shot.
• Backlinks: Fewer and lower-quality backlinks to top pages = easier to outrank.
• Content Quality: If the current top results are thin, outdated, or just plain bad, your well-crafted content can shine.

Best Practices for Targeting Low-Competition Keywords

• Go Long-Tail: The more specific, the better. “Best ergonomic office chair for tall people” beats “office chair” every time.
• Cluster Related Keywords: Build topical authority by grouping similar low-competition keywords in your content.
• Keep Content Fresh: Update regularly to reflect new trends or search behaviors.
• Monitor and Adjust: Use analytics to see what’s working, then double down.

Common Mistakes (And How to Dodge Them)

• Ignoring Search Intent: If you don’t answer what people are actually looking for, you’ll lose them — fast.
• Skipping SERP Analysis: Don’t just trust the numbers. Check who’s ranking and why.
• Keyword Stuffing: Google’s not a fan, and neither are your readers. Use keywords naturally, like you’re having a conversation (which, technically, you are).

Industry Guidelines and Google’s Golden Rules

• Quality Over Quantity: Google’s Quality Guidelines stress original, valuable content. No shortcuts.
• E-A-T: Demonstrate Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness — especially for sensitive topics like health or finance.

Unique Insights: The Secret Sauce

• Emerging Content: Covering new or trending topics can help you rank quickly before competition heats up.
• SERP Features: Target keywords that trigger featured snippets, People Also Ask, or Google News/Discover for extra visibility.

How Blogging Machine Makes It Effortless

Let’s be real: finding and ranking for low-competition keywords is a full-time job — unless you have an AI-powered ally. At bloggingmachine.io, we automate the entire process:

• AI-driven keyword research: We sniff out those low-competition gems.
• SEO-optimized content: Our agent writes engaging, high-quality articles that don’t sound like a robot on autopilot.
• Consistent publishing: No more missed deadlines or writer’s block.
• Real results: More organic traffic, more leads, less stress.

You focus on your business. We’ll handle the blogging.

FAQ: Low-Competition Keywords

What are low-competition keywords?

They’re search terms with fewer websites targeting them, making it easier for you to rank — especially if you’re not a massive brand.

How do I know if a keyword is low competition?

Check its keyword difficulty score (aim for below 30), analyze the SERPs, and see if top-ranking pages have low authority or weak content.

Are low-competition keywords worth it if they have low search volume?

Absolutely. Ranking for several can add up to significant, targeted traffic — plus, they often convert better.

Can I automate finding and using low-competition keywords?

Yes! Platforms like bloggingmachine.io use AI to automate keyword research, content creation, and optimization.

Is keyword stuffing still a thing?

Unfortunately, yes — but it shouldn’t be. Focus on natural, reader-friendly content that answers real questions.

Final Thoughts

Finding low-competition keywords you can rank for isn’t about gaming the system — it’s about working smarter. Use the right tools, analyze the landscape, and create content that’s actually useful. Or, if you’d rather spend your time on things like lunch breaks and world domination, let us at bloggingmachine.io do the heavy lifting.

For more on keyword research and SEO best practices, check out:

• Moz’s Beginner’s Guide to SEO
• Google’s Search Quality Evaluator Guidelines
• Backlinko’s Keyword Research Guide
• Search Engine Journal: Keyword Research

Happy ranking — and remember, it’s not about shouting the loudest. It’s about being heard by the right people.