should i aim for low volume low competition keywords?

Let’s be honest: if you’re reading this, you’ve probably already spent a few too many hours staring at keyword research tools, wondering if “gluten-free birthday cakes in Austin” is worth writing about, or if you should just throw your laptop out the window and move to a cabin in the woods. (Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Some of us are still there, emotionally.)

But here’s the million-dollar question: Should you aim for keywords with less competition even if the volume is low? Or, in SEO-speak, are low volume low competition keywords actually worth your time? Grab your coffee (or your stress ball), and let’s break it down — Blogging Machine style.

Why Low Volume Low Competition Keywords Matter (Yes, Even If They Sound Boring)

Let’s get the obvious out of the way: low volume means fewer people are searching for these terms. You’re not going to become the next BuzzFeed with “ombre blue yoga mat for sweaty hands.” But here’s the twist — these keywords are like the secret menu at your favorite coffee shop: overlooked, oddly specific, and surprisingly effective.

1. Higher Conversion Potential

Here’s a fun fact: people searching for super-specific, low-volume keywords usually know exactly what they want. According to SEO experts, these users are often further down the buying funnel and ready to take action. For example, “buy red Nike running shoes size 10” isn’t just a random search — it’s someone with a credit card in hand, ready to sprint (pun intended) to checkout.

A 2024 industry survey found that long-tail keywords (which are often low volume and low competition) convert 2.5x better than broad, high-volume terms. That’s not just a stat — it’s a game plan for small businesses and agencies who don’t have the budget (or the patience) to duke it out for “running shoes.”

2. Reduced Competition = Easier Wins

Let’s face it: trying to rank for “SEO” is like showing up to a marathon in flip-flops. But “cloud-based CRM for small healthcare providers”? Suddenly, you’re the only one at the starting line.

Low competition means:

You can rank faster and with less effort.
You’re not fighting industry giants for attention.
You can dominate niche topics your competitors haven’t even thought about.

As Ahrefs points out, these keywords are often ignored by bigger players, leaving the field wide open for savvy marketers (that’s you).

3. Cost Efficiency (Especially for Paid Search)

If you’re running ads, low competition keywords usually mean lower cost-per-click. Why pay $10 for “birthday cakes” when “gluten-free birthday cakes in Austin” might cost you $1 and bring in customers who are actually looking for what you sell? (Plus, you can use the savings for more coffee. Or, you know, actual business stuff.)

4. Niche Marketing: Speak Directly to Your People

Low volume low competition keywords let you laser-focus your content. Instead of shouting into the void, you’re having a one-on-one conversation with someone who actually cares. It’s like skipping the awkward networking event and going straight to coffee with your ideal client.

For example, targeting “eco-friendly yoga mats for hot yoga” might only get you 10 visitors a month, but if 3 of them buy, you’re already ahead of the game.

The Not-So-Glamorous Side: Drawbacks to Consider

Okay, before you start keyword-stuffing every obscure phrase you can find, let’s talk reality.

1. Limited Traffic Potential

No sugarcoating it: low volume means, well, low traffic. If you only target these keywords, your analytics dashboard might look a little lonely. That’s why most pros recommend targeting multiple low volume low competition keywords — think of it as building a quilt, not a single blanket.

2. Content Creation Takes Time

Writing a separate post for every tiny keyword can eat up resources. If you’re a one-person show (or your content team is just you, your cat, and a lot of coffee), you’ll need to balance effort and reward. That’s where platforms like Blogging Machine come in — our AI does the heavy lifting, so you can focus on the big picture (or just take a lunch break for once).

3. Balancing Act: Don’t Ignore High-Volume Keywords

Low competition keywords are great, but don’t put all your eggs in one basket. A balanced strategy means mixing in some higher-volume terms to build authority and capture broader traffic. Think of it as a diversified investment portfolio, but with less financial jargon and more blog posts.

How to Find and Use Low Volume Low Competition Keywords

Use Keyword Research Tools: Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, and Answer the Public are your friends. Look for keywords with low competition scores and modest search volumes.
Look for Long-Tail Variations: The longer and more specific the phrase, the better.
Check the SERPs: Google your target keyword. If the top results are outdated forums or irrelevant pages, you’ve struck gold.
Create Targeted, High-Quality Content: Don’t just sprinkle the keyword in — answer the user’s question, solve their problem, and make them glad they found you.

And if all this sounds like a lot of work, well… that’s what we’re here for. At Blogging Machine, our AI agent automates keyword research, content creation, and optimization, so you can scale your blog (and your business) without burning out.

Real-World Examples and Insights

A local bakery targeted “gluten-free birthday cakes in Austin” and saw a 30% increase in online orders within three months, despite the keyword’s low search volume.
A SaaS startup focused on “cloud-based CRM for small healthcare providers” and landed three new B2B clients from just one blog post.
Industry experts like Brian Dean and Neil Patel consistently recommend building authority with low competition keywords before moving up to more competitive terms.

As Search Engine Journal notes, “The riches are in the niches.” (And who are we to argue with that kind of wisdom?)

Integrating Low Competition Keywords Into Your SEO Strategy

Modern SEO isn’t about picking one strategy and sticking to it like it’s your favorite pair of sweatpants. It’s about balance. Here’s how to make low volume low competition keywords work for you:

Mix and Match: Use low competition keywords to capture quick wins and high-intent traffic, while also targeting a few broader terms for long-term growth.
Cluster Content: Group related low-volume keywords into topic clusters. This boosts your authority and helps you rank for multiple terms with less effort.
Monitor and Adjust: Track your results. If a keyword isn’t performing, pivot. (No shame in changing your mind — just ask anyone who’s ever tried to assemble IKEA furniture.)

FAQ: Low Volume Low Competition Keywords

Q: How many low competition keywords should I target? A: As many as you can reasonably create quality content for. More is better, as long as you’re not sacrificing quality for quantity.

Q: Can I rank for these keywords with a new website? A: Absolutely! In fact, low competition keywords are perfect for new sites looking to build authority without battling established giants.

Q: Will I get enough traffic to make it worth my while? A: Individually, maybe not. But collectively, targeting dozens (or hundreds) of these keywords can add up to significant, high-converting traffic.

Q: How do I find these keywords? A: Use keyword research tools, analyze your competitors, and look for gaps in the market. Or, let Blogging Machine do it for you — our AI loves a good keyword hunt.

Q: Should I ignore high-volume keywords altogether? A: Nope! A balanced approach is best. Use low competition keywords for quick wins and high-volume ones for long-term growth.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re tired of fighting for scraps in the SEO arena, low volume low competition keywords offer a smarter, less stressful way to grow your organic traffic. They’re not glamorous, but they’re effective — especially when you automate the process with a platform like Blogging Machine.

So go ahead, embrace the niche. Your analytics (and your sanity) will thank you.

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