should i target competitor keywords or go different?

Let’s face it: in the world of SEO, nothing says “Monday morning” quite like staring at a spreadsheet of keywords and wondering if you should just copy your competitors’ homework. At Blogging Machine, we get it — sometimes you want to take the easy route. But is targeting competitor keywords really the golden ticket to organic traffic glory, or is there more to the story? Grab your coffee (or third), and let’s break it down.

The Keyword Conundrum: Why Competitor Keywords Matter

First, a quick reality check: competitor keyword analysis is the process of figuring out which keywords are sending traffic to your rivals and deciding if you should chase those same terms. It’s like peeking at your neighbor’s garden to see what’s growing — except instead of tomatoes, it’s “best AI content generator” and “SEO blog automation.”

According to industry research, keyword gap analysis — finding keywords your competitors rank for but you don’t — can reveal both high-competition battlegrounds and hidden, low-hanging fruit. But before you start planting the same seeds, let’s talk about what actually works.

Should You Target Competitor Keywords? The Case For (and Against)

The Case For: Why Copying Isn’t Always Cheating

Proven Demand: If your competitors are ranking for “AI-powered blogging platform,” chances are there’s real search volume behind it. Why let them have all the fun?
Market Validation: Competitor keywords often signal what your audience is already searching for. It’s like showing up to a party you know is happening, instead of guessing the address.
Content Gaps: By analyzing what your competitors rank for, you can spot topics you’re missing and fill those gaps with better, more relevant content.

Nikki Lam, VP of SEO at NP Digital, puts it simply:

“It’s important to understand why competitors are outperforming you, how they’re meeting user needs better, and on the flip side, where they’re weak and leaving you an opening to get ahead.”

The Case Against: Why Going Rogue Sometimes Wins

High Competition: Chasing after the same high-volume keywords as established competitors can be like bringing a butter knife to a sword fight. If your site is new or has lower authority, you might end up with a lot of effort and little to show for it.
Relevance Over Hype: Not every keyword your competitor targets will make sense for your business. Ranking for “free SEO tools” is great — unless you don’t offer any.
Long-Tail Wins: Sometimes, the real magic happens with long-tail keywords — those specific, lower-volume phrases that bring in highly targeted (and often more convertible) traffic.

The Balanced Approach: Mix, Match, and Win

Let’s be honest: the best keyword strategy is rarely all-or-nothing. Here’s how the pros do it:

1. Analyze, But Don’t Blindly Copy

Use tools to see what’s working for your competitors, but always ask: Is this keyword relevant to my audience? If not, move on. If yes, can you create something better, fresher, or more useful?

2. Prioritize Feasibility

Check keyword difficulty. If “AI content generator” has a 74% difficulty score and you’re just starting out, maybe don’t bet the farm. But “AI blog writer for small business” at 35%? Now we’re talking.

3. Fill the Gaps

Look for keywords your competitors rank for that you don’t — and vice versa. These are your opportunities to shine without wrestling in the mud with industry giants.

4. Mix High-Competition and Long-Tail Keywords

A healthy SEO diet includes both. Go after some big, competitive terms for long-term growth, but don’t ignore those quirky, specific searches that can bring in quick wins.

5. Focus on User Intent

Don’t just ask what people are searching — ask why. If your competitor’s “AI blog tool” page is all fluff, create a guide that actually answers the user’s questions (and maybe throws in a witty aside or two).

Real-World Example: The Florist Who Outsmarted the Competition

Imagine you’re a local florist. Your competitor ranks for “pink tulips” (9,900 monthly searches, moderate difficulty). You could go head-to-head, or you could target “best pink tulips for weddings” or “pink tulip delivery in [your city].” These long-tail keywords might have less competition and attract customers who are ready to buy, not just browse.

Common Pitfalls (And How to Dodge Them)

Ignoring Keyword Difficulty: If you only chase high-volume, high-difficulty keywords, you might end up with a lot of hope and very little traffic.
Overlooking Relevance: Traffic is great, but if it doesn’t convert, it’s just a vanity metric. Focus on keywords that actually matter to your business.
Neglecting Content Quality: Google’s not fooled by keyword stuffing. If your content isn’t better than your competitors’, don’t expect to outrank them.

Unique Insights & Expert Advice

Leverage Weaknesses: Find where your competitors’ content is thin or outdated. Then swoop in with something more comprehensive and up-to-date.
Monitor and Adapt: SEO isn’t a set-and-forget game. Regularly check what’s working (and what’s not) and adjust your strategy.
Stay User-Focused: Ultimately, it’s about meeting user needs better than anyone else. If you do that, the rankings will follow.

How Blogging Machine Makes Keyword Targeting Effortless

Let’s be real — manual keyword research can feel like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. That’s where we come in. At Blogging Machine, our AI agent does the heavy lifting: automating content creation, keyword optimization, and topic research. You get SEO-optimized articles that actually attract readers, without the late-night spreadsheet marathons.

Why settle for guesswork when you can have a machine do the thinking (and writing) for you? Focus on your business, and let us handle the blogging grind.

FAQ

Should I always target competitor keywords?

Not always. Use competitor keywords as a starting point, but prioritize relevance, keyword difficulty, and your unique value. Sometimes, going after less obvious, long-tail keywords delivers better results.

What’s the risk of only targeting competitor keywords?

You might face high competition, waste resources, and attract the wrong audience. Plus, if you’re not offering something better, you probably won’t outrank established sites.

How do I find keyword gaps?

Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz to compare your keyword rankings with competitors. Look for terms they rank for that you don’t — and vice versa.

Can AI really help with keyword strategy?

Absolutely. Platforms like Blogging Machine automate keyword research, content creation, and optimization, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your business.

What’s more important: keyword volume or relevance?

Relevance wins every time. High-volume keywords are tempting, but if they don’t match your audience’s intent, they won’t convert.

Bottom line: Target competitor keywords when it makes sense, but don’t be afraid to carve your own path. And if you’d rather skip the keyword headaches altogether, you know where to find us — Blogging Machine, your shortcut to effortless, high-performing blog content.

Should I Target Competitor Keywords or Go Different?