How to Find Low Competition Keywords in 2025

Finding low-competition keywords is one of the most effective strategies for ranking faster in search engines, especially if you're working with a new website or have limited domain authority. In this comprehensive guide, I'll show you exactly how to find these golden opportunities.

Why Low Competition Keywords Matter

Low competition keywords are search terms that have decent search volume but fewer websites competing to rank for them. They're valuable because:

• You can rank faster (often within weeks instead of months)
• They require fewer backlinks to achieve top rankings
• They often have higher conversion rates due to specific intent
• They help you build topical authority in your niche

Step 1: Start with Seed Keywords

Begin by brainstorming 5-10 broad topics related to your business. For example, if you run a fitness blog, your seed keywords might be "weight loss," "muscle building," "home workouts," etc.

Don't worry about competition at this stage — we're just gathering ideas to expand upon.

Step 2: Use Keyword Research Tools

The best tools for finding low-competition keywords include:

• Ahrefs Keyword Explorer - Filter by Keyword Difficulty (KD) under 20
• Semrush Keyword Magic Tool - Look for keywords with low competitive density
• Ubersuggest - Great free option with SD (SEO Difficulty) scores
• AnswerThePublic - Discover question-based keywords

Step 3: Analyze Keyword Difficulty Metrics

When evaluating keywords, look for these indicators of low competition:

• Keyword Difficulty (KD) score below 30 (Ahrefs) or 40 (Semrush)
• Low Domain Rating (DR) of ranking pages (under 40)
• Few referring domains to top-ranking pages (under 10)
• Search volume between 100-1,000 per month (the sweet spot)

Step 4: Manual SERP Analysis

Don't rely solely on metrics. Manually Google your target keyword and evaluate:

• Are top results from high-authority sites (Wikipedia, major brands)?
• Is the content thin or outdated?
• Are there forums or user-generated content ranking?
• Does the search intent match what you plan to create?

If you see weak content or forums ranking, that's a green light for targeting that keyword.

Step 5: Look for Long-Tail Variations

Long-tail keywords (3+ words) naturally have less competition. Examples:

• Instead of "running shoes" → "best running shoes for flat feet women"
• Instead of "email marketing" → "email marketing tools for small business 2025"
• Instead of "meal prep" → "easy meal prep ideas for weight loss beginners"

Advanced Strategies

The Alphabet Soup Method

Type your seed keyword into Google followed by each letter of the alphabet (a, b, c...). Google's autocomplete will suggest long-tail variations that real people are searching for.

Competitor Gap Analysis

Use Ahrefs or Semrush to find keywords your competitors rank for, but you don't. Filter for low-difficulty keywords they're ranking in positions 4-20 — these are easier to outrank.

Question Keywords

Question-based keywords (how, what, why, when) typically have lower competition and higher engagement. Tools like AnswerThePublic and AlsoAsked.com are goldmines for these.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring search intent: Don't target keywords if you can't match the intent
• Chasing zero-volume keywords: Too low volume means no traffic
• Only looking at KD scores: Always manually verify the SERP
• Targeting unrelated keywords: Stay relevant to your niche

Creating Content for Low Competition Keywords

Once you've found your keywords:

1. Create comprehensive, high-quality content (aim for 1,500+ words)
2. Include your target keyword in the title, H1, and first 100 words
3. Use related keywords and LSI terms naturally throughout
4. Add multimedia (images, videos, infographics)
5. Build internal links from related content
6. Acquire 3-5 quality backlinks within the first month

Final Thoughts

Finding low-competition keywords is a skill that improves with practice. Start by targeting 5-10 keywords per month, track your rankings, and refine your approach based on what works.

Remember: the goal isn't just to rank — it's to rank for keywords that bring qualified traffic and conversions to your business.