By Hridoy Ahmed | Last updated: October 26, 2026 | 8 min read
Short answer: Low-competition keywords are search terms where the pages that rank are weak, thin or not well matched to the search, so a newer or smaller site has a real chance to compete. A low “keyword difficulty” number from a tool is only a hint. To confirm, read the actual Google results, check the search intent and compare those sites with your own. No keyword guarantees a ranking.
In this guide
- What low-competition keywords are
- Why a difficulty score is not enough
- How to find low-competition keywords
- Signals in the results
- Common mistakes
- FAQ
What low-competition keywords are
A keyword is “low competition” when it is realistic for your site to rank for it. That depends on two things: how strong the current results are, and how strong your site is. A keyword that is easy for a well-known site can be hard for a new blog.
Low competition is not the same as low volume. Some of these terms have small search numbers, and some have decent numbers that other sites have simply ignored. Many of them are specific, which is why they often overlap with long-tail searches. See my guide to long-tail keywords for that side.
Why a difficulty score is not enough
Tools such as Ahrefs, Semrush and Mangools show a keyword difficulty score. Each tool builds its own score in its own way, and Google does not publish one. A score of 20 in one tool does not mean the same as a 20 in another.
The score mostly reflects the links pointing at the top pages. It does not tell you if those pages answer the question well, or whether their format matches what people want. Use the score to sort a long list, and then look at the results yourself.
How to find low-competition keywords
- Start with your topic and your service. Write the problems your customers have. Keywords that do not fit your business will not bring useful visitors.
- Collect ideas. Use Google autocomplete, “People also ask”, related searches and the queries in Google Search Console. Search Console is a good source, because it shows terms where you already get impressions.
- Sort the list with a tool. Use your keyword tool’s difficulty and volume columns to remove obvious hard terms. Keep the score as a first filter only. My guide on how to do keyword research covers this step in more detail.
- Read the results. Search the keyword in a private window and look at the top 10. This is where the real check happens. See the table below and my guide to SERP analysis.
- Check the search intent. If the top results are product pages and you plan a blog post, you are aiming at the wrong page type. See search intent in SEO.
- Compare with your own site. Look at the ranking sites. If they are all big brands, your chance is lower. If you see small sites and forum threads, your chance may be better.
- Check the value. Ask if a visitor from this search could become a lead or a loyal reader. An easy keyword that brings nobody useful is a waste of time.
- Publish, then track. Write one page for the keyword and watch it in Search Console. Treat each pick as a test.
If you want an expert to build the list for your site, see my SEO and technical SEO service.
Signals in the results that may point to lower competition
| What you see in the top 10 | What it may mean |
|---|---|
| Forum threads or Q&A pages near the top | Google has few strong pages that answer it directly |
| Thin or short pages | A deeper, clearer page may have a chance |
| Old pages with outdated advice | A fresh, accurate page may compete |
| Results that do not match the search well | The topic may be underserved |
| Smaller or newer sites in the results | Your site may be able to compete too |
| Only big brands and heavy sites | Harder. Look for a more specific version of the keyword |
These are signals and not proof. Google can change the results at any time, and rankings depend on many other things.
Common mistakes
- Trusting one tool’s difficulty score without looking at the results
- Choosing keywords with no link to your business
- Ignoring search intent and writing the wrong type of page
- Making a separate page for every tiny variation, which can make pages compete with each other. See my guide on how to cluster keywords
- Expecting results in a few days
FAQ
What is a good keyword difficulty score?
There is no single number. Each tool uses its own scale. Treat low scores as a hint, then check the results and compare them with your own site.
Are low-competition keywords the same as long-tail keywords?
Not exactly. Many long-tail keywords have less competition, but a long phrase can still be hard, and a short phrase can sometimes be easy for your site.
Can a new website rank for low-competition keywords?
It can have a better chance than with hard terms, but nobody can promise it. Quality, intent match and site strength still matter.
How can I find low-competition keywords for free?
Use Google Search Console, Google autocomplete, “People also ask” and related searches, then read the results yourself. Free plans of paid tools may have limits, so check them.
Should I only target low-competition keywords?
No. Mix easier terms with a few harder, valuable ones, and build a topic cluster around them over time.
Want help picking keywords you can actually win? I check intent, competition and your site’s strength and give you a clear plan. See my SEO and technical SEO service.
About the author: Hridoy Ahmed is an SEO specialist and WordPress security expert based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He has 8+ years of experience and works with clients worldwide.