Can you share an example of a keyword research strategy that helped you uncover valuable, low-competition keywords? How did you use this to improve your website's ranking?

Question

Discover untapped opportunities in keyword research with expert-backed strategies. This article unveils X powerful techniques to identify low-competition keywords that can boost your SEO efforts. Learn how industry professionals leverage advanced tools and innovative approaches to gain a competitive edge in search rankings.

Aaron Whittaker · Answer

When I search for valuable, yet low-competition keywords, I enjoy implementing what I refer to as a "GAP AND GAIN" approach. We begin by benchmarking our keyword map against our direct competitors in Ahrefs. Rather than attacking the same head terms repeatedly, I filter for keywords other people are ranking for, but aren't fully optimizing (usually in positions 6-20). These frequently show "gaps" — medium-volume terms featuring softer competition. Another case would be in one of our campaigns where we discovered 37 keywords a competitor was ranking on page 2 for. By creating even more focused content more relevant to those terms, we have taken over multiple page-one placements in less than three months. The highest-impact keyword that we found had just 800 searches per month, but resulted in 22% more qualified traffic because search intent matched our funnel.
The "gain" part refers to figuring out HOW to translate those wins into renewed content growth. After we saw traction, we doubled down with support clusters and internal links. And those ripples lifted not only the target pages but also related service pages. My advice to agencies or in-house teams: don't pass up those underperforming competitor keywords — they tend to be easier to win, quicker to rank, and offer better ROI than chasing the big, obvious terms. It's a more intelligent long-game strategy that keeps growing your rankings without depleting resources.

Melissa Tran · Answer

One keyword research strategy that has worked really well for me was looking beyond the obvious, high-volume keywords and focusing on how my target audience actually searches. For example, instead of just targeting broad terms like 'dental fitouts' (which is highly competitive), I used a mix of Google's 'People Also Ask,' long-tail variations from tools like Ahrefs, and real client questions to uncover more specific, low-competition phrases such as 'cost to design a small dental clinic' or 'physio clinic layout ideas.'
What surprised me was that these long-tail keywords had much less competition but still attracted the exact type of audience we wanted: professionals actively planning a fitout, not just browsing. We created dedicated content around these terms, weaving them naturally into blog posts, service pages, and FAQs.
Within a few months, those pages started ranking on the first page, driving steady, high-quality traffic. More importantly, we noticed an increase in inquiries that directly referenced those topics, which showed us that keyword research wasn't just about traffic; it was about connecting with the right intent.

Eugene Mischenko · Answer

In my consulting work with global e-commerce brands, I have found that effective keyword research should go well beyond generic tools and high-volume phrases. Several years ago, I was advising a retailer aiming to expand in a mature European market. The competition for core category terms was fierce, dominated by established players with heavy SEO investments. Standard research tools repeatedly surfaced the same head terms and long-tail variations everyone else was targeting. The challenge was to discover fresh opportunities with high conversion potential that competitors had overlooked.
To do this, I initiated a strategy built on two pillars: customer behavior insights and competitor blind spots. First, I worked with the client's analytics and customer service teams to analyze internal site search logs and customer queries collected from chat and support channels. This exercise often surfaces the exact language potential buyers use, which rarely aligns perfectly with the vocabulary marketers assume. For example, we found that customers in this market frequently described a flagship product using a less common local synonym that major competitors had ignored in their SEO and content.
Next, I reviewed competitor content and backlink profiles, identifying areas where they were not investing in optimization or content depth for these alternative terms. With this intelligence, we developed targeted landing pages and blog content that used those genuine customer phrases in titles, meta descriptions, and body copy. Our product teams also adjusted descriptions to align with these findings.
Within three months, this approach delivered measurable ranking improvements for more than a dozen previously untapped keywords. Traffic from these queries not only increased but showed a higher conversion rate, as these visitors were closer to purchase intent. The success confirmed my longstanding view: the most valuable SEO opportunities often lie in the intersection of real customer language and neglected niches, not in chasing keyword tools' top suggestions. This methodology has since become part of the strategic playbook I share with ECDMA members and clients looking to build sustainable, defensible organic growth.

Maksym Zakharko · Answer

One of our most successful keyword research strategies involved shifting focus from high-volume terms to understanding user intent through comprehensive SERP analysis. By analyzing the content types appearing on page one results, we identified gaps where competitors weren't adequately addressing specific user needs within our industry niche. We then leveraged Google Search Console data to uncover related low-competition queries that users were already finding our site through, but where we weren't fully optimizing our content. This approach allowed us to develop comprehensive content frameworks addressing the complete user journey rather than isolated keywords, resulting in significant ranking improvements for terms that were both valuable to our business and attainable given our site's authority. The key insight was that prioritizing intent-match over pure search volume led us to keywords with higher conversion potential and less competitive landscapes.

Brandon George · Answer

Our successful keyword research process included identifying opportunities where competitors missed potential keywords. We focused on using Ahrefs to discover competitor content gaps based on common keywords containing high commercial intent. The goal was to find keywords with demand (search volume) and limited supply. Additionally, we considered those outside the realm of SEO who were looking to park their cash.
We discovered opportunities when researching competitors that targeted broad phrases such as "digital marketing agency" versus the hyperlocal service combinations that prospects actually search for. We found that keywords like "SEO agency near [a particular landmark]" and "local marketing help [the name of the neighborhood]" had good search volume and buying intent, but there was no optimized content from competitors.
We achieved great success by designing landing pages for these neglected search terms. We reached the first page of search results after 6-8 weeks due to low competition. These hyperlocal pages generated more than 40 consultation requests in 4 months, leading to 15+ related long-tail derivatives. We focused on commercial intent, aiming to turn visitors into business inquiries rather than simply targeting traffic or visitor numbers.

Chris Raulf · Answer

One keyword research strategy that has consistently delivered results for us is leveraging SE Ranking's Competitor Keyword Analysis Tool to uncover valuable opportunities our competitors might be missing. By analyzing what keywords our main competitors are ranking for, we can identify terms with substantial search volume but relatively low competition. This approach allows us to prioritize content creation around these specific keywords, giving us a better chance to rank well without competing against industry giants. We then optimize our website content with these targeted keywords, ensuring they appear naturally in titles, headings, and throughout the body text. The results have been impressive, with several of our pages climbing to the first page of search results within months, driving significant organic traffic to our website.

Nitesh Patel · Answer

When it comes to keyword research, I've found that the most valuable insights often come from analyzing competitors' strategies, but with a specific focus. Instead of simply targeting keywords for which our top competitors rank, I concentrate on those ranking below us for certain target keywords. I utilize tools like Semrush and Ahrefs to analyze their top-ranking keywords, then filter down to those where they are already in the top 10 but don't have as much authority as we do.
One example of this approach was when I noticed a competitor ranking on page one for a set of niche, long-tail keywords related to credit repair. Their authority was weaker, so I created high-quality content targeting those exact terms while also optimizing page design for user experience - adding clear headings, simple navigation, and mobile-friendly layouts. This strategy gave our content both a keyword advantage and a usability edge.
The result was that our pages quickly outranked theirs, driving consistent organic traffic without pursuing overly competitive head terms. For me, this strategy is effective because it balances smart keyword research, competitor insight, and ensuring the content is enjoyable for users to consume.

Callum Gracie · Answer

I often delve into hyper-local, long-tail keywords. Larger competitors usually overlook these. Small service businesses in Canberra often struggle to rank for broad terms, like "plumber Canberra." Therefore, I focus on specific questions and local phrases that potential customers are searching for. We can conduct a keyword gap analysis. This involves examining what people search for in our area and what our competitors target. For example, we might discover searches like "24-hour plumber in [suburb]" or niche questions such as "how to fix [problem] during a Canberra winter." These keywords may have lower search volumes, but they face less competition and demonstrate clear intent.
After we identify valuable low-competition keywords, we create content for them. Then, we optimize the site to answer those queries directly. We could develop a service page or a blog post. This would include those exact phrases in the title and content. We could also add an FAQ section to address common local questions. The results are consistently positive. Targeted pages often appear on the first page of local search results. This leads to a noticeable increase in organic traffic from our community. That traffic is crucial. People who find us through these searches often become genuine inquiries and customers. Focusing on the right long-tail keywords with local intent can enhance a small business's visibility. This helps attract the most important audience.
Callum Gracie, Founder of Otto Media

Rodney Warner · Answer

Your best keywords live in your sales calls. I transcribe every call and pull the exact phrases people use to describe their problem. I group them by stage of awareness and by the job they want done.
Pages written in the customer's words rank faster and convert better than tool-first ideas. Tools can still help with volume and variants, but I start with the voice of the buyer. It keeps the content focused and believable.
The payoff is not just rankings. It is leads that arrive pre-aligned because they recognize their own language on the page.

Ben Poulton · Answer

Our team developed a systematic approach to uncover valuable long-tail keywords by leveraging ChatGPT as a research assistant.
We feed it specific topic information and competitor data to generate comprehensive keyword lists, then validate these opportunities through Ahrefs to identify the most promising low-competition terms.
After creating targeted content with product-specific information for these keywords, we saw significant ranking improvements across our key service pages. This process has become a cornerstone of our SEO strategy, allowing us to identify opportunities our competitors have overlooked.

Raphael Larouche · Answer

We implemented an AI-powered approach to process over 10,000 keywords in our research phase, which efficiently identified low-competition terms that our competitors had overlooked. This technology allowed us to quickly filter out irrelevant keywords while highlighting high-value opportunities that required minimal effort to rank for. The strategy reduced our keyword analysis time by several hours per campaign and helped us focus our content creation efforts on terms that delivered the best return on investment.

Aly Johnson · Answer

One keyword research strategy that proved particularly effective was using AlsoAsked to understand user search queries and identify related questions that had lower competition. By leveraging these insights, we created a user-intent-focused page framework that addressed the specific questions our potential customers were asking but weren't being well-served by competitors. We tracked our progress through query counting to monitor ranking improvements, which allowed us to refine our approach over time. This strategy ultimately led to significant increases in both traffic and conversions as we captured these valuable keyword opportunities.

Viola Eva · Answer

When working with clients, I often recommend analyzing competitor gaps by identifying keywords they rank for but aren't in the top positions. This approach helps uncover valuable opportunities where you can create more comprehensive content that addresses user intent more effectively than competitors. By focusing on these targeted keyword opportunities, clients can often see ranking improvements within a few months, especially when the content is supported by internal linking and proper on-page optimization. The key is finding the balance between search volume and competition level to identify the most efficient path to visibility.

Kal Dimitrov · Answer

Our team achieved success by combining PPC campaigns with SEO efforts to identify valuable, low-competition keywords. We specifically targeted long-tail keywords in niche markets that our competitors had overlooked, then tracked performance indicators to determine which terms drove the most qualified traffic. This data-driven approach allowed us to optimize our website content around these proven keywords, significantly improving our organic search rankings over time.

Itamar Haim · Answer

At Elementor, we implemented a keyword research strategy centered around SEMrush's Keyword Magic Tool to identify valuable opportunities with manageable competition levels. This specialized tool allowed us to discover keyword gaps in our content strategy that our competitors hadn't fully capitalized on. By systematically targeting these keywords and optimizing our existing content accordingly, we achieved a significant 30% increase in organic traffic to our website. The key to our success was focusing on relevance to our audience rather than just search volume metrics.

Zachary Colman · Answer

Our most successful keyword research strategy involved conducting thorough competitor website analysis, which revealed the limitations of traditional keyword-stuffed content. We shifted our approach to focus on intent-driven niche phrases that better matched what our customers were actually searching for. This strategic pivot allowed us to create more targeted copywriting that prioritized quality positioning over bulk content production. The results were significant improvements in both our search rankings and conversion rates as our content began addressing specific user needs more effectively.

James DeLapa · Answer

One effective keyword research strategy I've used involves analyzing Search Console data to identify keywords ranking in positions 3-5 and 9-14, which represent valuable optimization opportunities. We complement this technical approach by collaborating with our sales and product marketing teams to understand real customer conversion scenarios, helping us discover valuable long-tail keywords our competitors might overlook. This combined approach allows us to prioritize content optimization efforts where we can gain the most traction. By focusing on these strategic keyword opportunities, we've consistently improved our website rankings for terms that drive qualified traffic and conversions.

Spencergarret Fernandez · Answer

Good Day,
I explored long-tail keywords by examining common questions raised in forums and search suggestions. As these keyword phrases offered less competition but matched genuine search intent, I built content around them. The sooner the site ranked, the better it was for target visitors.
If you decide to use this quote, I'd love to stay connected! Feel free to reach me at spencergarret_fernandez@seoechelon.com

Matt Bowman · Answer

Voice search optimization uncovers low-competition keywords through conversational queries that tools often underrate.
We seed who, what, where, when, why, and how across each service line by targeting these question patterns in our clients' content. We capture phrasing from PAA, AnswerThePublic, and AlsoAsked.
We then validate them with Search Console impressions and Google Trends. Even if tools show low volume, clustering 10 related questions still creates meaningful demand and steady opportunities.
For one e-commerce client, we built a content hub around targeted questions. Examples included "What's the best moisturizer for sensitive skin?" and "How do I fix dry patches on my face?"
Each query became its own section with a 40-50 word direct answer. We followed this with product recommendations, usage steps, and visuals.
FAQ schema was added so Google recognized the Q&A format. We also optimized URLs and headings to match the phrasing. Within three months, the site secured multiple featured snippets. It also recorded a 22% increase in organic sales tied directly to those question-driven entries.
Clients now report clearer discovery paths and higher contact rates from "near me" searches. Conversions from problem-solution queries improved by 18%. The impact includes durable rankings across clusters and steady growth in traffic. It also delivers stronger local visibility and higher purchase intent.

Ajinkya Thete · Answer

You know what's funny? Everyone's chasing these massive keywords when the real gold is in what I call "buyer intent phrases." Here's what worked for me...
I started plugging competitor URLs into Ahrefs, but instead of looking at their top pages, I'd dig into their blog posts ranking on page 2 or 3. I found this pattern - they'd rank for super specific long-tail keywords like "waterproof hiking boots for wide feet under $150." 
The competition was basically nonexistent because everyone else was fighting over "hiking boots." So I created detailed buying guides around these specific problems. I started ranking within weeks, not months.
The kicker? These visitors converted way better. Someone searching that specifically is ready to buy; they just need reassurance. My conversion rate nearly doubled compared to broader terms. Sometimes being the big fish in a tiny pond beats drowning in the ocean.

Victor Hsi · Answer

While working with a micro-business client, I discovered that using an exact match domain strategy could be incredibly effective for specific keyword targeting. I registered a domain that precisely matched the keywords "PR Packages," which our research showed had decent search volume but relatively low competition. This approach allowed us to rank on the first page of Google for valuable terms like "PR Packages" and "PR Packages in the US" without needing to invest heavily in backlink building. The strategy worked particularly well because the domain name itself served as a strong relevancy signal to search engines for those specific keyword phrases. By combining this domain strategy with solid on-page optimization, we were able to achieve significant visibility for a small business with limited SEO resources.

21 Low-Competition Keyword Research Strategies from Experts

21 Low-Competition Keyword Research Strategies from Experts

Uncover Gaps in Competitor Keyword Strategies

Target Long-Tail Phrases for Niche Audiences

Analyze SERPs to Address User Intent

Exploit Hyperlocal Keyword Opportunities

Leverage Competitor Analysis Tools Effectively

Focus on Weaker Competitors' Ranking Keywords

Tap Into Hyper-Local Long-Tail Keywords

Extract Keywords from Sales Call Transcripts

Utilize AI for Comprehensive Keyword Research

Implement AI-Powered Keyword Processing Techniques

Use AlsoAsked for User-Intent Focused Content

Identify Competitor Gaps for Content Opportunities

Combine PPC and SEO for Keyword Insights

Discover Keyword Gaps with Specialized Tools

Prioritize Intent-Driven Niche Phrases Over Volume

Analyze Search Console Data for Ranking Opportunities

Build Content Around Forum Questions

Optimize for Voice Search Conversational Queries

Target Buyer Intent Phrases for Conversion

Leverage Exact Match Domains for Niche Keywords

Implement GAP AND GAIN Keyword Approach