Finding the right keywords is essential for small business owners looking to improve their online visibility and attract the right audience and low competition key words can help you get there. Low competition keywords are a goldmine—they give you an opportunity to rank higher in search results without competing against larger businesses with bigger budgets. But how exactly can you identify them? Let’s break it down.

Why Focus on Low Competition Keywords? 

Targeting low competition keywords is particularly effective for small businesses because it allows you to gain traction in niche areas. These keywords often reflect specific search intent, which means the visitors they attract are more likely to align with your services or products. For example, instead of competing for the keyword “coffee shop,” a local business might target “cozy coffee shop in downtown Denver.” 

Benefits include:

• Higher chances of ranking: Competing with fewer players in your niche improves your potential to rank on the first page of search results. 
• Improved ROI: These keywords often yield better results at a lower cost for paid search campaigns.
• Attracting the right audience: They ensure you’re targeting specific customer needs or questions, bringing in more qualified leads. 

Now, here’s how you can identify low competition keywords for your business. 

6 Steps to Finding Low Competition Keywords 

1. Start with a Broad Idea 

Consider the products or services you offer and any specific niches your business caters to. For example, if you own a small business that specializes in part time sales solutions, think about terms like, “part time sales,” “fractional sales” or “business development.” Use these broad ideas as the foundation for keyword research. 

A simple brainstorming session will help create a list of potential keywords your customers might use to find businesses like yours. Remember to think like your customer. 

2. Use Keyword Research Tools 

Keyword research tools make it easy to discover low competition keywords. Platforms like Google Keyword Planner, MOZ, SEMrush, and Ubersuggest can provide detailed metrics like search volume, competition level, and cost-per-click (CPC). Here’s what to do:

• Input your broad ideas into the tool.
• Sort the results to highlight low difficulty scores. 
• Look for keywords with reasonable search volume (too low might not bring traffic, while too high could indicate higher competition). 

For instance, a baking business might uncover “vegan birthday cakes in Austin” as a low competition keyword that aligns perfectly with their niche. 

3. Focus on Long-Tail Keywords 

Long-tail keywords are phrases with three or more words that target specific search queries. They are often less competitive and cater to users with strong intent. Examples of long-tail keywords include:

• “Best coworking spaces for freelancers in Toronto” 
• “Sales and marketing support for start ups” 

While they may not have massive search volumes, these keywords tend to convert better because they directly address specific customer needs. 

4. Analyze Your Competitors 

Understanding your competition can give you valuable insights into untapped keyword opportunities. Tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush allow you to see which keywords your competitors are ranking for. Look for:

• Keywords they’ve overlooked or aren’t focusing on.
• Content gaps where your business might have a chance to shine. 

5. Validate Keywords with Search Intent 

Not every keyword, even low competition ones, will work for your business. It’s critical to match the keyword with the intent behind the search so you attract the right audience. Ask yourself:

• What is the searcher looking for? 
• Does your product or service provide the solution they need? 

Achieving Long-Term Success with Low Competition Keywords 

Using these strategies to target low competition keywords is a powerful way for small business owners to boost website traffic and attract more qualified leads. However, it’s important to remember that SEO is not a one-time task. Continue revisiting your keyword strategy and adapting to trends within your industry. 

If you’re ready to build your keyword strategy but feel overwhelmed, don’t worry—there are tools and resources available to help you get started. By targeting the right keywords effectively, your business can compete in the digital landscape and leave a lasting impression on your audience. If you are looking for additional marketing support, connect with us.