Finding low-competition keywords is one of the smartest ways to grow a new website or blog. Instead of competing against large authority websites for highly competitive terms, you can target easier keywords that have a better chance of ranking on Google.
Using Semrush, beginners and experienced marketers can discover keyword opportunities with lower SEO difficulty and strong traffic potential.
This guide explains how to find low-competition keywords step by step using Semrush.
What Are Low-Competition Keywords?
Low-competition keywords are search terms that are easier to rank for because fewer strong websites are targeting them.
These keywords usually:
- Have lower keyword difficulty
- Include long-tail phrases
- Match specific user intent
- Offer faster ranking opportunities
For newer websites, targeting low-competition keywords is often more effective than trying to rank for broad terms immediately.
Why Low-Competition Keywords Matter
Ranking for highly competitive keywords can take years, especially for new domains. Low-competition keywords help websites:
- Gain traffic faster
- Build domain authority
- Improve search visibility
- Increase conversions
- Grow topical authority
Many successful SEO strategies begin with targeting easier search terms first.
Step 1: Open the Keyword Magic Tool
Inside Semrush, navigate to the Keyword Magic Tool.
Enter a broad topic related to your niche.
Examples:
- fitness tips
- SEO tools
- digital marketing
- travel destinations
- healthy recipes
Semrush will generate thousands of keyword suggestions related to your topic.
Step 2: Check Keyword Difficulty
One of the most important metrics inside Semrush is Keyword Difficulty (KD%).
This score estimates how difficult it may be to rank on the first page of Google.
General guideline:
- 0–29% → Easy
- 30–49% → Possible for smaller websites
- 50–69% → Competitive
- 70%+ → Difficult
Beginners should mainly focus on keywords below 40% difficulty.
Step 3: Use Filters to Find Easier Keywords
Semrush allows users to filter keyword results for better opportunities.
Recommended filters:
- Low keyword difficulty
- Minimum search volume
- Question-based keywords
- Long-tail phrases
- Commercial intent keywords
These filters help remove highly competitive keywords and uncover hidden opportunities.
Step 4: Target Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer and more specific search queries.
Instead of targeting:
- SEO
Try targeting:
- beginner SEO tools for bloggers
- how to improve SEO rankings
- SEO tips for small business websites
Long-tail keywords usually:
- Have lower competition
- Convert better
- Match search intent more accurately
- Rank faster
This is one of the most effective keyword research strategies for smaller websites.
Step 5: Analyze Search Intent
Search intent matters more than many beginners realize.
Semrush labels keywords based on:
- Informational intent
- Commercial intent
- Transactional intent
- Navigational intent
If your goal is traffic growth, informational keywords work well.
If your goal is affiliate sales or lead generation, focus more on commercial and transactional keywords.
Step 6: Study Competitor Keywords
One of the best Semrush features is competitor analysis.
Enter a competitor’s domain into the Organic Research section and review:
- Their top-ranking keywords
- Recently gained keywords
- Low-difficulty ranking terms
- Pages driving the most traffic
This helps you find keywords already performing well in your niche.
Step 7: Look for Weak Search Results
Before choosing a keyword, search it manually on Google.
A keyword may be easier if:
- Small blogs rank on page one
- Forum pages appear
- Reddit discussions rank
- Quora results show up
- Content quality is weak
If top results are not highly optimized, you may have a good ranking opportunity.
Step 8: Use Question Keywords
Question-based keywords are excellent for SEO because they directly match user searches.
Inside Semrush, use filters like:
- how
- what
- why
- best
- tips
Examples:
- how to use Semrush for SEO
- what are low competition keywords
- best keyword research tools for beginners
These keywords work especially well for blog content and featured snippets.
Step 9: Create Topic Clusters
Instead of targeting random keywords, group similar topics together.
Example SEO cluster:
- keyword research guide
- on-page SEO tips
- backlink strategies
- technical SEO basics
This helps build topical authority and improves internal linking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Targeting Only High-Volume Keywords
Large search volume usually means higher competition.
Ignoring Search Intent
Traffic alone does not guarantee conversions.
Choosing Keywords Without Checking SERPs
Always review actual search results before targeting a keyword.
Keyword Stuffing
Use keywords naturally inside content.
Best Practices for Faster Rankings
To improve ranking chances:
- Write high-quality content
- Optimize headings properly
- Add internal links
- Use descriptive meta titles
- Update old content regularly
- Focus on user intent
SEO success comes from consistency and content quality over time.