Every new blogger hears the same advice: “target low competition keywords.” But most guides tell you to buy an expensive tool first. The truth is that you can learn how to find low competition keywords without paid tools, using only Google and a few free resources. In this guide, you will follow a simple process that works even for brand new websites.
What Are Low Competition Keywords?
A low competition keyword is a search phrase that few strong websites are trying to rank for. That means a smaller site with good content has a real chance to reach page one. These keywords are usually long and specific, such as “free seo tools for small business websites” instead of just “seo tools”.
The goal is not the lowest competition possible. The goal is a keyword with enough demand and beatable results. A keyword nobody searches is useless, and a keyword dominated by giant brands is too hard for a new site.
Why New Websites Should Target Them First
- Faster rankings: You can appear on page one within weeks or months instead of years.
- Better intent: Specific searches come from people who know what they want.
- Topical authority: Ranking for many small topics builds trust, which helps you rank for bigger keywords later.
- Lower cost: You win with content, not with backlinks and advertising budgets.
Step 1: Use Google Autocomplete
Start typing your topic into Google and watch the suggestions. These come from real searches. Now add a letter after your keyword (a, b, c and so on) to get even more ideas. For example, “seo tools for a”, “seo tools for b”.
Tip: Note every suggestion with four or more words. Longer phrases usually have less competition and clearer intent.
Step 2: Check “People Also Ask” and Related Searches
Search your main keyword and scroll the results page. The “People also ask” box and the “Related searches” section at the bottom are full of ideas. Click a question in the box and Google shows even more related questions.
These questions work well as blog titles or as subheadings inside a larger article.
Step 3: Mine Your Google Search Console Data
If your site already has some traffic, Search Console is the best free keyword tool you have. Open the Performance report and look at the queries tab. Filter for queries where your average position is between 8 and 30.
These are keywords where Google already considers your page relevant. A small improvement, like adding a section or updating the title, can move you onto page one. This is often faster than writing new content.
Step 4: Analyze the Search Results Manually
This step matters more than any competition score. Search your keyword in a private window and study page one. Look for these signs of low competition:
- Forums such as Reddit or Quora ranking in the top five
- Articles that are old (two or more years) and not updated
- Thin pages with only a few hundred words
- Small blogs or new domains on page one
- Titles that do not match the keyword exactly
If page one is full of well-known brands with deep, recent guides, move on. Choose a more specific version of the keyword instead.
Step 5: Confirm Demand With Free Tools
Use Google Trends to check whether interest is stable or rising. Use Google Keyword Planner to see the monthly search range. For a new site, a keyword with 100 to 1,000 monthly searches is often ideal. It is big enough to bring traffic but small enough to be winnable.
Remember that Keyword Planner shows ranges, not exact numbers, so use it as a guide rather than a promise.
Step 6: Match Search Intent
Search intent is the reason behind a search. Look at what Google already shows. If the top results are step-by-step tutorials, write a tutorial. If they are comparison lists, write a list. If they are product pages, the keyword is commercial and a blog post may not rank.
Matching intent is more important than word count or keyword repetition.
Step 7: Use Quotes and “intitle” Searches
Here is a classic free trick. Search your keyword inside quotes with the intitle operator, like intitle:”how to find low competition keywords”. The number of results shows roughly how many pages target that exact phrase. A smaller number suggests less direct competition.
Quick Checklist Before You Write
- Is the keyword four or more words long?
- Are there weak or outdated pages on page one?
- Is there steady demand in Google Trends?
- Does the keyword match your business or niche?
- Can you add real examples, screenshots or experience?
If you answer yes to most of these, the keyword is worth targeting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Chasing only volume: High volume usually means high competition.
- Ignoring intent: Ranking for the wrong audience brings no results.
- Targeting one keyword per page randomly: Group related keywords into one strong article.
- Never updating content: Refresh posts every six months to stay ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good keyword difficulty for a new website?
Choose keywords in the lowest difficulty tier of whatever tool you use, and always verify with a manual search results check.
Can I rank without backlinks?
For truly low competition keywords, yes. Good content and internal links can be enough, though backlinks help over time.
How many keywords should I target per post?
One main keyword plus a few closely related variations that fit naturally.
How long does it take to rank?
New pages often take 2 to 4 months to show stable positions, depending on your site’s age and quality.
Final Thoughts
You do not need a paid subscription to find great keywords. By combining Google Autocomplete, People Also Ask, Search Console, Google Trends and manual result checks, you can build a strong keyword list for free. Start with five keywords this week, publish helpful content for each, and track the results in Search Console.