Most beginners target broad keywords like “best SEO tips” and wonder why they don’t rank. The secret? Low-competition SEO keywords — specific, less-searched terms that are easier to rank for.

These keywords:

• Attract targeted traffic;
• Help Google notice your site faster;
• Require less backlink power.

Let’s dive into free ways to find them — without the usual boring advice.

Steal Long-Tail Keywords from “People Also Ask” (PAA)

Google’s “People Also Ask” section is a goldmine for untapped SEO queries. Unlike generic keywords, these are low-competition long-tail phrases real users search for.

How to Do It:

• Search a broad topic (e.g., “blogging tips”).
• Scroll to the PAA section and note the questions.
• Plug them into Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to confirm search volume.

Example: Instead of “how to write a blog post,” target “how to write a blog post with no experience”—a low-difficulty keyword with intent.

Reverse-Engineer Competitors’ Weak Pages

Your competitors are ranking for easy keywords—you just need to find them.

Trick: Use Ahrefs’ Free Backlink Checker or Ubersuggest to:

• Enter a competitor’s domain.
• Look for pages with low backlinks but decent traffic.
• Check their target keywords—these are likely low-competition SEO opportunities.

Pro Tip: If a page ranks with fewer than 10 referring domains, you can outrank it with better content.

Find “Keyword Gaps” Using Free Tools

Most guides recommend paid tools, but you can find low-competition keywords for free:

• Use Google Search Console (if you have a site) to see low-impression, high-CTR queries—these are hidden gems.
• Try AnswerThePublic for long-tail question keywords (e.g., “can you start a blog without money”).

Example: “Best time to post on LinkedIn for B2B” has lower competition than “LinkedIn marketing tips.”

Target “Zero Volume” Keywords (They Still Rank!)

Some keywords show “0” search volume in tools but still drive traffic. Why?

• Tools estimate data, not actual searches.
• Hyper-specific phrases convert better (e.g., “how to repurpose blog posts for Pinterest”).

How to Find Them:

• Use Google Autocomplete (type a word + letters, e.g., “SEO for…” → “SEO for local businesses with no budget”).
• Check forums like Reddit or Quora for real-user questions.

The “SERP Weakness” Hack

Before writing, analyze the top 5 results for your keyword. If you see:

• Thin content (under 800 words);
• Old posts (2+ years);
• Forum threads (Reddit/Quora ranking).

Very probably that’s a low-competition keyword opportunity.

Final Tip: Track “Rising Keywords” for Easy Wins

Tools like Google Trends or SEMrush’s Keyword Magic Tool (free version) show suddenly popular but low-competition keywords.

Example: “Threads SEO tips 2024” spiked when Threads launched—early adopters ranked fast.

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Now It’s Your Turn

Stop fighting for impossible keywords. Use these free low-competition SEO tactics to:
✅ Rank faster
✅ Get targeted traffic
✅ Outsmart bigger blogs

Which trick will you try first? Let me know in the comments!