5 Free SEO Keyword Hacks to Rank #1 Fast
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Finding SEO Keywords for Free
- Using Ahrefs Keyword Generator Tool
- Signing Up for a Trial of Semrush's Guru Package
- Using Bard for Keyword Research
- Scraping Q&A Websites for Keywords
- Checking Keyword Difficulty and Search Volume with Ahrefs
- Using the People Also Ask Feature on Google
- Creating Content Targeting Niche Keywords
- Conclusion
Introduction
In today's digital landscape, search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for businesses and content creators. One essential aspect of SEO is keyword research. Finding the right keywords that have low competition but high search volume can greatly improve your chances of ranking higher in search engine results.
In this article, we will explore different methods of finding SEO keywords for free. We will discuss various tools and techniques that can help you uncover low competition keywords and increase your chances of ranking higher without having to invest in expensive SEO tools. Let's dive in and discover the best ways to conduct keyword research on a budget.
Finding SEO Keywords for Free
Keyword research is the foundation of any successful SEO strategy. It involves identifying the specific words and phrases people use when searching for information online. By targeting these keywords in your content, you can increase your visibility in search engine results and attract more organic traffic to your website.
Using Ahrefs Keyword Generator Tool
One of the most efficient ways to find low competition keywords for free is by using the Ahrefs keyword generator tool. Although Ahrefs is typically a paid tool, their keyword generator tool is available for free. By typing your topic into the tool, you can quickly generate a list of keywords with low competition scores.
To use the Ahrefs keyword generator tool effectively, it's ideal to choose a slightly longer-tail keyword consisting of two or three words. This will help you find keywords with lower competition scores. By changing your country settings, you can find relevant keywords specific to your target audience.
While the free version of Ahrefs may not provide all the keywords available, it gives you a quick way to generate multiple keyword options. Focus on finding the low keyword difficulty scores on the list, as these are the ones you have a better chance of ranking for. Avoid keywords with higher difficulty scores, as they will be more challenging to rank for. With just a few minutes of research, you can identify several low competition keywords to target in your content.
Signing Up for a Trial of Semrush's Guru Package
Another way to find free keywords with low competition is by signing up for a trial of Semrush's Guru package. This trial period allows you to scrape a considerable number of keywords for a limited time, usually seven days. During this trial, you can explore a wide range of keywords and identify ones with low competition scores.
To utilize Semrush effectively, navigate to the keyword overview section of the tool and enter your desired keywords. You can refine your search by choosing your desired country settings. Semrush provides keyword difficulty scores, which indicate the ease of ranking for a particular keyword. By selecting very easy or easy difficulty options, you can filter down to keywords that are more manageable to rank for.
In addition to keyword difficulty, consider the search volume when choosing keywords. While low competition is essential, you also want to target keywords that have a decent search volume. Semrush provides this information, allowing you to select keywords that strike a balance between low competition and reasonable search volume.
Using Bard for Keyword Research
If you're looking for a less data-driven approach to keyword research, you can use Bard, a versatile tool that generates keywords related to your niche. Simply input your niche into Bard, and it will provide you with a list of related keywords. The tool also offers a competition rating feature, allowing you to assess the competition level of each keyword.
To maximize your results with Bard, focus on selecting keywords that have a competition rating of zero. These keywords are considered to have very low competition. By applying the "20 rule" – aiming to create content that is 20x better and 20x longer than your competitors – you can further increase your chances of ranking for these keywords.
It's important to note that Bard gathers its data from Google Keyword Planner. The competition score provided by Bard is typically derived from ads, not organic search. Therefore, it's recommended to manually check the competition by examining the existing websites ranking for a particular keyword. Assess whether you can realistically outrank these websites before investing time in creating content around the keyword.
Scraping Q&A Websites for Keywords
Another effective method of finding low competition keywords is by scraping Q&A websites. Platforms like Quora.com and Reddit can provide valuable insights into the questions people are asking related to your niche. Since these websites are less structured and not optimized for SEO, it's often easier to outrank them in search engine results.
By typing your niche into the search bar on Q&A websites, you can uncover a wealth of keywords. Review the search results and extract relevant keywords that users are typing into Google. Aim for specific, long-tail keywords with low search volume but high relevance to your niche.
To streamline the scraping process, adjust your search settings to display a higher number of results per page. This will allow you to extract more keywords without spending excessive time on the scraping process. Additionally, use a tool like Harper AI to grab all the keywords from the page and compile them into a spreadsheet for further analysis.
Checking Keyword Difficulty and Search Volume with Ahrefs
Once you have gathered a list of potential keywords, it's essential to assess their keyword difficulty and search volume. Although Ahrefs and other similar tools typically require a subscription to access comprehensive data, you can still utilize them to validate the low competition nature of your chosen keywords.
By inputting your keywords into Ahrefs, you can obtain insights on their difficulty score. A keyword difficulty (KD) score indicates how hard it is to rank organically for a specific keyword. Look for keywords with low difficulty scores, preferably below five. These are considered low competition keywords, which means you have a higher chance of outranking other websites targeting the same keywords.
While Ahrefs may not provide search volume data for some keywords due to their low search volume, it's crucial to consider the overall relevance and quality of the keywords. Low search volume keywords can still be valuable if they are highly targeted and align with your target audience's interests.
Using the People Also Ask Feature on Google
Google's "People Also Ask" feature is another useful resource for finding low competition keywords. By typing a keyword you are considering into the search bar, you can explore the different variations and related questions suggested by Google. These generated search terms often have low search volume but also low competition.
Since these keywords appear in the "People Also Ask" section, it indicates that people are actively searching for them. While keyword research tools may not provide much data on these keywords due to their low volume, targeting them can lead to increased visibility and organic traffic. Create content that answers these specific questions, incorporating the keywords naturally throughout your article.
Creating Content Targeting Niche Keywords
To maximize your chances of ranking for low competition keywords, it's crucial to create content specifically targeting these keywords. By focusing on niche keywords with low competition, you have a higher chance of outranking more prominent authority sites. This strategy is especially effective if you can provide comprehensive, high-quality content that surpasses existing articles on the topic.
When creating content for niche keywords, consider the following:
- Use the keyword in the URL, headings, and throughout the content to signal relevance to search engines.
- Aim for longer articles that thoroughly cover the topic and answer related questions.
- Make the content engaging and informative to encourage readers to spend more time on your page.
- Incorporate relevant multimedia, such as images, videos, or infographics, to enhance the user experience.
- Utilize internal and external linking to further demonstrate your expertise and credibility on the topic.
By consistently creating content targeting low competition keywords and applying SEO best practices, you can gradually establish your site's authority and improve your rankings across various search queries.
Conclusion
Keyword research plays a crucial role in the success of your SEO efforts. By identifying and targeting low competition keywords, you can increase your chances of ranking higher in search engine results and attracting more organic traffic to your website. While paid SEO tools can be valuable, there are several free methods to discover low competition keywords.
Using tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, Bard, and scraping Q&A websites, you can generate a list of keywords that have low competition scores. Additionally, leveraging Google's "People Also Ask" feature allows you to uncover more niche keywords with low search volume but potential for high rankings.
When creating content targeting these keywords, focus on providing comprehensive, high-quality articles that surpass existing content in the niche. By consistently implementing these strategies and refining your SEO approach, you can pave the way for long-term organic growth and success.
Highlights
- Discovering low competition keywords is essential for successful SEO.
- Utilize free tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, Bard, and scraping Q&A websites for keyword research.
- Take advantage of Google's "People Also Ask" feature to uncover niche keywords with low search volume.
- Create content specifically targeting low competition keywords to increase your chances of ranking higher.
- Focus on comprehensive, high-quality content that surpasses existing articles in the niche.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are paid SEO tools necessary for keyword research?
A: While paid SEO tools can provide more comprehensive data and advanced features, there are several free methods available to conduct effective keyword research. These methods, such as using free versions of tools like Ahrefs and Semrush, scraping Q&A websites, and leveraging Google's features, can help you identify low competition keywords without the need for costly subscriptions.
Q: How can I determine if a keyword has low competition?
A: Keyword difficulty scores, offered by tools like Ahrefs and Semrush, can help you assess the competition level of a specific keyword. Look for keywords with difficulty scores below five, as these are generally considered low competition. Additionally, manually checking existing websites ranking for a keyword can give you insights into whether you can realistically outrank them.
Q: Should I prioritize high search volume or low competition keywords?
A: It's important to strike a balance between search volume and competition level when choosing keywords. While high search volume indicates a larger potential audience, it also means more competition from other websites. Low competition keywords may have lower search volume, but they provide a better chance of ranking higher. Ideally, target keywords that have a reasonable search volume and low competition to optimize your chances of attracting organic traffic.
Q: How often should I conduct keyword research?
A: Keyword research is an ongoing process that should be conducted regularly. As search trends, user behavior, and competition change over time, it's essential to stay up to date with the latest keywords and adjust your content strategy accordingly. Aim to conduct keyword research at least once every few months to stay competitive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.