When you’re just starting a website or launching a new domain, the biggest hurdle is getting noticed by search engines. Traditional keyword research can feel like a minefield of high‑traffic, high‑competition terms that are already dominated by established sites. Fortunately, there’s a proven shortcut: target low‑competition keywords. These are search phrases that few sites are fighting over, giving newcomers a realistic chance to climb the rankings without a massive SEO budget.
What Are Low‑Competition Keywords?
Low‑competition keywords are search terms that have a small number of competing pages in the top search results. Because the field is less crowded, a well‑crafted piece of content can achieve a high ranking relatively quickly. In contrast to “high‑traffic” keywords that often come with a steep difficulty score, low‑competition terms typically have a keyword difficulty (KD) score of 30 or below on a 0‑100 scale.
Why They Matter for New Sites
New sites lack the domain authority and backlink profile that older, well‑established domains enjoy. This makes it harder to outrank competitors for popular, high‑competition queries. By focusing on low‑competition keywords, you can:
- Achieve quick wins that boost overall site authority.
- Generate organic traffic without paying for ads.
- Build a content library that covers niche topics, attracting a dedicated audience.
- Gather data on what your target market is actually searching for.
In short, low‑competition keywords are the launchpad for a sustainable SEO strategy.
Using Semrush to Find Them
Semrush is one of the most comprehensive tools for keyword research, and it offers several metrics that help you pinpoint the best low‑competition opportunities. The two most useful indicators are:
- Keyword Difficulty (KD %) – A general estimate of how hard it is to rank for a term across all sites.
- Personal Keyword Difficulty (PKD %) – A tailored score that reflects how challenging it will be for your specific domain to rank.
While KD % gives you a baseline, PKD % is the gold standard for new sites because it accounts for your current authority level. A keyword with a KD of 60 might be out of reach for a brand-new domain, but if your PKD is only 25, it’s a viable target.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Finding Low‑Competition Keywords
Below is a practical workflow you can follow in Semrush to uncover high‑potential, low‑competition keywords tailored to your niche.
Step 1: Identify Competitor Keywords
Start by selecting a competitor that ranks well for the topics you care about. In Semrush, navigate to Organic Research → Positions. Enter the competitor’s domain and click Search
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