Keyword Research→Lesson 2
Analyzing Keyword Competition
Extra
5 min
intermediate
You'll learn:
- •Assess keyword difficulty realistically
- •Find low-competition keyword opportunities
Keyword Difficulty: Can You Rank?
Not all keywords are worth pursuing. If the first page of results is dominated by massive brands (Wikipedia, New York Times, Amazon), it'll be nearly impossible to rank as a new site.
Quick Competition Assessment
Search your target keyword and check:
- Are the top results authoritative brands or smaller sites?
- How comprehensive are the top pages? Can you create something better?
- Do results match the search intent you identified?
- Are there opportunities for different content formats (video, images)?
💡
Look for "low-hanging fruit": keywords where top results are forums (Reddit, Quora), thin content, or outdated pages. These are opportunities to create something superior.
Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases with lower search volume but higher conversion potential. Examples:
- Short-tail: "running shoes" (high competition, unclear intent)
- Long-tail: "best running shoes for flat feet women" (lower competition, purchase intent)
Key Takeaway:
As a new site, target long-tail keywords with lower competition. Build authority gradually, then compete for broader terms later.