Keyword difficulty - how do you measure it?When it comes to optimizing your website for search engines, one of the most important factors to consider is keyword difficulty. This metric measures how hard it is to rank for a specific keyword in search engineresults pages (SERPs).
To determine keyword difficulty, several factors are taken into account, including the competition level, search volume, and the strength of the top-ranking pages. By analyzing these factors, you can better understand which keywords to target and how todevelop a successful SEO strategy.
Keyword Difficulty - How Do You Measure It?
As an online businessowner or marketer, you're likely familiar with the importance of optimizing your website for search engines. One of the most critical aspects of SEOis selecting the right keywords to target in your content. However, not all keywords are created equal, and some are much more challenging to rank for than others. This is where keyword difficulty comes in.
What Is Keyword Difficulty?
Keyword difficulty refers to the level of competition you're likely to face when attempting to rank for a particular keyword. It's calculated using a variety of factors, including the number of websites already ranking for the keyword, the quality of those websites, and the overall search volume for the keyword.
When choosing which keywords to target, it's essential to consider the keyword difficulty score, as trying to rank for highly competitive keywords can be a significant challenge, even for experienced SEOprofessionals.
How To Measure Keyword Difficulty
Several tools can help you determine the keyword difficulty score for a given keyword. Some popular options include:
1. Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is a free tool that provides data on the search volume and competition level for specific keywords. To use this tool, you'll need a Google Adsaccount, but you don't need to run any ads to access the data. Once you've logged in, enter your chosen keyword into the search bar, and the tool will display a range of data, including search volume, competition level, and suggested bid.
2. Ahrefs Keyword Explorer
Ahrefs Keyword Explorer is a powerful keyword research tool that includes a keyword difficulty score as part of its analysis. This score ranges from 0 to 100 and takes into account the backlink profiles of the top-ranking pages for the keyword, as well as the overall search volume.
3. SEMrush
SEMrush is another popular SEOtool that includes a keyword difficulty score as part of its analysis. Like Ahrefs, the SEMrush score is based on factors like the quality of backlinksto the top-ranking pages and the overall search volume.
Why Keyword Difficulty Matters
Understanding keyword difficulty is essential for several reasons. Firstly, targeting highly competitive keywords can be a waste of time and resources, particularly if you're a small businesswith limited resources. Instead, it's often better to focus on longer-tail keywords that are less competitive but still relevant to your business.
Secondly, choosing the right keywords to target can significantly impact your website's traffic and revenue. By targeting keywords with low to medium difficulty scores, you'll have a much better chance of ranking well in search engine results pages and driving targeted traffic to your website.
Keyword Difficulty: What it is and Why it’s Important in SEO
Tips For Finding Low-Difficulty Keywords
So, how do you go about finding low-difficulty keywords to target? Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Use Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that tend to have lower search volumes but are also less competitive. For example, instead of targeting the keyword "SEO," you might target "SEO tips for small businesses" or "local SEO services for dentists." By targeting long-tail keywords, you'll have a better chance of ranking well in search engine results pages.
2. Analyze Your Competitors' Keywords
Another way to find low-difficulty keywords is to analyze your competitors' keywords. Tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush can help you identify which keywords your competitors are targeting and how difficult they are to rank for. By focusing on keywords that your competitors aren't targeting, you'll have a better chance of ranking well and driving targeted traffic to your website.
3. Consider Keyword Variations
Instead of targeting the exact same keywords as your competitors, consider using variations of those keywords. For example, if your competitor is targeting "best coffee shops in Seattle," you might target "top-rated coffee shops in Seattle" or "Seattle's best coffee houses." By using variations of high-traffic keywords, you'll have a better chance of ranking well in search engine results pages.
4. Focus On Niche Topics
Another way to find low-difficulty keywords is to focus on niche topics related to your business. For example, if you're a dentist, you might create content around "oral health tips for pregnant women" or "common dental problems in children." By targeting niche topics, you'll have a better chance of ranking well in search engine results pages and driving targeted traffic to your website.
People Also Ask
How Is Keyword Difficulty Calculated?
Keyword difficulty is calculated by analyzing various factors such as the number of backlinks, domain authority, and the quality of content on the top-ranking pages for that keyword. This data is then used to determine the level of competition for that keyword.
What Is A Good Keyword Difficulty Score?
A good keyword difficulty score depends on your website's level of authority and the strength of your content. As a general rule of thumb, a keyword difficulty score of less than 50 is considered easy, while a score of 50-70 is moderate, and a score of 70 or higher is considered difficult.
How Do You Find Low-competition Keywords?
To find low-competition keywords, start by conducting thorough keyword research and analyzing factors like search volume, competition level, and the quality of backlinks to the top-ranking pages. Look for long-tail keywords, consider variations of high-traffic keywords, and focus on niche topics related to your business to find low-competition keywords to target.
Conclusion
When it comes to keyword difficulty - how do you measure it? By choosing the right keywords to target, you'll have a better chance of ranking well in search engine results pages and driving targeted traffic to your website.
Remember to consider factors like search volume, competition level, and the quality of backlinks to the top-ranking pages when determining keyword difficulty. And don't be afraid to focus on long-tail keywords, analyze your competitors' keywords, consider keyword variations, and focus on niche topics to find low-difficulty keywords to target. With the right strategy, you can increase your website's traffic and revenue by targeting the right keywords.