When you're working on improving your website's presence on Google, understanding keyword competition is a big piece of the puzzle. It can feel a bit like a guessing game at first, but with the right steps, you can make informed decisions about which keywords to target. This guide is here to help you navigate that process.
We'll walk through the process of checking keyword competition on Google, offering practical tips and relatable examples along the way. By the end, you'll have a toolkit for assessing how tough it will be to rank for the keywords that matter to you.
Understanding Keyword Competition
Before diving into the how-to, let's clarify what keyword competition actually means. It's essentially an assessment of how difficult it is to rank for a particular keyword on search engines like Google. High competition means many websites are trying to rank for that keyword. Low competition, on the other hand, indicates fewer competitors.
Why does this matter? Well, targeting a high-competition keyword might mean you're up against some big players, which could make it hard to see your site on the first page of results. On the flip side, low-competition keywords might not have as much search volume, but they offer a better chance of getting noticed.
Think of it like choosing a lane in traffic: some lanes are packed but might lead to a faster route, while others are clear but might take longer. Balancing these factors is key to an effective SEO strategy.
Using Google Search Itself
Google's own search engine can be a surprisingly useful tool for gauging keyword competition. Start by typing your chosen keyword into the search bar and hit enter. Pay attention to the number of results Google displays at the top. This gives you a rough idea of how many pages are competing for that keyword.
Next, scroll through the first page of results. Look at the types of sites that appear. Are they well-established brands or smaller niche sites? This can give you insight into the strength of your competition. If it's mostly big names, you might want to adjust your strategy.
Also, check out the "People also ask" section and related searches at the bottom of the page. These can provide alternative keywords or phrases that might have less competition but still relate to your topic.
Google Keyword Planner
Google's Keyword Planner is another powerful tool, especially if you're running Google Ads, but you can use it for free with a Google Ads account. It helps you find keywords and see estimated search volume and competition levels.
Once you're logged in, navigate to the Keyword Planner and click on "Discover new keywords." Enter your primary keyword and hit "Get results." You'll see a table of related keywords, along with metrics like average monthly searches and competition level, which ranges from low to high.
This tool is handy for spotting patterns. For instance, if your keyword has high search volume but low competition, it might be a hidden gem. On the other hand, high competition and low volume could indicate a crowded space not worth battling over.
Third-Party SEO Tools
There are several third-party tools designed to help you assess keyword competition. Some of the popular ones include SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz. These tools require a subscription but offer free trials that can be useful for initial research.
Each of these platforms has its own way of calculating keyword difficulty, but they generally look at factors like the number of backlinks to competing pages, domain authority, and search volume. For example, SEMrush provides a keyword difficulty score, showing how hard it is to rank in the top 20 for that keyword.
Using these tools can save you time and offer more granular data than Google Keyword Planner alone. Plus, they often include other features like site audits and backlink analysis, which can help improve your overall SEO efforts.
Analyzing Search Intent
Understanding why people search for a keyword is just as important as knowing how many are searching for it. This is where search intent comes into play. Are users looking to buy something, seeking information, or trying to navigate to a specific site?
To assess search intent, look at the content types that dominate the first page of Google for your keyword. Are they blog posts, product pages, or videos? This can help you tailor your content to better meet user expectations and improve your chances of ranking.
For example, if you're targeting "best hiking boots," and the top results include listicles and reviews, creating a similar type of content could align with what searchers want to see, increasing your chances of landing on the first page.
Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer and more specific phrases that tend to have lower search volumes but also lower competition. They're like the hidden trails in a forest—less traveled but often leading to beautiful vistas.
These keywords can be easier to rank for and attract highly targeted traffic, which is often more valuable. For example, instead of just "hiking boots," you might target "best waterproof hiking boots for women." This specificity helps you reach an audience with clear intent, often closer to making a purchase decision.
Tools like AnswerThePublic or Ubersuggest can help generate long-tail keyword ideas by analyzing search data and showing what questions people are asking around your main keyword.
Competitor Analysis
Studying your competitors can offer valuable insights into keyword competition. By analyzing what keywords they rank for, you can identify potential gaps in your strategy or discover opportunities they might be overlooking.
Start by identifying your main competitors—those who consistently rank for the keywords you're interested in. Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to find out which keywords drive the most traffic to their sites. Pay attention to whether these keywords align with your business goals and assess their difficulty levels.
Additionally, check out their content strategies. Are they using blog posts, infographics, or videos? Are there opportunities for you to create better or more comprehensive content?
Local SEO Considerations
If your business serves a specific geographic area, local SEO can play a crucial role in your keyword strategy. Local keywords often have less competition and are essential for attracting nearby customers.
Include location-specific terms in your keyword research. For example, "Italian restaurant in Boston" is likely to have less competition than "Italian restaurant." Use Google's My Business to enhance your local presence, ensuring your business appears in map results and local searches.
Local SEO strategies might also involve optimizing for "near me" searches. As mobile searches grow, more users look for businesses in their vicinity. Including these phrases in your content and metadata can help capture this audience.
Monitoring and Adjusting Your Strategy
Keyword competition isn't static; it evolves as trends change and new competitors enter the scene. Regularly monitoring your rankings and adjusting your strategy is essential for long-term SEO success.
Set up regular keyword audits using tools like Google Analytics or Search Console to track your performance. Identify which keywords are driving the most traffic and which aren't performing well. This data helps you decide whether to refine your content, target new keywords, or adjust your link-building efforts.
Flexibility is key. If a keyword becomes too competitive, don't hesitate to pivot. SEO is a dynamic field, and being adaptable can help you maintain and grow your search engine presence over time.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, checking keyword competition on Google involves a mix of tools, analysis, and a bit of intuition. By understanding the competition level, search intent, and potential of long-tail keywords, you can craft a more effective SEO strategy that aligns with your goals.
And if you're looking for a partner to help you navigate these challenges, Pattern is here to assist. We focus on results, not just rankings, crafting content that attracts and converts. Our approach to SEO is all about seeing it as part of a bigger growth strategy. So, if you're ready to make SEO a growth channel that drives sales, Pattern is here to help.