So, here’s the thing. I used to think keyword research was just typing stuff into Google and hoping for the best. Turns out — yeah, no, it’s deeper than that. You can’t just pick a keyword ’cause it sounds good or gets loads of searches. You gotta know if you can actually compete.
And guess what? That’s what this post’s for — showing how I go about analyzing keyword competition without losing my mind or wasting a week trying to rank for something impossible.
Wait… What Even Is Keyword Competition?
Right, quick pause before diving in. Keyword competition, basically, means how hard it’ll be to rank on search engines for a specific word or phrase. High competition keywords? That’s like trying to jump into a race where everyone’s already on a motorbike, and you’ve got rollerblades.
Low competition? Much better chance, especially if your site’s kinda new or not super “authoritative” (whatever that really means anymore).
Step 1: Grab a Keyword Tool or Two (Or Three)
Honestly, there’s tons of tools. Some paid. Some not. I’ve used a mix, depending on what mood I’m in or how broke I feel.
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Ubersuggest – free for basic stuff, decent
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Google Keyword Planner – a bit clunky, but hey, it’s free
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Ahrefs/Moz/SEMrush – pricey, powerful, probably overkill for most
They give ya things like:
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Search volume (how many people search it every month)
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Difficulty score (usually outta 100 — lower’s better)
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CPC – mostly useful if you’re running ads, not so much for SEO
Me? I aim for difficulty under 30, unless I’m feeling brave or caffeinated.
Step 2: Good Ol’ Google Search
I type the keyword in. Just that. No tools, no gimmicks. Seeing who shows up tells a lot.
If I see Wikipedia, Amazon, government sites? Ugh, might be trouble. But if there’s forums, Reddit posts, Quora answers — that’s actually good. Google’s kinda saying “eh, we’ll take what we can get here.”
Also, I peek at how the top pages are using the keyword. Is it in the title? URL? First paragraph? If not? I might got a chance to slip in and outrank ‘em.
Step 3: Check Who You’re Up Against (DA/DR Style)
Ever heard of Domain Authority? Moz made it up. Domain Rating? Ahrefs’ version. They’re both fake numbers, technically, but also super useful.
I slap on the MozBar Chrome extension (free) and scan the DA scores on the first page of Google. Here’s what I look for:
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DA 70+? That’s rough.
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DA under 40? Okay, maybe I can squeeze in.
I’m not trying to outrank Forbes on Day 1. Just looking for cracks in the wall, y’know?
Step 4: Who’s Got Links?
Links = power in SEO land. Doesn’t matter if the content’s great — no links, no rank. Usually.
I run the top URLs through Ubersuggest or Ahrefs. If they got hundreds of backlinks? Meh. Gonna be tough. But if the top page’s link count is like… 5? Or zero? Boom. I’m in.
Step 5: Can You Make It Better?
Now, this part’s where I flex. I click through the top 5–10 pages and just read them. Real casual-like.
What I’m looking for:
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Is it boring?
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Too short?
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Old info (like they last updated it during the iPhone 7 era)?
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Missing points that I could easily add?
Sometimes the top content is honestly just… meh. So if I can write something fresher, clearer, prettier — maybe toss in a few images or FAQs — I’ve got a shot.
Step 6: Little Google Extras (People Also Ask, Snippets, Etc.)
Ever notice those weird boxes Google shows sometimes? Like “People also ask” or those mini blurbs at the top (featured snippets)? That stuff is SEO gold.
If there’s a featured snippet, I check what type it is — list? Short paragraph? Definition? I try to copy the format, just write it slightly better.
Also, those “people also ask” questions? I straight-up steal those and answer them in my post. Google seems to love that.
A Few Random Tips That Helped Me Tons
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Go Long-Tail: “How to train a Labrador puppy at night” is easier to rank than just “dog training.” Be specific.
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Local Focus Helps: Adding a city or neighborhood makes things way easier (“plumber in Tulsa” vs “best plumber”).
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Look for Weak Spots: Sometimes I just look for poorly-written content that somehow ranked. It happens more than you’d think.
Final-ish Thoughts (Not Gonna Ramble… Promise)
Analyzing keyword competition doesn’t have to be all math and mystery. I’m not an SEO expert, just someone who tinkered a lot and kinda figured out what works.
You don’t need fancy software (though it helps). You do need curiosity, a good eye for weak content, and the will to outdo what’s already out there.
I’m not always trying to rank for the “best” keyword. I’m chasing the one I’ve got a chance at. That’s the key. Play to your strengths. Build momentum. Pick battles you can win.
Need Help Picking One?
Ping me. I’ll check it with you. I don’t mind. Beats doom-scrolling Twitter..
Also, you can learn more about SEO Keyword Mapping here.