How To Find Low-Competition Keywords Using Ahrefs Keyword Research Tool

Finding profitable keywords is one of the most important tasks in search engine optimization, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood. Many website owners chase high-volume search terms only to discover that ranking for them is nearly impossible. Instead, experienced SEO professionals focus on uncovering low-competition keywords—search terms that offer realistic ranking opportunities with meaningful traffic potential.

TLDR: Low-competition keywords are search terms that are easier to rank for and can drive targeted traffic faster. Using Ahrefs’ Keyword Explorer, marketers can evaluate metrics like Keyword Difficulty (KD), search volume, traffic potential, and SERP analysis to identify realistic opportunities. By filtering results, analyzing competitor pages, and targeting long-tail variations, businesses can build authority and grow organically. A structured keyword research process within Ahrefs significantly improves SEO success rates.

Ahrefs is one of the most powerful SEO tools available today, offering detailed keyword data, competitor analysis, and SERP insights. When used strategically, it allows marketers to build a smart keyword plan that focuses on attainable rankings instead of unrealistic goals. This guide explains how to find low-competition keywords using the Ahrefs keyword research tool in a clear, step-by-step format.

Understanding What “Low-Competition” Really Means

Before diving into Ahrefs, it is important to clarify what low competition actually means. Many beginners assume it refers only to low keyword difficulty scores. While that is partially true, real keyword competition involves multiple factors:

• Keyword Difficulty (KD): Estimated number of backlinks needed to rank in the top 10.
• Domain Authority of competitors: Strength of ranking websites.
• Search intent alignment: How well content matches user expectations.
• Content quality currently ranking: Opportunities to create better resources.

A low-competition keyword is not just one with a low KD score—it is a term where a site has a realistic chance of ranking based on its authority and content quality.

Step 1: Start with Keyword Explorer in Ahrefs

Ahrefs’ Keyword Explorer is the primary tool for discovering new keyword opportunities.

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To begin:

1. Log into Ahrefs.
2. Navigate to Keyword Explorer.
3. Enter a broad seed keyword related to your niche.
4. Select your target country or search engine.
5. Click “Search.”

The tool will generate an overview showing search volume, keyword difficulty, traffic potential, global volume, and SERP results.

Focus on Keyword Difficulty (KD)

For newer websites, it is generally wise to look for:

• KD between 0–10 (very low competition)
• KD between 10–20 (manageable competition)

However, KD should never be the sole decision-making metric. The next steps help refine keyword selection further.

Step 2: Use Keyword Filters to Find Hidden Opportunities

Inside Keyword Explorer, Ahrefs provides powerful filtering options. This is where true low-competition hunting begins.

Apply These Filters:

• Keyword Difficulty: Set max KD to 20 (or lower for new sites)
• Minimum Volume: Set a floor (e.g., 100 searches/month)
• Word Count: Filter 3+ words to find long-tail keywords

Long-tail keywords are especially valuable because they:

• Have clearer search intent
• Face less competition
• Convert better
• Are easier to rank for

Filtering for longer search phrases often reveals dozens—or even hundreds—of overlooked opportunities.

Step 3: Analyze the SERP for Realistic Ranking Potential

After identifying a promising keyword, the next step is clicking on it to view the SERP overview.

This section shows:

• Top 10 ranking pages
• Domain Rating (DR)
• URL Rating (UR)
• Backlinks
• Estimated traffic

What to Look For:

• Websites with low DR ranking on page one
• Pages with few referring domains
• Forums or niche blogs ranking high
• Content that appears outdated or thin

If weak pages are ranking, this signals an opportunity. Even if KD shows moderate difficulty, actual SERP analysis may reveal that competitors are not particularly strong.

Step 4: Use “Matching Terms” and “Questions” Reports

One of Ahrefs’ most effective features is its ability to expand keyword ideas.

Matching Terms Report

This report shows keywords containing your seed phrase.

Questions Report

This reveals question-based searches, which often have lower competition and strong intent.

Examples of strong low-competition formats:

• “How to…”
• “Best way to…”
• “Why does…”
• “Can you…”

Question keywords frequently produce featured snippet opportunities, which can accelerate visibility.

Step 5: Evaluate Traffic Potential Instead of Just Search Volume

One common mistake is relying solely on search volume. Ahrefs includes a metric called Traffic Potential (TP), which estimates the total traffic the top-ranking page receives from all related keywords.

This is crucial because:

• A 300-volume keyword may generate 2,000+ total visits.
• A 2,000-volume keyword may drive only that single term’s traffic.

When selecting low-competition keywords, prioritizing traffic potential can produce significantly better long-term ROI.

Step 6: Reverse Engineer Competitors

Another powerful method is analyzing competitor websites directly inside Ahrefs.

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How to Do It:

1. Enter a competitor domain into Site Explorer.
2. Click on “Organic Keywords.”
3. Filter by KD (0–20).
4. Sort by volume or traffic.

This reveals which low-difficulty keywords competitors are already ranking for. The strategy is not to copy content, but to identify gaps:

• Topics they covered lightly
• Keywords driving traffic but lacking depth
• Opportunities for improved content

Use the Content Gap Tool

Ahrefs also provides a Content Gap feature that compares multiple competitors to your domain. It shows keywords they rank for that you do not.

This is especially powerful for finding overlooked low-competition phrases across your industry.

Step 7: Identify Parent Topics

Ahrefs groups keywords under a Parent Topic, which represents the broader subject driving the majority of traffic.

This helps determine:

• Whether multiple keywords can be targeted in one article
• If separate pages should be created
• How comprehensive content should be

Targeting parent topics strategically allows a website to rank for clusters of related low-competition keywords with a single piece of content.

Step 8: Validate Search Intent

Low competition means nothing if the content fails to match search intent.

Ahrefs makes this easy by examining the current top results. Identify whether the query is:

• Informational (guides, tutorials)
• Transactional (product pages)
• Commercial investigation (reviews, comparisons)
• Navigational (brand searches)

Create content that mirrors what Google is already rewarding. If product pages dominate results, publishing a blog article alone may not suffice.

Best Practices for Targeting Low-Competition Keywords

• Create in-depth content: Longer, well-structured articles perform better.
• Optimize on-page SEO: Titles, H1s, meta descriptions, and internal links.
• Build internal authority: Interlink related content strategically.
• Earn a few quality backlinks: Even low-KD keywords benefit from some link support.

Finding the keyword is only half the equation. Execution determines ranking success.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Chasing high volume over realistic ranking chances
• Ignoring SERP analysis
• Targeting keywords outside domain authority capacity
• Publishing thin content
• Neglecting content updates

Successful SEO professionals focus more on opportunity probability than vanity metrics.

FAQ: How To Find Low-Competition Keywords Using Ahrefs

1. What is a good Keyword Difficulty score in Ahrefs?

For newer websites, a KD score between 0 and 10 is ideal. Websites with moderate authority can often compete effectively in the 10 to 20 range. Always confirm by reviewing SERP strength rather than relying solely on the number.

2. Is search volume more important than Keyword Difficulty?

No. A lower-volume keyword with realistic ranking potential often brings faster results and higher ROI. Traffic Potential should also be evaluated to understand the broader opportunity.

3. How many low-competition keywords should be targeted per article?

Typically, one primary keyword and several related secondary keywords (clustered under the same topic) can be targeted within a single well-structured article.

4. Can high-authority websites still benefit from low-competition keywords?

Yes. Even strong domains use low-competition keywords to expand topical authority, dominate niche segments, and capture high-converting traffic quickly.

5. How often should keyword research be conducted?

Keyword research should be ongoing. Markets evolve, competitors shift strategies, and new search opportunities emerge regularly. Quarterly reviews are recommended at minimum.

6. Are long-tail keywords always low competition?

Not always, but they frequently are. Long-tail keywords often attract more specific search intent and tend to have fewer strong competitors compared to broad terms.

When used properly, Ahrefs transforms keyword research from guesswork into data-driven strategy. By combining smart filters, SERP analysis, and competitor research, marketers can consistently uncover low-competition keywords that drive sustainable and scalable organic growth.