High-competition keywords: Understanding, identifying, and strategizing for SEO success

In the dynamic world of digital marketing, not all keywords are created equal.

Some are so competitive that ranking for them on search engines feels like trying to win a marathon against Olympic sprinters.

These are known as high-competition keywords, and while they can drive enormous traffic, they also require intense effort, innovative strategy, and often, a significant budget.

This article delves into high-competition keywords, explaining why they matter, how to identify them, and, most importantly, how to approach them with realistic and strategic intent.

What are high-competition keywords?

High-competition keywords are search terms for which a large number of websites are competing on Google and other search engines.

These keywords usually:

1. Have high search volumes

2. They are closely related to profitable products or services

3. They are dominated by authoritative domains

Require strong SEO signals, high-quality backlinks, excellent content, and technical optimization.

For example, keywords like “car insurance,” “best credit cards,” “buy iPhone online,” or “SEO services” are highly competitive because they promise high conversion rates and significant revenue opportunities.

However, while these keywords are tempting, pursuing them blindly can lead to wasted resources and frustration.

Why do some keywords have high competition?

The reason some keywords are fiercely contested boils down to value, both in terms of searcher intent and commercial benefit.

Here’s what makes a keyword highly competitive:

1. High commercial intent: Keywords such as “best CRM software” or “buy hosting plan” indicate that the user is ready to make a purchase.

2. Large search volume: More searches mean more potential traffic.

Brands compete to get a slice of the attention.

3. Expensive in paid Ads: If a keyword has a high cost-per-click (CPC) in Google Ads, it is usually a signal of intense market competition.

4. Broad relevance: Generic terms like “lawyer” or “shoes” can apply to thousands of businesses across locations, increasing competition.

5. Dominated by big brands: When industry leaders invest heavily in content and SEO, ranking for the same terms becomes more difficult.

Examples of high competition keywords

Here are some keyword examples that illustrate intense competition across industries:

 1. Finance:

a. “Credit card”

b. “Mortgage rates”

c. “Best savings account”

d. “Car insurance quotes”

 2. Legal:

a. “Personal injury lawyer”

b. “Divorce attorney near me”

c. “Immigration lawyer”

 3. Tech & SaaS:

a. “CRM software”

b. “Email marketing tools”

c. “VPN for Netflix”

4. eCommerce:

a. “Buy iPhone 15”

b. “Nike running shoes”

c. “Wireless headphones”

5. Healthcare:

a. “Health insurance”

b. “Weight loss pills”

c. “Therapist near me”

How to identify high-competition keywords

Identifying high-competition keywords is not just about guesswork; it requires data. Fortunately, several SEO tools can provide a clear picture of keyword difficulty.

Use the following tools:

 1. Google keyword planner

a. Shows competition (Low, Medium, High) and estimated CPC.

b. Best for advertisers, but helpful for SEO clues.

 2. Ahrefs

a. Provides a Keyword Difficulty (KD) score.

b. Offers backlink estimates needed to rank.

 3. SEMrush

a. Keyword Difficulty %, CPC, competition density.

b. Also provides keyword variations and related terms.

 4. Ubersuggest

a. Simple and beginner-friendly with competition scores.

b. Includes SEO difficulty and paid difficulty separately.

 5. Moz Keyword Explorer

a. Includes difficulty score, opportunity, and potential.

b. Highlights SERP analysis and click-through potential.

Key indicators of high competition:

1. Keyword Difficulty Score > 70% (depends on tool)

2. CPC > $5–$10 for PPC terms

3. Top-ranking domains are authority sites (Amazon, Wikipedia, Forbes, etc.)

4. Long-form, deeply optimized content dominates Page 1

5. Firm backlink profiles among ranking pages

Should you target high-competition keywords?

High-competition keywords can drive massive traffic and conversions, but they’re not always the best starting point for new sites or lean marketing teams.

Here’s when it makes sense to go after them:

1. You have a well-established domain with authority

2. You can produce high-quality, long-form content

3. You have the resources to build strong backlinks

4. You are in a position to wait 6–12 months for ROI

Alternative approach: Start with Long-tail keyword variants

Instead of targeting “CRM software,” aim for:

1. “Best CRM software for small business”

2. “Affordable CRM for startups”

3. “CRM tools with email integration”

These long-tail keywords are:

1. Easier to rank for

2. Lower in competition

3. Still aligned with buying intent

Strategies for competing in high-competition keywords

If you decide to pursue high-competition keywords, here’s how to improve your odds:

1. Create 10 times the content: You cannot just match what is out there; you have to be better. Offer:

1. More depth
2. Better structure
3. Engaging visuals and videos
4. Unique insights or case studies

2. Optimize for search intent: Google favors pages that match the intent behind the query.

Don’t just stuff keywords; answer the user’s underlying question. For “best VPN for Netflix,” focus on:

1. Streaming speed
2. Regional access
3. Device compatibility
4. Real user reviews

3. Build quality backlinks: Link building is essential. Try:

1. Guest posting on niche-relevant blogs
2. Digital PR (newsworthy content)
3. Collaborations and mentions

d. Linkable assets (infographics, research, calculators)

4. Focus on internal linking: Strengthen your internal site structure by linking from related articles. This distributes authority and helps search engines understand your content.

5. Enhance technical SEO: Your site should load quickly, be mobile-friendly, have an optimized sitemap, and utilize structured data where applicable. Every edge counts.

6. Combine paid and organic: While working toward organic ranking, consider running Google Ads for high-competition terms to gain visibility and data.

How to balance your keyword strategy

The most innovative SEO strategies do not rely solely on high-competition keywords.

A balanced approach delivers consistent traffic and faster wins.

Suggested strategy:

1. 70% Low competition keywords: Quick wins, often long-tail and highly specific

2. 20% Medium competition: Branded or moderately competitive terms you can rank for with effort

3. 10% High competition: Long-term SEO investments and flagship content

Pitfalls to avoid when targeting high-competition keywords

Going after high-competition keywords without a clear strategy can be counterproductive.

Here are mistakes to avoid:

1. Ignoring intent: Do not force a keyword into a page that doesn’t match user expectations.

2. Duplicate or thin content: Repeating what’s already ranking won’t cut it.

Bring something new.

3. Lack of patience: Ranking takes time, sometimes several months or more.

Avoid the “set and forget” approach to SEO.

4. Chasing only vanity keywords: Just because a keyword has high volume does not mean it brings conversions.

5. Neglecting analytics: Always measure what is working and pivot accordingly.

High competition keywords require strategy, not just effort

High-competition keywords may seem like digital goldmines, and they often are, but mining them requires planning, resources, and a long-term perspective.

While it can be tempting to chase the biggest search terms, the most successful brands approach these keywords strategically.

They do not just create content; they create better content, optimize wisely, build trust through backlinks, and maintain technical excellence.

So, whether you decide to go all in or work your way up through long-tail keywords, remember: winning in SEO is not about brute force.

It’s about smart, sustained strategy.

FAQs

Q. 1 What makes a keyword “high-competition”?

A keyword is considered high competition when many websites are competing for it, often because it has high commercial value, a large search volume, or both.

Q. 2 Are high-competition keywords worth targeting for small websites?

Not initially. New sites should focus on low- to medium-competition keywords until they establish authority.

Later, they can expand into more competitive spaces.

Q. 3 What is a good keyword difficulty score to target?

For new sites, aim for a difficulty score under 30. As your domain authority grows, you can target scores of 50–70 or higher.

Scores of 70 or higher often indicate high competition.

Q. 4 Can long-tail keywords compete with high-competition ones in value?

Absolutely! Long-tail keywords often convert more effectively because they reflect a more specific intent.

Plus, they’re easier to rank for and bring in highly targeted traffic.

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