How to find low-hanging fruit keywords in 2026: step-by-step guide
On this page
- What makes a keyword low-hanging fruit?
- How to find low-hanging fruit keywords with free tools
- Comparing top keyword research tools for low-hanging fruit
- How to prioritize keywords for business impact
- Real-world results: case studies after targeting low-hanging fruit
- Common mistakes when chasing low-hanging fruit keywords
- Your next action: start uncovering low-hanging fruit today
- Frequently asked questions
- What are low-hanging fruit keywords?
- How do i find low-hanging fruit keywords for my website?
- Which tools are best for identifying low-hanging fruit keywords?
- How do i assess keyword difficulty?
- Can i find low-hanging fruit keywords without paid tools?
- How do i know if a keyword will convert?
- What is the difference between long-tail and low-hanging fruit keywords?
- How often should i update my keyword list?
If you want faster SEO results, start by learning how to find low-hanging fruit keywords. These are search terms with low competition and enough search volume to make a difference, keywords you can rank for quickly, even if your site is new or your resources are limited.
Low-hanging fruit keywords help you avoid the uphill battle for highly competitive rankings and focus on what works now. This guide covers practical ways to identify them, compares the best tools, shares insights from practitioners like Edward Sturm, and breaks down real case studies so you can see the results.
What makes a keyword low-hanging fruit?
Low-hanging fruit keywords offer a fast path to improved rankings because they meet three criteria: low keyword difficulty, moderate search volume, and clear search intent. You often find these keywords where your site ranks on page 2 or 3 of Google, close to page 1, but not quite there.
Low competition: These keywords have weaker or outdated content ranking for them. For example, if the top results are thin articles or old blog posts, you can outrank them with fresher, more complete content. A keyword difficulty score below 30 in tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush usually signals this opportunity.
Moderate search volume: True low-hanging fruit keywords are searched often enough to matter but not so popular that large competitors target them aggressively. For example, a keyword with 150 monthly searches can drive quality leads if you secure a top-five spot.
Clear search intent: When users search these terms, their intent is obvious, such as to buy, compare, or solve a problem. This clarity makes it easier to create content that directly answers their needs.
To find these keywords, look for terms where your site already ranks between positions 11 and 30. Use Ahrefs’ Site Explorer or Google Search Console, filter for keywords in these positions, and sort by keyword difficulty and search volume. If you spot your site on page 2 for “best project management app for small teams” with only older forum threads as competition, that’s a classic low-hanging fruit.
Focusing on these keywords is the fastest way to get SEO wins. You can update or create content, see movement in a few weeks, and build momentum before targeting tougher keywords.
How to find low-hanging fruit keywords with free tools
Start with Google Search Console. Download your queries report and filter for keywords where your average position is between 8 and 20. These are your low-hanging fruit, terms you already rank for, just off page one or two. Improving these can deliver quick results.
Next, use Google search operators like site:competitor.com "target keyword" to see which competitors rank for these keywords. If you find a query where your site appears but major competitors do not, you may have found a content gap. For example, if you rank position 12 for “B2B onboarding template” and your main competitor doesn’t show up, that keyword likely has low competition.
Open the SERP for your shortlisted keywords. Look for weak content: thin articles, forums, outdated posts, or irrelevant results. If the top spots are filled with pages from several years ago or low-effort listicles, you can often outrank them with a current, detailed resource. Notice if the top result has a publish date over two years old, Google often rewards fresher content for queries with terms like “template,” “guide,” or a recent year.
Don’t just chase search volume. Score each keyword on business relevance. A keyword with low volume but direct alignment to your core service (like “SaaS onboarding checklist” for a SaaS consultancy) is more valuable than a higher-volume, generic phrase. Build your list, then sort by how closely each term matches your offer and the value of a potential click.
Repeat this process monthly. Google Search Console data reflects recent changes in your site’s visibility. As your rankings shift, new low-hanging keywords appear and old ones climb higher. This keeps your pipeline full.
Comparing top keyword research tools for low-hanging fruit
Finding low-competition keywords starts with the right tool. Ahrefs, Semrush, Moz, Ubersuggest, and Advanced Web Ranking (AWR) all feature a keyword difficulty score, but each calculates it differently. If you’re looking for easy wins, filter for a keyword difficulty score under 30. Source
Ahrefs surfaces long-tail keywords with lower difficulty when you filter under 30, and their “traffic potential” estimate highlights terms with low search volume but strong click-through rates. Semrush also flags “easy” terms at 30 or below but often shows more SERP features, like featured snippets or People Also Ask boxes, which can crowd out your organic listing. Always check for these before targeting a keyword.
Moz and Ubersuggest offer similar difficulty scoring, though Moz’s index can miss newer terms. For hyper-current topics, Ubersuggest sometimes refreshes faster. AWR stands out for tracking actual Google SERPs at a granular location level, so you can spot low-competition keywords in specific cities or regions.
Seobase automates keyword discovery and content gap analysis. It surfaces clusters of low-difficulty keywords your competitors rank for but you don’t, saving time, especially if you manage multiple sites.
When choosing a tool, check more than just the difficulty score. Look at traffic estimates, see how crowded the results page is with ads or special features, and prioritize keywords where a standard organic listing still gets clicks. For example, if Ahrefs shows “best ergonomic chair under $200” has a KD of 22 and only three ads on page one, that’s a solid target.
Not all low-competition keywords are equal. The best tool is the one that fits your workflow and helps you spot easy wins before your competitors do.
How to prioritize keywords for business impact
Score each keyword across four categories: relevance to your business, traffic potential, conversion optimization, and the likelihood of winning SERP features like featured snippets or local packs. This approach helps you focus on keywords that drive revenue, not just clicks.
Relevance: If the keyword doesn’t map to your product or service, skip it. For example, if you run a payroll SaaS, “best payroll software for small business” is a good fit, but “how to become an accountant” is not. Relevance is essential, you want searchers who can buy or act, not just browse.
Traffic potential: Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to estimate monthly searches. High volume matters only if you can realistically win the term. Sometimes a keyword with 300 searches but clear buying intent is better than chasing a broad term with thousands of searches and no clear path to sale.
Conversion rate optimization: Prioritize keywords that match what you actually sell. For instance, landing pages targeting “payroll onboarding checklist” convert better if you offer onboarding tools. Test your landing pages and measure which terms lead to real signups or sales.
Keyword opportunity score and SERP feature presence: Some tools calculate a “keyword opportunity score” by combining search volume, keyword difficulty, and SERP features. Look for keywords where the top Google search results aren’t dominated by big brands or where answer boxes and maps could push your page up. For example, a payroll company might find “payroll tax deadlines 2024” has a low keyword difficulty and a featured snippet, making it a prime low-hanging fruit.
Don’t focus only on low-competition or low-volume keywords. Those can bring quick wins, but the impact stalls if the terms are too niche or irrelevant. Balance your mix: target some low-hanging fruit for short-term gains, but invest in higher-competition, high-relevance terms for long-term growth.
Every term you target should have a clear business case, either it brings buyers closer or builds authority in your space.
Real-world results: case studies after targeting low-hanging fruit
Site x: rankings and traffic up in weeks
After updating content to target low competition keywords, Site X moved from position 12 to 3 on Google Search for the term “fruit delivery” in a short period. That shift put their page on the first results screen, where buyers click.
Organic traffic increased as Site X focused on low-hanging fruit, terms with lower keyword difficulty but high buyer intent. The team chose specific, intent-driven topics with less competition, then refreshed existing pages to match what searchers wanted.
Conversion rates: matching searcher intent
Site X also saw conversion rates climb after shifting to intent-aligned keywords. These were terms where visitors came ready to buy or inquire, not just browse. The content addressed the questions and needs of people searching, so more visitors took action.
Seobase users: faster publishing, faster wins
Seobase customers report similar results. By using Seobase to surface low-hanging fruit, teams publish optimized content faster and see rankings rise sooner. The tool’s keyword difficulty metrics help spot easy wins, so pages start ranking and pulling traffic before competitors notice the opportunity.
The takeaway: Updating for low competition, intent-focused terms delivers real gains, more traffic, better rankings, and higher conversion rates, when you act on the data.
Common mistakes when chasing low-hanging fruit keywords
Chasing low-hanging fruit keywords can backfire if you miss these pitfalls.
1. Focusing only on low search volume terms
Low competition keywords often have low search volume, but not every small number is worth your time. If you build your content strategy around terms no one searches, you’ll struggle to drive meaningful traffic. You need a mix of easier wins and keywords with enough demand to matter.
2. Ignoring search intent and user needs
Just because a keyword looks easy does not mean it matches what your audience wants. If your content misses the reason someone searched, Google will bury your page no matter how “easy” the keyword appears. Always check the top results and make sure your page satisfies the real question or task behind the search.
3. Overlooking SERP features that block clicks
Some low competition keywords trigger Google features like answer boxes or maps that absorb clicks before anyone sees organic results. Ranking at the top for these can still mean almost no visitors. Scan the search results page and ask: would a real person actually click through, or did Google already answer their question?
4. Failing to update keyword lists as trends change
Keyword difficulty and search demand shift quickly. A term that was low-hanging fruit last year might be saturated now or no longer relevant. Review and refresh your keyword list regularly so your efforts stay focused on current opportunities. Outdated targeting wastes time and slows your growth.
Your next action: start uncovering low-hanging fruit today
Smart keyword targeting puts quick SEO wins within reach. Low-hanging fruit keywords, terms with lower competition and solid search volume, let you move up Google’s results with less effort. You do not need to chase the hardest phrases to see results.
Start by running the workflow above. Plug your niche into a keyword tool and filter for keyword difficulty under 30. Scan the results for terms that match your content and audience. If you see something like “best standing desk for small spaces” with low competition, that’s a green light.
Action step: Pick one promising keyword today, update an existing page or draft a new post targeting it, and publish. Fast execution matters more than endless research. Track your ranking over the next month to see how quickly these changes pay off.
Small moves compound. Start today.
Ready to automate your keyword research and content publishing? Try Seobase for streamlined SEO workflows.
Frequently asked questions
What are low-hanging fruit keywords?
Low-hanging fruit keywords are search terms with low competition, moderate search volume, and clear intent, making them easier to rank for and valuable for quick SEO wins.
How do I find low-hanging fruit keywords for my website?
Start with Google Search Console to identify keywords where you rank on pages 2-3, analyze competitors with search operators, and use keyword tools to filter for low-difficulty terms.
Which tools are best for identifying low-hanging fruit keywords?
Top tools include Ahrefs, Semrush, Moz, Ubersuggest, and Advanced Web Ranking. Seobase automates much of the process and integrates with your CMS for faster publishing.
How do I assess keyword difficulty?
Keyword difficulty scores under 30 are generally considered ‘easy.’ Check each tool’s scale and analyze SERP competition, content quality, and backlink profiles.
Can I find low-hanging fruit keywords without paid tools?
Yes. Use Google Search Console, search operators, and manual SERP analysis to uncover opportunities without spending on premium tools.
How do I know if a keyword will convert?
Prioritize keywords with clear business relevance and intent. Check if the keyword aligns with your products or services and review past conversion data where possible.
What is the difference between long-tail and low-hanging fruit keywords?
Long-tail keywords are longer, specific phrases with lower search volume. Low-hanging fruit keywords may be long-tail or short-tail but are defined by low competition and ranking opportunity.
How often should I update my keyword list?
Review your keyword list quarterly to account for changes in search trends, competition, and business priorities. Update more frequently in fast-changing industries.
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