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SEO is one of the techniques employed in efforts to drive traffic to a website. In practice, SEO is closely tied to the use of keywords in content writing. The selection and utilization of keywords involve analysis and research, with a crucial focus on keyword difficulties.
This is important because examining keyword difficulty provides an insight into the likelihood of a website ranking in search engine results. For a clearer understanding, let's delve into the following article!
Understanding Keyword Difficulties
Keyword difficulties refer to the metric or score that indicates how challenging it is to rank for a particular keyword on the SERP (Search Engine Result Page). It is measured on a scale from 0 to 100, with the latter value being the most difficult to attain.
The metric of keyword difficulty serves as a tool to assess the efforts and strategies required for your content to appear at the top of search results. The higher the score of keyword difficulty, the more extra effort and time you'll need to win the competition.
The Relationship Between Keyword Difficulty and SEO
Understanding keyword difficulty can assist you in making informed decisions during content planning and keyword research in your SEO efforts to enhance visibility in search results.
If you solely target keywords with high difficulty scores, it will be challenging to achieve rankings, and you may end up wasting time and resources without seeing any results. On the other hand, exclusively focusing on keywords with low difficulty scores to secure rankings might cause you to miss out on valuable website traffic and conversions.
However, paying attention to keyword difficulty (KD%) can help you find a balance between highly competitive keywords and those with low competition. In other words, KD helps you choose the right keywords for your website—ones that generate substantial organic traffic without requiring excessive effort.
Keyword Difficulty vs Keyword Competition
In the realm of SEO, alongside keyword difficulty, there is also a concept known as keyword competition. These two terms are often mistakenly used interchangeably, but they are, in fact, distinct concepts.
As mentioned earlier, keyword difficulty pertains to the level of challenge associated with ranking for a specific keyword in organic search results. On the other hand, keyword competition refers to the competition metric for bidding on particular keywords typically used in Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising.
In essence, keyword difficulty focuses on organic search ranking challenges, while keyword competition addresses the competitive landscape for specific keywords used in paid advertising campaigns.
Factors Influencing Keyword Difficulty
We can determine keyword difficulty using various SEO tools, such as Semrush and Ahrefs, which typically calculate the level of keyword difficulty based on several factors. For instance, Semrush analyzes websites within the top 10 rankings and derives its keyword difficulty metric from:
- Domain and Page Authority.
- Content Quality.
- The ratio of dofollow to nofollow links to the URL.
- The average number of referring domains to that URL.
Additionally, there are other factors that determine keyword difficulty:
1. Competitors
Competitors are a key factor in determining the level of keyword competition. If multiple websites are targeting the same keyword, the keyword difficulty will be higher. Within the SERP, there are three types of competitors:
- Business Competitors: Websites offering similar products or services.
- SEO Competitors: Websites targeting the same audience.
- Competitors Targeting the Same Keyword: Websites ranking highly for the targeted keyword.
It's crucial to identify the type of competitors you're facing to plan the best strategy for ranking your target keyword.
2. Search Intent
Search intent refers to the purpose or intention behind a user's search when using a particular keyword. There are four types of search intent:
- Informational: Users seek information on a specific topic.
- Navigational: Users want to find information about a brand or website.
- Commercial: Users conduct research before making a purchase decision.
- Transactional: Users intend to make a purchase.
Understanding the search intent behind a keyword is essential for creating relevant content. Content that doesn't align with user intent can make it challenging to compete effectively.
3. Content Quality
In the competition for top rankings in search results, the quality of content plays a crucial role. High-quality, relevant, and trustworthy content is more likely to succeed in the SERP.
In summary, keyword difficulty is determined by a combination of factors, including domain authority, content quality, link profiles, competitor analysis, and alignment with user search intent. Recognizing and assessing these factors is essential for developing an effective SEO strategy.
Tools to Determine Keyword Difficulty
Discovering keyword difficulty is a straightforward task, as you can utilize various SEO tools commonly used for keyword research. Here are some tools that you can use to determine keyword difficulty:
1. MozBar
The first tool you can use to assess keyword difficulty is MozBar. MozBar is a free browser toolbar that you can install to quickly find keyword difficulty levels.
Here's how to install MozBar:
- Visit the MozBar page.
- After logging in successfully, you'll find a "Download MozBar Free" button. Click this button and install MozBar in your browser.
- Wait for the installation process to complete. Afterward, you can view the KD% of a keyword you search for in Google.
2. Ahrefs
Ahrefs is a widely used SEO tool known for its ability to provide valuable data and analysis that assists SEO practitioners in crafting strategies. Ahrefs offers a Keyword Generator tool that can help you determine keyword difficulty.
Ahrefs Keyword Generator can be used to search for and analyze keywords. When you search for a keyword, Ahrefs will display search volume, KD%, search result update date, and relevant keyword suggestions. You can use Ahrefs Keyword Generator for free with unlimited usage.
3. Semrush
The third tool you can use to identify KD is Semrush. Similar to Ahrefs, Semrush is a popular SEO tool that aids in analytics and SEO strategy development. Semrush offers a Keyword Overview feature that can be used to determine keyword difficulty, find related keywords, and identify the top-ranking websites targeting a particular keyword.
However, unlike Ahrefs Keyword Generator, Semrush's free version limits keyword searches to only 10 keywords.
These tools offer valuable insights into keyword difficulty, making it easier for you to choose the right keywords for your SEO strategy.
What Constitutes Good Keyword Difficulty
When discussing what constitutes good or bad keyword difficulty (KD), it largely depends on the website, the content writer, and the SEO specialist who is devising the strategy. It's a matter of individual judgment to determine what's good and bad for a specific situation.
Considering this, many SEO practitioners may opt for low KD when a website is new, as this can help in attracting organic traffic. This can be seen as a good KD strategy for building an audience for the website.
Some SEO experts also suggest that a good KD involves targeting keywords with a combination of high search volume and low KD. Keywords with medium length and low KD are often considered favorable. These keywords strike a balance between being frequently searched, making them valuable in terms of potential traffic, while also being less competitive, which increases the chances of ranking well.
In essence, what constitutes a good KD varies depending on your specific goals, resources, and the stage of your website. It's essential to align your keyword difficulty strategy with your overall SEO objectives and the competitive landscape in your niche.
Strategies for Using Keyword Difficulty in SEO
Once you've determined the level of keyword difficulty (KD), you can implement various strategies to optimize your SEO efforts:
1. Search for Long-Tail Keywords
Ruth Edward from Ahrefs suggests a good SEO strategy is to identify high-search-volume keywords and then search for longer keywords that include the main keyword. For example, if your target keyword is "hotel in France," which is highly competitive and difficult for a new website to rank for, you can consider alternatives like "luxury hotels in France." These longer keywords often have moderate difficulty levels but still offer substantial search volume. Long-tail keywords are typically less competitive and cater to specific user intents, increasing your chances of significant results. They are particularly beneficial when creating content for a highly specific audience.
2. Start with Low-Volume Keywords
When it comes to keyword research and mapping. You don't need to always look for high search volume. You can also focus on low-volume keywords, especially when you are just starting to plan content for your website. Low-volume keywords usually have lower difficulty levels. These keywords are relatively niche, allowing you to target them without the need for extensive backlink support. Prioritizing low-volume keywords can give you the opportunity to rank well and build domain authority.
3. Always Consider User Intent
It's crucial to understand your audience thoroughly to ensure you know what they intend when using a particular keyword. When you grasp user search intent, you can plan content that aligns with the right keywords and has relatively low competition. For instance, using the keyword "key toys" might be too broad and challenging to rank for. Instead, focus on understanding the user's underlying purpose, and you might opt for "outdoor key toys." Tailoring your content and strategy to user intent rather than overly broad keywords can lead to better SERP rankings.
4. Create Hub Pages Around Difficult Keywords
When targeting high-KD keywords, consider creating hub pages to support such content around high-volume search terms. Support these hub pages with detailed content, high-authority backlinks, and internal links to sub-topic pages. This strategy can help enhance your overall SEO efforts and improve your rankings for competitive keywords.
5. Don't Neglect Other Factors
While keyword difficulty is undoubtedly a crucial factor in SEO strategy, when planning your approach, do not overlook other aspects of SEO that you are knowledgeable about. Take a holistic view to determine whether targeting higher difficulty keywords is worthwhile. If a keyword has high search volume, potential for high conversion rates, and a favorable return on investment, do not hesitate to target it. On the other hand, if a keyword has low search volume and limited profit potential, it may not be a top priority. Keyword difficulty is important but should be considered alongside your broader SEO goals.
In summary, keyword difficulty is a vital consideration for SEO specialists when developing strategies. However, it should be integrated into a larger SEO strategy that aligns with your specific goals and takes into account other critical factors.
Understanding keyword difficulty is essential for a successful SEO strategy. However, it's just one piece of the puzzle. To truly excel in the world of search engine optimization, you need a comprehensive team of experts who can navigate the complexities of keyword research and SEO implementation. If you're looking to bolster your SEO efforts and take your website to the top of search engine rankings, consider partnering with an experienced SEO expert. Our team specializes in optimizing content, building high-quality backlinks, and staying ahead of search engine algorithm updates. To learn more about how an SEO expert can transform your online presence, visit our page on how to hire an SEO expert. Take your SEO game to the next level by leveraging both knowledge and expertise.
