Imagine walking into a chess match blindfolded. That’s what SEO strategy looks like without understanding how to find competitor keywords. In the U.S., where 68% of online experiences begin with a search engine, ignoring your competitors’ playbooks means leaving money on the table.
This guide will teach you to:
- Uncover hidden keyword opportunities
- Decode your rivals’ content strategy
- Build a traffic-driving machine using search optimization
Whether you’re a small business owner in Texas or a marketer in New York, mastering how to find competitor keywords transforms guesswork into growth. Let’s dive in.
Understanding Competitor Keyword Research
How to find competitor keywords starts with knowing what they are: terms your rivals rank for in organic search. Think of it as digital reconnaissance—you’re gathering intel to outmaneuver competitors in your niche.
Types of Competitor Keywords
- Branded Keywords: “Nike running shoes” or “Apple Store NYC”
- Product Keywords: “Organic skincare for acne” or “CRM software”
- Industry Keywords: “Digital marketing trends” or “SEO best practices”
Why This Matters for Your Business
- Spot Content Gaps: 55% of marketers say identifying content gaps boosts ROI
- Refine Pricing Strategy: See how competitors position premium vs. budget offerings
- Improve Local SEO: Dominate “near me” searches in your area
For example, a Chicago bakery analyzing a rival’s keywords might discover high-ranking terms like “gluten-free wedding cakes” and adjust their content strategy accordingly.
Essential Tools for Competitor Keyword Analysis
To master how to find competitor keywords, arm yourself with these tools:
Pro Tip: Free Alternatives
- AnswerThePublic: Visualize long-tail keywords through search queries
- Ubersuggest: Get keyword difficulty scores without breaking the bank
- Google Autocomplete: Mine suggested searches like “how to find competitor keywords for free”
Analyzing Keyword Competition Metrics
Not all keywords are created equal. Use this framework to prioritize targets:
Keyword Analysis Pyramid
Visual: Balance high-reward keywords with achievable targets
Critical Metrics Explained
- Search Volume
- High = More traffic potential (e.g., “SEO tools” = 22,000/mo)
- Low = Less competition (e.g., “SEO tools for plumbers” = 90/mo)
- Keyword Difficulty
- Score 0-30: Easy wins
- Score 31-70: Strategic targets
- Score 71-100: Long-term plays
- Domain Authority (DA)
- DA 0-30: New/nicque sites
- DA 31-70: Mid-sized businesses
- DA 71-100: Industry giants
Real-World Example
A Boston real estate agent found competitors ranking for “Boston apartments” (DA 65, Difficulty 82). By pivoting to “pet-friendly Boston apartments” (DA 32, Difficulty 41), they doubled organic traffic in 3 months.
Strategies for Effective Competitor Keyword Targeting
The 4-Step Keyword Hijack Method
- Steal: Use SEMRush to export competitors’ top-performing keywords
- Filter: Remove terms with DA > 50 or Difficulty > 60
- Cluster: Group related terms (e.g., “how to find competitor keywords” + “competitor keyword tools”)
- Assign: Match keywords to existing content or new blog posts
Content Gap Analysis Template
Implementing Your Competitor Keyword Strategy
30-Day Action Plan
Week 1: Discovery
- Identify 3 main competitors using SimilarWeb
- Export their top 50 keywords
Week 2: Analysis
- Filter keywords by DA < 40 and Difficulty < 50
- Group into 5-7 thematic clusters
Week 3: Creation
- Develop 2 pillar posts and 3 supporting blogs
- Example: “How to Find Competitor Keywords [2024 Guide]”
Week 4: Optimization
- Add keywords to meta titles, H2s, and alt text
- Build 3-5 backlinks per piece via guest posting
Tracking Success
- Weekly: Check rankings via Google Search Console
- Monthly: Analyze traffic growth in Google Analytics
- Quarterly: Audit keyword ROI with Hotjar heatmaps
Conclusion: Stay Ahead in the Keyword Arms Race
Learning how to find competitor keywords isn’t about copying—it’s about innovating. By combining tools like SEMRush with creative niche strategies, you’ll:
- Cut through the noise in crowded markets
- Turn competitors’ strengths into your opportunities
- Build a traffic pipeline that converts
Ready to dominate? Start with one competitor today. Export their keywords, find one overlooked gem, and create content that outshines theirs. Your future SEO self will thank you.
Co-Founder & Lead SEO at POP
Kyle Roof is an SEO expert, speaker and trainer. Kyle currently resides in Chiang Mai, Thailand with his family.
