Keyword search volumes offer a compass for content creators seeking to attract targeted organic traffic. This guide explores the key search volume ranges, from niche keywords to highly competitive terms, and strategies to leverage these insights.
Table of Contents
The Lay of the Keyword Landscape: A Closer Look
Choosing the right keywords to target requires familiarity with the search volume landscape and its implications. By categorizing keywords into distinct search volume buckets, we can better understand the opportunities and competition dynamics at play.
- Low Search Volume Keywords (0-1,000 monthly searches)
Keywords with very low search volumes typically represent highly specific long-tail phrases or niche topics that have limited audience size but high relevancy. For example, a keyword like “ancient greek philosophy books” caters to an engaged yet smaller group of searchers compared to more general terms. The benefit is less direct competition from authoritative sites. However, low traffic caps growth potential.
- Medium Search Volume Keywords (1,000-5,000 monthly searches)
Medium search volume strikes a useful balance – keywords are still targeted enough to attract interested searchers but popular enough to drive decent traffic. An example would be “content writing tips” which is broader than long-tail versions but still focused. Medium search volume keywords expand your reach while maintaining relevance.
- High Search Volume Keywords (5,000-10,000 monthly searches)
Once search volumes enter the high range, keywords become more competitive. For instance “email marketing” is a popular search that businesses target. Ranking well for high search volume terms is challenging but delivers visibility dividends. Success requires robust SEO and high-quality, in-depth content.
- Very High Search Volume Keywords (10,000+ monthly searches)
Extremely high search volume keywords are often broad like “marketing strategy” making them coveted but extremely competitive. Major authority sites target these keywords which can make ranking difficult. However, the tremendous visibility rewards merit the effort of crafting standout content while mastering SEO best practices.
How to choose best Keywords for your business By Volume
As we’ve understood the categorization of keywords and the significance of volumes for each keywords category. Now, let’s jump into determining which keyword volume is right for you or your business.
Low Search Volume Keywords:
- Niche websites or blogs focused on very specific topics
- Local businesses targeting a confined geographic area
- New websites trying to get initial traction
- Businesses targeting a narrow customer segment
Moderate Search Volume Keywords:
- Small businesses looking for broader visibility
- Companies with a regional focus
- Content sites aiming for a mix of traffic and relevance
- Businesses targeting medium-sized customer segments
High Search Volume Keywords:
- Established brands wanting mass visibility
- Companies playing in competitive spaces
- National or global businesses
- Content sites looking to aggressively grow traffic
- Businesses serving large target segments
Very High Search Volume Keywords:
- Leading brands in an industry
- Companies with extensive marketing resources
- Global enterprises
- Authority content sites like major publishers
- Businesses serving universal target segments
The general guidance is that businesses should aim for keywords aligned with their size, resources and target audience reach. Specific circumstances may allow smaller brands to compete for higher volume keywords with sufficient SEO investment.
100% Free Keyword Search Volumes Tools
Conclusion:
Keyword search volumes provide signposts to guide your content roadmap. Our tool enables optimizing search volume sweet spots between visibility and competition. With these data-driven insights, you can gain an edge and direct targeted organic traffic to your content.