If you want to earn money online, one of the smartest moves is to choose the right keywords. Low-competition keywords are phrases people search for but that few websites target. That means you have a much better chance to rank on the first page of search engines and get steady traffic — traffic you can turn into sales, subscribers, or freelance clients. Targeting these “easier to rank” phrases is especially useful when you are just starting or have a small site.
Below I’ll explain what low-competition keywords are, how to find them, and how to use them to build online income. I’ll also give clear, practical steps and examples so you can start today. Where useful, I’ll point to tools and trusted sources.
What is a low-competition keyword?
A low-competition keyword is a search term that has a reasonable number of monthly searches but few strong pages trying to rank for it. These keywords are often long and specific — called “long-tail” keywords — and they show clear user intent. For example, “how to fix noisy laptop fan” is easier to rank for than “laptop repairs.” The reward: faster ranking and more targeted visitors. (Traffic Think Tank)
Why low-competition keywords matter for online earning
When you target low-competition keywords, you get visitors who are already searching for something specific. Those visitors are more likely to act: buy a course, click your affiliate link, sign up for a newsletter, or hire you for services. For small blogs, new YouTube channels, or freelance portfolios, this targeted traffic beats trying to compete for the biggest, most crowded keywords. Using the right keywords makes your content discoverable and helps you earn reliably without huge ad budgets. (Affiliate Booster)
Simple steps to find low-competition keywords
You don’t need to be an SEO expert. Follow these practical steps.
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Start with ideas from your niche. Think about problems people face or specific questions they ask related to online earning — e.g., “best side jobs for college students,” “low cost digital products to sell,” or “how to start freelance transcription.” Use these as seed phrases.
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Use free tools to expand ideas. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Keyword Surfer, and free versions of KWFinder or WordStream help you see search volume and competition estimates. These tools point to long-tail phrases that many people search for but few sites target. (TechRadar)
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Check the search results (SERP) manually. Type the phrase into Google and study the first page. Look for weak competition: forums, Q&A pages, small blogs, or content that’s old. If you don’t see strong, authoritative pages (big brand guides, Wikipedia, or major news sites), the keyword may be winnable.
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Validate intent and traffic. Low competition alone isn’t enough. Make sure the phrase signals someone who might want to learn, buy, or subscribe. Question-style queries and “how to” searches often show high intent.
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Create helpful, longer content. A focused, honest article that answers the searcher’s question will often outrank shallow pages. Add real examples, screenshots, or small step-by-step instructions to make your post stand out.
These steps are a repeatable process many SEO writers use to find “gold nugget” keywords that can grow traffic faster. (Productive Blogging)
Tools you can use (free or cheap)
You don’t need expensive subscriptions at first. Try these:
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Google Keyword Planner — Good for basic volume data (free with a Google Ads account). (TechRadar)
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Keyword Surfer (browser extension) — Shows volume right in Google results. (TechRadar)
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KWFinder / Mangools — Easy long-tail discovery; limited free lookups. (mangools)
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WordStream free tool — Quick keyword ideas and competition hints. (WordStream)
Use one or two tools to gather ideas, then always do a manual SERP check before writing. Tools give you numbers; the SERP gives you context.
Keyword ideas specifically for “online earning” niches
Below are example keyword directions you can adapt. These are long-tail, specific, and focused on people who want to earn online in practical ways. I’m not promising exact search volumes here — use your tool to check volume and refine.
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“earn money online without investment for students”
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“how to sell digital templates on Etsy step by step”
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“best transcription jobs for beginners with no experience”
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“small print-on-demand product ideas for artists”
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“affiliate marketing for niche blogs beginner guide”
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“micro task sites that pay fast India”
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“how to make passive income with low cost online courses”
Each phrase above targets a clear group (students, artists, beginners), which lowers competition because the queries are specific. To convert them into real keyword targets, add local or platform modifiers: e.g., “for India,” “on Fiverr,” or “without investment.” This narrows competition further.
Sources that list profitable low-competition niches suggest digital products, unique hobby courses, and service micro-niches as good starting points. These niches often have buyers but not many high-quality content creators yet. (Dropshipping business)
How to write a blog post that ranks for a low-competition keyword
Write a helpful, single-topic piece that answers the exact search question. Keep language simple and direct.
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Start with an opening paragraph that repeats the search phrase naturally.
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Break the post into clear sections: problem, solution/steps, tools needed, examples, and next steps.
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Use short paragraphs so people reading on phones don’t get lost.
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Add real examples or a mini case study — this builds trust.
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Link to relevant resources (internal and external) and add a clear call to action: sign up, buy, or contact.
Don’t stuff keywords. Instead, focus on user satisfaction: if a reader’s question is answered and they stay on the page, search engines notice and reward that behavior. Guides and how-to posts perform particularly well for intent queries. (MiloTree)
Quick content plan for one keyword (example)
Keyword: “best transcription jobs for beginners with no experience”
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Title: Best Transcription Jobs for Beginners (No Experience Required)
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Intro: Explain what transcription is and why beginners can start.
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Section: List trusted platforms and how to apply.
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Section: Tools to start (budget microphone, free software).
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Section: Day-one checklist and sample pay rates.
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Conclusion: Next steps and link to a sign-up guide or sample test.
Finish with a small FAQ that answers common objections (how long to get first client, earnings expectations). Short, actionable steps increase trust and clicks.
Where to place images (two image ideas)
Images help readers and make posts shareable. Use two images: a header image and an illustrative screenshot or infographic.
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Image 1 — Header / Hero: A friendly illustration of “make money online” or a person working at a laptop. (Suggested source: DepositPhotos “Make Money Online” illustration).
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Image 2 — In-post illustration: A simple infographic or screenshot that shows the step-by-step plan (e.g., "sign up → practice → apply → earn"). You can create this in Canva or use a royalty-free clipart like the “earn money” vector found on free image sites.
Always check licenses before using stock art. Many free images require attribution; paid stock gives broader commercial use.
Final tips to turn traffic into earnings
Write more than once for related low-competition phrases: a cluster of helpful posts builds authority. Monetize by offering a small digital product, an email course, or affiliate links to tools you recommend. Test what works: if one post brings traffic but few clicks, tweak your call to action or add a lead magnet.
Remember: SEO wins compound. A well-chosen, low-competition keyword can bring steady visitors for months or years. Focus on helpful content and honest advice — that’s how small creators grow income sustainably. (LLMrefs)
Summary (quick checklist)
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Pick specific, long-tail keyword phrases with clear buyer or learner intent. (Traffic Think Tank)
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Use free tools to get volumes, then manually check the SERP. (TechRadar)
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Write a clear, helpful long-form post that answers the searcher’s question. (Productive Blogging)
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Add two images (hero + infographic/screenshot) and a clear call to action.