Article at-a-glance:
- Even though keyword research tools might show that certain phrases like zero traffic keywords have no traffic, such keywords can be gold for businesses.
- Using these unique keywords helps reach precise and engaged users, decrease advertising costs, get your website noticed faster, and more.
- Join us as we uncover the power of overlooked phrases with our 6-levels deep keyword research method, and ChatGPT prompt – and see how they can skyrocket your online presence and traffic.
Have you ever stumbled upon keywords that seemingly have no traffic and wondered, “is this even worth my time?”
Well, you’re not alone.
Most marketers overlook these hidden opportunities, chasing after the big fish. But here’s a thought:
What if these zero-traffic keywords are the key to your content success?
What Are Zero Traffic Keywords All About?
Zero traffic keywords, often referred to as “zero search” or “zero volume” keywords, are a search term that show little to no searches or traffic in keyword research tools.
In fact, these might be the very keywords your audience is using, but they’re so specific, niche, or news that the masses haven’t caught on.
Zero-Traffic Keywords: The 3 Must-Know Types!
1. Long-Tail Variants:
- Tweaked versions of popular topics.
- Same core idea, different wording.
2. Niche:
- Unique, specialized topics.
- Few searches, but a highly targeted audience.
3. Local:
- Keywords tied to specific places.
- Low search, big deal for local businesses.
Here are some examples of zero traffic keywords
swing dancing online course – this targets individuals specifically seeking swing dancing courses, but who aren’t interested in offline instruction.
linen socks for kids – geared towards those searching for children’s socks crafted from linen fabric. – “how to tie a double Windsor knot with a skinny tie”: Although this is a highly specific long-tail keyword, it has the potential to attract users who are specifically seeking instructions.
running shoes for flat feet and high arches – very low volume reported by SEO tools, but it can attract users who are looking for running shoes that match their foot type (flat feet, high arches are fairly common).
vegan gluten-free chocolate chip cookie recipe without nuts – there’s a huge market for vegan desserts and people looking for this type of cookie recipe are likely to look that up.
budget-friendly DSLR camera for beginner photographers under $500 – this targets beginner photographers who really need to stick to a budget, and are likely to include that in the search – and while the reported volume is small, this is a high-intent, good potential keyword..
best sushi restaurant in downtown Des Moines – while a narrow search, it’s gold for locals or visitors to Des Moines craving sushi.
The Hidden Potential Of Zero Traffic Keywords
Pinpoint Precision = Higher Intent:
- These keywords, especially when niche-specific or long-tail, target users who know precisely what they’re searching for. So when they land on your content, they’re more likely to take the desired action— making a purchase, signing up, or any other goal.
Early Bird Benefits:
- As trends evolve, these quiet keywords might become the next big thing – so you might find yourself ahead of the game tomorrow when they gain traction.
Budget-Friendly Advertising:
- Bidding on popular keywords in advertising can be expensive.
- Zero traffic keywords are overlooked so they might offer cheaper advertising opportunities with a solid return.
Easy Wins, Less Hustle:
- The decreased competition offers a chance to make a mark in the search results faster.
Simpler Content Creation:
- Crafting content around these keywords is a straight shot. You know the audience’s exact query, allowing you to provide precise, to-the-point answers.
Voice Search’s Best Friend:
- With voice searches becoming increasingly prevalent, users pose detailed, specific questions. Zero traffic keywords align with these exact queries, setting you up perfectly for this emerging search trend.
The Ripple Effect of Traffic:
- While individual zero traffic keywords might seem insignificant, the cumulative effect can lead to significant organic traffic. Google’s algorithms can pick up on the relevance and value of your content, pushing it to users with similar queries.
“Zero search volume keywords can help you uncover untapped opportunities in your niche. By targeting these keywords, you can attract highly engaged users and establish your brand as a thought leader.”
Andy Crestodina, Orbit Media
So, Why Optimize for Zero Traffic Keywords?
Zero traffic keywords offer easier ranking paths and lower competition, and Google might even see them as similar to higher Keyword Difficulty (KD) keywords.
Plus, you don’t need a high domain rating to rank well with zero traffic keywords.
Visitors from these keywords often have strong intent, especially when they’re niche-specific or long-tail… which means they are more likely to convert.
Optimizing for zero traffic keywords can improve search visibility and increase your organic traffic – and it can help position your business as an authority in its niche, fostering trust and credibility.
“Zero search volume keywords can be a great way to target specific niches and attract highly engaged users. While they may not have significant search volume, they can still drive valuable traffic and conversions.”
Aleyda Solis, Orainti
The Big Misconception: What SEO Tools Get Wrong About Zero-Traffic Keywords!
Alright, here’s a slightly controversial take: SEO tools? They aren’t always the be-all-end-all.
Now, don’t get me wrong, they’re immensely valuable, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Not Always Updated in Real-time : SEO tools rely on databases that might not reflect real-time changes or emerging trends. This means you could miss out on new opportunities.There are reporting delays, particularly when it comes to capturing emerging trends.- Brand New Searches : 15% of searches are brand new , never been searched before: Even with trillions of searches processed each year, Google encounters billions of never-before-seen searches. Zero traffic keywords? They might be a part of these uncharted waters.
- Google Might Be Withholding Data : There’s a theory that search engines, like Google, don’t always reveal every bit of search data. Especially when we talk about the Google Keyword Tool.
It’s got a soft spot for commercial intent searches, often sidelining those informational queries. And tools like Ahrefs rely heavily on data from the Google Keyword Planner.
So some “zero-traffic” keywords might have more traffic potential than what’s shown.
- Watch Out for Averages : When you see search volume data, remember it’s typically a rolling average over the past 12 months. Seasonal queries can throw this off, making your Christmas-themed content look off-trend in June.
- They Can Miss the Nuances : Human behavior and language evolve. SEO tools might not always capture the subtle shifts in how people search. As a result, they might overlook certain phrases or terms with potential.
- Relying Solely on Tools Limits Creativity : Rigidly sticking to what the tools suggest can make your content predictable. Sometimes, stepping outside these suggestions leads to the most innovative and resonant content.
- Everyone Uses Them : Most marketers and content creators lean on SEO tools, making the competition stiff for the same set of keywords.
Most importantly, remember that tools provide data, not insights. They’ll give you the numbers, but understanding the story behind those numbers? That’s on you.
So while SEO tools are fantastic for guidance, always couple them with your own research and intuition.
How to Spot Those Zero Traffic Keywords?
Now that you know that you should look beyond the popular tools because they may leave you in the dark about some potential keyword opportunities… Here’s what you can do instead.
The 6-Levels Deep Keyword Research Method [EXAMPLE]:
We use a 6-level method to find high-value, “zero-traffic” keywords.
1. Start With A General Category (Seed Keywords) : Kick off with broad terms relevant to your business. Think of main products or services.
2. Find The Subcategory (Related Keywords) : Use tools to expand on your seed keywords.
3. Add A Subcategory Qualifier Keyword (Competitor Analysis) : Peek at your competitors. What are they up to?
Analyze their content and pinpoint keywords they might be overlooking. Sometimes, there’s a niche within your industry that’s ripe for exploration, a subcategory your competitors have missed.
4. The Product Method (User Intent Analysis) : Step into your audience’s shoes. What do they want? Knowledge, a product, a solution? Tailor your keywords to align with these varying intents.
5. Address A Specific Problem (Long-Tail Keywords) : These are your secret weapons. Specific, low competition, and sometimes, pure gold.
6. Add Ultra-Specific Information & Qualifying Keywords (Zero-Traffic Keywords) : The underdogs. Don’t ignore them; their potential, as we’ve discussed, is substantial.
EXAMPLE:
1. Start With A General Category
If your forte is artisanal coffee, cast a net with overarching terms: “coffee”, “brewing”, or “artisanal blends”.
2. Find The Subcategory
Searching “coffee” might branch out to finer details like “espresso beans”, “organic roasts”, or “difference between Arabica and Robusta”.
3. Add A Subcategory Qualifier Keyword
Notice the gaps. Maybe competitors emphasize “single-origin espresso”, but overlook “sustainable cold brew selections”. That’s your cue.
4. The Product Method
Decode their desire. A query like “steps to brew coffee” seeks guidance. Yet, “French press deals” clearly signals a buying intent.
5. Long-Tail Keywords: Address A Specific Problem
Dig deeper. Move from generic “coffee” to problem solvers like “solutions for bitter cold brew” or “choosing beans for after-dinner coffee”.
6. Zero-Traffic Keywords: Add Ultra Specific Information & Qualifying Keywords
Go micro. Dive into niches with terms like “peaberry vs. regular beans” or “advantages of high-altitude Colombian coffee”. These may not lead the popularity chart, but they certainly cater to a discerning crowd who’s ready to buy the right stuff.
With this approach, you’re better positioned to offer content that speaks directly to user needs, pulling ahead of competitors and making genuine connections with your audience.
Reveal Zero-Traffic Keywords with This ChatGPT Prompt
If you want to up your game with a tool like ChatGPT, here is a prompt that you can use to identify zero traffic keywords you can go after:
You are an expert in data analysis and content planning. You know the intricacies of keyword research and how to extrapolate relevant content topics. You will reason step-by-step to determine the best course of action to achieve the goal of identifying potential content topics around the main topic [ROOFERS]. You can use Python and your knowledge base to help in this process.
Your task is to:
- suggest 50 keywords with lower competition and 0 traffic.
- expand on the suggested keywords and brainstorm 20 related topics, considering competitors and other relevant terms.
- develop a scalable content plan based on the findings.
- provide a list of 20 potential content topics and their scalable versions.
Topical Authority: Why Scale & Traffic Are Everything
Zero traffic keywords form the bedrock of your topical authority fortress. Each piece must align seamlessly.
But here’s the twist: to rank higher, you often need to cross specific traffic thresholds. It’s a catch-22—you need traffic to rise in the search engine result pages, but you need to rank in order to get more traffic.
This is where scaling with zero traffic keywords works its magic. A dense network of related content boosts your chances of one piece gaining traction, pulling the rest along.
As you consistently release interconnected content in your niche, your collective authority grows. Your pieces become a bridge, guiding audiences and search engines.
Moreover, you need to promote your content across multiple channels to make it work.
With patience, your topical authority solidifies, and your traffic trends upward.
“Zero search volume keywords can be a goldmine for your content strategy. While they may not bring in a ton of traffic individually, they can help you establish authority in your niche and attract highly targeted, low-competition organic traffic.”
Brian Dean, Backlinko
How to Optimize Your Content To Rank for Zero Traffic Keywords?
The process of creating content for zero traffic keywords, especially niche-specific long-tail keywords, is usually simple – here are some tips:
- Keyword Placement : Insert zero-traffic keywords in your title, headings, meta tags, and content.
- Natural Integration : Avoid keyword stuffing, make sure keywords fit naturally.
- Use Semantic Keywords : Include variations of your main keyword to boost ranking.
- Content Value : Ensure your content addresses the user’s query effectively. Give in-depth insights, answer questions, and present solutions.
- Title Importance : Recognize that well-optimized titles significantly influence search engine traffic.
- Keyword Strategy in Titles : Start titles with strong keywords, minimize filler words, and incorporate popular terms.
- Title Coherence : Keep titles concise (7-10 words), relevant, and avoid excessive keywords.
- Employ ‘Keyword Stacking’ But Avoid Keyword Stuffing : Target multiple related long-tail keywords to increase ranking chances.
- Balance in Title : Mix catchiness with keyword density, aiming for both relevance and reader appeal.
Beyond the Stats: Attract Hyper-Targeted Audiences with Zero Traffic Keywords
As the saying goes, the road less traveled leads to the greatest rewards.
This perfectly captures the essence of mastering zero traffic keywords and discovering hidden opportunities in the backwoods of Google and Ahrefs.
If you’re set on pushing the boundaries of your content creation, get in touch with our team to leverage the power of hyper-targeted 6 level deep content and rank using big brands.
