{"id":1726,"date":"2025-05-21T12:59:32","date_gmt":"2025-05-21T12:59:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/?p=1726"},"modified":"2025-05-21T12:59:33","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T12:59:33","slug":"competitive-keyword-research","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/competitive-keyword-research\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Do Competitive Keyword Research"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"\" data-start=\"311\" data-end=\"384\">If SEO is a game, then <strong data-start=\"334\" data-end=\"366\">competitive keyword research<\/strong> is your playbook.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"386\" data-end=\"642\">Instead of guessing which keywords <em data-start=\"421\" data-end=\"428\">might<\/em> work for your website, you can skip the guesswork and discover what\u2019s already working for your competitors. That\u2019s right &#8211; you can peek over their shoulders, take notes, and use it to outrank them in search results.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"644\" data-end=\"832\">Whether you\u2019re a content creator, agency, ecommerce store owner, or local business, competitive keyword research gives you the insights needed to build smarter, faster-ranking content.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"834\" data-end=\"950\">Let\u2019s break down exactly what competitive keyword research is, why it matters, and how to do it effectively in 2025&#8230;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"957\" data-end=\"997\">What Is Competitive Keyword Research?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"999\" data-end=\"1178\">Competitive keyword research is the process of analyzing which keywords your competitors are ranking for in search engines, and using that data to inform your own SEO strategy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1180\" data-end=\"1422\">Instead of starting from scratch, you:<br \/>\n\u2705 Identify keywords already bringing traffic to others in your niche<br data-start=\"1287\" data-end=\"1290\" \/>\u2705 Evaluate how hard it would be to compete for those keywords<br data-start=\"1351\" data-end=\"1354\" \/>\u2705 Discover content gaps, long-tail phrases, and missed opportunities<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1424\" data-end=\"1504\">It\u2019s like finding your competitors\u2019 treasure map\u2026 and then drawing a better one.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1424\" data-end=\"1504\"><a href=\"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/competitive-keyword-research\/competitive-seo-treasure-map\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-1728\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1728\" src=\"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/competitive-SEO-treasure-map.jpg\" alt=\"Two people finding treasure on a map using Competitive Keyword Research\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/competitive-SEO-treasure-map.jpg 600w, https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/competitive-SEO-treasure-map-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"1511\" data-end=\"1561\">Why Competitive Keyword Research Is So Powerful<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1563\" data-end=\"1609\">SEO success = visibility + relevance + timing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1611\" data-end=\"1650\">Competitive keyword research gives you:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1651\" data-end=\"1879\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1651\" data-end=\"1704\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1653\" data-end=\"1704\">A shortcut to what\u2019s proven to work in your niche<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1705\" data-end=\"1757\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1707\" data-end=\"1757\">Insight into competitor strengths and weaknesses<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1758\" data-end=\"1819\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1760\" data-end=\"1819\">Clues about user intent (transactional vs. informational)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1820\" data-end=\"1879\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1822\" data-end=\"1879\">A content roadmap that\u2019s smarter than \u201cguess and publish\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1881\" data-end=\"2002\">You don\u2019t just want <em data-start=\"1901\" data-end=\"1906\">any<\/em> keywords. You want the <strong data-start=\"1930\" data-end=\"1939\">right<\/strong> keywords that are relevant, attainable, and likely to convert.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"2009\" data-end=\"2064\">Step-by-Step: How to Do Competitive Keyword Research<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2066\" data-end=\"2138\">Let\u2019s walk through the process with clear steps and real-world examples.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"2140\" data-end=\"2181\">Step 1: Identify Your Top Competitors<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2183\" data-end=\"2244\">Start with a quick Google search for your main keywords. Ask:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2245\" data-end=\"2383\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2245\" data-end=\"2284\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2247\" data-end=\"2284\">Who\u2019s ranking on page 1 consistently?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2285\" data-end=\"2340\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2287\" data-end=\"2340\">Which sites show up across multiple related searches?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2341\" data-end=\"2383\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2343\" data-end=\"2383\">Who\u2019s creating content similar to yours?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2385\" data-end=\"2486\"><strong data-start=\"2385\" data-end=\"2397\">Example:<\/strong><br data-start=\"2397\" data-end=\"2400\" \/>If you run a Shopify store selling eco-friendly home goods, your competitors might be:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2487\" data-end=\"2609\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2487\" data-end=\"2512\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2489\" data-end=\"2512\">Other Shopify sellers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2513\" data-end=\"2554\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2515\" data-end=\"2554\">Niche brands like Grove Collaborative<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2555\" data-end=\"2574\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2557\" data-end=\"2574\">Amazon listings<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2575\" data-end=\"2609\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2577\" data-end=\"2609\">Eco-conscious blogs or magazines<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"2616\" data-end=\"2667\">Step 2: Use SEO Tools to Uncover Their Keywords<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2669\" data-end=\"2736\">Now the fun starts. Plug your competitors\u2019 domains into tools like:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2738\" data-end=\"2869\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2738\" data-end=\"2766\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2740\" data-end=\"2766\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/site-explorer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"2740\" data-end=\"2764\">Ahrefs Site Explorer<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2767\" data-end=\"2798\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2769\" data-end=\"2798\"><a href=\"https:\/\/semrush.sjv.io\/QjAME6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"2769\" data-end=\"2796\">Semrush Domain Overview<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2799\" data-end=\"2838\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2801\" data-end=\"2838\"><strong data-start=\"2801\" data-end=\"2836\">Ubersuggest Competitor Analysis<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2839\" data-end=\"2852\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2841\" data-end=\"2852\"><strong data-start=\"2841\" data-end=\"2850\">SpyFu<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2853\" data-end=\"2869\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2855\" data-end=\"2869\"><strong data-start=\"2855\" data-end=\"2869\">SE Ranking<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2871\" data-end=\"2880\">Look for:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2881\" data-end=\"3024\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2881\" data-end=\"2913\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2883\" data-end=\"2913\"><a href=\"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/what-is-organic-search-engine-optimization-explained-simply\/\">Top-ranking organic keywords<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2914\" data-end=\"2945\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2916\" data-end=\"2945\">Their highest-traffic pages<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2946\" data-end=\"2984\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2948\" data-end=\"2984\">Keyword difficulty (KD) and volume<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2985\" data-end=\"3024\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2987\" data-end=\"3024\">Pages with lots of backlinks (bonus!)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3026\" data-end=\"3081\"><strong data-start=\"3026\" data-end=\"3038\">Example:<\/strong><br data-start=\"3038\" data-end=\"3041\" \/>You find that your competitor ranks for:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3082\" data-end=\"3229\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3082\" data-end=\"3159\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3084\" data-end=\"3159\">\u201cbest reusable food storage bags\u201d (1,600 searches\/month, low competition)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3160\" data-end=\"3195\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3162\" data-end=\"3195\">\u201cplastic-free kitchen products\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3196\" data-end=\"3229\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3198\" data-end=\"3229\">\u201csustainable kitchen utensils\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3231\" data-end=\"3306\">Boom! You just discovered high-potential keywords with proven traffic value.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3231\" data-end=\"3306\"><a href=\"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/competitive-keyword-research\/kitchen\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-1729\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1729\" src=\"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kitchen.jpg\" alt=\"A kitchen scene showing keyword items\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kitchen.jpg 600w, https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/kitchen-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"3313\" data-end=\"3356\">Step 3: Filter and Prioritize Your List<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3358\" data-end=\"3393\">Not every keyword is worth chasing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3395\" data-end=\"3420\">Here\u2019s how to prioritize:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3421\" data-end=\"3735\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3421\" data-end=\"3490\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3423\" data-end=\"3490\"><strong data-start=\"3423\" data-end=\"3441\">Search intent:<\/strong> Is the user looking to buy, learn, or compare?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3491\" data-end=\"3575\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3493\" data-end=\"3575\"><strong data-start=\"3493\" data-end=\"3516\">Keyword difficulty:<\/strong> Can your site realistically rank in the next 3\u20136 months?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3576\" data-end=\"3661\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3578\" data-end=\"3661\"><strong data-start=\"3578\" data-end=\"3592\">Relevance:<\/strong> Does this keyword actually fit your product, service, or audience?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3662\" data-end=\"3735\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3664\" data-end=\"3735\"><strong data-start=\"3664\" data-end=\"3686\">Traffic potential:<\/strong> Would this bring in the <em data-start=\"3711\" data-end=\"3718\">right<\/em> kind of traffic?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3737\" data-end=\"3818\"><strong data-start=\"3737\" data-end=\"3745\">Tip:<\/strong> Focus on <strong data-start=\"3755\" data-end=\"3777\">long-tail keywords<\/strong> that are specific and show buyer intent.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"3825\" data-end=\"3865\">Step 4: Find the Gaps They\u2019ve Missed<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3867\" data-end=\"3947\">Now reverse the process&#8230; look for keywords your competitors aren\u2019t covering well.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3949\" data-end=\"3964\">Use tools like:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3965\" data-end=\"4121\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3965\" data-end=\"4014\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3967\" data-end=\"4014\"><strong data-start=\"3967\" data-end=\"4012\">Content Gap analysis in Ahrefs or Semrush<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4015\" data-end=\"4065\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4017\" data-end=\"4065\"><a href=\"https:\/\/answerthepublic.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"4017\" data-end=\"4036\">AnswerThePublic<\/strong><\/a> for question-based queries<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4066\" data-end=\"4121\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4068\" data-end=\"4121\"><strong data-start=\"4068\" data-end=\"4098\">Google\u2019s \u201cPeople Also Ask\u201d<\/strong> and \u201cRelated Searches\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4123\" data-end=\"4230\"><strong data-start=\"4123\" data-end=\"4135\">Example:<\/strong><br data-start=\"4135\" data-end=\"4138\" \/>Your competitors have blog posts on \u201cbest eco cleaning supplies\u201d but no one\u2019s writing about:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4231\" data-end=\"4365\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4231\" data-end=\"4281\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4233\" data-end=\"4281\">\u201ceco-friendly bathroom cleaner for hard water\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4282\" data-end=\"4315\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4284\" data-end=\"4315\">\u201cDIY zero waste cleaning kit\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4316\" data-end=\"4365\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4318\" data-end=\"4365\">\u201cnon-toxic cleaning starter kits for new homes\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4367\" data-end=\"4429\">Guess what? That\u2019s your chance to fill the gap &#8211; and rank first.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"4436\" data-end=\"4494\">Step 5: Create Content That Outranks (and Outperforms)<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4496\" data-end=\"4596\">Once you\u2019ve found valuable keywords through competitive keyword research, create content that\u2019s:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4597\" data-end=\"4719\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4597\" data-end=\"4613\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4599\" data-end=\"4613\">More helpful<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4614\" data-end=\"4635\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4616\" data-end=\"4635\">Better structured<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4636\" data-end=\"4654\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4638\" data-end=\"4654\">Faster to load<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4655\" data-end=\"4674\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4657\" data-end=\"4674\">More up-to-date<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4675\" data-end=\"4719\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4677\" data-end=\"4719\">Richer in <a href=\"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/optimize-video-seo\/\">media (videos, images, examples)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4721\" data-end=\"4962\"><strong data-start=\"4721\" data-end=\"4733\">Example:<\/strong><br data-start=\"4733\" data-end=\"4736\" \/>If your competitor\u2019s blog on \u201cplastic-free dish soap\u201d is 600 words long, mostly rubbish, and last updated in 2022 &#8211; write a 1,200-word guide, include product comparisons, user reviews, and a video demo. Then promote it like crazy.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"4969\" data-end=\"5025\">Real-World Use Cases for Competitive Keyword Research<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5027\" data-end=\"5144\">\ud83d\udd39 <strong data-start=\"5030\" data-end=\"5042\">Bloggers<\/strong><br data-start=\"5042\" data-end=\"5045\" \/>Find which posts drive the most organic traffic for similar blogs and write your own improved take.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5146\" data-end=\"5288\">\ud83d\udd39 <strong data-start=\"5149\" data-end=\"5169\">Local Businesses<\/strong><br data-start=\"5169\" data-end=\"5172\" \/>Spy on other local service providers (e.g., \u201cwedding photographer Manchester\u201d) and see what\u2019s bringing them traffic.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5290\" data-end=\"5420\">\ud83d\udd39 <strong data-start=\"5293\" data-end=\"5313\">Ecommerce Stores<\/strong><br data-start=\"5313\" data-end=\"5316\" \/>Track competitor product pages and category keywords, then build out optimized pages around those terms.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5422\" data-end=\"5557\">\ud83d\udd39 <strong data-start=\"5425\" data-end=\"5448\">Affiliate Marketers<\/strong><br data-start=\"5448\" data-end=\"5451\" \/>Discover the best-performing product keywords your competitors are monetizing\u2014and grab a slice of the pie.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5559\" data-end=\"5675\">\ud83d\udd39 <strong data-start=\"5562\" data-end=\"5574\">Agencies<\/strong><br data-start=\"5574\" data-end=\"5577\" \/>Build keyword roadmaps for clients based on proven industry data instead of starting from scratch.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"5682\" data-end=\"5730\">Tools to Use for Competitive Keyword Research<\/h2>\n<div class=\"_tableContainer_16hzy_1\">\n<div class=\"_tableWrapper_16hzy_14 group flex w-fit flex-col-reverse\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<table class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\" data-start=\"5732\" data-end=\"6162\">\n<thead data-start=\"5732\" data-end=\"5766\">\n<tr data-start=\"5732\" data-end=\"5766\">\n<th data-start=\"5732\" data-end=\"5739\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Tool<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"5739\" data-end=\"5750\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Best For<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"5750\" data-end=\"5766\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Free Version<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"5802\" data-end=\"6162\">\n<tr data-start=\"5802\" data-end=\"5853\">\n<td data-start=\"5802\" data-end=\"5815\" data-col-size=\"sm\"><strong data-start=\"5804\" data-end=\"5814\">Ahrefs<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-start=\"5815\" data-end=\"5842\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Backlinks + keyword data<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"5842\" data-end=\"5853\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Limited<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"5854\" data-end=\"5912\">\n<td data-start=\"5854\" data-end=\"5868\" data-col-size=\"sm\"><strong data-start=\"5856\" data-end=\"5867\">Semrush<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-start=\"5868\" data-end=\"5897\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Keyword gap &amp; traffic data<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"5897\" data-end=\"5912\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Yes (trial)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"5913\" data-end=\"5971\">\n<td data-start=\"5913\" data-end=\"5931\" data-col-size=\"sm\"><strong data-start=\"5915\" data-end=\"5930\">Ubersuggest<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-start=\"5931\" data-end=\"5964\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Affordable all-in-one SEO tool<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"5964\" data-end=\"5971\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"5972\" data-end=\"6027\">\n<td data-start=\"5972\" data-end=\"5984\" data-col-size=\"sm\"><strong data-start=\"5974\" data-end=\"5983\">SpyFu<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-start=\"5984\" data-end=\"6020\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Competitor PPC + organic keywords<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"6020\" data-end=\"6027\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"6028\" data-end=\"6097\">\n<td data-start=\"6028\" data-end=\"6056\" data-col-size=\"sm\"><strong data-start=\"6030\" data-end=\"6055\">Google Search Console<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-start=\"6056\" data-end=\"6082\" data-col-size=\"sm\">See what <em data-start=\"6067\" data-end=\"6072\">you<\/em> rank for<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"6082\" data-end=\"6097\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Always free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"6098\" data-end=\"6162\">\n<td data-start=\"6098\" data-end=\"6116\" data-col-size=\"sm\"><strong data-start=\"6100\" data-end=\"6115\">3Way.Social<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-start=\"6116\" data-end=\"6157\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Build backlinks to support new content<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"6157\" data-end=\"6162\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"sticky end-(--thread-content-margin) h-0 self-end select-none\">\n<div class=\"absolute end-0 flex items-end\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"6169\" data-end=\"6196\">Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li data-start=\"6198\" data-end=\"6535\">\u00a0Chasing high-volume keywords that are too competitive<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6198\" data-end=\"6535\">\u00a0Ignoring user intent (don\u2019t target \u201cwhat is SEO\u201d if you sell SEO software)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6198\" data-end=\"6535\">\u00a0Copying your competitors\u2019 titles without improving on them<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6198\" data-end=\"6535\">\u00a0Forgetting to refresh your keyword research every few months<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6198\" data-end=\"6535\">\u00a0Neglecting backlink support &#8211; ranking takes more than content alone<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"6542\" data-end=\"6559\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6561\" data-end=\"6680\">In the world of SEO, smart beats busy. And competitive keyword research is one of the smartest tactics you can use.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6682\" data-end=\"6914\">It saves time, lowers risk, and gives you a direct line to what <em data-start=\"6746\" data-end=\"6756\">actually<\/em> works in your niche. By learning from your competitors\u2014and doing it better\u2014you put yourself in the best position to climb the rankings and grow your traffic.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6916\" data-end=\"7064\">So if you\u2019ve been staring at a blinking cursor wondering where to start, start here. Do the research, pick your keywords wisely, and get publishing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If SEO is a game, then competitive keyword research is your playbook. Instead of guessing which keywords might work for your website, you can skip the guesswork and discover what\u2019s already working for your competitors. That\u2019s right &#8211; you can peek over their shoulders, take notes, and use it to outrank them in search results. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1728,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1726","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-seo"],"blocksy_meta":[],"modified_by":"Becky Halls","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1726","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1726"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1726\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1731,"href":"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1726\/revisions\/1731"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1728"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1726"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1726"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/3way.social\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1726"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}