Never chase keywords you have no chance to rank for.
Sounds simple, right? And it is.
You need to learn how to spot keywords that are too competitive for your site.
Google the Keyword First (No Tools Needed)
Before opening any SEO tool – just Google the keyword.
Then look at who owns page one.
If you see:
- huge media sites
- big brands
- long-established authority blogs
- government or educational domains
You will already know the answer.
A low-authority site rarely beats high-authority sites on broad keywords, so if every result is a giant, the keyword is not for me yet.
Check How Specific the Results Are
Next, ask yourself:
“Are these results broad, oor painfully specific?”
If the top results are:
- generic guides
- high-level overviews
- “ultimate” articles covering everything
That’s a red flag.
What you want to see instead:
- narrow topics
- focused angles
- problem-based posts
- how-to answers
And then if you can write something more focused than what’s ranking, the keyword might be viable.
Look at the Titles
Page-one titles are incredibly revealing.
If most titles include:
- “Ultimate”
- “Complete Guide”
- “Everything You Need to Know”
- big years and updates
It usually means the keyword is competitive.
If you see:
- conversational titles
- question-based titles
- long-tail phrasing
- beginner language
That’s where smaller sites can win.
Tip: If your natural title sounds weaker than what’s ranking, the keyword probably is too strong.
Scan Content Depth (Not Word Count)
Try and click a few top results and scroll.
You’re not counting words here, you’re checking coverage.
If the top pages:
- answer every possible sub-question
- include tools, examples, and visuals
- feel hard to beat
Then move on.
If they feel:
- shallow
- outdated
- confusing
- bloated without clarity
That’s a green light, and if you think you can clearly improve the page for a beginner, I can compete.
Check Search Intent Alignment
Sometimes the keyword isn’t “too competitive” – it’s just wrong for your site.
If the results are:
- product pages
- category pages
- comparison tables
- transactional landing pages
And you’reI’m planning an informational post, I won’t rank.
Google already decided what format it wants.
You need to match the search intent.
Ask: Can You Go One Layer Deeper?
This is my favorite filter.
Don’t ask yourself:
“Can I rank for this keyword?”
Ask:
“Can I rank for a more specific version of this keyword?”
Example:
Instead of:
“keyword research”
Go for:
“keyword research for new blogs with no authority”
That shift alone will drop competition massively.
Look for Proof Inside Search Console
If your site already ranks:
- on page 2–3
- for related terms
- for partial matches
That’s a sign that you have opportunities.
Those keywords are usually worth optimizing before chasing new ones, and Search Console often shows easier wins than keyword tools.
Don’t neglect it.
How To Decide in 10 Minutes or Less
If a keyword:
- is dominated by big sites
- requires massive authority
- doesn’t match my content type
- can’t be narrowed further
Skip it.
If it:
- shows specific intent
- has focused results
- matches my site’s level
- solves a clear problem
Write it.
Simple.
