How to Find Easy-to-Rank Keywords with Ahrefs

How to Find Easy-to-Rank Keywords with Ahrefs Key Takeaways

Finding keywords you can realistically rank for is the cornerstone of any smart SEO strategy.

• Learn how to find easy-to-rank keywords with Ahrefs using the Keyword Explorer tool and its advanced filters.
• Master the Keyword Difficulty score and discover what KD range is ideal for your site’s authority.
• Actionable steps to filter for low competition keywords Ahrefs uncovers, including search intent analysis and SERP overview checks.

Why an Ahrefs Keyword Research Guide Starts with Keyword Difficulty

Before you dive into any Ahrefs keyword difficulty tutorial, you need to understand the metric at its heart: the Keyword Difficulty (KD) score. Ahrefs calculates KD based on the number of referring domains (backlinks) pointing to the top 10 ranking pages for a given keyword.

A high KD score (above 50) means the top results have many backlinks, making it tough for a new or low-authority site to compete. A low KD score (under 20) indicates fewer backlinks are needed to rank, which is exactly the sweet spot for most of us. This is why how to find low KD keywords in Ahrefs is a critical skill.

Many beginners make the mistake of chasing high-volume keywords with high KD, only to find their content buried on page 10. Instead, you want to build your Ahrefs SEO keyword strategy around terms where you have a realistic shot at ranking in the top 5.

For a deeper look at how Ahrefs calculates KD, visit the Ahrefs blog on Keyword Difficulty.

Step 1: Start with Seed Keywords in Ahrefs Keyword Explorer

The first step in any Ahrefs keyword explorer tutorial is entering seed keywords. These are broad terms related to your niche. For example, if you run a fitness blog, your seed might be “home workout equipment.”

Open Ahrefs Keyword Explorer and enter your seed keyword. Select your target country (e.g., United States). Then, click “Search.” You will see a massive list of keyword ideas. The goal is not to pick one yet, but to understand the landscape and find variations that are less competitive.

Use the “Matching Terms” Report for Ahrefs keyword ideas

Inside Keyword Explorer, go to the “Matching Terms” report. This shows all keywords containing your seed term. This is your goldmine for Ahrefs long tail keyword research. Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that often have lower competition and higher conversion intent.

For instance, instead of targeting “home workout equipment” (high difficulty), you might find “best home workout equipment for small apartments” (lower difficulty). These are the types of terms where you can quickly gain traction.

Step 2: Apply Filters to Find Low Competition Keywords Ahrefs Reveals

Now comes the core of how to find low KD keywords in Ahrefs – the filtering process. The default list is overwhelming, so you need to narrow it down. This is the most practical Ahrefs keyword filtering guide you will follow.

Click on the “Filters” button in the Matching Terms report. Set the following parameters:

• Keyword Difficulty (KD): Set a maximum of 20 (or up to 30 if your site has good backlinks). This ensures you are targeting easy to rank keywords Ahrefs can find.
• Volume: Set a minimum volume that makes it worthwhile. For a new site, 50–200 monthly searches is a solid start. For more established sites, aim for 200–800.
• Word Count: Set a minimum of 3 words. This pushes results toward long-tail queries.

Here is an example table showing typical filter settings for different site ages:

After applying these filters, you will see a refined list of low competition keywords Ahrefs suggests. Pick out ones that align with your content strategy.

Step 3: Analyze Search Intent and SERP Overview

Even if a keyword has low KD, it may be a waste of time if the search intent (what the user wants) does not match your content. This step is crucial for any Ahrefs keyword difficulty tutorial that promises results.

Click on any keyword from your filtered list. Then, scroll down to the Ahrefs SERP overview tutorial section. Look at the top 10 ranking pages. Ask yourself:

• Are these listicles, reviews, or informational guides?
• Do the results show product pages, blog posts, or videos?
• Is there a featured snippet or People Also Ask box?

For example, if the keyword is “best yoga mat for back pain,” the SERP likely shows review roundups. If you try to rank a product page, you will struggle. Match your content type to the dominant format in the SERP.

Identifying Quick Wins with the Ahrefs keyword volume checker

The volume column shows monthly searches. But volume fluctuates. Use the trend graph in Ahrefs to see if a keyword is rising or falling in popularity. A low-competition keyword with steady or increasing volume is a gem. This is a key Ahrefs SEO optimization guide tip: target terms that are gaining traction.

Step 4: Refine Your List Using Ahrefs Content Gap Analysis

Now that you have a list of candidate keywords, it is time to see what your competitors are ranking for but you are not. This is called Ahrefs content gap analysis.

In Ahrefs, use the Content Gap tool (under the Site Explorer). Enter your domain and up to 5 competitor domains. Then, run the report. You will see a list of keywords that all your competitors rank for, but you do not.

Filter this list using the same KD and volume parameters as before. The resulting keywords are high-opportunity terms because your competitors have already validated that they drive traffic and convert. This is a powerful Ahrefs competitor keyword analysis technique.

You can cross-reference these with your filtered list from Keyword Explorer to find overlap. Those overlapping terms are your highest priority content topics.

Step 5: Cluster Keywords for Ahrefs SEO Content Planning

Instead of writing one article per keyword, use Ahrefs keyword clustering guide principles to group related terms. Clustering helps you create pillar pages that cover a topic comprehensively, which Google rewards.

For example, the keywords: “how to find low KD keywords in Ahrefs,” “Ahrefs keyword filtering guide,” and “easy to rank keywords Ahrefs” all belong to the same cluster. Write one long-form guide that incorporates all three, and you will rank for all of them.

Ahrefs does not have a built-in clustering tool, but you can export your filtered keyword list into a spreadsheet and group them by topic. Or, use the “Parent Topic” feature in Keyword Explorer to see which keywords are subtopics of a broader theme. This is the final piece of your Ahrefs SEO keyword strategy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Ahrefs SEO Workflow

Even with the right data, it is easy to waste effort. Here are pitfalls to sidestep during your Ahrefs keyword research guide process.

Ignoring the SERP Features in the Ahrefs SERP overview tutorial

If a keyword has a lot of featured snippets, video results, or ads, the organic results may be harder to crack. Ahrefs shows you how many SERP features are present. Use that data to decide if the keyword is worth pursuing.

For instance, a keyword where the top 5 results are all YouTube videos signals that Google prefers video for that query. Unless you are creating a video, move on. This is an advanced Ahrefs SEO hacks tip: let the SERP features guide your content format.

Chasing Zero Volume Keywords

It is tempting to target keywords with zero search volume because they have zero difficulty. But zero volume means no traffic. Stick to keywords with at least 30–50 monthly searches. Even a small amount of traffic compounds over time when you publish many articles.

Remember, this is a critical part of Ahrefs organic traffic strategy: you need volume to get traffic.

Forgetting about Click-Through Rate (CTR)

High volume and low KD does not guarantee clicks. If your target keyword triggers a featured snippet, the organic result below it may get fewer clicks. Use the Ahrefs SERP overview to see if a snippet is present. If it is, consider optimizing your content to win the snippet, not just rank #1.

This tactic is part of a strong Ahrefs ranking keyword analysis routine.

Ahrefs SEO for Niche Sites: Real-World Example

Let me walk you through a quick example using a fictional niche site about indoor gardening. Our seed keyword: “grow lights.”

We run it through Keyword Explorer, apply filters (max KD 15, min volume 100, min word count 3). Among the results, we see:

• “best grow lights for seedlings” (KD 12, volume 280)
• “grow light distance for seedlings” (KD 8, volume 150)
• “full spectrum grow lights for vegetables” (KD 10, volume 210)

These are all low competition keywords Ahrefs found. We then run a content gap analysis against three competitor indoor gardening sites. We find they all rank for “grow light timer settings,” but we do not. That term has KD 14 and volume 180. We add it to our cluster for an ultimate guide to grow light setups. For a related guide, see Ahrefs for Bloggers: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide.

This is the power of combining filtering with content gap analysis: you uncover terms your competitors use, but you have a realistic chance to rank for.

How to Find Easy to Rank Keywords Ahrefs for Different Content Types

The approach varies slightly depending on your niche or site type. Here is how to adapt the Ahrefs keyword explorer tutorial for specific audiences.

Ahrefs Blogging Keyword Strategy

For bloggers, focus on informational keywords with low KD. Use the filters above and prioritize terms where you can answer a question better than anyone else. Include your own personal experience or testing to add unique value.

Ahrefs Affiliate Keyword Research

Affiliate marketers should filter for “best” and “review” keywords. These have commercial intent. Add a filter for “Include” in the Matching Terms report and type “best,” “review,” or “vs.” Set KD to under 20 to start. These are easy to rank keywords Ahrefs that can generate commissions.

Ahrefs Ecommerce Keyword Research

Ecommerce sites need product-related keywords. Use Keyword Explorer with your product category seeds. Filter for “buy,” “cheap,” or “discount” keywords. Also, check the “Also rank for” report for any of your product pages to find missed opportunities.

What Is a Good Keyword Difficulty Score in Ahrefs?

A common question in any Ahrefs keyword difficulty tutorial is: what is a good KD score? The answer depends on your site’s backlink profile.

Here is a general guide:

The lower your KD target, the easier it is to rank. Beginners should stick to KD under 10 until their site gains a few backlinks. Over time, you can gradually increase the threshold.

Useful Resources

For further reading, check out the official Ahrefs blog for advanced tutorials: Ahrefs keyword research guide.

To stay updated on SEO best practices, refer to the Google SEO Starter Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Find Easy-to-Rank Keywords with Ahrefs

How do I find easy keywords with Ahrefs ?

Open Ahrefs Keyword Explorer, enter a seed keyword, go to Matching Terms, and apply filters: set Keyword Difficulty (KD) under 20, volume between 50 and 500, and word count to 3 or more. This filters for easy to rank keywords Ahrefs surfaces.

What is keyword difficulty in Ahrefs ?

Keyword Difficulty (KD) is an Ahrefs metric from 0 to 100 that estimates how hard it is to rank in the top 10 for a given keyword. It is based on the number of referring domains linking to the top-ranking pages.

How do beginners use Ahrefs for keyword research ?

Start with Ahrefs Keyword Explorer, enter a broad topic, use the Matching Terms report, and apply a KD filter under 10. Then, check the SERP overview to ensure the search intent matches your content type.

Can Ahrefs find low competition keywords ?

Yes. By filtering for low Keyword Difficulty scores (under 20) in Keyword Explorer or the Content Gap tool, Ahrefs reveals low competition keywords Ahrefs can help you rank for quickly. For a related guide, see Ahrefs Review 2026: Is It Still Worth the Money?.

What are the best Ahrefs filters for keywords ?

The best filters are KD (max 10–20), minimum volume (30–100), and word count (3+). Additionally, use the “Include” filter for modifiers like “best” or “how to” to find target keywords.

How do I rank faster with Ahrefs keywords ?

Choose low KD keywords where you can create better content than the current top 10. Use internal links from your existing content, and build a few backlinks to your new page.

What is a good keyword difficulty score in Ahrefs ?

For new sites, a good KD score is under 10. For medium-authority sites, under 20 is fine. For high-authority sites, under 30 is acceptable.

How do I find long tail keywords in Ahrefs ?

In Keyword Explorer, use the Matching Terms report and set the word count filter to 4 or more. This reveals long-tail phrases that often have lower competition.

Can Ahrefs help increase organic traffic ?

Yes. By identifying easy to rank keywords Ahrefs finds, you can create content that ranks quickly, driving targeted organic traffic to your site.

How do I analyze keyword competition in Ahrefs ?

Use the SERP overview in Keyword Explorer to examine the top 10 results. Look at the number of backlinks, domain rating, and content quality of each page.

What is Ahrefs Keyword Explorer ?

Ahrefs Keyword Explorer is a tool that provides keyword ideas, search volume, keyword difficulty scores, and SERP analysis for any query.

How do bloggers use Ahrefs for keyword research ?

Bloggers use Ahrefs to find low competition, high search volume keywords that match their niche. They then create comprehensive blog posts optimized for those terms.

How do affiliate marketers find keywords with Ahrefs ?

Affiliate marketers focus on keywords with commercial intent (like “best” or “review”) and use the KD filter to find easy to rank keywords Ahrefs offers.

Is Ahrefs good for SEO beginners ?

Absolutely. Ahrefs has a user-friendly interface and extensive guides. The Keyword Explorer tool is intuitive enough for beginners to start finding keywords immediately.

How do I find profitable keywords in Ahrefs ?

Combine high search volume with low KD. Then, verify that the keywords have commercial intent—terms users search when they are ready to buy or take action.

How can I optimize content with Ahrefs keywords ?

Use your target keyword naturally in the title, headings, meta description, and body. Ensure your content fully satisfies the search intent identified in the SERP overview.

What are the best keyword research strategies using Ahrefs ?

The best strategy is to start with low KD keywords, use content gap analysis to find competitor gaps, and cluster keywords into comprehensive topics.

How do I find untapped keyword opportunities ?

Use Ahrefs Content Gap tool with your competitors’ domains. Look for keywords they all rank for but you do not, then filter for low KD.

Can Ahrefs help ecommerce websites rank faster ?

Yes. Ecommerce sites can use Ahrefs to find low competition product keywords and optimize product pages accordingly. The tool also helps with competitor analysis.

How often should I do keyword research in Ahrefs ?

Ideally, perform a full keyword research session every month to identify new opportunities and track changes in competition. For active content strategies, check weekly for new low competition ideas.