Not every keyword is worth chasing. Some are too competitive to be realistic, while others are too obscure to bring any real traffic. Keyword difficulty scores help you tell the difference. These scores show how hard it’ll be to rank for a specific term based on who’s already ranking and how strong their content is. But there’s no one-size-fits-all number. A score that makes sense for a growing business might be a poor choice for a brand-new site. And since SEO tools calculate scores differently, what looks easy in one tool could look tough in another. To make smart choices, you need more than just the number—you need to understand what it means for your site and your strategy.
What is Keyword Difficulty?
Keyword difficulty, or KD, is a metric used to estimate how challenging it would be to rank in the top spots on search engines for a specific keyword. The score is typically on a scale from 0 to 100. A lower score means less competition, and a higher score means you’re up against well-established websites with strong authority.
This score is usually calculated by looking at the strength of the websites that are already ranking. That includes factors like the number and quality of backlinks pointing to those sites, the domain authority they hold, and how well their content is optimized for the keyword. Some tools even weigh things like how relevant the content is to the query or how many search features appear on the results page, like featured snippets or video carousels.
In short, keyword difficulty is a benchmark. It helps you understand how much effort you’ll need to put in to see results for a particular search term.
Is Keyword Difficulty Just as Important as Search Volume?
Yes—and in many cases, it’s even more important! Search volume tells you how many people are looking for a term. Keyword difficulty tells you whether you have a realistic shot at ranking for it. If you’re going after keywords with massive search volume but insanely high difficulty scores, you might end up spending time and money with little to show for it.
On the flip side, choosing only low-difficulty keywords with zero search volume isn’t a smart play either. The key is balance. You want keywords with enough search volume to move the needle, but that aren’t so competitive that you’ll never crack the top 10. Sometimes, this means focusing on more specific long-tail keywords where you can actually win, rather than competing head-on with massive sites for broad terms.
How to Find Keyword Difficulty
One way to find keyword difficulty is by using SEO tools like KeySearch, Ahrefs, Moz, or SEMrush. These platforms provide a keyword difficulty score, usually right alongside other metrics like search volume and competition level. It’s important to stick to one tool for consistency since they all calculate KD a little differently.
Another way is to analyze search engine results pages (SERPs) manually. Look at who’s currently ranking for your target keyword. If the first page is filled with giants like Amazon, Wikipedia, or major media outlets, you’re likely facing steep competition. But if you see smaller blogs or niche websites, there’s a chance for you to sneak in.
You can also evaluate the authority of ranking pages. Tools like Moz and Ahrefs allow you to check domain and page authority. If your site is on par with or stronger than the sites already ranking, that’s a good sign. Lastly, assess the content itself. If what’s ranking is thin, outdated, or not very helpful, that might be your opening to create something better and outrank them—even for a moderately difficult keyword.
Choosing Between Keyword Difficulty Ranges
Keywords with a difficulty score between 0 and 30 are considered low competition. These are great for newer websites or businesses just starting out with SEO. They won’t bring in thousands of visitors overnight, but they help build your visibility and authority over time.
Scores between 30 and 60 fall into the moderate competition range. These are good targets for businesses that already have some SEO traction. They strike a balance between achievable rankings and meaningful traffic. These keywords usually require stronger content, solid backlink strategies, and a bit more patience. They’re best tackled when your site already has some authority.
Scores above 60 are highly competitive. These keywords are dominated by large brands with serious SEO resources. Unless your site is well-established or you have a unique edge, it’s often more efficient to target lower-difficulty keywords and build up from there.
Find the Best Target Keywords with CadenceSEO!
Effective SEO starts with knowing exactly which keywords are worth your time. CadenceSEO is a full-service digital marketing agency and consultancy that helps businesses grow through targeted, research-backed SEO strategies. We don’t just generate lists—we build keyword plans that align with your goals, audience, and market position.
Our team examines keyword difficulty, search intent, competitive trends, and industry gaps closely to find opportunities for which you can realistically rank. It’s a strategic, hands-on process focused on driving the right traffic—not just more of it.
Whether you’re trying to compete in a crowded space or expand your online reach, we’re here to help you confidently take the next step. Schedule your free strategy session with our SEO experts today!
