Guide
How to check keyword difficulty — and pick keywords you can win
Keyword difficulty is a guess at how hard it is to reach page one. It's useful, but only if you compare it to your own site's strength.
6 min read · Updated September 2026
What keyword difficulty measures
Most tools score 0–100 based on the backlinks and authority of the pages ranking now. A high score means strong sites hold the top spots.
It doesn't know about your site. A score of 40 is easy for a strong domain and very hard for a new one.
Check it free by hand
- —Search the keyword in a private browser window.
- —Look at who ranks: big brands, or small sites like yours?
- —Check if forums or thin pages rank — a sign it's winnable.
- —Note the content type: guides, product pages, tools or videos.
Check it with data
TopRankr's keyword research shows difficulty for every keyword in your country. The free plan covers around 25 lookups a month.
Pick keywords you can win
- —New site: difficulty under 20, long-tail phrases.
- —Growing site: 20–40, where you already rank on page 2–3.
- —Established site: 40+, when you have relevant links.
- —Skip competitor brand names — you rarely rank for them.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good keyword difficulty?
For new sites, under 20. The right number depends on your own authority.
Why do tools show different difficulty?
Each uses its own formula and link index. Compare keywords within one tool, not across tools.
Is low volume worth targeting?
Often, yes. Low-volume keywords with buying intent can bring more customers than popular ones.
Let TopRankr do this analysis for you
Free plan includes 50 credits every month.