1. Understanding High-Volume vs. Low-Competition Keywords
When it comes to ecommerce in the US, picking the right keywords can make or break your online store’s search visibility. But not all keywords are created equal. Two popular strategies are focusing on high-volume keywords and targeting low-competition keywords. Let’s break down what each means and how they impact your ecommerce business.
What Are High-Volume Keywords?
High-volume keywords are search terms that a lot of people type into Google or other search engines every month. These keywords get thousands—even tens of thousands—of searches. For example, in the US ecommerce market:
| Keyword | Monthly Search Volume | Example Industry |
|---|---|---|
| running shoes | 60,000+ | Sportswear |
| wireless headphones | 90,000+ | Electronics |
| laptop deals | 40,000+ | Technology Retail |
The appeal is obvious: more searches mean more potential visitors to your site. However, high-volume keywords often come with fierce competition from big brands like Nike, Apple, or Best Buy.
What Are Low-Competition Keywords?
Low-competition keywords are search phrases that fewer websites are actively trying to rank for. These terms might have lower monthly searches but offer a better chance for smaller or newer ecommerce stores to get noticed by customers.
| Keyword | Monthly Search Volume | Example Industry |
|---|---|---|
| women’s vegan running shoes size 9 | 300 | Sustainable Footwear |
| bluetooth headphones for kids under $50 | 250 | Children’s Electronics |
| best laptop backpack for college students USA | 350 | Bags & Accessories |
The lower competition means you don’t have to fight against ecommerce giants to show up on the first page of search results.
Diving Into Search Intent: Why It Matters in Ecommerce
Search intent refers to the reason someone is searching for a keyword. In US-based ecommerce, understanding this helps you connect with shoppers at different stages of their buying journey:
- Informational intent: The user is looking for info (“how to clean white sneakers”)
- Navigational intent: The user wants a specific website (“Nike official store”)
- Transactional intent: The user is ready to buy (“buy wireless headphones online”)
- Commercial investigation: The user is comparing options (“best running shoes for flat feet 2024”)
The best keyword strategy considers not just volume and competition, but also aligns with the customer’s intent—especially for American shoppers who expect fast answers and clear choices when shopping online.
2. Benefits and Challenges of Targeting High-Volume Keywords
What Are High-Volume Keywords?
High-volume keywords are search terms that lots of people type into Google and other search engines every month. In ecommerce, these might include phrases like “wireless headphones,” “running shoes,” or “kitchen gadgets.” These keywords get a ton of searches, which means tons of potential traffic for your online store.
Benefits of Focusing on High-Volume Keywords
- Massive Traffic Potential: Ranking well for a high-volume keyword can bring thousands (or even millions) of visitors to your site every month.
- Brand Exposure: Even if shoppers don’t buy right away, showing up at the top of search results builds brand awareness and trust over time.
- Bigger Market Reach: You can tap into a huge audience, including both ready-to-buy customers and folks just starting their research.
Real-World Example
If you sell athletic shoes and rank for “best running shoes,” you’re likely to see spikes in website visits—especially during marathon season or New Year’s resolutions when more people are searching for fitness gear.
Challenges with High-Volume Keywords
- Tough Competition: Big brands and established ecommerce giants usually dominate these keywords, making it hard for smaller stores to break through.
- Longer SEO Timeline: It can take months (or longer) to climb the rankings, especially if your site is new or doesn’t have many backlinks.
- Lower Conversion Rates: Not everyone searching a broad term like “laptop” is ready to buy—many are just browsing or comparing options.
Typical Scenarios in Ecommerce
| Scenario | Outcome | Competition Level |
|---|---|---|
| You target “Bluetooth speakers” as a new electronics shop | Your page gets buried under Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart results; little organic traffic comes through initially | Very High |
| You invest heavily in content and backlinks for “organic skincare products” | Your ranking slowly improves after 6-12 months; traffic grows but so does the cost and effort needed to compete | High |
| Your established brand targets “men’s winter coats” before Black Friday | You see a traffic surge during fall/winter shopping season; some sales but most visitors compare across multiple sites first | High to Very High |
Key Takeaways for Ecommerce Stores
- If you have a strong brand, budget, and patience, going after high-volume keywords can pay off with big traffic over time.
- If you’re just starting out or want quicker wins, the competition might feel overwhelming—and results may take longer than expected.
- The best approach often mixes high-volume keywords with more specific (and less competitive) phrases to balance short-term gains with long-term growth.
3. Advantages of Low-Competition Keywords for Ecommerce
Why Low-Competition Keywords Matter for Newer Ecommerce Brands
When starting out in ecommerce, it can feel overwhelming to compete with big brands on popular search terms. That’s where low-competition keywords come into play. These are specific search phrases that fewer businesses are targeting, making them easier to rank for in search engines like Google. For new or smaller ecommerce stores, focusing on these keywords is often the smartest way to start building organic traffic and brand visibility.
Unique Opportunities Offered by Low-Competition Keywords
Low-competition keywords offer several unique advantages, especially if you’re looking to grow organically without a huge marketing budget. Here’s why they’re so powerful:
| Advantage | How It Helps Your Ecommerce Store |
|---|---|
| Quicker Rankings | You can get your product pages and blogs ranking faster because fewer websites are trying to win those keywords. |
| Lower Cost | PPC (Pay-Per-Click) ads and SEO efforts for these keywords cost less, helping you stretch your marketing dollars further. |
| More Targeted Traffic | People searching these terms often know exactly what they want, leading to higher conversion rates. |
| Easier Content Creation | You can create focused content that directly answers the needs of your target audience without competing against massive sites. |
| Brand Authority Building | As you rank for more low-competition keywords, your site gains authority and trust—making it easier to go after tougher keywords later. |
Examples of Low-Competition Keyword Strategy in Action
Let’s say you sell eco-friendly kitchenware. Instead of targeting broad terms like “kitchen utensils,” you might focus on more specific searches such as “bamboo salad tongs for kids” or “reusable silicone sandwich bags BPA-free.” These phrases have lower competition and attract buyers who are ready to purchase something very specific.
How to Find Low-Competition Keywords
- Use keyword research tools: Platforms like Ubersuggest, SEMrush, or Ahrefs let you filter by keyword difficulty and search volume.
- Look at autocomplete suggestions: Typing in Google’s search bar shows you real phrases people use but may not be heavily targeted by big competitors.
- Check out niche forums: See what questions and topics people are discussing in online communities related to your products.
The Bottom Line: Build Traction Organically
If you’re just getting started or want to maximize your organic reach, low-competition keywords let you carve out a space where your ecommerce business can grow steadily. They help you attract the right visitors without needing a massive advertising budget or waiting years for results.
4. How to Identify and Research the Best Keywords
Finding the right keywords is crucial for any ecommerce business that wants to stand out in a crowded US market. Whether you’re targeting high-volume or low-competition keywords, using the right approach and tools can make all the difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify and research keywords tailored for your ecommerce niche.
Step 1: Brainstorm Relevant Topics
Start by listing products, categories, and common questions your customers have. Think like your target audience in the US—what would they type into Google when shopping?
- Product names: e.g., “wireless headphones”
- Features: e.g., “noise-canceling,” “Bluetooth 5.0”
- Pain points: e.g., “best headphones for working out”
Step 2: Use Keyword Research Tools (US-Centric)
Leverage tools that focus on US search data for more accurate insights:
| Tool | Main Use | Free/Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Google Keyword Planner | Volume & competition from Google US users | Free with Google Ads account |
| SEMrush / Ahrefs | Competitive analysis, volume, keyword difficulty | Paid (free trial available) |
| Ubersuggest | Keyword ideas, trends, CPC data in the US | Freemium |
| Moz Keyword Explorer | Difficulty score, SERP analysis for US queries | Freemium |
| AnswerThePublic (US region) | User questions & long-tail keywords from US searches | Freemium |
Step 3: Analyze Search Volume & Competition
Select keywords that match your business goals. Here’s how to evaluate them:
- High-volume keywords: Check monthly searches—aim for terms with significant but realistic volume for your size.
- Low-competition keywords: Look at competition scores. In Google Keyword Planner, use “Low,” “Medium,” or “High” as guidance. In SEMrush or Ahrefs, check KD% (Keyword Difficulty percentage)—lower is easier.
- User intent: Make sure the keyword matches what a potential customer in the US would search when ready to buy.
Quick Reference Table: Evaluating Keywords (Example)
| Keyword Example | Monthly Searches (US) | Competition Level | User Intent Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| women’s running shoes | 40,000+ | High | PURCHASE/PRODUCT SEARCH |
| best running shoes for flat feet women’s | 2,000+ | Medium-Low | SOLUTION/REVIEW SEARCH |
| women’s blue running sneakers size 8 sale | <500 | Low | PURCHASE/DEAL SEEKER |
Step 4: Check Out Your Competitors in the US Market
Plug your top keywords into Google and see who ranks on page one. Are they big brands, local stores, or niche sites? Use SEMrush or Ahrefs to see which keywords drive traffic to their product pages. This will help you spot opportunities they may be missing.
Step 5: Prioritize Based on Relevance and Opportunity
- Create a shortlist of keywords that balance search volume with realistic competition levels.
- Add long-tail variations for more specific buyer intent—these often have lower competition and higher conversion rates.
- Categorize your keywords by product page, blog post idea, or FAQ section for easy implementation.
Ecommerce Keyword Planning Template (Sample)
| Main Product Category Keyword | Long-Tail Variation | CPC (US$) | Main Page Targeted |
|---|---|---|---|
| women’s sneakers | women’s waterproof sneakers size 7 | $1.50 | /womens-sneakers |
| BPA-free water bottle | BPA-free insulated water bottle with straw | $1.10 | /bpa-free-water-bottle |
| wifi baby monitor | wifi baby monitor no subscription required | $2.30 | /wifi-baby-monitor |
Your Next Steps in Ecommerce Keyword Research
Dive deep into these steps using US-centric data and tools for every product you sell online. With the right process, you’ll find winning keyword opportunities—whether you go after high-volume giants or carve out space with low-competition gems.
5. Strategic Recommendations: When and How to Use Each
Understanding the Balance
For American ecommerce businesses, finding the right mix of high-volume and low-competition keywords can be a game-changer. Here’s how you can strike that balance and make your SEO strategy work smarter, not harder.
When to Use High-Volume Keywords
- Brand Awareness: If youre looking to boost your store’s visibility and get in front of a larger audience, high-volume keywords are essential.
- Seasonal Promotions: Running big sales like Black Friday or Cyber Monday? Use high-volume terms people are searching for in those periods.
- Broad Product Categories: For flagship products or categories with mass appeal, targeting high-volume keywords can drive significant traffic.
When to Use Low-Competition Keywords
- Niche Products: Have unique or specialty items? Low-competition keywords help you reach shoppers who want exactly what you offer.
- New Stores: If your site is new and doesn’t have much authority yet, it’s easier to rank for low-competition terms first.
- Long-Tail Keywords: These are more specific (like “eco-friendly running shoes for women”), attracting buyers ready to purchase.
Actionable Strategies for Implementation
| Strategy | High-Volume Keywords | Low-Competition Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| Content Creation | Create cornerstone blog posts or landing pages around popular search terms (e.g., “best running shoes 2024”). | Add detailed product descriptions, FAQs, and blog posts targeting specific needs (e.g., “waterproof trail running shoes for men in Texas”). |
| PPC Campaigns | Bid on broad match keywords for maximum reach during key sales events. | Use exact match campaigns to minimize costs and attract highly qualified leads. |
| On-Page SEO | Optimize category pages with popular phrases Americans search for (think “top-rated electronics”). | Add schema markup and user-generated content to product pages featuring niche terms. |
| Email Marketing & Retargeting | Segment email lists based on interest in trending products tied to high-volume keywords. | Create personalized drip campaigns for customers interested in specialized products or features. |
Measuring Success: What Metrics Matter?
- Traffic Volume: Track which keywords bring the most visitors using Google Analytics or Shopify reports.
- Conversion Rate: Measure how many visitors from each keyword actually make a purchase—especially important for long-tail, low-competition terms.
- Cost Per Acquisition (CPA): For paid ads, monitor how much you spend to get each customer from different keyword groups.
- Keyword Ranking: Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to see where you stand on both high-volume and low-competition keywords over time.
A Simple Tracking Table Example:
| Keyword Type | Main Metric to Monitor | Suggested Tool |
|---|---|---|
| High-Volume Keyword | Total Traffic & Impressions | Google Search Console, Google Analytics |
| Low-Competition Keyword | Conversion Rate & Sales Growth | Ecommerce Platform Analytics, SEMrush/Ahrefs Rank Tracker |
Tactical Tips for American Ecommerce Stores:
- A/B test landing pages: Try different combinations of keyword targeting on your main pages to see what resonates best with US shoppers.
- Tie content to local trends: Reference American holidays, shopping habits, or state-specific needs in your long-tail keywords and blog posts.
- Piggyback on pop culture: When appropriate, use trending topics or events relevant in the US to attract short-term high-volume interest (always double-check trademark/copyright issues).
6. Case Studies: Keyword Strategies in Action
How Keyword Choices Shape Real Ecommerce Outcomes
To really understand the impact of high-volume and low-competition keywords, lets look at some real-world and hypothetical US ecommerce examples. These stories show how choosing the right keyword strategy can drive more traffic, boost conversions, or maximize sales.
Example 1: High-Volume Keywords for a Fitness Apparel Store
Scenario: An online store based in Texas sells fitness leggings. They target the high-volume keyword “best workout leggings” with about 60,000 monthly searches nationwide.
| Strategy | Keyword Type | Monthly Searches | Competition Level | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPC & SEO Content | High-Volume | 60,000+ | High | Increased traffic but high ad spend; conversion rate modest due to broad audience. |
This approach brought lots of visitors but also attracted big brands. The cost per click was higher, and conversion rates were average since many shoppers were just browsing and not ready to buy.
Example 2: Low-Competition Keywords for a Local Pet Supply Shop
Scenario: A small pet supply ecommerce shop in Portland focuses on “grain-free dog food Portland” (low-competition, local intent).
| Strategy | Keyword Type | Monthly Searches | Competition Level | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEO Blog Posts & Local Landing Pages | Low-Competition/Local | 350 | Low | Easier to rank; higher conversion rate; steady sales from local buyers. |
This store ranked on page one within weeks. Even though search volume was lower, these keywords attracted local shoppers ready to purchase—resulting in a strong conversion rate and loyal customers.
Example 3: Mixing Both Approaches for a US-Based Electronics Retailer
Scenario: A national electronics ecommerce site uses both strategies: targeting “wireless earbuds” (high-volume) and “best wireless earbuds for running under $50” (low-competition long-tail).
| Keyword Targeted | Type | Main Benefit | Main Drawback | Outcome Observed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| “wireless earbuds” | High-Volume Broad Match | Tons of visibility and traffic nationwide. | Tough competition from large retailers; lower conversion rate. | Brought brand awareness, some sales, but required significant ad budget. |
| “best wireless earbuds for running under $50” | Low-Competition Long-Tail | Easier ranking; attracts motivated shoppers looking to buy now. | Fewer searches overall; less total traffic. | Brought targeted leads who converted at double the rate of broad-match traffic. |
The Takeaway from These Cases:
- If your goal is rapid brand awareness: High-volume keywords can put you in front of lots of people fast—but be prepared for stiff competition and higher costs.
- If you want quick wins and better ROI: Low-competition keywords often attract shoppers closer to making a purchase, especially when they include location or specific product details.
- A blended strategy: Many successful US ecommerce stores mix both types—using high-volume terms to build traffic while leveraging low-competition keywords for easy wins and steady sales growth.
If youre building your own keyword plan, take inspiration from these examples. Analyze your product niche, test different keyword mixes, and track results so you can adjust your strategy as you grow.
