Many businesses ignore zero search volume keywords because they assume no one is searching for them. But what if these keywords could help you rank faster, attract more engaged users, and drive conversions with less competition?
SEO tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and SEMrush estimate search volume based on historical data. But search patterns constantly evolve, and not all searches get recorded immediately. This means that some low-volume or seemingly “invisible” keywords could still have actual search demand—and many marketers are missing out on them.
So, should you target keywords with zero search volume? The short answer is yes—when done strategically. In this guide, we’ll explain why these keywords matter and share 9 SEO strategies to use them effectively.
1. Find Real Search Demand Beyond SEO Tools
Many zero-volume keywords don’t appear in traditional keyword research tools, but that doesn’t mean people aren’t searching for them. To uncover real demand, look beyond SEO platforms:
- Use Google Autocomplete to find long-tail variations of common searches.
- Check the “People Also Ask” section for related search queries.
- Browse Reddit, Quora, and industry forums where people ask niche questions.
- Review Google Search Console to see unexpected keywords that bring traffic to your site.
You can rank for terms your competitors are ignoring by identifying hidden keyword opportunities.
2. Target Niche And Long-Tail Queries
Zero search volume keywords are often long-tail phrases that attract highly relevant users. Instead of broad keywords like “best shoes”, target specific searches like “best waterproof running shoes for tropical weather”.
Long-tail keywords have less competition, making it easier to rank on page one while capturing high-intent traffic.
When optimising for long-tail queries:
- Include them naturally in your content rather than forcing them in.
- Answer specific user questions directly in your headings and paragraphs.
- Create detailed content that fully addresses the search intent.
3. Optimise for Voice Search and Conversational Queries
People are searching differently with the rise of AI assistants like Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa. Instead of short, typed queries, they use natural, spoken phrases like:
- “Where can I buy a high-protein vegan meal in the city?”
- “What’s the best way to remove coffee stains from a white shirt?”
These conversational queries are often classified as zero-volume keywords but reflect real user behaviour. To optimise for voice search:
- Use question-based headings like “How Do You…” or “What’s the Best…”
- Structure content in short, direct answers that match spoken responses.
- Implement FAQ sections to capture more voice search results.
4. Focus On User Intent, Not Just Search Volume
Search volume doesn’t always indicate relevance or conversion potential. A high-volume keyword might bring random visitors, while a zero-search-volume keyword could attract highly engaged users ready to take action.
For example:
- A broad keyword like “digital marketing” may get thousands of searches but might not bring serious leads.
- A specific query like “affordable digital marketing services for small businesses” has a lower volume but could drive more conversions.
When choosing keywords, prioritise user intent over search volume.
5. Capture Emerging Trends Before They Go Mainstream
Many future high-volume keywords start as zero search volume keywords. You can rank before the competition catches up by identifying emerging trends early.
Ways to spot early keyword opportunities:
- Monitor Google Trends for rising search topics.
- Follow industry news and upcoming product launches.
- Pay attention to social media conversations and viral content.
By publishing content before search demand peaks, you position your website as an authority in your niche.
6. Support High-Volume Keywords With Strategic Internal Linking
Zero-volume keywords don’t have to stand alone. They work best when used as supporting content to strengthen broader SEO strategies.
For example:
- A blog post targeting “how to improve website speed” could link to a detailed post on “best free tools to test website speed” (a potential zero-volume keyword).
- A primary product page could link to articles answering very specific customer concerns, improving SEO and user engagement.
Internal linking helps distribute SEO value, ensuring low-volume keywords contribute to overall rankings.
7. Use Schema Markup For Better Search Visibility
Google’s rich results and featured snippets often display answers from well-structured content, even for low-search keywords.
To increase visibility:
- Implement FAQ schema to enhance question-based keywords.
- Use structured data for reviews, how-to guides, and product recommendations.
- Optimise for featured snippets by providing clear, concise answers to common queries.
This makes your content more likely to appear in Google’s quick-answer boxes, even if the keyword isn’t widely searched.
8. Expand Your Content Strategy With Zero Volume Keywords
Rather than relying only on high-traffic topics, use zero search volume keywords to:
- Create in-depth, niche guides that answer specific problems.
- Add FAQ sections addressing common yet overlooked questions.
- Develop long-form content that connects different aspects of a topic.
This approach attracts new visitors, builds authority, and improves SEO depth.
9. Measure Performance With Search Console, Not Just Keyword Tools
Since zero-volume keywords may not register in SEO tools, traditional tracking methods might not show their impact. Instead, use Google Search Console to measure:
- Impressions and clicks from unexpected queries.
- Engagement metrics like time on page and bounce rates.
- Conversion data to see if these keywords drive real business results.
SEO isn’t just about ranking for high-volume terms—it’s about attracting the right audience and driving meaningful actions.
How To Find Zero Search Volume Keywords
Many zero search volume keywords don’t appear in standard SEO tools, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t valuable. Since these keywords often represent niche topics, emerging trends, or conversational searches, finding them requires looking beyond traditional keyword research methods. Here are several effective ways to uncover them:
1. Use Google Autocomplete
Start typing a relevant keyword into Google’s search bar and observe the suggested phrases that appear. These suggestions come from actual user searches, even if they don’t show measurable volume in SEO tools.
Example:
- Typing “best running shoes for” may reveal “best running shoes for wet weather”, which could be a zero volume keyword.
2. Check “People Also Ask” And Related Searches
Google’s “People Also Ask” (PAA) section displays common follow-up questions related to a query. These questions often include long-tail and voice search queries helpful in targeting niche audiences.
Steps:
- Search for a broad keyword, then review the “People Also Ask” box.
- Click on a question to expand more related queries.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page for “Related Searches.”
3. Explore Reddit, Quora, And Online Forums
People ask real-world questions in communities like Reddit, Quora, and niche-specific forums. Many of these don’t show up in keyword research tools, making them perfect sources for zero-volume keywords.
How to do it:
- Search for a topic on Reddit using “site:reddit.com [your topic]” in Google.
- Browse Quora questions under your niche to find commonly asked topics.
- Join Facebook groups and industry forums to observe repeated queries.
4. Review Google Search Console Data
Google Search Console (GSC) provides actual search queries that users type before landing on your website. Some of these may not appear in SEO tools, making them valuable opportunities to explore.
Steps:
- Log into Google Search Console.
- Navigate to Performance > Search Results.
- Look for queries with low impressions but relevant intent.
- Create content around these queries to improve rankings.
Many emerging topics gain traction on social media before they become widely searched terms. Platforms like Twitter (X), TikTok, and LinkedIn can reveal keywords that traditional SEO tools haven’t yet picked up.
How to find them:
- Check Twitter trending topics in your niche.
- Search hashtags on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
- Use Google Trends to identify rising search queries.
6. Analyse Customer Questions And Reviews
Your existing customers may be asking questions that aren’t appearing in keyword tools. Reviewing these questions helps uncover specific concerns and search behaviours.
Where to look:
- FAQ sections on competitor websites.
- Customer reviews on e-commerce platforms like Amazon.
- Live chat inquiries or customer support tickets from your business.
7. Study Long-Tail Variations Of Broad Keywords
Zero-volume keywords are often longer, more detailed versions of high-traffic keywords. Instead of “best SEO strategy”, a more specific variation could be “best SEO strategy for e-commerce startups in 2025”.
How to generate them:
- Use Google’s “Wildcard” method by inserting an asterisk (*) in searches.
- Example: *“best running shoes for “
- Try answering “who, what, when, where, why, and how” for a topic.
8. Check Industry-Specific Blogs And Podcasts
Many niche discussions happen outside mainstream search platforms. Experts often use new terms before they become popular keywords, making blogs, podcasts, and industry reports excellent sources of zero-volume keywords.
Where to explore:
- Tech blogs, business sites, or medical journals for trending terms.
- Podcast transcripts for industry-related conversations.
- YouTube video titles and descriptions for emerging topics.
9. Use AI Chatbots For Keyword Suggestions
AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Google Bard, or Bing AI can generate unique keyword ideas based on user intent. You can ask these tools for specific, conversational queries related to your niche.
Example prompt:
- “Give me 10 long-tail SEO keywords about sustainable travel that aren’t commonly used.”
Conclusion About Zero-Volume Keywords
Zero search volume keywords may seem insignificant initially, but they offer substantial SEO advantages when used correctly. They help businesses rank with less competition, attract highly relevant traffic, optimise voice search, and capture emerging trends.
By incorporating these 9 SEO strategies, you can turn low-search terms into high-impact opportunities for your website.
Want expert guidance to identify hidden SEO opportunities? Best SEO offers a Free SEO Audit to help you optimise your strategy and stay ahead of competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zero-Volume Keywords
What Are Zero Search Volume Keywords?
Zero search volume keywords are search terms that SEO tools report as having little or no monthly searches. However, they can still attract traffic and be valuable for rankings.
Why Do Zero Volume Keywords Have SEO Value?
These keywords often face little competition, are highly specific, and capture accurate user searches that may not yet be reflected in SEO tools.
How Can I Find Zero Search Volume Keywords?
Discover them using Google autocomplete, related searches, forums like Reddit and Quora, Google Search Console data, and social media trends.
Do Zero Volume Keywords Ever Gain Search Traffic?
Yes. Some low-volume keywords are popular over time, especially related to new trends, emerging industries, or conversational queries.
Should I Use Zero Search Volume Keywords for Paid Ads?
It depends. If the keyword directly aligns with user intent and conversions, it can work well in paid search campaigns with low CPC (cost per click).
How Do Zero Volume Keywords Fit Into an SEO Strategy?
They complement high-volume keywords by expanding keyword coverage, targeting niche audiences, and improving overall site authority.
