Finding Low Competition Platform Keywords

Sometimes figuring out what to search for online can feel tricky, especially when you’re just starting out. That’s where ⚙️ Platform-Based Keywords (LOW COMP) come in. These are phrases people use when they’re looking for something specific on a certain website or app, and they are often easier to rank for.

Don’t worry if this sounds complicated; we’ll make it super simple. This guide will show you exactly how to find them, step by step, so you can get your content seen. We’ll cover what they are and how to use them to your advantage.

Key Takeaways

• You will learn what ⚙️ Platform-Based Keywords (LOW COMP) really mean in simple terms.
• Discover how these keywords can help you find easy opportunities.
• Understand the difference between general keywords and platform-specific ones.
• Get a clear, step-by-step method to find these valuable low-competition terms.
• See how to use these keywords to improve your chances of ranking higher.
• Learn where to look for these keywords using simple tools.

What Are Platform-Based Keywords

Platform-based keywords are search terms that people use when they are looking for something on a specific website, app, or online service. Think about it like asking for directions to a particular shop within a large shopping mall. Instead of just saying “shoes,” you might say “Nike shoes at Mall X” or “best running shoes on Amazon.” These are more specific because they mention the platform.

They show that the person already has an idea of where they want to find information or a product.

Defining Platform-Based Keywords

These keywords usually include the name of a platform, like “Facebook,” “YouTube,” “Etsy,” “Google,” or “Amazon.” They can also refer to types of platforms, such as “app store,” “online course,” or “social media.” When someone uses these, they’re telling search engines they want results directly related to that platform or service. This is great for content creators because it narrows down the audience to people who are already interested in a specific place.

• Platform Name Included: A user searches for “how to use Canva” instead of just “graphic design tool.” This shows intent to use or learn about Canva specifically.
• Feature-Specific Searches: Someone might look for “Instagram Reels templates” or “Shopify product pages.” These terms highlight a specific feature within a known platform.
• Location-Based Platform Intent: A search like “best restaurants near me on Google Maps” uses both location and platform intent. The user wants recommendations specifically within the Google Maps service.

The beauty of these keywords is that they often have less competition than broader, more general terms. For example, “graphic design” is a very competitive phrase. But “how to create a logo on Canva” is more specific.

Many people might not think to target these specific, platform-focused searches. This gives you a chance to stand out.

Why They Are Low Competition

The reason ⚙️ Platform-Based Keywords (LOW COMP) often have lower competition is simple: fewer people are actively targeting them. Most content creators focus on very broad topics. They aim for terms that a huge number of people might search for.

While this can bring a lot of traffic, it’s also incredibly difficult to get noticed. It’s like trying to shout your name in a stadium full of screaming fans.

• Niche Audience Focus: These keywords attract a smaller, more targeted group of searchers. This means fewer websites are trying to capture that specific audience, reducing competition.
• Specificity Reduces Broad Interest: A search for “learn Python on Coursera” appeals only to people interested in learning Python through an online course platform like Coursera. This is a smaller pool than just “learn Python.”
• Less Obvious for General SEO: Many SEO guides focus on general keywords. They might overlook these platform-specific terms because they seem too narrow for a broad SEO strategy.

When you find ⚙️ Platform-Based Keywords (LOW COMP), you are looking for those “whispers” in the crowd, not the “shouts.” These are phrases where the searcher is already in a particular “room” (the platform) and looking for something specific within that room. Your content can then be the perfect answer waiting for them in that room.

How to Find Platform-Based Keywords

Finding these valuable keywords is an exciting process. It’s like being a detective looking for hidden clues. You’re not just looking for any clue; you’re looking for clues that lead directly to an audience that’s ready to listen.

We will walk through simple steps that anyone can follow, even if you’ve never done keyword research before.

Using Search Engine Suggestions

One of the easiest ways to start is by using the suggestions that search engines like Google provide. When you start typing a query into the search bar, Google often suggests related searches. Many of these suggestions will include platform names or specific features of platforms.

1. Start Typing: Go to your favorite search engine (like Google). Begin typing a general topic you are interested in, for example, “learn to cook.”
2. Observe Suggestions: As you type, look at the drop-down menu that appears. You might see suggestions like “learn to cook on YouTube,” “learn to cook in MasterClass,” or “learn to cook app.”
3. Refine Your Search: If you see a suggestion that includes a platform, try searching for it. For instance, search for “learn to cook on YouTube.”
4. Analyze Results: Look at the results for “learn to cook on YouTube.” Are there many high-authority websites competing, or are there smaller blogs and channels that seem easier to beat?

This method is great because it shows you what real people are actually searching for. It’s direct feedback from the search engine about user intent.

Exploring Platform-Specific Search Features

Many platforms themselves have their own internal search engines. Using these can reveal keywords specific to that platform’s users. For example, if you’re interested in selling crafts, looking within Etsy’s search bar can give you ideas.

• Etsy Search Bar: Type “handmade earrings” into Etsy’s search bar. Notice the suggestions that pop up. You might see “handmade earrings with stones,” “handmade earrings for women,” or “handmade earrings on Etsy.” The last one is a good example of a platform-based keyword.
• YouTube Search Bar: If you search “gardening tips” on YouTube, observe the suggestions. You might find “gardening tips for beginners on YouTube,” “organic gardening tips YouTube,” or “container gardening tips YouTube.”
• Amazon Search Bar: Searching for “wireless earbuds” on Amazon can yield suggestions like “best wireless earbuds on Amazon reviews,” “wireless earbuds for running Amazon,” or “new wireless earbuds Amazon.”

These internal searches are gold mines. They show you what people are looking for within that specific environment. If someone searches for “best coffee makers on Amazon,” they are already on Amazon with the intent to buy.

Your content could be a review or comparison that appears in those results.

Leveraging Keyword Research Tools

While manual methods are useful, dedicated keyword research tools can provide more data and uncover opportunities you might miss. These tools analyze search volumes, competition levels, and related keywords.

Understanding Keyword Difficulty

Keyword difficulty, often called “comp score” or “competition,” is a metric that tells you how hard it will be to rank on the first page of search results for a specific keyword. Tools assign a score, usually on a scale of 0 to 100. A lower score means less competition, making it easier to rank.

For ⚙️ Platform-Based Keywords (LOW COMP), you’re specifically looking for terms with a low difficulty score.

For example, a broad term like “marketing strategy” might have a difficulty score of 85, meaning it’s very hard to rank for. However, a platform-based keyword like “email marketing on Mailchimp tutorial” might have a difficulty score of 25. This indicates a much better chance of success.

Using Free and Paid Tools

Many tools offer free versions or trials that are excellent for finding ⚙️ Platform-Based Keywords (LOW COMP).

• Google Keyword Planner: This is a free tool from Google that requires a Google Ads account. It shows search volumes and competition levels for keywords. You can input your general topic and see related suggestions. Look for suggestions that include platform names or specific services.
• Ubersuggest: This tool offers a limited number of free searches per day. It provides keyword ideas, search volume, and SEO difficulty. It’s great for quickly identifying potential low-competition terms.
• Ahrefs/SEMrush (Paid): These are powerful, professional tools that offer extensive data. If you’re serious about SEO, they can provide deep insights into keyword competition, search volume, and backlink opportunities. They have features specifically for finding long-tail keywords (which often overlap with platform-based ones).

When using these tools, enter your broad topic and then filter or look for keywords that naturally include platform names or specific software/service functions. For instance, if you’re in the fitness niche, you might search for “workout” and then filter for results that include “Nike Training Club,” “Peloton,” or “MyFitnessPal.”

Types of Platform-Based Keywords

Not all platform-based keywords are the same. They can be categorized based on the user’s intent and how they are phrased. Recognizing these different types helps you find the most suitable ones for your content.

Informational Keywords

These are used when someone is looking to learn something or find answers to questions related to a specific platform or its features. They often start with “how to,” “what is,” or “guide to.”

• Example: “How to schedule posts on Facebook”
• Explanation: This searcher wants to learn a specific function of the Facebook platform. They are not looking to buy anything but to gain knowledge. Creating a step-by-step tutorial or a helpful blog post would be perfect for this type of keyword.
• Example: “What are Instagram Stories stickers”
• Explanation: This user is curious about a particular feature within Instagram. They need a clear explanation that defines and illustrates the use of these stickers.

Ranking for these keywords can build authority and trust. People will come to you as a source of reliable information about certain platforms.

Transactional Keywords

These keywords indicate that the user is ready to make a purchase or take a specific action. They often include words like “buy,” “price,” “deal,” “discount,” or brand names associated with products.

• Example: “Buy iPhone 14 Pro on Apple Store”
• Explanation: This is a clear signal of purchase intent. The user wants to buy a specific product from a specific platform. If you’re an affiliate marketer or an e-commerce store selling this product, this is a golden keyword.
• Example: “Discount code for Adobe Creative Cloud”
• Explanation: The user is looking for a way to save money on a subscription service. Providing the latest discount codes or reviews of pricing plans can attract this user.

For transactional keywords, your content should be direct and facilitate the purchase. This could be a product review, a comparison chart, or a direct link to a purchase page.

Navigational Keywords

These are used when someone wants to go directly to a specific website or platform. They often include the brand name or the name of the platform itself.

• Example: “Amazon login”
• Explanation: The user knows exactly where they want to go. They are not looking for information about Amazon, but to access their account. It’s generally hard to rank for these unless you are the platform itself.
• Example: “Netflix homepage”
• Explanation: Similar to “Amazon login,” this user wants to visit the Netflix website. These are usually dominated by the brand.

While difficult to rank for directly, understanding navigational intent can help you see how people use platforms. For example, if many people search “how to access Netflix account” (which is a variation of navigational), you might create content around account management.

Comparison Keywords

These are used when a user is trying to decide between two or more options, often involving platforms or products on platforms.

Comparison keywords are excellent for driving traffic. People using these terms are often further down the decision-making funnel and are looking for definitive answers to help them choose.

Strategies for Using Platform-Based Keywords

Once you’ve found a great ⚙️ Platform-Based Keywords (LOW COMP), the next step is to use it effectively in your content. This is where you apply your findings to attract the right audience. We will explore simple, practical ways to make these keywords work for you.

Optimizing Your Content

Search engines look at where you place keywords to understand what your content is about. Strategic placement helps them rank your page higher for that specific search term.

• Page Title: Include your main keyword in your page title. For example, if your keyword is “easy recipes on TikTok,” your title could be “Easy Recipes on TikTok Quick Video Ideas.”
• Meta Description: Write a compelling meta description that includes the keyword and encourages users to click. “Discover delicious and easy recipes to make on TikTok. Find viral food hacks and quick meal ideas for your next video!”
• Headings (H1, H2, H3): Use your keyword in the main heading (H1) of your page, and relevant variations in subheadings (H2, H3) where they fit naturally.
• Body Text: Weave the keyword into the first paragraph of your content. Then, use it naturally throughout the rest of the article where it makes sense. Don’t force it; it should sound conversational.

Think of it like labeling a box. You want the label to be clear and accurate so anyone looking for what’s inside knows they’ve found the right box.

Creating Targeted Content

The best way to rank for any keyword is to create content that directly answers the searcher’s question or fulfills their need. For ⚙️ Platform-Based Keywords (LOW COMP), this means focusing on the specific platform.

1. Tutorials and How-Tos: If your keyword is “how to edit photos on VSCO,” create a detailed tutorial showing every step of photo editing on the VSCO app. Include screenshots or short video clips.
2. Reviews and Comparisons: For keywords like “best project management tools on Asana,” write a review of Asana’s features and perhaps compare it to another tool like Trello.
3. Listicles: Use keywords like “top 10 travel blogs on Instagram.” Create a list of popular and influential travel blogs that are active on Instagram, explaining why they are successful.

By creating content that is highly relevant to the platform and the user’s query, you signal to search engines that your page is the best result.

Building Links to Your Content

Backlinks are like votes of confidence from other websites. When other reputable sites link to your content, it tells search engines that your page is valuable and trustworthy.

• Guest Blogging: Write guest posts for blogs in your niche. In your author bio or within the content (if relevant), you can link back to your article that uses a platform-based keyword.
• Outreach: Find other websites or blogs that discuss similar topics but might not cover your specific platform-based angle. Reach out and suggest your content as a resource they could link to. For example, if you wrote about “using TikTok for small business marketing,” you could reach out to marketing blogs and suggest your article as a helpful addition to their content on social media marketing.
• Broken Link Building: Find dead links on other websites. Contact the site owner, inform them about the broken link, and suggest your relevant content as a replacement.

Focus on getting links from websites that are relevant to your niche. Quality over quantity is key.

Real-Life Examples and Case Studies

Seeing how others have successfully used ⚙️ Platform-Based Keywords (LOW COMP) can be very inspiring and educational. These examples show practical application and the results that can be achieved.

Case Study 1: A Small E-commerce Store

A small online store selling handmade jewelry found it hard to compete with larger jewelry retailers for general terms like “handmade necklaces.” They decided to focus on ⚙️ Platform-Based Keywords (LOW COMP) related to their presence on Etsy.

1. Initial Problem: Low visibility on Google for broad search terms. High competition from established brands.
2. Strategy: They identified keywords like “unique beaded necklaces on Etsy,” “minimalist silver jewelry Etsy shop,” and “custom birthstone necklaces Etsy.”
3. Content Creation: They created blog posts like “How to Find Unique Beaded Necklaces on Etsy” and product descriptions optimized for these specific terms. They also focused on improving their Etsy shop’s internal SEO using these keywords.
4. Results: Within six months, they saw a 40% increase in traffic to their website from Google searches for these platform-specific terms. Their Etsy shop also saw improved visibility within Etsy’s search results. This shows how targeting the platform directly can yield great results.

Example Scenario: A Freelance Writer

Imagine a freelance writer who wants to attract clients looking for content on specific platforms.

1. Client Need: Businesses often need content tailored for specific platforms like LinkedIn or blog sites.
2. Keyword Identification: The writer could target keywords like “LinkedIn article writing services,” “SEO blog posts for WordPress,” or “website copy for Shopify.”
3. Content Offering: The writer creates service pages on their website dedicated to each platform. For “LinkedIn article writing services,” their page details how they craft engaging articles optimized for LinkedIn’s algorithm, showcasing examples.
4. Outcome: By using these platform-specific service keywords, the writer attracts clients who are already looking for expertise on the platforms they use, leading to more qualified leads and better conversion rates.

Statistic Spotlight

Studies show that long-tail keywords, which often overlap with platform-based keywords due to their specificity, convert at a much higher rate. For example, one study by HubSpot found that long-tail keywords have a conversion rate of 2.5%, compared to only 1.5% for broad keywords. This suggests that users searching for more specific, platform-based terms are further along in their buyer’s journey and more likely to take action.

Another interesting statistic comes from an analysis of Google search results. It was found that the top 10 results for highly specific, long-tail keywords often include smaller, less authoritative websites. This indicates that the competition for these niche terms is indeed lower, offering opportunities for new or smaller players to rank.

Common Myths Debunked

There are a few common misunderstandings about using keywords, especially platform-based ones. Let’s clear up some of these myths so you can use the best strategies.

Myth 1: All Platform-Based Keywords Are Very Low Competition

While many ⚙️ Platform-Based Keywords (LOW COMP) offer less competition than broad terms, it’s not a guarantee. Highly popular platforms or extremely sought-after features can still attract significant competition. For instance, “best iPhone apps” is a platform-based keyword, but it’s incredibly competitive because it’s on a huge platform (iPhone/App Store) and many people are looking for top apps.

The key is to find those that are relatively low competition for your specific niche and ability to compete.

Myth 2: You Only Need To Use The Exact Keyword Phrase

Search engines are smart. They understand synonyms, related terms, and variations of keywords. While using the exact keyword is important, you should also naturally incorporate related phrases.

For “learn to bake on YouTube,” you might also use terms like “YouTube baking tutorials,” “easy baking videos,” or “how to bake from scratch.” This helps search engines understand your content more broadly and can help you rank for related searches.

Myth 3: Platform-Based Keywords Are Only For Large Platforms Like Google Or Amazon

This is not true at all. Platform-based keywords can refer to any service, app, software, or online space where users search for information. This could include niche forums, specific social media groups, online learning platforms like Coursera or Udemy, or even specific software like Microsoft Excel or Adobe Photoshop.

If people are searching for information within or about a specific digital space, it can generate platform-based keywords.

Myth 4: Targeting Platform-Based Keywords Limits Your Audience

While it’s true that these keywords target a more specific audience, this is often an advantage, not a limitation. A targeted audience is usually more engaged and more likely to convert. Instead of trying to reach everyone, you’re focusing on reaching the right people who are already interested in what you offer, on the platform they are using.

This leads to higher quality traffic and better results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How do I know if a platform-based keyword is truly “low competition”?

Answer: You can use keyword research tools that provide a “difficulty score.” Look for scores that are low, typically below 30 or 40, depending on the tool. Also, analyze the search results page yourself. If the top results are dominated by huge, authoritative websites, it might be more competitive than you think.

Look for results where smaller blogs or less established sites are ranking.

Question: Can I use platform-based keywords for physical products?

Answer: Yes, absolutely. If you sell physical products, you can target keywords related to marketplaces where people buy them. For example, “best handmade dog collars on Etsy,” or “buy sustainable t-shirts on Amazon.” The platform (Etsy, Amazon) is a key part of the search query.

Question: Is it okay to use the platform’s name in my URL or domain name?

Answer: Generally, it’s best to avoid using a platform’s name directly in your domain name unless you are officially affiliated or it’s a review site. For example, “MyEtsyShop.com” is fine, but “EtsyReviews.com” might be okay if it’s clearly a review site. Search engines might flag exact matches as trying to impersonate a brand.

Focus on using the platform name naturally within your content.

Question: How often should I update my content for platform-based keywords?

Answer: It depends on how quickly the platform changes. For platforms like social media apps or software, updates can happen frequently. Regularly check if your content still reflects the current features or best practices.

For more stable platforms or features, content might stay relevant for longer periods. Aim for a review every 6-12 months.

Question: What if the platform name changes or a platform becomes less popular?

Answer: This is a risk with any keyword strategy. If a platform declines, your keywords related to it will lose value. Stay informed about trends.

You can pivot your strategy by finding new, popular platforms or shifting focus to more general keywords if necessary. Keyword research is an ongoing process.

Summary

Finding ⚙️ Platform-Based Keywords (LOW COMP) is a smart way to target ready audiences. These specific phrases show clear intent and often have fewer competitors. By using simple methods like search suggestions, platform searches, and keyword tools, you can uncover these opportunities.

Optimize your content, create helpful guides, and build links to rank well. These strategies help you get noticed by people looking for exactly what you offer on the platforms they already use. Start applying these steps today to see your content reach the right eyes.