What Defines a Good Keyword Search Volume? (Insights + Practical Tips)

If you're optimizing for search engines or launching pay-per-click campaigns, you've likely asked this question at some point—what defines a "good" keyword search volume? Understanding keyword search volume is critical to crafting a strong SEO or paid search strategy that drives traffic, grows your audience, and increases conversions.

But does higher always mean better? Are low-volume keywords even worth your time? And how do you find the search volume for keywords anyway?

This guide answers it all. We'll explore what keyword search volume is, how to analyze it, and how to determine whether targeting specific keywords is worth the effort.

What Is Keyword Search Volume?

Keyword search volume refers to the average monthly number of searches for a specific term or phrase on search engines like Google. It's typically measured in Monthly Search Volume (MSV), expressed as a number. For example, if “best running shoes” has a search volume of 10,000 MSV, it means that roughly 10,000 people search for this term every month.

Search volume is a big deal in the world of SEO and digital marketing because it quantifies demand. High MSVs indicate popular searches, while low volumes suggest niche or less commonly searched queries.

Why Does Search Volume Matter?

Keyword search volume is a crucial metric that helps you understand how often a term is being searched on search engines. Here’s how it can benefit your digital marketing strategy:

• Gauge Demand: Search volume allows you to assess interest in a topic or niche within your industry. High search volumes indicate popular topics, while low volumes might suggest a more niche or less competitive area. This insight is invaluable for identifying trends and aligning your content with what your audience is actively looking for.
• Prioritize Keywords: By analyzing search volume, you can determine which keywords are worth targeting for blog articles, landing pages, and PPC campaigns. This ensures you’re spending time and resources on terms that will drive the most impact.
• Estimate Traffic Potential: Search volume gives you an idea of how many users you could attract if you rank well for a keyword. For example, if a keyword like "organic skincare tips" gets 5,000 searches per month and your site ranks #1 for it, you could potentially gain about 30-40% of those clicks, which translates to approximately 1,500-2,000 visitors.

However, search volume alone doesn’t tell the whole story. A high-volume keyword can seem appealing, but it doesn’t always mean it’s the best fit for your strategy. Factors such as competition, keyword search intent, and relevance to your audience all play a critical role in determining whether a keyword will truly benefit your business.

Let’s dig deeper into how you can use keyword search volume effectively and avoid common pitfalls. Understanding these details can help you craft a smarter, data-driven SEO strategy that delivers real results.

High Search Volume vs. Low Search Volume Keywords

When it comes to keyword strategy, the debate between high search volume and low search volume keywords is essential to understand. High search volume keywords might seem like the gold standard—they attract significant traffic and represent terms users frequently search for.

However, the competition for these keywords can be fierce, often making it harder for smaller or newer websites to rank effectively. Without a strong domain authority or substantial resources, pursuing these keywords could feel like shouting into a crowded room.

On the other hand, low search volume keywords may not bring the same immediate traffic, but they often offer less competition and higher relevance to niche audiences. These "long-tail" keywords tend to align closely with specific search intent, making them powerful tools for reaching the exact users who are most likely to convert.

Image Source: SE Ranking

By combining both high and low search volume keywords, you can create a balanced strategy that drives visibility while also targeting actionable, ready-to-engage audiences. Play smart—it's not just about traffic; it's about attracting the right traffic.

How To Find the Search Volume of a Keyword?

Wondering how to uncover search volume? Luckily, there are tons of tools available to help you. Here are a few trusted methods:

1. Google Keyword Planner

Google’s free Keyword Planner is a go-to tool for finding search volume data and uncovering keyword opportunities. Simply input your keyword, and you’ll receive metrics such as monthly search volume (MSV), competition levels, and cost-per-click (CPC). It’s particularly useful for identifying high-performing keywords as well as trending topics or seasonal trends that might boost your content strategy.

Example:

• "Yoga mats" - 50,000 average MSV, Medium competition
• "Eco-friendly yoga mats" - 10,000 average MSV, Low competition

This tool is great for businesses of all sizes, from startups to larger enterprises, helping you focus on the keywords that matter most to your audience.

2. SEO Tools (e.g., Ahrefs, SEMrush)

Premium SEO tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush take keyword research to the next level. They provide not only search volume but also a wide range of additional data, such as click-through rates (CTR), keyword difficulty (KD), backlink opportunities, and search intent. These insights make it easier to prioritize keywords and create more effective content strategies.

For example, SEMrush allows you to compare multiple keywords and even track competitor performance. Here’s an example:

• “Weight loss” - 450,000 MSV, High keyword difficulty
• “Weight loss for weddings” - 2,000 MSV, Low keyword difficulty

With tools like these, you can identify hidden opportunities—long-tail keywords or niche terms—that your competitors might overlook.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what qualifies as "good" keyword search volume—it depends entirely on your goals, industry, competition, and niche. Here’s a breakdown by focus areas.

3. Answer People’s Questions

Understanding what your audience really wants to know is critical for strong keyword targeting. Platforms like Answer the Public or Google’s "People Also Ask" section are goldmines for uncovering real questions users type into search engines. These tools often surface low-competition, high-value queries that haven’t yet been overused by competitors.

For instance, typing “yoga” into Answer the Public might reveal questions like:

• “What are the best yoga poses for beginners?”
• “How does yoga help with back pain?”

By tailoring your content to answer these specific questions, you can improve engagement, rank for featured snippets, and establish yourself as an authority in your niche.

4. Paid Ads Insights

If you’re willing to invest a bit, running a small PPC campaign with Google Ads can reveal live, actionable data on search keyword volume, competition, and user behavior. This method allows you to see which keywords are driving clicks and how users interact with your ads in real-time. It's particularly helpful for testing keywords before committing to a long-term content or SEO strategy.

For example, a quick ad test might show you that “eco-friendly yoga mats” has a high click-through rate (CTR) but “best yoga mats under $50” drives more conversions. This kind of data allows you to fine-tune your approach and ensure your SEO efforts align with your audience's preferences.

By combining these tools and strategies, you can gain a well-rounded understanding of keyword opportunities and use that knowledge to boost your content, ads, and overall digital presence.

What Is Considered a Good Monthly Keyword Search Volume?

1. High Search Volume Keywords

These are terms with 10,000+ MSV and often represent highly competitive, broad topics. Think of phrases like "laptops" or "how to lose weight". Such keywords are fantastic for brand awareness but difficult to rank for organically due to their high competition.

Example: "Best laptops 2024" (35,000 MSV)

Pros: Huge potential audience.

Cons: Overwhelming competition and generic traffic.

2. Mid-Tier Search Volume Keywords

Mid-range keywords with a 1,000–10,000 MSV are often golden opportunities. They attract significant traffic while balancing competition levels. These keywords can drive conversions and resonate more with searchers who know what they’re looking for.

Example: "Laptop for remote work" (5,000 MSV)

Pros: Reasonable traffic and conversion-friendly.

Cons: Slightly competitive.

3. Low Search Volume (Long-Tail Keywords)

Keywords with less than 1,000 MSV are considered “low volume,” but that doesn’t mean they’re useless! Long-tail keywords (e.g., specific and detailed phrases) often convert better, because users are closer to decision-making or purchase.

Example: "Lightweight laptops under $500" (800 MSV)

Pros: High intent, quality traffic, minimal competition.

Cons: Lower overall audience.

4. Niche Keywords

For niche industries (e.g., rare art materials, industrial equipment), low-volume keywords can still provide excellent results if aligned with intent.

Other Factors to Consider When Selecting Keywords

When choosing keywords, it's not just about search volume and competition—you need to think strategically! Here are some additional factors to keep in mind:

• Search Intent: Align your keywords with what users actually want. Are they looking for information, comparing options, or ready to make a purchase? Matching intent ensures your content resonates and drives meaningful engagement.
• Keyword Trends: Keep an eye on trends! A keyword gaining popularity now could bring in significant traffic later. Use tools like Google Trends to identify seasonal or emerging opportunities.
• Relevance to Your Audience: A high-performing keyword is useless if it doesn’t align with your target audience. Focus on terms that directly relate to their needs, preferences, and problems.
• Content Fit: Can you naturally integrate the keyword into your content? If it feels forced, the user experience (and your rankings) may suffer. Choose terms that align with your brand voice and message.

By considering these factors, you're not just targeting the right keywords—you’re building a foolproof strategy for reaching the right audience at the right time!

Is It Worth Targeting Low Volume (or No Volume) Keywords?

Absolutely! Here's why targeting low or even "no volume" keywords can still be worth it:

1. Highly Specific User Intent

Low-volume keywords often indicate highly specific user intent, meaning the searcher knows exactly what they’re looking for. For example, someone typing "best eco cleaning products for hardwood floors" isn’t just browsing—they’re likely looking to buy and may already know the criteria they need.

By targeting these keywords, you're catering to a more motivated audience, increasing the likelihood of clicks, conversions, or engagement.

2. Low Competition

Low competition levels mean fewer websites are optimizing for these niche, highly specific keywords. This gives you a significant opportunity to rank high on Google with minimal effort or resources. Instead of competing with large brands for generic terms, you can carve out a space in a smaller, but highly engaged, market. Plus, ranking for low-competition keywords can help build your site’s authority over time, making it easier to compete for higher-volume terms down the line.

3. Evergreen Content

Long-tail keywords are often tied to evergreen content, which means they remain relevant and useful over an extended period. Articles or resources optimized for these terms can continue generating traffic months or even years after they’re published. This creates a steady flow of organic visitors, giving your SEO strategy long-term value and making the initial effort worthwhile.

4. Hidden Volume

Some long-tail or niche keywords may not even appear in traditional keyword research tools, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t being searched. Tools often underestimate or miss these terms, but people are still looking for answers. By publishing content that addresses these rare or highly specific queries, you not only position yourself as an expert in your field but also capture traffic that others overlook. Over time, Google will recognize the intent behind your content and may reward you with higher rankings for other related searches.

5. Build Brand Trust

By focusing on low-volume keywords, you’re addressing the very specific needs and pain points of your audience. This personalized approach can help build trust and loyalty with users who see your site as a reliable, go-to resource. Even if traffic starts small, those visitors are more likely to return and recommend your brand, creating a ripple effect for your visibility and reputation.

Targeting low or no-volume keywords is more than just an SEO strategy—it’s about understanding the nuanced needs of your audience and creating thoughtful, intentional content that serves them effectively.

DashClicks' SEO Services: Comprehensive Keyword Research and Advanced Analytics

At DashClicks, we take the guesswork out of SEO with comprehensive white label SEO services designed to elevate your online presence. Our keyword research process dives deep into your niche, identifying the terms and phrases your target audience is actively searching for—even those low-competition, high-opportunity keywords that others may overlook. By focusing on strategic, data-backed keywords, we help position your content to rank higher on search engines and reach the right audience at the right time.

But our work doesn’t stop there. With our robust white label analytics software, we provide ongoing monitoring and insights to track the performance of your keywords. This enables us to measure success, uncover new opportunities, and optimize strategies as trends evolve.

Imagine having actionable insights at your fingertips to refine your campaigns and stay ahead of the competition. DashClicks simplifies SEO by blending advanced technology with a human touch to deliver real, measurable results for your business.

Learn More About Keywords and SEO

Understanding keyword search volume is just the start of a successful SEO strategy. Whether you’re crafting blog content, building PPC campaigns, or optimizing product pages, learning the art of keyword research is pivotal.

Feeling unsure about where to begin? Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs make it easier than ever to find keywords that fit your unique goals.

And remember, not all traffic is created equal. Use a balance of high, medium, and low-volume keywords to maximize ROI, improve conversions, and boost search rankings.

Start refining your keyword strategy today and watch your website traffic grow!