Keyword Search Volume Explained: Why Higher Isn’t Always Better

Ever stumbled upon a keyword with sky-high search volume and thought, “Jackpot! THAT’s the one I want to rank for!”?

It’s a natural reaction.

We see those big numbers and envision a flood of traffic, a surge in sales, and instant SEO success.

But here’s the thing: keyword search volume isn’t the whole story.

In fact, chasing high-volume keywords almost always leads to disappointment. Too many websites compete for them, and unless you’re one of the top dogs, your chances of ranking are slim to none.

So, let’s explore a better approach to keyword search volume, one that unlocks the untapped ranking potential for your business.

What Is Keyword Search Volume?

Let’s start with the basics.

Keyword search volume refers to the estimated number of times a specific keyword is searched within a given period, usually a month. Think of it as a popularity contest for search terms.

We use SEO tools like LowFruits, Google Keyword Planner, and Semrush to get these numbers, but remember, they’re estimates. No tool will have a 100% accurate number for search volume.

But that’s okay. It’s more about getting an idea of how popular the keyword is than anything else.

Search behavior and regional differences can play a big role.

The Temptation of High-Volume Keywords (And the Reality Check)

It’s easy to see why high-volume keywords are so appealing. More searches mean more potential traffic, right?

Well, yes and no.

The problem is, everyone else is thinking the same thing. That means fierce competition (and an obscenely high keyword difficulty).

Imagine trying to get your website to rank for “shoes.” You’re up against massive retailers, established brands, and a whole army of SEO pros. It’s a battle you’ll likely struggle to win.

Plus, high-volume keywords often have broad search intent.

Someone searching “shoes” might be looking for anything from running shoes to shoe repair. You’re left trying to please everyone and potentially satisfying no one.

Enter: High-Search Volume Low-Competition Keywords (aka, The Sweet Spot)

Now, here’s where things get interesting.

What if you could find keywords with decent search volume but significantly less competition? These high-search volume low-competition keywords are the golden tickets of SEO.

They’re easier to rank for, attract a more targeted audience, and give you a better return on your effort.

Think of it like this: instead of “shoes,” you might target “best running shoes for flat feet.”

It’s more specific, attracts a narrower audience, but those people are highly motivated. This means higher conversion rates for your website.

This example demonstrates how long-tail keywords shine. They’re longer, more specific, and generally have less competition, meaning they’re easy to rank for.

And speaking of finding those hidden ranking gems, let’s talk about LowFruits.

LowFruits is the best long-tail keyword research tool for small business owners looking to grow their online visibility. It helps you uncover low-hanging fruits by analyzing SERPs for weak competitors.

You’ll get keyword reports that show low SERP Difficulty Scores (SDs) and Weak Spots, which represent low-authority domains ranking in top search results.

These metrics are game-changers when it comes to finding keywords with the highest ranking potential.

Instead of battling giants, you can focus on keywords where you have a real chance of ranking in the top positions.

For example, you can use LowFruits to find long-tail keywords relating to your niche, and then see what websites are ranking for those keywords. If the sites ranking have low domain authority (represented by a Weak Spot icon), then you know there’s an opportunity to rank high in Google.

It’s intuitive and beginner-friendly, meaning you can start finding low-competition keywords today and ranking soon (with good content, of course).

Beyond the Numbers: Understanding Search Intent

Knowing how to determine search volume for keywords isn’t just about looking at numbers. It’s about understanding the “why” behind those searches. What’s the user’s intent? Are they looking for information, a specific website, a product to buy, or are they comparing options?

There are 4 types of search intent, which can reveal this information:

• Informational: Users are seeking information or answers to specific questions. (Example: “how to tie a tie”)
• Navigational: Users want to reach a specific website or page (Example: “facebook login”)
• Commercial: Users are researching products or services before making a purchase. (Example: “best digital cameras 2025”)
• Transactional: Users intend to complete a purchase or other transaction. (Example “buy iPhone 14”)

Aligning your content with user intent is crucial. And it’s easier to figure out than you might think.

All the answers are in the SERPs. Yes, the very search engine results pages you’re trying to conquer hold the secrets to what your audience truly wants.

Think of it like this: Google’s job is to deliver the most relevant and helpful results for every search. So, by analyzing what Google deems worthy of ranking, you’re essentially getting a direct line to user intent.

Let’s break it down.

Start by searching your target keyword. What do you see?

(We’ll use the following keyword for our Google search: “best surfboard for kids to learn on.”)

We’ve got a sponsored ad for an e-commerce website, an article about choosing the right surfboard, and some People Also Ask results.

These results suggest that our keyword has commercial intent, meaning users are trying to figure out which surfboard to buy for their child.

This tells us that if we want to rank for this keyword, we would probably want to create an article discussing the different surfboard options and help the reader determine the right one for their child’s specific needs.

Congratulations, you just did a SERP analysis.

You can do a SERP analysis in LowFruits, too.

After performing a search in the KWFinder tool, click View the SERP next to the keyword you’re interested in.

This will open a pop-out window of the top 10 organic results for that keyword. It’s essentially the same process we did in Google, but within the LowFruits space (meaning you don’t have to jump between tabs or tools).

You can view these results to learn about the search intent of your keyword and align your content with it accordingly.

Real-World Example: Learning from Success and Failure

Let’s look at a quick example.

A local bakery decided to target “bread.” They invested heavily in content and SEO, but struggled to rank against national chains.

On the flip side, they started targeting “best sourdough bread [city name]” and saw a significant increase in local traffic and sales.

This targeted approach is the type of mindset you want for SEO. But let’s dig a little deeper into why this shift worked.

When the bakery went after “bread,” they were essentially throwing their hat into a ring filled with giants. National brands with massive marketing budgets and established online authority dominated the SERPs. The bakery’s content, no matter how well-crafted, simply couldn’t compete.

Now, when they pivoted to “best sourdough bread [city name],” they did several crucial things:

1. Niched down. They focused on a specific type of bread, catering to a particular segment of their audience.
2. Added local relevance. By including their city name, they targeted local customers actively searching for their product in their area.
3. Addressed clear intent. Someone searching for “best sourdough bread [city name]” is likely ready to buy or at least try that specific product. The intent is highly transactional or commercial.
4. Reduced competition. The long-tail keyword significantly reduced the number of competitors they faced.

This example illustrates the power of understanding keyword intent and targeting long-tail keywords. It’s not about casting the widest net; it’s about casting a precise net that catches the right fish.

Practical Tips for Finding the Right Keywords for Your Business

• Use keyword research tools, but don’t rely solely on volume.
• Embrace long-tail keywords.
• Analyze your competitors’ keywords.
• Prioritize search intent above all else.
• Monitor your organic performance and adjust your strategy.

Search Volume FAQs

Final Thoughts: Quality Over Quantity

Remember, keyword search volume is just one piece of the puzzle. Don’t be seduced by big numbers alone. Focus on finding relevant, low-competition keywords that align with your audience’s intent. Tools like LowFruits can be your secret weapon in this process.

Ready to find your own keyword sweet spots?

Give LowFruits a try and start crafting content that truly resonates with your audience. Here are some resources to get you going:

• 9 Benefits of SEO for Small Businesses (Plus Tools)
• 15 SEO Best Practices That Really Work (& How To Do Them)
• Easy Beginner’s Guide to Content Optimizations in SEO
• How To Do Keyword Mapping & Why It’s a Game-Changer for SEO

Gabriela Jhean SEO Specialist

Gabriela is a creative and results-driven SEO specialist dedicated to helping small businesses stand out online. She contributes in-depth SEO case studies at AIOSEO Trends to reveal the winning strategies of top-ranking websites. In her downtime, Gabriela enjoys treasure hunting for antique jewelry.

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