You’ve probably heard the phrase keyword difficulty tossed around in SEO conversations. But what is keyword difficulty, really? And how can understanding it help you show up in Google search results?
If you’re trying to drive more organic traffic to your website (without burning out or writing 100 blog posts that go nowhere), learning how to check keyword difficulty (and how to interpret it) can give you a major edge over the competition.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
What is keyword difficulty?
Keyword difficulty (KD) is a score that tells you how hard it will be to rank for a specific keyword on Google. Most keyword research tools calculate it on a scale from 0 to 100, and the lower the score, the easier it is to rank.
This score is based on things like:
- How many other websites are targeting that keyword
- How strong those websites are (based on things like backlinks, domain authority, content quality)
- The competitiveness of the search results overall
Different tools calculate it slightly differently, but the general idea stays the same: KD = how much competition you’re up against.
Some of the most popular keyword difficulty checker tools include:
- Ubersuggest (our favorite!)
- Ahrefs
- SEMrush
Why keyword difficulty matters for SEO
If you’re creating content but not paying attention to keyword difficulty, it’s kind of like trying to win a marathon without checking the course map.
For example, let’s say you want to rank for interior designer” That term probably has a KD score of 70+…and you’d be competing with major design firms, articles, apps, and thousands of established blogs. That’s a steep hill to climb if you’re just starting out.
But “Raleigh interior designer” or “modern interior design in Brentwood”? Much lower competition, much easier to rank for, and way more likely to bring in ideal clients.
Here’s why keyword difficulty plays a key role in a smart SEO strategy
- It helps you identify realistic ranking opportunities
- It allows new websites to build traction with low-difficulty keywords
- It guides you toward intentional, strategic content creation
How to check keyword difficulty
You can check keyword difficulty in a few different places. Our favorite (and the most user-friendly), is Ubersuggest. FInding keyword difficulty there is pretty straightforward:
- Head to ubersuggest.com
- Type in a keyword you’re thinking about using
- Look at the “SEO Difficulty” score (also labeled “SD”)
You’ll see something like this:
- SD 14 = easy
- SD 37 = moderate
- SD 60+ = very competitive
💡 Pro tip: Don’t just look at KD. Check the search volume and related keyword ideas. You might find an easier keyword with similar intent and more chances to stand out.
What’s a good keyword difficulty score?
Here’s a general rule of thumb depending on your website’s authority:
For new sites: aim for KD under 20–30
These are your “easy wins.” You’re more likely to rank quickly and start building momentum. Think niche keywords and long-tail phrases.
For established sites: go up to 40–50
If you’ve already built some authority, you can begin targeting slightly more competitive terms, especially if you’re producing high-quality, optimized content consistently.
Search volume and intent matter, too
It’s tempting to chase high-volume keywords, but relevance and user intent matter even more. A low-volume keyword that’s hyper-relevant to your offer is way more valuable than a high-volume keyword that attracts the wrong crowd.
Keyword difficulty vs. search intent
Just because a keyword has a low KD score doesn’t mean it’s a slam dunk. You still want to make sure:
- The keyword aligns with what your audience is actually searching for
- Your content delivers real value and answers their questions
- Your website is optimized to convert that traffic into inquiries, sign-ups, or sales
For example, the phrase “how to brand your interior design business” might have low competition, but it’s high-intent. Someone searching for that is actively looking for solutions, not just browsing. That’s the kind of keyword you want to rank for, even if the volume is modest.
Use keyword difficulty to work smarter, not harder
So, what is keyword difficulty? It’s a metric that helps you make smarter decisions when planning your blog content or optimizing your website.
- It gives you insight into how hard it will be to rank
- It helps you prioritize low-hanging fruit for quick SEO wins
- It plays a key role in building a long-term content strategy
Start small. Open Ubersuggest. Pick one keyword related to your business or blog. Check its difficulty. Then write one helpful, intentional blog post around it.
SEO doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you use keyword difficulty to guide your strategy, you can spend less time guessing and more time growing.
Ready to dive deeper?
Book a 1:1 SEO coaching session or check out our SEO course to learn how to choose keywords that actually bring results.
