Is it Worthwhile Targeting High-Difficulty Keywords?

Keywords play a crucial role in online searches and help users find what they are looking for quickly and efficiently. However, some keywords are more challenging to rank for than others.

These are called high-difficulty keywords, and targeting them can be tough.

In this article, we will explore whether it is worthwhile to target high-difficulty keywords and the pros and cons that come with it.

What are High Difficulty Keywords?

High-difficulty keywords are highly competitive search terms and are challenging to rank for in search engine results pages (SERPs). These are usually highly relevant and have a high search volume, making them an attractive target for businesses and marketers.

Keyword difficulty is determined based on factors such as competition, relevance, and search volume. Generally, a higher difficulty score means more competition and a lower likelihood of ranking highly for that keyword.

However, just because a keyword is highly competitive doesn’t mean it’s not worth targeting.

Pros of Targeting High-Difficulty Keywords

Something being high-difficulty doesn’t sound like a good thing, but there could be benefits to exploring when it comes to keywords.

• High-difficulty keywords typically have a high search volume, meaning they can drive significant traffic to your website if you rank for them. This increased traffic can help boost your online presence and lead to more conversions and sales.
• Targeting high-difficulty keywords can yield a higher return on investment (ROI) in the long run. While it may be more expensive and time-consuming initially, ranking highly for these keywords brings about sustained traffic and conversions.
• When you rank for high-difficulty keywords, your brand becomes more visible to a wider audience. This increased exposure can help you build brand awareness, even if those users don’t immediately convert.
• If your content ranks well in search engines, it’s more likely to be shared on social media platforms, leading to increased followers, engagement, and brand awareness.
• Ranking highly for high-difficulty keywords helps establish your website as a credible source of information. Being at the top of the SERPs for a competitive keyword also increases your brand’s visibility and reputation. This comes with an increase in the number of backlinks to your website, and you can monitor that using the Eye10 Backlink Checker.

Cons of Targeting High-Difficulty Keywords

Why are these keywords ‘difficult,’ and are there aspects that might discourage you from targeting them?

• Targeting high-difficulty keywords is a time-consuming and challenging process. It requires thorough keyword research, content optimization, and backlink building.
• The process can be costly, especially using paid advertising methods like Google Ads. The cost per click for these keywords can be high, and you may need to spend significant money to achieve your desired results.
• Fierce competition means that you may have to challenge established and authoritative websites. 
• It often requires a significant investment of resources, including time, money, and personnel. For instance, you might have to purchase expensive SEO tools. However, this is not the case for Eye10 tools, as the complete suite, which includes Competitor Research, Keyword Planning, link building, and performance measurement tools, starts from $39 per month.
• Search engine algorithms are constantly evolving, meaning the factors determining ranking positions can change over time. Even if you currently rank well for a high-difficulty keyword, an algorithm update or a new competitor entering the market can impact your ranking position.

How to Determine if Targeting High-Difficulty Keywords is Worthwhile

Now that we’ve discussed the pros and cons of targeting high-difficulty keywords let’s explore how to determine if it’s worthwhile for your website.

• Keyword research: Conduct thorough keyword research to identify your industry’s most relevant and high-traffic keywords. You can use tools such as the Eye10 Keyword Planner to help you generate keyword ideas and suggestions.

• Competitor analysis: Use the Eye10 Competitor Research tool to analyze your competitors, determine which keywords they are ranking for, and how difficult it is to rank them. This will give you an idea of the level of competition and whether it’s worth targeting those keywords.

• Evaluate resources: Evaluate your resources, including time, budget, and team, to see if you have the capacity to target high-difficulty keywords effectively. Regarding restricted resources, it might be more beneficial to concentrate on keywords with less competition.

• Assess keyword relevance: Assess whether the keyword is pertinent to your enterprise, offerings, or solutions and whether it corresponds with the desires and concerns of your intended audience. If the keyword is irrelevant or too broad or specific, it may not be the best use of your resources, regardless of the competition.

• Analyze user intent: Understanding the intent behind a particular keyword can help determine if it fits your business goals and audience. For example, if the intent behind a high-difficulty keyword is informational, it may not be the best fit for a business looking to drive sales or conversions.

• Monitor keyword trends: Keeping an eye on keyword trends can help you determine if it’s worth targeting high-difficulty keywords. If a keyword becomes more popular over time, it may be worth targeting to capitalize on the growing demand.

Conclusion

Targeting high-difficulty keywords can be challenging, but it can also bring significant benefits to your website. While it requires considerable time, effort, and resources, the potential rewards, including high traffic, improved credibility, and ROI, can make it worthwhile.

Bear in mind that the journey of ranking for such keywords is a prolonged strategy that demands patience, persistence, and commitment. Moreover, employing SEO software is crucial, and Eye10 SEO tools excel in this aspect. Sign up today to experience the advantages of Eye10 to boost your SEO plan with real-time insights!