Struggling to figure out which keywords are worth your precious time and effort? The best way to make smart SEO decisions and actually rank in Google is by understanding and leveraging Semrush’s Keyword Difficulty KD score. This little percentage, from 0% to 100%, is your secret weapon, telling you just how tough it’ll be to snag a top spot in search results for a specific term. Think of it as a roadmap: a low score often means an easier path to visibility, while a high score signals a more challenging, competitive climb. We’re going to break down everything you need to know about this crucial metric, from what it means to how Semrush figures it out, and most importantly, how you can use it to outsmart your competitors and get your content seen. Forget about guessing. we’re into how to use Semrush to find those sweet spot keywords that’ll drive real traffic to your site, making your SEO strategy much more effective and less frustrating.

Table of Contents

What is Semrush Keyword Difficulty KD Score Anyway?

Alright, let’s start with the basics. When you’re looking at keywords in Semrush, you’ll see a metric called “KD%” or “Keyword Difficulty”. This is Semrush’s way of estimating how hard it would be for your content to land in the top 10 organic search results on Google for a particular keyword. It’s essentially a percentage from 0% to 100%, where 0% is super easy to rank for, and 100% is extremely difficult.

Why does this even matter? Well, imagine trying to rank for something super generic like “cars” or “best credit cards.” Without checking keyword difficulty, you might spend months creating amazing content, only to find yourself buried under massive brands with huge budgets and decades of authority. The KD score helps you avoid that trap. It’s like having a crystal ball that tells you, “Hey, this keyword is a battleground, maybe try something a bit less crowded first!”. By using this metric, you can make informed decisions about where to focus your SEO efforts, ensuring you’re targeting keywords you can realistically win. This isn’t just about saving time. it’s about getting more clicks, increasing conversions, and ultimately, growing your business online.

How Semrush Calculates Keyword Difficulty: The Secret Sauce

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes to give you that KD score? Semrush uses a pretty smart, multi-factor algorithm, so it’s not just pulling numbers out of thin air. Here’s a peek at what it considers:

1. Backlinks to Top-Ranking Sites

This is a huge factor, and honestly, it makes a lot of sense. Google sees backlinks as votes of confidence. If the top 10 pages for a keyword have a ton of high-quality backlinks from authoritative sites, Semrush will give that keyword a higher difficulty score. They look at things like the median number of referring domains how many unique websites link to those top pages and the median ratio of follow to nofollow links. More quality referring domains and fewer nofollow links generally mean tougher competition. Mastering Semrush Keyword Planner: Your Ultimate Guide to Uncovering SEO Gold

2. Authority Score of Ranking Domains

Semrush has its own “Authority Score” AS, which essentially measures a website’s overall SEO ranking power on a scale of 1-100. If the websites already ranking for a keyword have really high Authority Scores, it bumps up the keyword difficulty. It’s hard to outrank a site Google already trusts deeply.

3. Keyword Search Volume

This one is pretty straightforward. Keywords with higher monthly search volumes tend to be more competitive and thus have higher KD scores. More people searching for a term usually means more businesses want to rank for it, creating more competition. For instance, keywords with over 100,000 searches per month often have a KD around 76%, while those with 11-100 searches might be around 39%.

4. Presence of SERP Features

You know those extra bits you see on Google results pages, like featured snippets, “People Also Ask” boxes, local packs, or video carousels? These are called SERP features. If a keyword frequently triggers these, it can make it harder for a standard organic listing to get clicks, even if you rank well. Semrush factors this in, and it can increase the difficulty score because you’re competing not just with other websites, but with Google’s own rich results.

5. The Search Term’s Word Count Long-Tail Keywords

Interestingly, longer keywords often have lower difficulty scores. These are what we call long-tail keywords – more specific phrases that typically have lower search volumes but also less competition. For example, “iPhone 15 Pro Max” might have a 71% difficulty, but “iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB natural titanium” could drop to 38%. This is a golden nugget for strategy, which we’ll get into later!

Semrush’s method is quite comprehensive, looking beyond just backlinks to give you a more holistic view of the competitive . While some tools might focus almost entirely on backlinks, Semrush tries to give you a broader picture, though backlinks still account for a significant portion of their calculation. How to Do Keyword Research with Semrush for Free (And Actually Get Results!)

The Semrush Keyword Difficulty Scale: What Do the Numbers Mean?

Understanding the KD score is one thing, but knowing what to do with those numbers is where the magic happens. Semrush breaks down its 0-100% scale into handy categories, making it easier to gauge your chances:

0-14% Very Easy: These are the low-hanging fruit! If your website is new or has lower authority, these are your prime targets. You can often rank for these keywords relatively quickly, sometimes even without a ton of backlinks. Think “quick wins.”
15-29% Easy: Still very achievable, even for newer sites. There’s some competition here, but if you create high-quality content that truly matches what people are searching for, you’ve got a good shot at ranking.
30-49% Possible: This is often the sweet spot for many growing websites. It requires well-structured, optimized, and valuable content. You might need a few quality backlinks, but it’s definitely within reach with consistent effort.
50-69% Difficult: Now we’re getting into more competitive territory. To rank for these, you’ll need not just great content, but also a solid link-building strategy to acquire quality backlinks.
70-84% Hard: These keywords are tough. You’re up against well-established players. Ranking here demands significant effort in both content creation and acquiring high-authority backlinks. It’s a long-term game.
85-100% Very Hard: These are the titans of keywords, often dominated by industry giants like Google, Amazon, or Wikipedia. Unless you have a massive brand, a huge budget, and an exceptionally strong domain authority, it’s usually best to steer clear of these, at least initially.

Keep in mind that these ranges are general guidelines. Your own website’s authority and backlink profile will heavily influence what’s “easy” or “difficult” for you.

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What is a “Good” Keyword Difficulty Score to Target?

This is the million-dollar question, and the answer, as with most things in SEO, is: it depends on your website! There’s no one-size-fits-all “good” score.

Consider Your Website’s Authority

If you’ve got a brand-new website or a blog that’s just starting out, you’ll want to focus on keywords with lower KD scores, ideally in the 0-49% range. These are your best bet for gaining initial visibility, building authority, and attracting organic traffic. Think of it as building a strong foundation before you try to build a skyscraper.

For more established websites with a decent Authority Score and a growing backlink profile, you can realistically aim for keywords in the 30-69% range. You have the resources and existing authority to compete for these moderately difficult terms.

Keywords with a difficulty score of less than 60% are generally considered low-competition and offer good opportunities.

Don’t Forget Personal Keyword Difficulty PKD

One of the coolest features in Semrush, especially for personalized strategy, is Personal Keyword Difficulty PKD%. Instead of just giving you a general market difficulty, PKD tells you how difficult it would be for your specific website, based on its current authority and backlink profile, to rank in the top 10 for a keyword. Building a Keyword Strategy with Semrush: Your Ultimate Roadmap

This is a must! Sometimes a keyword might look “Difficult” 50-69% generally, but Semrush’s PKD might tell you it’s “Possible” for your site. This highlights hidden opportunities where you have a better chance of ranking than the general KD score suggests.

To find your PKD:

Go to the Keyword Overview tool in Semrush.
Enter your target keyword.
Enter your domain in the “AI-powered” search box.
You’ll then see your PKD score, along with insights into your topical authority and potential SERP positions.

Strategy Tip: Look for keywords where the PKD% is low but the general KD% is higher. This often indicates an excellent opportunity where you can punch above your weight!

Ultimately, a good KD score for you is one that balances achievable difficulty with sufficient search volume and relevance to your audience and business goals.

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How to Find Keyword Difficulty in Semrush: A Step-by-Step Guide

Using Semrush to check keyword difficulty is pretty straightforward. You’ll primarily be using two powerful tools: Keyword Overview and Keyword Magic Tool.

1. Using the Keyword Overview Tool Quick Checks

This is your go-to for a quick snapshot of a single keyword.

Step 1: Log in to Semrush. If you don’t have an account, you can often get a free trial to test it out.
Step 2: Go to the “Keyword Overview” tool. You’ll usually find this under the “SEO” section in the left-hand menu, or simply use the main search bar.
Step 3: Enter your keyword. Type in the word or phrase you want to analyze and select your target country/region.
Step 4: Hit “Search” or “Check Keyword.” Semrush will then pull up a dashboard with a ton of metrics, including the Keyword Difficulty KD%. You’ll see it clearly displayed, often with a color-coded bar green for easy, red for hard.

On this same page, you’ll also get details like monthly search volume, search intent, CPC, and even the top-ranking URLs, giving you a comprehensive view.

2. Using the Keyword Magic Tool Bulk Research & Discovery

This is where Semrush truly shines for extensive keyword research, allowing you to discover thousands of related keywords and filter them by difficulty.

Step 1: Navigate to the “Keyword Magic Tool.” Again, find this under the “SEO” section or use the main search bar.
Step 2: Enter a “seed keyword.” This is a broad term related to your niche e.g., “candles,” “vegan recipes”. Click “Search.”
Step 3: Filter by Keyword Difficulty KD%. On the left sidebar or at the top of the results, you’ll see a KD% filter. You can set a custom range or select predefined options like “Very Easy,” “Easy,” “Possible,” etc..
- Pro Tip: Start by filtering for “Very Easy” or “Easy” keywords to find quick wins, especially if your site is newer.
Step 4: Refine with other filters. Don’t stop at KD! You can also filter by:
- Volume: To ensure the keywords have enough search interest to be worth targeting. Aim for a balance of low difficulty and reasonable search volume.
- Intent: To make sure the keywords align with the type of content you want to create e.g., informational, transactional, navigational, commercial.
- Word Count: To specifically look for long-tail keywords which often have lower difficulty.
- Questions: To find terms people are asking, which are great for blog posts and “People Also Ask” opportunities.
Step 5: Export your list. Once you have a refined list, you can export it to Excel or CSV to further organize your content strategy.

By combining these tools, you can efficiently identify keywords that are not only relevant but also realistic for your website to rank for. Exploring the Work of Jessica L. Sousa at RAND Corporation: A Deep Dive into Health Policy as a Business Tool

Strategies for Finding Low-Difficulty Keywords

Finding those “low-hanging fruit” keywords is key for any SEO strategy, especially for new or growing websites. Here’s how you can leverage Semrush to dig them up:

1. Filter Aggressively in Keyword Magic Tool

As mentioned, the Keyword Magic Tool is your best friend here. Start with a broad seed keyword and then apply strict filters:

KD%: Set it to “Very Easy” 0-14% or “Easy” 15-29% initially. You can gradually increase this as your site’s authority grows.
Volume: Don’t just pick keywords with 0 volume. Aim for a minimum, maybe 50-100+ monthly searches, depending on your niche, to ensure there’s enough traffic potential.
Word Count: Look for keywords with 4+ words. These are typically long-tail keywords, which are more specific and less competitive. For example, “best running shoes for flat feet marathon training” instead of just “running shoes.”

2. Analyze Your Competitors and Find Their Gaps!

Your competitors are already doing SEO, so why not learn from them?

Use Semrush’s Organic Research Tool: Enter a competitor’s domain and go to the “Positions” report. This shows you all the keywords they rank for.
Filter Competitor Keywords by KD%: Look for keywords where your competitors are ranking, but the KD score is relatively low. These are keywords they might have stumbled upon, or where they aren’t fully optimizing. This is a potential gap for you to exploit.
Keyword Gap Tool: Semrush’s Keyword Gap tool lets you compare your domain against competitors. You can find keywords where your competitors rank, but you don’t, and then filter these by low KD to find easy wins.

3. Focus on Search Intent

Understanding why someone is searching for a keyword is just as important as its difficulty. The Legendary “J.T. Barrett First Down” – A Game-Changing Call

Informational Intent: Keywords like “how to,” “what is,” “guide to.” These are great for blog posts and educational content. They often have lower commercial intent and therefore potentially lower difficulty.
Navigational Intent: Searching for a specific website or brand e.g., “Semrush login”. These are usually high difficulty unless it’s your own brand.
Commercial Investigation Intent: People researching products/services e.g., “best laptops for students,” “running shoe reviews”. These can have moderate difficulty but high value.
Transactional Intent: Ready to buy e.g., “buy iPhone 15 online,” “Semrush pricing”. These are highly valuable but often very competitive.

By filtering for informational or commercial investigation intent keywords with lower KD, you can create content that genuinely helps people and ranks more easily.

4. Look for SERP Features Opportunities

While SERP features can increase overall KD, some can also be opportunities. If you see “People Also Ask” or featured snippets for a lower KD keyword, tailor your content to directly answer those questions concisely. If you provide the best answer, you might just grab that coveted snippet, even if your domain authority isn’t sky-high.

Interpreting KD Alongside Other Keyword Metrics

KD score is powerful, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. To make truly informed decisions, you need to look at it in context with other key metrics.

Keyword Difficulty vs. Search Volume

This is a classic balancing act. A keyword with a KD of 10% and a search volume of 10 is easy, but it won’t bring much traffic. Conversely, a KD of 90% with a volume of 100,000 is tempting, but likely out of reach. Unpacking Google’s Jupiter SIGCOMM: The Network That Powers the Internet

The sweet spot? Look for keywords with a manageable KD 0-49% and a reasonable search volume for your niche e.g., 100-1,000+ searches/month. These are the keywords that offer the best return on your content investment. For example, a keyword with KD 20 and 2,000 monthly searches might be more valuable than one with KD 15 and 100 searches.

Keyword Difficulty vs. Search Intent

We talked about this a bit already, but it’s worth reiterating. Even if a keyword has a low KD, if its intent doesn’t match your content or business goals, it’s not the right keyword for you. Don’t chase low difficulty just for the sake of it. ensure relevance and intent alignment first.

Keyword Difficulty vs. Cost Per Click CPC

CPC Cost Per Click is typically a PPC Paid Per Click metric, but it can give you a hint about the commercial value of a keyword. If a keyword has a high CPC, it means advertisers are willing to pay a lot for clicks, suggesting high commercial intent and potential profitability. Sometimes, even if a keyword has a moderate KD, if it has a high CPC, it might be worth targeting organically because the potential business value is high. Semrush also has a “Competitive Density” metric specifically for paid search difficulty.

Semrush Keyword Difficulty vs. Other Tools Like Ahrefs

You might hear SEO pros talking about keyword difficulty scores from different tools, like Ahrefs. It’s important to know that each tool uses its own proprietary formula to calculate KD, so the scores will almost always differ for the same keyword. Jack Parkhouse CMU: Unpacking Carnegie Mellon’s Influence on Business Tools

Ahrefs KD: Tends to focus heavily on the number of referring domains linking to the top 10 ranking pages. If those pages have many backlinks, Ahrefs’ KD will be high. This can be great if your primary focus is link building, but it might understate difficulty where on-page SEO or topical authority are more critical.
Semrush KD: As we’ve explored, Semrush takes a broader approach, incorporating backlinks, Authority Score, search volume, and SERP features. This makes Semrush’s KD score generally more comprehensive.

Which one is “better”? Neither is perfectly “accurate” in an absolute sense, and you shouldn’t blindly trust any single score. They are estimates. What’s crucial is consistency: pick one tool like Semrush and stick with its metrics for your strategy. This allows you to benchmark and track your progress over time within that tool’s ecosystem.

When comparing, some users find Ahrefs’ KD distribution easier to interpret for link-building, while others prefer Semrush’s more holistic view. For a more accurate picture, especially for local SEO, it’s always a good idea to combine KD scores with manual SERP checks. Look at the actual pages ranking:

How strong do the websites look design, content quality?
How many backlinks do they appear to have you can use Semrush’s Backlink Analytics for this?
Does their content truly answer the search query better than yours could?

This manual analysis adds a layer of human intelligence that no tool can fully replicate.

Tips for Leveraging Semrush KD for SEO Success

Now that you’re a KD score expert, let’s talk about putting this knowledge into action. Is Semrush AI Based? Unpacking the Tech Behind Your Favorite SEO Tool

Prioritize Your Content Plan: Use low KD keywords for new content and for your initial content strategy. These are your foundation builders. As your site gains authority, gradually target keywords with higher difficulty.
Focus on Long-Tail Keywords: These are often your best friends for finding lower difficulty terms with specific intent. Use Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool with word count filters to uncover them.
Create Better Content: A low KD score doesn’t guarantee a top spot. you still need to create content that is genuinely valuable, comprehensive, and well-optimized. Aim to produce content that’s superior to what’s currently ranking, even for “easy” keywords.
Build a Strong Backlink Profile: For keywords in the “Possible” or “Difficult” ranges, a strategic link-building effort will be necessary. Semrush’s Backlink Analytics can help you identify opportunities.
Monitor Your Competitors: Regularly use Semrush’s tools to see what keywords your competitors are ranking for and their associated KD. This can uncover new opportunities or areas where they’re vulnerable.
Don’t Overlook “Related Keywords”: When you search for a keyword in Semrush, it also provides related keywords and questions. These can often uncover even lower-difficulty gems you hadn’t considered.
Set Realistic Expectations: Keywords in the 0-29% range might show results in weeks, but those in the 70-100% range could take months or even years of consistent effort. Use KD to set a realistic timeline for your SEO goals.
Balance SEO and PPC: For extremely high-difficulty keywords that are crucial for your business, consider using paid advertising PPC through Google Ads to gain immediate visibility while you work on long-term organic strategies for less competitive terms.

By integrating Semrush’s Keyword Difficulty score into your keyword research and content strategy, you’re not just throwing darts in the dark. You’re making data-driven decisions that significantly increase your chances of ranking higher, attracting more relevant traffic, and achieving your online goals. It’s all about working smarter, not just harder, and Semrush gives you the tools to do just that.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Semrush Keyword Difficulty score of 0 mean?

A Semrush Keyword Difficulty KD score of 0-14% is considered “Very Easy.” It means that Semrush predicts it would be very easy to rank in the top 10 search results for that keyword, even for new websites, and often without needing to build many backlinks. These are excellent keywords to target for quick wins and to build initial website authority.

How often does Semrush update its Keyword Difficulty scores?

Semrush continually updates its database and metrics, including Keyword Difficulty scores. While there isn’t a single, fixed schedule announced for KD specifically, their data is based on live organic search results and backlink profiles, which are constantly . You can generally expect the data to be current and reflect the ongoing changes in the search . Is Semrush a Good Stock to Invest In? A Deep Dive for 2025

Can I trust Semrush Keyword Difficulty scores completely?

Semrush KD scores are highly reliable estimates, but like any SEO tool metric, they shouldn’t be trusted 100% blindly. They are incredibly valuable for prioritizing your efforts and identifying opportunities, but it’s always a good practice to perform a quick manual review of the actual search engine results page SERP for your chosen keywords. Look at the quality of content, the authority of the ranking sites, and the presence of SERP features to confirm if the difficulty aligns with what you’re seeing.

Is a high Keyword Difficulty score always bad?

Not necessarily. A high Keyword Difficulty score e.g., 70-100% means it will be very challenging to rank, often requiring significant effort, high-quality content, and a strong backlink profile. For new or small websites, targeting these keywords initially might not be the best use of resources. However, for established, authoritative websites with a strong SEO strategy, a high KD keyword might be a long-term goal that, if achieved, could bring substantial traffic and business value. It’s about balancing ambition with your site’s current capability.

How can I find low competition keywords using Semrush for free?

Semrush offers limited free access, allowing you to perform a certain number of searches per day in its Keyword Overview tool without a paid subscription. While this free access won’t give you the full power of the Keyword Magic Tool’s filtering capabilities, you can still enter individual keywords to check their difficulty and search volume. For more extensive low-competition keyword research, a paid Semrush subscription or a free trial is usually needed to access advanced filters and bulk analysis.

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Semrush Keyword Difficulty Score: Your Ultimate Guide to Unlocking SEO Gold