In the ever-shifting landscape of online marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) continues to be the bedrock of organic visibility. While most marketers obsess over high-volume search terms, there’s a lesser-known but highly effective strategy that’s gaining momentum: targeting zero search volume keywords. These hidden gems may look unimportant at first—but they often carry untapped potential, especially for niche audiences and specific user intent.
And here’s the twist: AI-generated Overviews, especially from Google’s evolving SERP features, are frequently triggered by these low-volume, emerging, or long-tail keywords. This trend is transforming the way we approach finding good zero volume keywords and redefining what it means to rank in modern SEO.
What the Data Tells Us About Low-Volume Keywords
- Semrush Study (Jan 2025): 82% of desktop and 76% of mobile AI Overviews appeared for keywords with fewer than 1,000 monthly searches.SEMrush
- Botify and DemandSphere Report (Aug 2024): AI Overviews showed up in 55% of queries with less than 1,000 monthly searches.lp.botify.com
- Ahrefs Analysis (Oct 2024): Keywords that triggered AI Overviews had search volumes 193x lower than those without, emphasizing the strength of long-tail, low-volume keywords.Ahrefs
- SE Ranking Research (Nov 2024): Long-tail keywords (4+ words) triggered AI Overviews in 60.85% of cases—especially when paired with a CPC under $0.50.
The conclusion? Finding good zero volume keywords may just be your SEO superpower in the months ahead.
What Are Zero Search Volume Keywords?
Zero search volume keywords are terms that tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Google Keyword Planner report as having minimal or even zero search results. However, they often reflect real user intent—just not enough historical data exists to register them as high-volume yet.
They’re typically:
Hyper-specific
Long-tail in nature
Aligned with niche or emerging topics
Ideal for early adopters and first-mover SEO strategies
While competitors race for top rankings on saturated terms, you can quietly build topical authority with less competition—by targeting profitable keywords that nobody else is watching
Why Target Zero Volume Keywords?
The benefits of using zero volume keywords go far beyond just low competition. Here’s why they deserve a place in your SEO toolkit:
- Low Competition: Fewer competitors mean a higher chance of ranking well in search results.
- Niche Opportunities: They can target very specific niches where you can build credibility.
- Emerging Trends: Be among the first to capture search interest as new terms gain traction.
- Better conversion: Users searching for specific terms are often further along in the buyer’s journey
- Cumulative Traffic: Combine multiple low-volume terms for consistent organic visits.
Step 1: Finding Good Zero Search Volume Keywords
Finding good zero volume keywords doesn’t require magic—just the right strategy and tools.
Tools and Techniques
- Google Autocomplete: Let Google finish your sentence—it reveals what real users are typing.
- Reddit, Quora & Niche Forums: Listen to how people naturally ask questions or describe problems.
- Keyword Research Tools: Use SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest to filter for keywords with low or no volume.
“Consider leveraging social listening tools like Mention or BuzzSumo to tune into the language your audience uses.”
Both Semrush vs Ahrefs for keyword extraction are effective. SEMrush shines in competitor analysis and trends, while Ahrefs excels in long-tail and zero search volume keywords discovery.
Step 2: Evaluating Which Zero Volume Keywords Are Worth Targeting
Not all zero volume keywords are created equal. Vet each one using these criteria:
- Relevance: Does it connect directly to your offer or content?
- Search Intent: Is it informational, transactional, or navigational?
- Long-tail Specificity: The more specific the term, the more likely it converts (e.g., “best ergonomic desk chair for remote work”).
- User Language: Does it match how your target audience speaks or writes?
Pro tip: Use polls or chat feedback to learn what your real users are searching for. That insight can reveal profitable keywords with zero search volume today but big potential tomorrow.
Step 3: Creating Content Around Zero Search Volume Keywords
Once you’ve identified promising low-volume keywords, it’s time to create high-quality content that answers specific user questions.
Best Practices
- Be Ultra Specific: Answer the keyword thoroughly and directly.
- Structure Your Content Well: Use H2s, bullet points, and FAQs to boost readability and SEO.
- Optimize Metadata: Include your zero volume keywords in meta titles, descriptions, and image alt text.
- Cluster Strategically: Build content hubs by linking similar low-volume pages internally.
Using keyword clustering tools can help turn a set of zero search results into a content strategy goldmine.
Step 4: Expand Your Keyword Reach Beyond Google
Don’t stop at blog posts. Your zero search volume keywords can work across content formats and platforms
Distribution Tactics
- YouTube SEO: Create videos based on your zero-volume keyword targets and optimize titles and descriptions.
- Podcasts: Discuss niche topics and transcribe episodes for added SEO content.
- Social Media: Use hashtags and captions containing your keywords to surface in search and discovery feeds.
“Remember, repurposing content for multiple platforms can maximize your visibility and engagement.”
Step 5: Monitor, Optimize, and Evolve
The true value of profitable keywords—especially those with low or zero volume—is revealed over time. Stay agile and iterative.
Optimization Tips
- Track Your Results: Use Search Console and GA4 to measure ranking and CTR.
- Refresh Your List Quarterly: New low-volume opportunities appear all the time.
- A/B Test Headlines and Descriptions: Learn what earns more clicks.
- Engage Your Community: Use comments, emails, and surveys to spot the next rising term.
Remember, some zero volume keywords today might be moderate-traffic stars next month.
Final Thoughts: Small Search, Big Wins
Zero search volume keywords may seem unimportant on the surface—but they’re often hiding massive opportunity beneath the surface. They let you sidestep saturated markets, rank faster, and speak directly to users with ultra-specific needs.
Whether you’re using Semrush vs Ahrefs for keyword extraction, experimenting with content formats, or building topic clusters, start looking where no one else is. The world of zero search results is wide open—and filled with untapped, profitable keywords ready to be claimed.
