Why targeting zero search volume keywords makes sense for SaaS startups
Most SaaS brands ignore Zero Search Volume (ZSV) keywords.
As a startup, you shouldn't.
Here is why...
ZSV keywords are underrated yet powerful for driving qualified traffic and acquiring user signups directly from SEO.
In this post, I walk you through how to do it right.
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It really depends on your domain rating, but yes — for most indie hackers, I agree that ZSV keywords are definitely a good way to get momentum.
BUT don't ignore the higher-volume keywords! Go up against the big dogs with an article or two — maybe a skyscraper piece. Then spend the rest of your efforts on low- to zero-volume keywords.
Now, if you can find ZSV keywords in your niche that have a high likelihood of trending in the near future... 🚀
While it seems like ZSV keywords work best for startups, bigger brands can leverage them as well.
Aside from the fact that they are undeserved, one thing I really love about these keywords is that they are mostly high-buying intent keywords and convert really well.
This is a great post. Very helpful and informative
Thanks for your feedback.
Glad you found it valuable and helpful.
This is a great article and ZSV keywords in wheel house for products like ours where we are having to educate people about the benefits of podcast guesting, hence they are not looking for it now but in a years time they will be. Great strategy and one to spend some time looking into and focusing on. Surprised that 15% are new searches, wow that is amazing that we still have so much new things to find.
Exactly.
ZSV keywords are a great way to leverage the first-mover advantage.
If you could cover a lot of ground now, you could become a force to reckon with in your niche in years to come.
Something I've never really thought about is brand-new searches. The author points out that in Feb of this year Google tweeted that approximately 15% of daily searches on the search engine are brand-new. That's a lot bigger chunk than I imagined it would be. I'm still not convinced that I want to spend too much time on such low ranking KW but...I'll admit, I'm intrigued.
Happy to hear that you found the post helpful.
Of course, it might seem like a waste of effort going after zero-volume keywords when you could easily target high-volume keywords.
But as I mentioned in the piece, these ZSV keywords tend to perform really well conversion-wise, compared to those keywords with high search volume.
What matters most is to be thoughtful about the process, and identify the best keywords that'll move the needle business-wise for your startup.
This is great, thanks! Exactly what I’m busy testing now with my own startup, and going after low KD relevant keywords no matter the search volume.
Thanks for letting me know.
Hopefully, it works well for you.
This is probably even more apparent when you want to create a new category. Nice!
Yes, that's definitely a thing.
I can't tell you the amount of times I've excluded any keywords with a low search volume. Thanks for the info, it was really helpful!
Glad to hear that you found the piece helpful and valuable.
You're welcome!
Interesting. I'll Keep adding relevant content to my blog as you never know what customers will be searching for.
That definitely works.
Though, I'll recommend that you follow a process that ensures that you target keywords that your target audience is actively searching for.
Very good content, thank you.
You're welcome!
Glad you found it helpful and valuable.
The full article makes a lot of sense, some good things to go and think about, thanks.
Happy to hear that you enjoyed reading the article and learned a lot from it.
You're welcome!