Most SEO strategies revolve around one thing: search volume. The higher the volume, the more traffic potential—right?
Not always.
Some of the most profitable, conversion-driven, and easy-to-rank opportunities come from keywords that show “0” in SEO tools. These are called zero search volume keywords, and if you’re ignoring them, you’re leaving growth on the table.
Let’s break down what they really are, why they matter, and how to use them to your advantage.
What Are Zero Search Volume Keywords?
Zero search volume keywords are search queries that tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Keyword Planner report as having no monthly searches.
But here’s the reality:
- They do get searched
- Tools just don’t have enough data to record them
- Many are long-tail, niche, or newly emerging queries
Example:
- “best AI tool for SaaS onboarding emails”
- “how to build backlinks for niche directories SaaS”
- “pricing page mistakes for micro SaaS founders”
These aren’t searched thousands of times—but they are searched by high-intent users.
Why SEO Tools Show “0” (Even When People Search Them)
Keyword tools rely on historical data and sampling, not real-time search behavior.
Here’s why they miss opportunities:
- Low frequency queries → Not enough data collected
- New trends → No historical records yet
- Long-tail phrases → Highly specific searches
- Voice & conversational queries → Natural language variations
Google processes billions of unique searches daily, and a huge percentage of them are never seen before.
That’s where zero-volume keywords live.
Should You Target Zero Search Volume Keywords?
Short answer: Yes—but strategically.
Targeting them blindly won’t work. But when used correctly, they can outperform high-volume keywords in key areas.
Benefits of Targeting Zero Search Volume Keywords
1. Low Competition (Easy Wins)
Most marketers ignore these keywords, which means:
- Less competition
- Faster rankings
- Lower effort required
Perfect for:
- New websites
- Early-stage SaaS
- Niche blogs
2. Higher Conversion Intent
These keywords are usually very specific, which means:
- The searcher knows exactly what they want
- They are closer to taking action
Example:
- “best CRM for real estate freelancers in India”
vs - “CRM software”
The first one may show zero volume—but it’s far more likely to convert.
3. Topical Authority Building
Publishing content around these keywords helps you:
- Cover micro-topics deeply
- Build semantic relevance
- Strengthen your site’s authority
Over time, this improves rankings for bigger keywords too.
4. Early Trend Advantage
Many zero-volume keywords are:
- Emerging topics
- New tools or features
- Untapped discussions
If you publish early, you:
- Rank before competitors
- Capture traffic as demand grows
When You Should NOT Target Them
Zero-volume keywords aren’t always worth it.
Avoid them if:
- They have no clear intent
- They don’t align with your niche
- There’s no business value
- You’re ignoring core high-impact keywords
Balance is key.
How to Find Zero Search Volume Keywords
Here’s how to uncover them (this is where most SEOs fail):
1. Google Autocomplete
Start typing queries and observe suggestions.
Example:
- “how to get backlinks for…”
- “SEO strategy for…”
These suggestions often include low-volume but real searches.
2. People Also Ask (PAA)
Scroll through Google results and explore related questions.
These are goldmines for:
- Blog subtopics
- FAQ sections
- Content clusters
3. Reddit & Forums
Platforms like Reddit reveal:
- Real user problems
- Natural language queries
- Untapped keyword ideas
Look for:
- Repeated questions
- Pain points
- Specific use cases
4. Customer Conversations
Your audience already tells you what to write.
Use:
- Sales calls
- Support tickets
- Email queries
Turn questions into content.
5. Google Search Console
Check:
- Impressions with low clicks
- Long-tail queries
You’ll find keywords that tools don’t show.
How to Use Zero Search Volume Keywords Properly
1. Don’t Create One Page Per Keyword
Instead:
- Group similar keywords
- Create topic-focused content
Example:
Instead of 10 separate posts, create:
“Complete Guide to SaaS Link Building Strategies”
And include multiple zero-volume queries inside.
2. Optimize for Intent, Not Just Keywords
Focus on:
- What the user wants
- Clear answers
- Practical solutions
Google ranks content that solves problems, not just matches keywords.
3. Use Them as Supporting Keywords
Combine:
- Primary keyword (moderate volume)
- Secondary zero-volume keywords
This creates:
- Depth
- Relevance
- Better rankings overall
4. Structure Content for Long-Tail Queries
Use:
- H2s & H3s as questions
- FAQ sections
- Conversational tone
Example:
- “How do SaaS startups build backlinks without budget?”
Real Example Strategy (For SaaS SEO)
Let’s say your main keyword is:
“SaaS link building”
You can support it with zero-volume keywords like:
- “how to build links for early stage SaaS”
- “link building without authority SaaS”
- “best outreach strategy for SaaS startups”
One blog post can target all of them naturally.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Ignoring them completely
- ❌ Creating thin content for each keyword
- ❌ Targeting irrelevant queries
- ❌ Not aligning with business goals
- ❌ Over-optimizing for exact match keywords
Final Thoughts
Zero search volume keywords are misunderstood.
They’re not “useless”—they’re underestimated.
If your goal is:
- Faster rankings
- Qualified traffic
- Strong topical authority
Then these keywords should be part of your strategy.
The smartest approach isn’t choosing between high-volume and zero-volume keywords.
It’s combining both.
Key Takeaway
High-volume keywords bring traffic.
Zero-volume keywords bring intent.
The real growth happens when you use both together.
If you want to scale your SEO with strategies that actually move rankings (not just impressions), start integrating zero-volume keywords into your content plan today.