How to Research Your Competitors’ Keywords and Outrank Them
Ever wondered how your competitors are pulling in traffic like magnets while your site struggles to gain momentum? Maybe they’re showing up on page one of Google while you’re stuck on page four. Well, here’s the secret sauce: they’re targeting the right keywords—and probably yours, too. So let’s ask the real question: How to research competitors’ keywords?
If you’re a business owner trying to stay ahead in search rankings, it’s time to stop guessing and start spying (ethically, of course). In this article, we’ll go beyond the generic “use SEMrush” advice and dive into unique tactics most websites don’t talk about. Plus, we’ll show you how to use that info to not just match your competitors—but outrank them.
Why Keyword Research Still Matters in 2025
Let’s be clear: keyword research is far from dead. In fact, 68% of online experiences still begin with a search engine, according to BrightEdge. And get this—the top 3 Google search results get 54.4% of all clicks.
So if your competitors are showing up there, they’re getting most of the traffic—and you’re getting the crumbs. That’s why competitor keyword research is no longer optional. It’s the core of a smart SEO strategy.
Step 1: Identify Your True Competitors (They Might Not Be Who You Think)
Here’s something most people skip: your real SEO competitors aren’t always the ones you’re fighting in business. For example, if you’re a local plumbing company, your main competitor in search might not be another plumber—it could be a blog ranking for “how to fix a leaking pipe.”
Pro Tip:
Use Google to search for your main product or service + location and see who ranks in the top 10. Those are your search competitors.
You can also use free tools like Ubersuggest to get a list of top-ranking domains for your niche keywords.
Step 2: Steal Their Keyword List (Legally, of Course)
Most business owners don’t realize how easy this is.
Try this:
- Plug your competitor’s website into a tool like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or SpyFu.
- Go to “Organic Keywords” or “Top Pages.”
- Export their list of keywords and notes:
- Which keywords drive the most traffic?
- Which ones have low competition?
- Which ones do they rank for—but you don’t?
- Which keywords drive the most traffic?
Boom. You just got a copy of their keyword strategy.
Step 3: Find Their Content Gaps (and Fill Them Better)
Here’s where most websites stop—but you’re going further.
Look at your competitors’ top content. Do a quick audit:
- Is the content outdated?
- Is it missing details or examples?
- Is it optimized for user intent?
- Are there any unanswered questions in the comments section?
Then create something better. That’s the heart of a strategy called 10x content—where you make your version ten times more useful.
According to Orbit Media, 56% of bloggers who add more depth and research into their content report “strong results.”
So don’t just copy—improve. Add infographics, local statistics, client stories, or expert opinions.
Step 4: Use Competitor PPC Data to Find Untapped Organic Gold
Here’s a next-level tip almost no one talks about:
Look at your competitor’s paid keywords using tools like SEMrush’s Advertising Research or SpyFu. These are keywords they’re spending money on—but that might not rank high organically.
Why does that matter? If they’re paying to show up for those keywords, they’re likely valuable.
You can swoop in with a well-optimized blog post or landing page and get organic traffic without paying a cent.
Step 5: Check Their Backlinks and Leverage Keyword-Based Outreach
Keywords are only half the battle—backlinks are the reinforcements.
Use tools like Ahrefs to check what content on your competitor’s site is attracting the most backlinks. It’s usually their top keyword-rich content. If they’re getting links to a blog post called “How to Choose the Right SEO Provider,” write your version and start reaching out to the same sites that linked to them.
Mention how your content:
- Offers updated stats
- Covers missing angles
- Is easier to read or more visual
The secret here? Don’t just ask for a link—show them the value.
Step 6: Use Google Search Console to Find Overlap Opportunities
If you already have traffic coming in, log into your Google Search Console and go to the Performance tab.
Look at:
- Queries you’re showing up for but not ranking well on
- Pages with high impressions but low clicks
- Search terms that overlap with your competitor’s keywords
Now, optimize those pages with competitor insights:
- Add sections answering questions their blog skipped
- Include FAQs using keywords they didn’t cover
- Use LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords to increase relevance
This way, you’re not just chasing new keywords—you’re improving your rank for ones Google already trusts you with.
Want a Shortcut? Let Click Typhoon Handle It
Let’s be real—keyword research takes time, tools, and tactics most business owners don’t have time to learn.
That’s where Click Typhoon steps in.
We help business owners like you dominate Google rankings with smart, data-backed SEO. Whether you’re looking to crush your competitors locally or expand into new markets, our Langley SEO service is built to deliver results that move the needle.
From competitive analysis to technical SEO and backlink strategies, we’ve got your growth handled.
Final Thoughts
Researching your competitors’ keywords isn’t just about copying—it’s about outsmarting. By identifying their strengths and exposing their weaknesses, you can build a strategy that not only keeps up but pulls ahead.
Stay curious, be strategic, and don’t settle for playing catch-up.
Ready to stop guessing and start outranking? Click Typhoon’s Langley SEO service is your next smart move. We take the guesswork out of SEO with data-driven strategies that help you dominate your niche.
Let us uncover your competitors’ playbook and help you win the search game.
Contact Click Typhoon today and let’s grow your traffic, leads, and sales—together.
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