In 2025 standard keyword research just won’t cut it if you’re aiming for that extra edge. If you’re sticking to the same keyword strategies as everyone else, your blog is bound to get lost in the crowd. That’s why we’re diving into creative, outside-the-box techniques to help you find the keywords your competitors are missing.

This guide is all about uncovering those unique search terms and opportunities that can give your blog that well-deserved boost. So if you’re ready to get a little unconventional with your keyword research and take your blog to new heights, let’s jump in!

1. Leveraging “People Also Search For/People Also Ask” on Google SERPs

There’s no better place to start than Google itself, and the “People also ask” and “People also search for” features are your best friends here. These sections give you a sneak peek at what real people are asking, showing you popular related searches and questions that can take your keyword game up a notch. Unlike other tools, this feature gives you a pulse on what’s actively trending on Google—and the best part? It’s 100% free.

Here’s how to tap into it: Start by typing a broad keyword related to your blog into Google’s search bar. Scroll down until you spot the “People also ask” box, filled with questions that people are already searching for. Each time you click on a question, Google reveals even more related queries, expanding the list as you go deeper. This steady stream of questions offers tons of inspiration for blog topics and gives you the exact wording your readers might be using.

Once you’ve gathered these questions, don’t stop there! Head down to the bottom of the page to check out the “People also search for” section. These related terms take your keyword ideas even further by showing alternative phrases or similar topics that might not have crossed your mind. Together, these tools provide a steady source of keyword inspiration and can even help you create clusters of related posts, allowing you to cover a range of subtopics and capture more search traffic for your niche.

2. Exploring YouTube and Video Search Keywords

People come to YouTube looking for answers in video format, which means the keywords trending here might be unique from what you’d find through traditional text-based searches. If you’re ready to uncover fresh angles and go beyond the basics, YouTube can reveal keyword opportunities other bloggers may miss.

Begin by typing a broad keyword into YouTube’s search bar. As you type, YouTube’s autocomplete feature starts suggesting phrases based on real user searches. These suggestions often reflect trending topics, specific questions, or popular variations that can inspire highly targeted blog posts. For example, typing “workout tips” might lead to suggestions like “workout tips for beginners,” “workout tips for women,” or “quick home workout tips.” Each of these is an idea in itself and points to specific interests within your niche.

Next, pay attention to the video titles and descriptions in your search results. Many content creators optimize their titles with engaging keywords designed to draw viewers in, so these are likely to highlight trending search terms. Note down any keywords that appear frequently across top-ranking videos; they’re a strong indication of what’s capturing your audience’s attention.

Finally, take a look at the “suggested videos” on each YouTube video page. These are videos YouTube thinks viewers might want to watch next, giving you more clues about related content or topics. By keeping an eye on these, you can spot additional keywords or angles to target, giving you a well-rounded view of what your audience is engaging with.

3. Analyzing Niche Subreddits for Keyword Ideas

If you really want to get into your audience’s head, Reddit is a great starting point. Picture it as a place where people speak their minds, without the marketing fluff—just genuine questions, rants, and all the little things they care about. For you, this is keyword research gold! By diving into niche subreddits, you’re peeking into real conversations to see what your audience is actually talking about and the words they naturally use.

Start by identifying subreddits that align with your blog’s niche. Say you’re in the travel niche—try r/travel, r/solotravel, or even r/travelhacks. Watch for hot topics, popular questions, and recurring themes that pop up again and again. Those threads with tons of comments? They’re prime keyword inspirations. Think of them as conversations you can join by answering questions or addressing frustrations directly in your content. Also, pay special attention to the words and phrases people naturally use in their queries. Is there a way to incorporate it to make your content resonate more deeply with readers?

Want to make this process even faster? Check out Keyworddit. It’s a nifty tool that pulls search terms right from specific subreddits, so you can see exactly what people are looking for. Think of it as keyword research with a human touch—because these aren’t just stats; they’re actual phrases from your future readers.

4. Mining Quora and FAQ Websites for Questions

If you’re looking to get hyper-relevant with your keyword research, platforms like Quora and AnswerThePublic shouldn’t be missed. Why? They’re built around real people asking real questions—meaning you get a direct line into what your audience is curious about. Plus, by using their language and phrasing, you can tailor your content to feel extra approachable and relatable.

Start by popping over to Quora and searching for general terms related to your niche. Let’s say your blog is all about digital marketing. Plug in “content marketing” or “content creation tools” and prepare to be greeted by a list of genuine questions people want answered. Look out for questions with lots of engagement: those with a lot of answers, upvotes, or comments. These are often the best indicators of popular topics that can potentially turn into successful blog posts. 

And don’t miss AnswerThePublic. It visualizes keyword ideas by sorting them into “how,” “why,” “what,” and “where” questions—perfect for spotting topics that align with what your readers are actually wondering about. Type in something like “sustainable fashion” if that’s your area, and you’ll see questions like “How can I shop sustainably on a budget?” or “Why is sustainable fashion important?” Each question here represents a blog post just waiting to happen, crafted from real reader curiosity.

5. Using Amazon Book Titles for Inspiration

Here’s a fun twist: next time you’re browsing Amazon, take a look at book titles in your niche. Titles, subtitles, and even chapter headings can reveal what topics are resonating with readers. Think about it: authors and publishers carefully craft these to grab attention and connect with their audience. So why not borrow a little of that magic for your blog?

Head over to Amazon and type in your blog’s niche—maybe “personal finance” or “healthy cooking.” Look at bestselling books and pay attention to the words in their titles and subtitles. They’re often crafted to hit on key themes, like “debt-free living” or “budget-friendly recipes,” that people are hungry for (literally and figuratively). If you spot phrases that jump out, jot them down as potential keywords to work into your content.

Don’t stop there—dive into the reviews. Readers love to share what they got out of the book or what they wish was included. Maybe they’re saying, “I wish this budgeting book had explained investing better.” Boom—there’s your next blog post idea, “Investing Basics: The Stuff Every Budgeting Guide Missed.”

6. Identifying Local SEO Opportunities in Niche Directories

If you’re blogging with a local angle, niche directories are your hidden SEO advantage. These directories aren’t just limited to general business listings like Yelp; you can find ones tailored specifically for industries like hospitality, healthcare, or creative services. Diving into these directories lets you tap into unique, location-based keywords and industry-specific phrases that might just be your ticket to ranking above the big players.

Start by exploring directories in your field and see how businesses describe themselves. If you’re blogging about wellness, for example, check out wellness-focused directories and take note of common phrases used by local spas or fitness studios. Maybe “relaxation massage in Portland” or “outdoor yoga in Austin” pop up often. These aren’t just random phrases; they’re high-potential, long-tail keywords with real local appeal.

Then, to level it up, scan customer reviews in these directories. People talk casually in reviews, so you’ll find phrases like “family-friendly,” “amazing downtown view,” or “quick results” that might not be on the business’s official site but are great when it comes to search terms. Let these everyday terms inspire your content, adding a local flavor that’s not just relatable but also optimized for those all-important regional searches.

7. Checking Pinterest for Visual Keyword Trends

If you’ve followed my blog series on Pinterest, you already know this platform goes beyond DIY projects and recipe ideas. Pinterest offers a unique window into keyword trends, focusing on visually appealing topics that are popular among its 400M+ users. It’s like peeking into the world of what’s eye-catching and search-worthy—perfect for adding some visual flair to your keyword game.

To get started, type in a broad keyword related to your niche into Pinterest’s search bar. As you type, Pinterest’s autocomplete suggestions show you what users are searching for, helping you identify terms with visual appeal that might not be as obvious on Google. 

Next, take a look at Pinterest’s home page ribbon, too; This provides a quick view of popular topics, and if you see a category or trend related to your niche, you’ll know it’s currently generating buzz. Incorporating these trending keywords into your content gives your blog a timely edge, as it’s tapping into topics that are already resonating with Pinterest users.

Additionally, Pinterest Trends—a feature available in some regions— dives deeper into which search terms are on the rise and how they trend over time. This tool offers insights into keyword popularity over time, letting you see if certain keywords are gaining traction. And here’s a pro tip: don’t fail to look at popular boards and pins. Those with high engagement typically align with keywords that appeal to Pinterest users, so you can uncover not only what’s trending but also specific angles that catch users’ attention. 

8. Digging into Competitors’ Low-Traffic Keywords

Most SEO pros are after high-traffic keywords, but there’s a lot of untapped value in low-traffic keywords. These keywords target niche audiences often overlooked by competitors, giving you a better chance of ranking by reaching a more specific audience—without going up against content giants.

Start with an SEO tool like Ahrefs or SEMrush to analyze competitors’ keyword data. Instead of targeting their high-ranking terms, zero in on the keywords they’re ranking for that still hover outside the top 10. These keywords often bring in consistent, smaller amounts of traffic and align with specific, niche queries that cater to more dedicated audience segments. By creating content around these keywords, you’re not only stepping into a less competitive space but also connecting with readers who are genuinely interested in that specific topic.

Low-traffic keywords might not have big numbers, but they can just be your path to building a loyal following. And here’s a bonus: sometimes, these keywords start small but gain traction as search trends evolve. By ranking for them now, you could be positioning your blog to ride the wave if they grow in popularity down the line.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to keyword research, sticking with the same old methods only limits your potential. By thinking outside the box with the strategies I have shared, you’re setting yourself up to reach a broader, more engaged audience.

So, why not try a few of these strategies in your next post and see how they transform your blog’s reach? Are you ready to add a blog to your website/ re-design your blog,  my web design services are all about crafting a site that not only looks great but also draws in the right audience. Let’s have a chat today!