Why Your Website Isn’t Ranking for Competitive Keywords (And How to Fix It)

So, as an SEO enthusiast working to build a brand/business’s organic rankings, you often find yourself burning the midnight oil.

You have your nose to the grind as you painstakingly optimize every piece of content on your website and religiously follow every best practice in the book.

However, the climb to the top of the SERPs is a frustratingly slow one. 

You often catch yourself wondering;

• Why do some websites always dominate the top search results?
• Is it even possible to rank higher on Google without a huge budget?
• Should I just give up and focus on paid ads instead?

On that note, we suggest that you might want to read ~ How long does SEO take to work?

Also, we are of the opinion that some keywords are incredibly tough to rank for. With 13+ years of industry experience, we agree that though the going might be difficult for certain high-volume keywords, SEO is not a lost cause!

In today’s blog, we will break down why ranking for certain high-volume keywords is so difficult and, more importantly, what advanced SEO strategies you should implement instead to stay ahead in SEO for competitive niches.

Why are some keywords so hard to rank for?

If you have struggled with making your content rank for broad, high-volume keywords, the answer usually boils down to three key challenges. Let’s explore their impact in detail.

1. High competition from authority websites

So, when you set out to search for broad keywords like “SEO tips” or “best CRM software,” chances are high that big players like HubSpot, Forbes, or Wikipedia dominate the first page of search results.

The reasons could vary from these websites;

• Having years, if not decades, of authority
• Earning a repository of thousands of high-quality, relevant backlinks
• Regularly publishing expert-level, in-depth content

If your website is relatively new or still growing, outranking these sites on competitive keywords is an uphill battle. That’s why you need advanced SEO tactics that go beyond basic keyword optimization.

2. Search intent mismatch

Google has progressed way beyond just looking at keywords; it now analyzes user’s search intent. 

For example;

• Are users looking for a quick answer (How does SEO work?)?
• Are they ready to buy (Best SEO tools for agencies)?
• Do they want a tutorial (How to optimize on-page SEO step by step)?

If your content doesn’t align with what users want, Google won’t rank it, no matter how often you use the keyword or how organically they blend into your piece.

Yep, we didn’t make the rules!

3. Paid ads & SERP features take up space

Guess what? Even if you get a spot in the top ranks on page one, your organic visibility might still be low.

Here’s why;

• Google Ads dominate the top spots
• Featured Snippets answer questions before users even scroll
• People Also Ask boxes pull attention away from traditional search results

So, what’s the solution?

We recommend stopping chasing the impossible and optimizing for what works with a well-rounded SEO strategy for 2025.

Coming up with a smarter SEO strategy: What to try instead!

As you know, targeting high-volume, competitive keywords might prove to be a losing bet, we proffer a better approach that actually drives traffic, leads, and conversions.

1. Make it a point to target long-tail keywords

With this simple trick, you can get yourself a deal with less competition and higher conversions! 

Instead of going after broad, high-volume terms like “best project management software,” shift your focus to long-tail keywords that are more specific, lower-competition phrases that real users are searching for.

For instance;

Hard to rank: Best email marketing software

Easier to rank: Best email marketing tools for small businesses in 2025

This is why they work;

• Less competition (easier to rank for)
• Higher intent (more likely to convert)
• More targeted traffic

We recommend using tools like Google’s “People Also Ask” section, AnswerThePublic, and Semrush to uncover long-tail keyword opportunities. 

2. Build topical authority (let Google know you have the expertise)

Google prioritizes websites that demonstrate deep expertise over those that publish scattered, one-off content.

Instead of just writing a single post on “SEO strategies,”  you could try building a topic cluster, which is a collection of interlinked content covering different aspects of the topic.

For example, you could build a pillar page, such as The Ultimate Guide to SEO in 2025, with a whole bunch of supporting posts:

• How to Do Keyword Research Like a Pro
• On-Page SEO vs. Off-Page SEO: What’s the Difference?
• SEO vs. PPC: Which One Drives More Traffic?

Each supporting post links back to the main pillar page, helping Google understand your expertise and boosting your authority.

3. Optimize for search intent (Give users what they’re actually looking for!)

Before creating content, we recommend that you ask yourself:

“What is the user REALLY looking for when they type in this search query?”

For example:

• If someone searches “best SEO tools,” do they want a list of options or a detailed comparison?
• If they search “how to improve SEO rankings,” are they looking for quick fixes or a step-by-step guide?

Here’s how to optimize for intent:

• Check what Google is already ranking for your keyword
• Structure your content based on what’s performing best
• Match your headlines, subheadings, and format to align with user expectations

4. Strengthen your site’s EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness)

It’s a fact that trustworthy, value-adding content will have better rankings on SERPs. Here’s how to show search engines that you’re the real deal:

✔ Add author bios (Highlight credentials and experience)

✔ Include real data, case studies, and expert quotes

✔ Earn backlinks from high-quality sources

✔ Encourage user engagement (Comments, shares, reviews)

5. Fix technical issues

Technical SEO issues on your site won’t even allow the best content to rank. Here’s what we recommend;

• Speed up your website (Page speed is a ranking factor!)
• Use internal linking (Boosts authority and helps pages rank)
• Optimize title tags & meta descriptions (Make them compelling!)
• Ensure mobile-friendliness (Most searches happen on mobile!)

The road ahead

If you seek clarity on the SEO vs. AEO debate, you might want to read ~ SEO vs. AEO: Which Strategy Should You Focus On in 2025?