Ranking in a competitive niche isn’t easy.
You’re not just competing with small-time blogs. You’re up against industry giants with deep pockets.
Getting on to page one can feel impossible.
But, it can be done.
With the right tactics, you can claim the top spots on the SERP – even in the most competitive niches.
In this guide, we’ll reveal 10 battle-tested SEO tactics designed specifically for competitive niches.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill SEO tips.
These are actionable strategies you can start using today to outrank the big players.
Let’s get into it.
1. Backlinks That Move the Needle
Backlinks remain one of the top-ranking factors in search engine algorithms.
But standard link building isn’t enough in competitive niches. You need high-quality backlinks that really move the needle.
Quality is everything. A single link from a high-authority website can often do more than dozens of low-quality ones.
🔍Backlinks STILL matter in SEO.
Even with top-tier content, the main differentiator between ranking in the middle and at the top is backlinks.🚀In competitive niches, high-quality backlinks are essential to reach the top spots, even if your content is great.
— Svitozar Lys (@svitozar_lys) August 5, 2024
The best way to secure these high-impact links?
Digital PR.
In a recent survey, digital PR was ranked as the most popular link building tactic among marketers:
That’s because digital PR can land you links from some of the most authoritative sites and publications on the internet. These are the kind of links you’ll never get with guest posting.
Outreach is key to getting noticed by journalists at these top publications.
But journalists get 100+ pitches a week, so you need to stand out with something valuable and newsworthy.
That could be exclusive data or fresh insights that grab attention.
If you need some help coming up with ideas, you can use our digital PR campaign service. We’ll handle everything for you, from campaign ideation to outreach – with guaranteed links.
2. Niche Down To Stand Out
In some industries, ranking for broad, high-competition keywords is nearly impossible.
The solution?
Carve out your niche and become the go-to authority in a smaller, less competitive space. That means identifying micro-audiences with in-depth keyword research.
For example, instead of targeting “email marketing,” focus on “email marketing for nonprofits.” These smaller audiences are often underserved.
Create valuable content that solves unique problems or answers highly targeted questions. For example, a fitness blog could tackle “strength training for runners” instead of just “strength training.”
When you focus on a sub-niche, you’re no longer competing with everyone. You’re setting yourself apart as the expert in a space that’s easier to own. That’s how you stand out.
Need help finding these opportunities?
You can use our keyword research service to find profitable long-tail keywords and untapped niches to dominate.
3. Tap Into Second-Hand Search Traffic
Some keywords are nearly impossible to rank for.
But here’s the thing: you don’t always need your website to rank for them.
Instead, leverage sites that already dominate the SERPs.
Platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn, and Quora consistently claim top spots in search results because they’ve earned Google’s trust.
Why not piggyback on their visibility?
This tactic can help you attract second-hand search traffic.
You can get featured on the first page of Google by contributing to these communities.
Provide real value. Answer questions, share insights, and only link to your content when it’s genuinely helpful.
If you’re working with a SaaS client, you can collaborate with aggregators and review sites. These are the “best of” or “top tool” articles already ranking for your target keywords.
Reach out to the creators, show them why your product or resource belongs on the list, and get featured.
This strategy is all about harnessing existing authority to grow your own. It’s a shortcut to visibility that builds your brand while driving traffic.
4. Focus On Long Tail Keywords
Long tail keywords are the low-hanging fruit of competitive niches. They’re easier to rank for and usually convert better.
Instead of chasing broad, competitive keywords like “digital marketing,” target specific ones like “digital marketing for accountants.”
Use tools like AnswerThePublic or Ahrefs to find questions your audience is asking. Then, create new content targeting the long tail keyword.
You can also upgrade your existing content. Add sections targeting these long-tail variations in FAQ sections.
Long-tail keywords help you rank and bring in highly qualified traffic.
That means more clicks and more conversions.
5. Create Content That Aligns With Search Intent
Ever notice a random page from 2016 ranking above well-written content from high-authority publications?
That’s usually because it nails the search intent better than the competition. Super-relevant content often beats authority in the search engine rankings.
If your content doesn’t deliver exactly what users are searching for, Google will replace it with something that does.
Start by analyzing the SERP for your target keyword.
Look at the format of the top-ranking pages. Are they lists, how-tos, product pages, or videos?
Match that format. If Google prioritizes lists, don’t write a deep-dive essay – go with the list format.
Tim Bennetto’s social media “terms” glossary is a great example. He created individual pages for niche-specific terms with short definitions.
If you’re new to SEO, create a “terms” glossary.
It’s easy, quick and works in most niches.
– find all terms in your niche
– write a few sentences on each
– publish each on their own page
– structure pages like /terms/term
– link similar term pages to each other pic.twitter.com/3mqezBhVqV— Tim Bennetto (@Timb03) September 27, 2023
These pages directly align with what users are looking for: quick, simple explanations without the fluff.
This simple strategy drove thousands of extra visitors per month.
6. Target Featured Snippets
Featured snippets are the prime real estate on Google’s SERP. They sit above organic results and often above ads.
In competitive niches, targeting snippets is a shortcut to visibility.
And the good news?
You don’t need to rank #1 to claim the featured snippet.
If your content provides the best answer to a query, you have a great chance of leapfrogging the other results and landing at the top of the SERP.
Here’s how to optimize for snippets:
Answer questions directly: Use clear, concise language—preferably in 40-60 words.
Match the format: Look at the current snippet and use the same format (lists, tables, or bullet points).
Target question-based keywords: Question keywords account for 19.2% of featured snippets.
Structuring your content with snippets in mind can boost your chances of securing the top spot.
7. Perfect Technical SEO For Better Rankings
Even great content with perfect on-page optimization won’t rank if your site is held back by technical issues.
In competitive niches, you need a rock-solid technical foundation.
Page speed is a big factor. Compress images and tidy up your code to improve load times. A faster site can boost rankings and keep users from bouncing.
You also need to think about the CMS you’re using.
Platforms like Wix struggle with SEO because of limited technical customization. In fact, only 0.06% of Wix sites get 100+ organic visits/month compared to 8.26% on WordPress.
If a client isn’t willing to switch from Wix (or SquareSpace) when they’re wanting to do SEO we turn them down 😬
The lack of technical customization will limit you in competitive niches. pic.twitter.com/X3PTHYiD6z
— Nick Meagher | Local SEO (@Nick_Meagher) January 21, 2024
If your platform limits you, it could hold you back, no matter how good your content is.
Check out our guide on how to perform a technical SEO audit for a detailed breakdown of what to look for.
8. Get More Links with Shareable Visual Content
Visual content can be a link building magnet. Infographics, videos, and other visuals naturally attract backlinks.
According to a Backlinko study, infographics are among the most heavily linked-to content types, outperforming “how-to” and list posts.
And these visuals can also rank in search results, driving extra traffic.
Start with infographics. You can collect interesting statistics from your client’s industry and simplify the data into eye-catching visuals that others will want to share.
Video content is also a great option. You can repurpose your best-performing blog posts into videos. Tutorials or quick tips can expand your reach and attract backlinks.
Not a designer?
You can use our infographic design and Blog 2 Video services to make high-quality visual content. It’s an easy way to get the visuals you need to compete in competitive niches.
9. Focus On E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
Google evaluates content quality using E-E-A-T:
Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.
Here’s how the search engine describes the recent addition of the extra “E”:
This is super important in competitive niches like finance, health, and legal. To rank well, your site must demonstrate all four.
Experience: Share firsthand knowledge, case studies, or real-world examples in your content.
Expertise: Include detailed author bios with credentials and professional achievements (e.g., “Certified Financial Planner” or “10+ years in SEO consulting”).
Authoritativeness: Link to trusted sources and earn high-authority backlinks.
Trustworthiness: Keep your site updated, secure (HTTPS), and transparent (contact details, policies, etc).
Emphasizing E-E-A-T can improve your rankings and help you build trust with your audience.
10. Use Internal Links to Boost Topical Authority
Internal linking is one of the most underrated SEO tactics. It can make a significant impact in competitive niches.
A strategic internal linking structure can improve your site’s structure and strengthen your topical authority.
A Search Engine Land study revealed that pages in a well-structured internal linking system are far more likely to rank:
Link from informational content that naturally earns backlinks to your important money pages. For example, an ultimate guide post that gets a lot of links can pass some of that authority to your product or service pages.
Make sure you use descriptive anchor text, so Google knows exactly what the linked page is about.
Stand Out and Rank High in Tough Niches
Ranking in a highly competitive niche is always going to be difficult. But with the right strategies, you can drive real results for your client.
And that doesn’t just benefit your client. Ranking in a competitive niche can be a powerful case study for your agency.
It shows potential clients you have what it takes to deliver results, even in the toughest niches.
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