Driving millions of views starts with finding the right keywords—those hidden gems that few target but many are searching for. While common keyword research strategies have their place, true experts go beyond the basics, leveraging under-the-radar tactics that provide a competitive edge. Here’s a deep dive into some secret strategies that can help you uncover high-potential keywords and dominate search rankings.
Strategy 1: Google Dataset Search
Most people rely on keyword tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush, but experts use Google Dataset Search for an entirely different purpose. Using this tool, you can examine public datasets that might reveal trends and insights that other keyword tools do not find. By analyzing keyword-related datasets, you can identify emerging search terms and phrases. This approach is strong because it can predict trends. It helps you stay ahead of the competition before these keywords become popular.
For example, if a dataset reveals rising interest in a specific subtopic or keyword within your niche, you can create content targeting those keywords and establish authority early. This often results in sustained traffic as interest grows, driving millions of views over time.
Strategy 2: Site-Specific Search Queries
Another secret weapon is using Google’s site search operator. By running queries like the site:competitorwebsite.com “keyword,” you can spy into a competitor’s content and discover unique phrases they rank for but aren’t optimizing well. This tactic helps you identify content gaps even if their top-performing posts don’t fully address them.
For instance, if you notice recurring questions in a competitor’s product reviews or blog comments, you can target those long-tail keywords. Creating detailed, solution-oriented content around these queries allows you to siphon off their audience, driving highly relevant traffic to your site.
Strategy 3: Unused AdWords Keywords
Google Ads campaigns are a good source of keyword data, especially when you experiment with broad-match keywords. By pausing your campaign after a few days, you can access the search terms report, which shows real user queries that didn’t trigger your ads. These “unused” queries are often low-competition and high-intent keywords, perfect for organic content.
Once you identify these terms, you can build blog posts or videos around them. Since these keywords reflect real user behavior, they’re more likely to convert, leading to steady traffic growth and, ultimately, millions of views.
Strategy 4: Internal Search Data from Competitor Websites
Internal site search data from competitors can reveal exactly what their audience is looking for but struggling to find. Some websites display autocomplete suggestions or search result filters indicating popular queries. Experts use this information to create content that directly answers these questions.
For example, if an eCommerce site shows users frequently search for “budget-friendly [product type],” you can write a comprehensive guide or video addressing this specific need. By providing better, more targeted content, you position yourself as a go-to resource, capturing their audience and driving significant traffic.
Strategy 5: YouTube Transcript Analysis
Transcripts of popular YouTube videos are SEO goldmines. These transcriptions contain spoken keywords that reflect natural, conversational search queries. By analyzing the transcript of a top-performing video in your niche, you can extract phrases that users are likely to search for but won’t appear in typical keyword tools.
You can improve existing content or create new content using these hidden terms. This can include blogs, videos, or podcasts. Since Google and YouTube favor content that matches conversational search queries, this approach can help you reach more people on both platforms.
Strategy 6: Voice Search Optimization
As more users turn to voice search, targeting natural language queries becomes increasingly important. Voice searches tend to be longer and more specific, yet only some creators optimize for this. You can pinpoint untapped keywords by studying how smart devices like Alexa or Google Assistant respond to niche questions.
Using these elements in your content can help you earn featured snippets or “position zero” results. These placements attract more traffic and build your authority, making your content stand out in a competitive market.
Strategy 7: Expired Domains for Keyword Mining
Expired domains often possess SEO value, as they mostly retain historical keyword rankings and backlinks. By analyzing their archived content through tools like Wayback Machine, you can identify keywords they once ranked for and incorporate them into your content strategy.
This allows you to reclaim valuable keyword territory without starting from scratch. This strategy can generate significant traffic as these keywords have proven their ability to attract views previously.
Strategy 8: Hidden Subreddits
Subreddits are online communities where users create and share content. Some of the best subreddits are unlisted or hidden from public directories. You can join conversations about specific interests and problems by finding and tracking these hidden subreddits.
Using insights from these discussions can help you create content that will be useful to your audience. These useful content always increases the probability of your blog posts and videos going viral. Moreover, this approach keeps your content unique and fresh, helping you stand out and attract many views.
Strategy 9: Wildcard Search
The wildcard operator in Google search (*) is an underrated yet powerful tool. It helps you discover keyword variations and fill-in-the-blank phrases that users frequently search for. By using wildcard searches strategically, you can uncover a wide range of long-tail keywords around a central theme.
For example, searching “best * for beginners” might reveal hidden opportunities like “best graphic design software for beginners” or “best meal plans for beginners.” Crafting content around these phrases allows you to cover multiple search variations, amplifying your traffic potential.
Final Thoughts
The secret to driving millions of views lies in going beyond conventional keyword research tactics. By using these advanced strategies, you can uncover hidden keywords with high intent and low competition. Master these methods, and you’ll position yourself ahead of the curve, capturing untapped traffic and building a loyal audience that keeps coming back for more.