You’ve probably seen those SEO scores from keyword tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ. Maybe you even use them to guide your content.
But here’s the problem: those scores often mislead creators into following strategies that don’t actually help videos rank.
In this guide, we’ll unpack:
- Why keyword competition scores from tools are often wrong
- A smarter method to evaluate real SEO competition on YouTube
- How to pick the best keywords even with a small channel
- How to rank faster by targeting the right questions
- How to attract leads — not just views
The Big SEO Myth: Keyword Tools Are 100% Accurate
Myth: You can trust the keyword competition score in tools like SEMrush, VidIQ, or TubeBuddy.
Reality: Most of these tools measure advertiser competition, not organic video ranking difficulty.
For example, SEMrush’s “Comm.” column shows pay-per-click (PPC) competition — not how hard it is to rank a YouTube video. That data is for advertisers, not creators.
So How Should You Measure Keyword Competition?
Instead of trusting tool-generated scores, try this:
- Look at number of words — longer phrases = lower competition
- Target keywords with 10–100 monthly searches
This approach works well even for small or new channels.
Example: Keyword Branch Strategy in Action
Organize keyword questions into “branches” (clusters of related topics). Score your rankings:
- Yes: Ranking in top 3 = score 1
- Starting: Top 20 = score 0.25
- No: Not ranking = score 0
Track scores over time to see your SEO progress and identify where to improve.
Why You Can’t Trust VidIQ and TubeBuddy SEO Scores
A video can rank #1 on YouTube and still get a poor SEO score in these tools — because their checklists are outdated.
Ignore the scores. Focus on what actually gets your videos to the top of search.
Low Competition ≠ Low Value
Low-competition keywords let you rank faster, build channel authority, and gradually move into bigger topics. It’s the smart path for long-term growth.
Can You Rank If You Have a Small Channel?
Yes! Focus on:
- Deep keyword branches (lots of related questions)
- Specific subtopics (like “tax sale investing” instead of “real estate”)
What If I Care More About Clients Than Views?
Perfect. With keyword research, you can target branches that match your ideal customer’s intent. That way, your videos generate leads — not just vanity metrics.
Want the Full Step-by-Step Strategy?
There’s a free YouTube SEO course available that walks you through the entire process — from research to ranking to lead generation.
Watch the full course now and build a YouTube channel that grows your business.
