In the world of search arbitrage, everyone talks about the big, competitive keywords—the ones with high search volume but even higher cost-per-click (CPC). But here’s the truth: while the majority are battling over these expensive terms, there’s a goldmine of low-cost, undervalued keywords that can drive insane profits if you know how to find them.
Let me show you how to unlock these hidden gems!
1. Think Long-Tail
When it comes to search arbitrage, more often than not, the longer the keyword, the cheaper it is—and the higher the intent. Instead of aiming for broad keywords like “weight loss,” try targeting specific long-tail phrases like “best weight loss plan for busy moms” or “how to lose weight with a 9 to 5 job.” These keywords are typically more affordable, less competitive, and attract visitors with a clear purpose in mind.
2. Leverage Question-Based Keywords
People typing questions into search engines are often ready to take immediate action. Keywords like “how to fix a leaky faucet” or “what’s the best budget laptop” have a high conversion rate, and surprisingly low CPC. The search intent behind question-based keywords shows that these users are likely in the buying or decision-making stage, making them valuable for driving profit.
3. Spy on Competitors
Tools like Semrush, Ahrefs, and Ubersuggest give you access to your competitors’ keyword strategies. What’s even more valuable? These tools show you which keywords your competitors aren’t targeting—and this is where you swoop in. By focusing on the keywords they ignore, you can find profitable low-cost opportunities.
4. Seasonal and Trending Keywords
Many marketers get tunnel vision on steady, year-round keywords. But there’s an opportunity in the often-overlooked seasonal and trending terms. Consider holidays like Christmas, Black Friday, or even niche events. Keywords like “last-minute Christmas gifts” or “best Cyber Monday deals” are often underserved by big players, especially when trends are just starting to gain momentum. By being early to the party, you can capitalize on traffic at a lower cost.
5. Geo-Targeted Keywords
Location-based keywords are a fantastic way to access cheaper, highly targeted traffic. A search term like “plumber in Austin” will cost significantly less than the broad “plumber” keyword, but will attract a more specific and potentially high-converting audience. Add a location to your keyword strategy and you’ll find a whole world of affordable opportunities that many advertisers miss.
6. Old Parked Domains: A Hidden Goldmine
Now, here’s a trick that many search arbitrage pros overlook: old, expired domains. You can buy these domains for as little as $20, but when used correctly, they can turn into profit machines. Particularly when paired with booming industries like online coaching, these domains—especially those with strong backlinks—are a game-changer.
How to Find and Use Expired Domains
To unlock the true potential of expired domains, follow these steps:
1. Find the Right Domain
Look for expired domains with:
- Strong Backlinks: Use tools like Ahrefs or Semrush to check the domain’s backlink profile. Backlinks from high-authority websites are a treasure.
- Relevant History: Domains previously used for niches like education, coaching, or online courses are particularly valuable. Their past content can be easily adapted to your current needs.
- Clean History: Ensure the domain wasn’t penalized by Google or involved in any spammy activities. A clean history is key to avoiding penalties.
2. Where to Find Them
Platforms like Expireddomains.net, GoDaddy Auctions, and Flippa are perfect places to discover these hidden gems. The right domain can give you instant authority in your niche and provide a boost to your search arbitrage efforts.
Optimizing for Success
The key to success with search arbitrage lies in constant testing, tweaking, and optimizing. What works today might not work tomorrow, so it’s essential to stay curious, track performance, and always be on the lookout for those next hidden gems.
By thinking outside the box, focusing on long-tail keywords, leveraging low-cost opportunities like expired domains, and tapping into seasonal or geo-targeted traffic, you’ll not only cut down on costs but significantly boost your conversion rates.
Keep digging for those opportunities, and happy arbitraging! 🫡
