What is keyword difficulty (KD)?

Keyword difficulty (KD) is a 0–100 estimate of how hard it is to get into the top 10 for a keyword. The higher the score, the stronger the authority and link profiles of the sites already on page one. Every data provider uses its own formula, so KD is not absolute; it's a way to compare keywords with each other.

#Why it matters

A new or small site may see no progress for months on high-KD keywords. Starting with low and medium difficulty keywords brings faster results and builds authority over time. Reading KD together with volume and search intent helps you decide where to spend your effort.

#Where you see it in SEOAsist

Results on Keywords → Research and the Tracking table both have a KD column. If KD is missing for tracked keywords, the Fill volume/KD button fills it in. The values come from your connected DataForSEO account. See Keyword tracking for details.

#Example

#Common mistakes

• Reading KD as a hard rule; your site's authority and content quality change the outcome.
• Picking only low-KD keywords and never trying the ones that bring business.
• Comparing KD scores from different sources directly.