Master MozBar’s Keyword Difficulty Tool to uncover easy-to-rank keywords. Step-by-step guide + expert strategies for better SEO results

Keyword research is the backbone of any successful SEO strategy. Without knowing which keywords to target, you could be wasting time and resources on terms that are nearly impossible to rank for. That’s where MozBar’s Keyword Difficulty (KD) tool comes in—a powerful Chrome extension that helps you quickly assess how hard it will be to rank for specific keywords.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore:
✔ What MozBar’s Keyword Difficulty tool is and how it works
✔ How to install and use MozBar for keyword research
✔ The benefits and limitations of the tool
✔ Best practices for leveraging KD scores in your SEO strategy
✔ Answers to frequently asked questions

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to use MozBar to find low-competition, high-opportunity keywords that can drive more organic traffic to your site.

What is MozBar’s Keyword Difficulty Tool?

Keyword Difficulty (KD) is a metric developed by Moz that predicts how challenging it will be to rank in the top 10 Google search results for a given keyword. The score ranges from 0 (easiest) to 100 (most difficult) and is based on analyzing the Domain Authority (DA) and Page Authority (PA) of the pages currently ranking for that term.

How Moz Calculates Keyword Difficulty

Moz evaluates:

• The number and strength of backlinks to ranking pages
• The authority of domains ranking for the keyword
• The overall competitiveness of the SERPs

A low KD score (0-30) means the keyword is relatively easy to rank for, while a high KD score (70+) indicates strong competition, often dominated by authoritative sites like Wikipedia or Forbes.

Why Keyword Difficulty Matters

• Helps you avoid wasting time on unrealistic keyword targets
• Guides content strategy by identifying achievable ranking opportunities
• Works alongside search volume and business relevance to prioritize keywords

How to Install and Use MozBar for Keyword Difficulty Analysis

Step 1: Install MozBar (Free Chrome Extension)

1. Go to the MozBar Chrome extension page.
2. Click “Add to Chrome” and follow the prompts.
3. Sign in with your Moz account (a free account works, but Pro unlocks full features).

Step 2: Enable Keyword Difficulty in MozBar

1. Click the MozBar icon in your browser.
2. Toggle on “Keyword Difficulty” in the settings.
3. Now, when you Google a search term, MozBar will display the KD score.

Step 3: Interpret Keyword Difficulty Scores

• 0-30 (Easy) – Good for new websites or low-authority pages
• 31-50 (Moderate) – Requires decent backlinks and optimized content
• 51-70 (Hard) – Competitive; need strong domain authority
• 71-100 (Very Hard) – Only established sites can rank

For example, searching “best running shoes” shows a KD of 72, meaning it’s highly competitive. But “best running shoes for flat feet” has a KD of 45, making it a more viable target.

Benefits of Using MozBar’s Keyword Difficulty Tool

1. Finds Low-Competition Keywords Faster

Instead of guessing which keywords are worth targeting, MozBar instantly shows you which terms are within your reach.

2. Saves Time on SEO Research

Manually analyzing SERP competition takes hours. MozBar gives you a quick snapshot of difficulty, so you can focus on strategy.

3. Complements Other SEO Tools

While tools like Google Keyword Planner show search volume, MozBar adds competition insights, helping you choose the best keywords.

4. Improves Content Strategy

By targeting moderate-difficulty keywords, you can create content that actually ranks, rather than shooting for near-impossible terms.

How to Leverage MozBar’s KD for Better SEO Results

1. Balance Keyword Difficulty with Search Volume

• A keyword with low KD but high traffic = golden opportunity
• A keyword with high KD but low traffic = likely not worth it

Use Google Trends to check demand over time.

2. Check Competitor Backlinks

If a keyword has a KD of 50, look at the top-ranking pages. Use Ahrefs or Moz’s Link Explorer to see how many backlinks they have. If they have weak backlinks, you might still outrank them!

3. Target Long-Tail Keywords

Example:

• “SEO tools” (KD: 80) → Too competitive
• “best free SEO tools for small businesses” (KD: 42) → Easier to rank

Long-tail keywords often have lower KD but higher conversion potential.

Limitations of MozBar’s Keyword Difficulty Tool

While MozBar is incredibly useful, it’s not perfect:
❌ Doesn’t Account for Search Intent – A page might rank because it perfectly matches user intent, not just backlinks.
❌ Not Real-Time – SERP competition changes frequently, but Moz updates KD periodically.
❌ Alternative Metrics Exist – Ahrefs’ Keyword Difficulty and SEMrush’s Keyword Difficulty use different algorithms.

For best results, cross-check with other tools before finalizing keywords.

Best Practices for Using MozBar’s KD Tool Effectively

✅ Combine with SERP Analysis – Look at the actual ranking pages. Are they well-optimized?
✅ Prioritize Based on Business Goals – A keyword with lower traffic but high conversions may be better than a high-traffic, low-intent term.
✅ Track Performance Over Time – Use Google Search Console to see if your targeted keywords improve in rankings.

FAQs About MozBar’s Keyword Difficulty Tool

1. What’s a good KD score to target?

• New sites: Aim for KD 0-40
• Mid-level sites: Target KD 30-60
• Established sites: Can compete for KD 60+

2. Is MozBar’s KD accurate?

It’s a strong estimate, but always verify with SERP analysis.

3. Can I use MozBar for local SEO?

Yes! Check KD for local terms like “best dentist in [city]” to find easy-to-rank opportunities.

4. Does MozBar work without a Moz Pro subscription?

The free version shows basic KD scores, but Pro unlocks full metrics like DA/PA and more keyword data.

Final Thoughts: Is MozBar’s Keyword Difficulty Tool Worth It?

Absolutely! MozBar’s KD tool is one of the fastest ways to assess keyword competition. While it shouldn’t be your only SEO tool, it’s a must-have for quick, actionable insights.

Next Steps:

1. Download MozBar and test it on your target keywords.
2. Compare KD scores with search volume and business relevance.
3. Start optimizing content for achievable rankings!

Have you used MozBar’s Keyword Difficulty tool? Share your experience in the comments! 🚀