SOP: Troubleshooting Low Search Volume for Client
Step 1: Check zip code selection
Review the zip codes selected in the campaign.
If only 1 small zip code is selected, search volume may be too limited.
Add more nearby relevant zip codes to expand reach.
Small or narrow service areas will often return fewer results.
Step 2: Check keywords
Keep keywords broad.
Use a maximum of 2 keywords.
Do not use long-tail phrases.
Do not make the keywords too niche or too specific.
Avoid adding city names unless absolutely necessary.
Use words people actually search for, not just industry terms.
Think in terms of broad service interest, not exact business wording.
Step 3: Use Search Volume Estimate
Use the Lead Hacker Search Wizard to estimate whether the keywords have enough search activity:
https://lab.aipreneurs.com/tools/leadhackersearchwizardOnly choose 2 keywords max.
If search volume looks low, replace the keywords with broader alternatives.
Repeat until you find terms with stronger volume and relevant intent.
Example: Martial Arts Client with Low Volume
The client was targeting very specific terms like Muay Thai in Dayton, Ohio, which returned very low or zero results.
What caused the issue
“Muay Thai” was too niche
Dayton is a smaller market
The keyword + location combination was too narrow
What to do instead
Use broader related keywords people are more likely to search for, such as:
MMA
martial arts
boxing
gym
striking
wrestling
personal training
fitness classes
Why this worked better
These broader terms had stronger search activity in the selected area and gave more potential volume than the narrow term “Muay Thai.”
If you are not getting enough volume, always check:
Zip codes (Add as many as possible or do national targeting instead)
Keywords (no more than 2 and follow the instruction for best high volume keyword selection)
Search volume estimate