Intermediate
How to analyze content performance gaps on Semrush
Quick Answer
Analyze content performance gaps on Semrush by using the Content Gap tool under the Competitive Research section. Compare your domain with competitors to identify keywords they rank for but you don't, then prioritize opportunities based on search volume and difficulty.
Prerequisites
- Active Semrush subscription
- Your domain added to projects
- Competitor domains identified
- Basic understanding of SEO metrics
1
Access the Content Gap Tool
Log into your Semrush account and navigate to Competitive Research > Content Gap in the left sidebar. This tool will help you identify keyword opportunities your competitors are capturing that you're missing.
Tip
Bookmark the Content Gap tool for quick access during regular competitor analysis sessions.
2
Enter Your Domain and Competitors
In the Enter domain field, input your website URL. Then add up to 4 competitor domains in the Competitors section. Click the Compare button to generate the analysis. Choose competitors that are similar in size and target the same audience for the most relevant insights.
Tip
Use Semrush's Organic Competitors report to identify your top competitors if you're unsure which domains to analyze.
3
Configure Gap Analysis Settings
Set your target country and device type using the dropdown menus at the top. Choose Missing from the filter options to see keywords your competitors rank for but you don't. You can also select Weak to find keywords where competitors significantly outrank you (they're in top 10, you're below position 10).
Tip
Start with 'Missing' keywords as these represent the biggest content gaps and quickest wins.
4
Analyze Keyword Opportunities
Review the results table showing keywords, search volume, keyword difficulty, and competitor positions. Click on Volume or KD% column headers to sort by search volume or keyword difficulty. Focus on keywords with high search volume (500+) and medium difficulty (30-70 KD%) for optimal targeting opportunities.
Tip
Look for long-tail keyword clusters around similar topics to create comprehensive content pieces.
5
Examine SERP Features
Check the SERP Features column to identify keywords that trigger featured snippets, image packs, or other special results. Click on any keyword to view the full SERP analysis. Prioritize keywords with featured snippets as these offer high-visibility opportunities.
Tip
Keywords with featured snippets often have lower click-through rates but provide excellent brand exposure and authority building.
6
Export and Filter Results
Use the filter options at the top to narrow results by search volume range, keyword difficulty, or SERP features. Click Export to download your findings as a CSV file. Create separate exports for different keyword difficulty ranges to organize your content strategy by priority levels.
Tip
Set up custom filters to focus on commercial intent keywords by including terms like 'buy', 'best', 'review', or 'comparison'.
7
Create Content Strategy
Click on individual keywords to access the Keyword Overview for detailed insights including trend data, related keywords, and top-ranking pages. Use the Add to Keyword List button to organize selected opportunities. Build content briefs around keyword clusters and gaps you've identified.
Tip
Group similar keywords into content themes to create comprehensive pillar pages that target multiple related terms.
Troubleshooting
No results showing in Content Gap analysis
Ensure your domain and competitors are entered correctly with proper URLs. Try removing 'www' or changing from HTTP to HTTPS. Verify that both domains have sufficient organic keyword data in Semrush's database.
Limited keyword opportunities appearing
Adjust your country and language settings to match your target market. Try analyzing additional competitors or change the gap type from 'Missing' to 'Weak' to see more opportunities where you're underperforming.
Keyword difficulty scores seem inaccurate
Keyword difficulty is calculated based on current top 10 results. Cross-reference with Keyword Overview for more detailed competition analysis and consider your domain's authority when evaluating difficulty.
Export function not working properly
Check your browser's popup blocker settings and ensure you have sufficient export credits remaining on your Semrush plan. Try clearing browser cache or using an incognito window if the download fails.
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