Non branded keywords represent the vast majority of search queries online, with research showing that approximately 92% of all searches don't include specific company or brand names, instead focusing on generic product descriptions, solutions, or informational queries. This massive search volume presents an enormous opportunity for businesses to capture potential customers who are actively looking for products or services but haven't yet decided on a specific brand, making non branded keyword optimization essential for expanding market reach and driving organic growth.
About 92% of all online searches use non branded keywords, making them crucial for businesses wanting to reach new customers.
This guide will teach you everything about finding, using, and ranking for these valuable search terms.
Quick Overview: Non Branded Keywords
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| What It Is | Search terms without company names that describe products or services |
| Who Uses It | Marketers, business owners, content creators, SEO specialists |
| Main Benefit | Reach new customers who don’t know your brand yet |
| Difficulty Level | Medium – requires research and strategy |
| Time To Learn | 2-3 weeks for basics, months to master |
| Best For | Growing businesses, new market entry, content marketing |
You’ll learn how to find the right keywords, create content that ranks, and measure your success with these powerful search terms.
What Are Non Branded Search Terms?
Non branded keywords describe what people want without mentioning any company names.
For example, “best running shoes” is non branded while “Nike running shoes” is branded.
These terms help businesses reach people who are shopping around and comparing options.
They make up the biggest part of search traffic because most people start with general terms.
Why Generic Keywords Matter For Your Business
These keywords help you reach customers before your competitors do.
People using non branded terms are often in the early stages of buying something.
Research shows that 70% of purchase journeys start with non branded searches.
Ranking for these terms can bring in customers who never heard of your brand before.
Companies that rank well for non branded keywords get 3x more website visitors than those that only focus on branded terms.
How Unbranded Keywords Work In Search
When someone types a non branded keyword, search engines look for the most helpful content.
Google wants to show pages that best answer what the person is looking for.
Your content needs to match what people want when they search these terms.
The search engine decides which pages to show based on how well they match the search intent.
Key Parts Of A Good Generic Keyword Strategy
| Component | What It Does | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Keyword Research | Find terms your customers use | Shows you what people actually search for |
| Search Intent | Understand what people want | Helps create the right content type |
| Content Creation | Make pages that match searches | Gets you ranked and brings visitors |
| Competition Analysis | See what others are doing | Find gaps you can fill |
| Performance Tracking | Measure your results | Shows what’s working and what isn’t |
These parts work together to help you rank higher and get more visitors from search engines.
Each piece is important for building a strong keyword strategy that brings results.
Benefits Of Using Non Branded Search Terms
Here are the main advantages of focusing on these keywords:
- Reach new customers who don’t know your brand yet
- Get more website traffic from people actively searching
- Cost less than branded keywords in paid ads
- Help you compete with bigger companies
- Build brand awareness with people discovering you
- Create content that serves multiple search terms
These benefits make non branded keywords one of the best ways to grow your online presence.
They help level the playing field between small and large businesses.
Start with keywords your current customers use when they describe your products or services. These often become your best non branded terms.
Common Ways Businesses Use Generic Keywords
Most companies use non branded keywords to create helpful blog posts and guides.
Online stores often target product category terms like “wireless headphones” or “winter coats.”
Service businesses focus on terms like “plumber near me” or “website design tips.”
Software companies create content around terms like “project management software” or “how to track time.”
How To Get Started With Unbranded Keywords
Follow these steps to begin using non branded keywords:
- List what your customers call your products or services
- Use keyword research tools to find related terms
- Look at what your competitors are ranking for
- Group similar keywords together by topic
- Check how many people search for each term
- Pick keywords that match your content goals
- Create content that answers what people are looking for
- Track your rankings and adjust as needed
Start with just 5-10 keywords so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Focus on terms where you can create truly helpful content.
Best Practices For Generic Search Terms
| Practice | How To Do It | Expected Result |
|---|---|---|
| Match Search Intent | Create content that answers the searcher’s question | Higher rankings and more clicks |
| Use Long-tail Keywords | Target specific 3-4 word phrases | Less competition, better conversion |
| Create Quality Content | Write helpful, detailed information | Better user engagement |
| Optimize Page Titles | Include your keyword in the title naturally | Higher click rates from search |
| Build Topic Clusters | Group related keywords on one page | Stronger topical authority |
These practices help search engines understand what your content is about.
They also make your content more useful for people who find it.
Common Mistakes To Avoid With Non Branded Terms
Many people try to stuff too many keywords into their content, which makes it hard to read.
Another mistake is picking keywords that are too competitive for a new website to rank for.
Some businesses create content that doesn’t match what people actually want when they search.
The biggest mistake is not tracking results, so you never know what’s working or what needs to be fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Generic Keywords
How Long Does It Take To Rank For Non Branded Keywords?
Most new content takes 3-6 months to start ranking well in search results.
Competitive keywords can take 6-12 months or longer to reach the first page.
Should I Focus On High Volume Or Low Competition Keywords?
Start with low competition keywords that get decent search volume.
This helps you build authority before going after harder keywords.
How Many Non Branded Keywords Should I Target Per Page?
Focus on one main keyword and 2-3 related terms per page.
This keeps your content focused while covering related search terms.
Can Small Businesses Compete For Popular Generic Terms?
Yes, but focus on long-tail versions of popular terms first.
Build up your authority with easier keywords before targeting the most competitive ones.
Success with non branded keywords comes from understanding what your customers need and creating content that truly helps them solve their problems.
Types Of Non Branded Keywords To Consider
Different types of non branded keywords serve different purposes in your strategy.
Informational keywords help people learn about topics related to your business.
Commercial keywords target people who are comparing products or services.
Transactional keywords focus on people ready to buy or take action.
Understanding Search Volume And Competition
| Search Volume | Competition Level | Best For | Time To Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (under 1,000) | Low | New websites, niche topics | 2-4 months |
| Medium (1,000-10,000) | Medium | Established sites, growing businesses | 4-8 months |
| High (over 10,000) | High | Authority sites, big brands | 8-18 months |
| Very High (over 100,000) | Very High | Major companies, viral content | 12+ months |
Choose keywords that match your website’s current authority and resources.
It’s better to rank well for smaller keywords than not rank at all for big ones.
Creating Content Around Generic Search Terms
Your content should answer the specific question someone has when they search.
Use the keyword naturally in your title, headings, and throughout the text.
Include related terms and synonyms that people might also search for.
Make sure your content is more helpful than what currently ranks on the first page.
Local Vs National Non Branded Keywords
Local keywords include location terms like “dentist near me” or “pizza delivery Chicago.”
National keywords don’t mention any location and compete with websites everywhere.
Local keywords are usually easier to rank for if you have a physical business.
National keywords can bring more traffic but are much harder to rank for.
Measuring Success With Unbranded Search Terms
Track your keyword rankings to see if you’re moving up in search results.
Monitor website traffic from search engines to measure real impact.
Look at conversion rates to see if the right people are finding your content.
Studies show that businesses tracking their keyword performance see 40% better results than those who don’t.
Building Topic Authority With Keyword Clusters
Group related keywords together and create comprehensive content around each topic.
This helps search engines see you as an expert in your field.
Link your related pages together to show the connection between topics.
Topic clusters can help smaller sites compete with larger, more established websites.
The Role Of User Intent In Generic Keywords
| Intent Type | What People Want | Content Type | Example Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|
| Informational | Learn something | Guides, tutorials, articles | “How to bake bread” |
| Navigational | Find a specific site | Homepage, contact pages | “Facebook login” |
| Commercial | Research before buying | Reviews, comparisons | “Best smartphones 2024” |
| Transactional | Make a purchase | Product pages, sign-ups | “Buy running shoes online” |
Match your content type to what people actually want when they search.
This alignment between intent and content is crucial for ranking success.
Seasonal Trends In Non Branded Keywords
Many non branded keywords have seasonal patterns you can use to your advantage.
Plan your content calendar around when people search for certain terms most.
Holiday-related keywords often spike months before the actual holiday.
Weather-dependent keywords follow predictable patterns throughout the year.
Tools And Resources For Keyword Success
If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution to help with keyword tracking and content optimization, AutoPageRank offers automated indexing features that can help speed up how quickly your new content gets found by search engines.
It can help you monitor your keyword rankings and ensure your content gets properly indexed for maximum visibility.
Getting Started With Your Non Branded Keyword Strategy
Start by picking 5-10 keywords that match what your ideal customers are searching for.
Create high-quality content that truly answers their questions and solves their problems.
Remember that success with non branded keywords takes time, but the long-term benefits make it worth the investment.
