Understanding Keyword Difficulty: The Foundation of "Hard Rated"
The phrase "what percentage are hard rated" lacks a single, universal answer because the term 'hard rated' is not a standardized metric, especially within the context of search engine optimization (SEO). Instead, it refers to keywords that have a high 'difficulty score' as determined by various SEO software companies. These scores are proprietary and are based on different factors, including the authority of the websites currently ranking for that keyword, the number and quality of their backlinks, and overall search volume. A keyword considered "hard" by Semrush might be labeled slightly differently by Ahrefs or Moz, meaning there is no one percentage that applies across the board. A general rule of thumb, however, is that keywords scoring 70 or higher on a 100-point scale are typically considered hard or very hard. For example, a new website might find ranking for a keyword with a 45 difficulty score to be "hard," while an established authority site could easily tackle a keyword rated at 75.
What Do SEO Tools Mean by "Hard"?
Most SEO tools provide a keyword difficulty score ranging from 0 to 100. The higher the number, the more effort (and often, higher domain authority) is required to rank on the first page of search results. While the exact methodology is different for each tool, they all essentially measure the competitive landscape of a specific search query. For a brand new site, any keyword above 30 might seem challenging, but for a domain with a strong backlink profile and high authority, the threshold for a "hard" keyword is much higher. The percentage of keywords in any database that are "hard rated" depends on the niche and overall competition. Highly commercial or generic terms like "credit cards" or "best dog food" are almost always hard, while long-tail keywords are much easier.
How Scores Translate to Rankings
To effectively compete for hard-rated keywords, a robust and long-term content strategy is essential. It's not enough to simply create a well-written article; you must demonstrate significant authority on the subject. This involves creating superior, comprehensive content that offers more value than what your competitors are providing. In many cases, it also requires acquiring high-quality backlinks from other reputable websites. In contrast, easier keywords can often be targeted by new sites with a solid content strategy and on-page optimization, even without a massive backlink profile. Therefore, understanding what percentage are hard rated is less about a static number and more about assessing your own website's authority against the competition for a given keyword.
Contexts Beyond SEO: "Hard Rated" in Other Industries
While the primary search intent for this query is likely SEO, it is important to acknowledge that the term "hard rated" can have other meanings. Answering the question completely requires addressing these alternative contexts.
The "Hard Rated" Alcoholic Beverage
In Australia, for instance, "Hard Rated" is a brand name for an alcoholic lemon beverage. This came about after a previous product name was changed following a regulator ruling. The drink is available in different variants with varying alcohol percentages, such as 4.5% and 6.0%. In this case, the rating refers to its alcohol content, which is literally "hard" compared to its non-alcoholic counterpart. The percentage associated with this is the ABV (Alcohol by Volume), not a difficulty score.
Media Content Ratings
Another interpretation is media content ratings. A 2009 study on film content found that movies with more restrictive MPAA ratings (like 'R') had increased portrayals of tobacco and alcohol use. The study revealed a high overlap in content between R-rated and PG-13 films, suggesting the rating system wasn't fully effective at distinguishing based on content. The percentage in this context refers to the proportion of films or content with a specific rating containing mature themes.
How to Approach a "Hard Rated" Keyword
Use Long-Tail Keywords
Instead of directly targeting broad, hard-rated keywords, focus on longer, more specific "long-tail" keywords. For example, instead of "best content marketing," try "B2B content marketing strategy for small business." This approach targets a more specific user intent and faces less competition, giving a newer site a realistic chance to rank.
Create High-Quality, Authoritative Content
For any keyword you target, especially those with moderate to high difficulty, your content must be exceptional. This means going beyond the basics to provide comprehensive, well-researched, and unique information. Top-ranking articles for hard keywords are often long-form and offer deep insights. By producing superior content, you increase your chances of attracting backlinks naturally and positioning yourself as an authority.
Build Strong Backlinks
Backlinks are a significant factor in SEO and are especially crucial for ranking for hard keywords. A solid link-building strategy involves earning links from reputable, high-authority websites. This signals to search engines that your content is trustworthy and valuable. High-difficulty keywords often require a significant number of high-authority referring domains to support quality content.
Comparison of Keyword Difficulty Scores
| Feature | Semrush (KD) | Ahrefs (KD) | Moz (Difficulty) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating Scale | 0-100 | 0-100 | 0-100 |
| Hard Range (Approx) | 70-84 | 50-69+ | 61-100 |
| Scoring Basis | Competitor analysis, number of referring domains. | Number of referring domains needed to rank. | Page and domain authority, backlink metrics. |
| Best Use Case | Competitive analysis, keyword strategy. | Link building strategy. | Holistic SEO planning. |
Conclusion
In summary, there is no single percentage for what percentage are hard rated because the term is subjective and dependent on the specific SEO tool used, as well as a website's own authority. For new and small businesses, a "hard-rated" keyword might be anything over a 30-40 difficulty score, whereas established brands can compete for keywords in the 70+ range. To succeed, focus on creating high-quality content that addresses user intent, utilize long-tail keywords to reduce competition, and build a strong backlink profile. By approaching keyword strategy with nuance rather than chasing a single percentage, you can effectively navigate the complexities of SEO and improve your rankings over time.
To learn more about implementing structured data for better search visibility, see the guide on JSON-LD Schema: https://ignitevisibility.com/everything-to-know-about-json-ld-for-seo/
