Back in 2009, I recorded a video demonstrating a niche keyword research tool called Micro Niche Finder. That specific tool no longer exists, but the process I walked through is exactly how successful niche marketers still find profitable keywords today. Here is the approach, updated for modern tools.
The Niche Keyword Research Process
The goal of niche keyword research is straightforward: find search terms with decent traffic volume and low enough competition that a new site can realistically rank for them. In my original case study, I started with the broad term “dog grooming” and worked my way down to something specific and winnable.
Step 1: Start broad. Type your general topic into your keyword research tool. In 2026, good options include Ahrefs, Semrush, KeySearch, or the free Google Keyword Planner. I entered “dog grooming” and found 90,000 monthly searches, but massive competition. That is typical for broad terms.
Step 2: Go narrower. Look at the longer-tail variations. “Dog grooming supplies” had 8,100 monthly searches with moderate competition. Better, but still tough for a brand-new site.
Step 3: Find the sweet spot. I kept looking and found “dog grooming scissors” with about 3,000 monthly searches and very low competition. The sites ranking on page one had almost no backlinks. This was a keyword a new site could realistically compete for.
Step 4: Check domain availability. In the original case study, I registered an exact-match domain. In 2026, exact-match domains are less important for SEO than they used to be. Focus more on choosing a memorable, brandable domain name. The keyword should appear in your page titles and content, not necessarily your domain.
What Modern Tools Offer
Today's keyword research tools provide much richer data than what was available in 2009. You can see keyword difficulty scores, estimated traffic value, content gap analysis, and competitor backlink profiles. Here is what to look for:
- Keyword difficulty score: Most tools rate competition on a scale. For new sites, target keywords with difficulty scores below 30.
- Search intent: Modern tools help you understand whether searchers want information, are comparing products, or are ready to buy. This affects how you monetize the content.
- SERP analysis: Look at who is currently ranking. If page one is dominated by major brands and authority sites, move on. If you see forums, thin content, or small niche sites, there is opportunity.
- Related keywords: Build a cluster of related keywords around your main target. This helps you create comprehensive content that ranks for multiple terms.
The Fundamental Lesson
Tools change constantly. The keyword research tool I used in 2009 is long gone. The process, however, is the same: start broad, narrow down, evaluate competition, and target the opportunities where you can realistically win. Learn the process, not just the tool, and you will be able to adapt no matter what the keyword research landscape looks like in the years ahead.
Mark I’ve been toying with the idea of buying Micro Niche Finder for ages. Thanks for the tutorial, it was really helpful. One question, the number of searches that it shows, is that pulled from Google’s free keyword tool and is it exact, phrase or broad match numbers?
Looking forward to the next tutorial. 🙂
Hey Michelle. As I understand it, the tool pulls directly from the Google AdWords Keyword external tool (not SKTool). If you look in the video, you can see 3 tabs (broad/phrase/exact). So, all three search counts are available. I was showing exact in the video — which is what I recommend for this sort of thing.
Is there a big difference between this product and keyword elite 2?
This is a Great Video and I am really excited to see your Firepow video.
Thanks much.
Wayne
The Keyword tool I wrote (had written, actually — I did the algo but I had someone else do the code) is called Keyword Analyzer. It is specifically targeted at finding keywords that meet criteria set for the $5 Forumula.
I never released the tool to the public.
@Increase — not sure really. My impression is that KE2 has more features but that MNF is easier to use. To be honest, I have not looked closely at KE2. I currently have 4 paid KW tools, 3 free ones and 1 that I wrote myself. KE2 is the odd man out in my business (just by luck of the draw).
@Mark Mason – What keyword tool did you write yourself?
Mark, I’m looking forward to seeing your next video! I love these experiments. Congrats again on the baby, we should talk dad talk in a couple months when it happens for me too 🙂
Cheers bud, Happy Thanksgiving!
That’s a great review of Micro Niche Finder, Mark. I bought it just a week ago after using several other keyword products (free and paid over the past couple of years).
Someone asked about KeyWord Elite 2. Yes, I tried that. It’s an excellent application, very comprehensive, but it just didn’t match my particular way of thinking and working.
Micro Niche Finder, though, fits me just perfectly. Everything that I want for this first stage of a project is there on a single screen. Only last night I was looking for something in a highly competitive area of the health care market. It found me a keyword phrase with low SOC, extremely low backlinks estimate, >3000 ‘exact’ searches a month, few competiitor sites, and a URL available. What’s more it found me a product to promote.
This follows on a previous similar experience last weekend with one of my crazy new ideas in the pets market. It’s too early to say that Micro Niche Finder has paid back its cost, but I’m confident that it’s going to, and very quickly.
I hate people that try to play it off like they are doing an honest “review”
You only made this “review” to make money from the affiliate link, period!
“I’ve been playing around tonight with the latest download of Micro Niche Finder, by James Jones. James has added some features, and quite frankly, they’re so cool I thought it would be fun to go ahead and make a video and show you what’s going on with Micro Niche Finder 4.62,”
You should be upfront buddy….No problem making money and helping people at the same time, but you are hiding behind the curtain.
Hey Bob;
Appreciate the feedback Bob.
Well, the post is not really a review — it’s more like a demo where I show how I actually use the tool. On top of that, there is a giant disclosure right at the bottom of the post (every post on this blog in fact).
In any case, the truth of the matter is that I usually only recommend stuff that I actually use. MNF is my preferred keyword tool (I use it about 80% of the time). I have several videos on the topic, and assist with testing new versions.
I really do think that this is the best tool to have (if you only are going to have one tool) — especially if you are a beginner. I also really do think it is cool.
It is also true that if you buy it through my link that I will earn a commission (but since this blog is about affiliate marketing and full of disclosures, that is not really a surprise to most readers).
Now Bob, I don’t mean to discount your comments – but I am about as upfront as they come.
Regards,
Mark
P.S. — just for fun you should read this comment from the reader of this post that appreciates my upfront disclosure policy (came in just after your comment) — LOL
http://www.masonworld.com/article-marketing/what-you-can-promote-using-article-marketing/