The e-commerce landscape is filled with untapped opportunities for entrepreneurs willing to look beyond saturated markets. After generating over a million dollars selling low-competition products online as a side business, I’ve discovered that success often lies in finding what people are searching for but can’t easily find.
The strategy is remarkably simple: identify products with high search volume but minimal competition. When you position yourself as the solution to an existing demand that few others are addressing, you can capture significant market share with less marketing effort and lower customer acquisition costs.
The Power of Keyword Research in Product Selection
Before launching any e-commerce venture, understanding search demand is crucial. Products with high search volume and low keyword difficulty (KD) scores represent golden opportunities. A KD score near zero means virtually no established competition is targeting those specific search terms.
I’ve identified nine product categories that demonstrate this perfect combination of high demand and low competition. Each represents a potential six or seven-figure business opportunity for the right entrepreneur.
Nine Low-Competition Products With High Search Potential
1. Typewriter Keyboards (14,000 monthly searches, 0/100 KD)
There’s only one branded website currently dominating this space, with over 3,000 monthly visitors from this single keyword. The retro appeal of typewriter keyboards creates an opportunity to build a nostalgic brand around this product category. Manufacturers on Alibaba readily produce these, making sourcing straightforward.
2. Mushroom Lamps (41,000 monthly searches, 0/100 KD)
With an astonishing 41,000 monthly searches and virtually no branded competition, mushroom lamps represent one of the largest opportunities on this list. While Amazon sellers offer various options, no dedicated brand owns this category. Creating a direct-to-consumer brand called “The Mushroom Lamp” with multiple color options could quickly dominate this search term.
3. Antler Rings (8,200 monthly searches, 3/100 KD)
Wedding rings inlaid with real deer antler appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking unique wedding bands. The primary competitor in this space is generating approximately $5 million annually with exceptional profit margins (products that cost $5-15 to source selling for $200+). The market can easily support additional players.
Products With Specialized Consumer Demands
4. Non-Toxic Air Fryers (15,000 monthly searches, 0/100 KD)
Despite thousands of people searching specifically for non-toxic air fryers each month, no major brand emphasizes this feature in their marketing or product descriptions. While developing an air fryer requires more investment than some other products on this list, creating an eco-friendly brand focused on non-toxic materials could capture this untapped market segment.
5. Closed-Toe Sandals (14,000 monthly searches, 0/100 KD)
While many shoe companies sell closed-toe sandals, almost none optimize their websites for this specific search term. One smaller company, Jerusalem Sandals, receives 4,400 monthly visitors just from this keyword despite having a modest domain authority of 24/100. This demonstrates the opportunity for a focused brand in this space.
High-Ticket Items With Minimal Competition
6. Portable Dishwashers (38,000 monthly searches, 1/100 KD)
With nearly 40,000 monthly searches and minimal competition, portable dishwashers represent a significant opportunity for a branded product. Currently, generic retailers like Home Depot dominate the search results rather than specialized brands. While electronic products require careful supplier vetting to ensure quality and minimize returns, the profit potential makes this worthwhile.
7. Inflatable Pool Bars (19,000 monthly searches, 0/100 KD)
These high-ticket items (selling for $2,300-2,400) have substantial search volume but only one primary competitor. Sourcing from Alibaba at $750-1,300 creates excellent profit margins. Creating a dedicated brand focused solely on inflatable pool bars could quickly capture market share.
- High search volume (19,000 monthly searches)
- Premium price points ($2,300+)
- Excellent profit margins (potential 50%+ markup)
- Only one significant competitor currently in the market
The seasonal nature of this product also creates opportunities for off-season promotions and pre-season sales strategies that could drive additional revenue.
8. Inflatable Couches (10,000 monthly searches, 1/100 KD)
Similar to inflatable pool bars, inflatable couches have substantial search volume with no dedicated brands targeting this keyword. Creating a direct-to-consumer brand focused exclusively on quality inflatable couches could quickly capture a significant portion of this market.
9. Outdoor Egg Chairs (9,300 combined monthly searches, 1/100 KD)
Between the terms “egg chair outdoor” (5,800 searches) and “outdoor egg chair” (3,500 searches), nearly 10,000 people search for this product monthly. Despite this demand, no branded product dominates this category. Creating an enhanced version with features like built-in speakers or cup holders could differentiate your offering in this space.
The Market Gap Strategy
What makes these opportunities so valuable is that they represent proven demand without established competition. Rather than creating a product and hoping people want it, this approach identifies what people are already searching for but can’t easily find.
By focusing on these market gaps, entrepreneurs can build profitable e-commerce businesses with lower marketing costs and faster growth trajectories. The key is moving quickly before others recognize these opportunities.
For those looking to start an e-commerce business or add a profitable product line to an existing operation, these nine product categories represent some of the most promising opportunities available today. The question isn’t whether these products will sell—the search data proves demand already exists—but rather who will be first to properly serve these markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How reliable is keyword research for identifying product opportunities?
Keyword research is highly reliable when done correctly. Search volume data directly indicates consumer demand, while keyword difficulty scores show competition levels. Together, they provide clear insights into market opportunities. The products listed in this article have been verified through multiple keyword research tools to confirm their potential.
Q: What’s the minimum investment needed to start with one of these product ideas?
Investment requirements vary by product. Smaller items like antler rings might require $2,000-5,000 for initial inventory, while higher-ticket items like portable dishwashers could need $10,000-20,000. Beyond inventory, budget for website development ($1,500-3,000), product photography ($500-1,000), and initial marketing ($1,000-3,000 monthly).
Q: How quickly could I expect to see profits from these low-competition products?
With proper execution, many of these products could become profitable within 3-6 months. Products with extremely low competition and high search volume (like mushroom lamps) might see faster returns, while more complex products with higher development costs (like non-toxic air fryers) might take longer to reach profitability.
Q: Are there risks to sourcing products from overseas manufacturers?
Yes, overseas sourcing carries risks including quality inconsistencies, shipping delays, communication challenges, and intellectual property concerns. Mitigate these risks by ordering samples before bulk purchases, using escrow payment services, working with verified suppliers, and conducting video inspections of production runs before shipment.
Q: How do I protect my business if competitors notice these opportunities?
Build defensive moats around your business through brand development, customer loyalty programs, exclusive product features, and content marketing that helps you rank for related terms. Consider applying for design patents for unique product features, and focus on building an email list of customers for direct marketing that doesn’t rely solely on search traffic.