What Are Low Funnel Keywords? (Examples and Tips)

Sometimes, a simple nudge is all that is needed to push a potential buyer over the finish line. But that final push rarely happens by chance.

It is usually the result of a well-planned approach that addresses the actions and motivations of people ready to make a purchase, helping to improve conversion rates. That is where low-funnel keywords become useful.

This approach resonates with why use AI for your keyword research?

In this post I explain how low-funnel keywords may improve conversion rates, provide a table with 10 examples, and offer eight tips for identifying and converting on these high-intent search terms. After that, there is an FAQ section addressing some common challenges. Let’s get started!

What Exactly Are Low-Funnel Keywords?

Low-funnel keywords (also known as “bottom-of-funnel keywords”) are search terms used by people who are very close to making a buying decision.

While top-of-funnel keywords might be broad and exploratory (like “how to choose running shoes”), low-funnel keywords are very specific to purchasing products or services (like “buy waterproof Nike running shoes online”).

Where top-of-funnel searches show that a user is still gathering information, bottom-of-funnel keywords indicate that the person is ready to buy and just deciding on the vendor.

They often include words like “buy,” “discount,” “coupon code,” “for sale,” or brand and product names with “where to buy” queries. They might also be used in near-purchase comparisons (for example, “Product A vs. Product B, best deal”).

Why Low-Funnel Keywords Matter

They matter because:

• They carry clear buying signals.
• Conversions typically happen faster since shoppers are nearly ready to act.
• They help capture users who are on the verge of purchase, which often delivers a better return on investment.

Many businesses focus only on top-of-funnel keywords in hopes of attracting a lot of traffic—only to find that those visitors are less likely to make a purchase. By also reaching people whose searches show immediate interest, you have a much higher chance of sealing the deal.

10 Low-Funnel Keywords & Their Intent

Below is a quick table with 10 low-funnel keywords, each showing a specific buy-now scenario. You can adjust the details based on your niche or product, but these examples should help generate ideas.

It is clear from these keywords that the user is ready to make a move.

8 Tips to Find Low-Funnel Keywords & Convert on Them

Below are some practical tips for both identifying the best lower-funnel keywords in your market and ensuring those keywords lead to more conversions.

1) Analyze Your Existing Buyer Journey

One method is to map out your customer journey from first interaction to purchase. By speaking with your sales or support teams (or by reviewing your own records if you work in a smaller setup), you can identify which search terms or web pages appear right before a customer buys.

You can then use those findings to create new sets of targeted keywords.

Use analytics or CRM data to determine which pages are the final stop before conversion. Identify terms or topics that consistently appear and consider these your key phrases.

2) Look at Competitor Strategies

Occasionally, it helps to check out competitor content or ads to see which bottom-of-funnel phrases they use. If you notice ads with phrases like “buy now” or “save on [brand name],” it is a good indicator that those terms are effective. Use this insight to guide your own strategy rather than copying directly.

Review competitor ad copy, meta titles, and landing pages. Enter their URLs into an SEO tool to see which queries they rank for that suggest high intent.

3) Refine Your Approach with Search Query Reports

Search Query Reports in tools like Google Ads provide details on the exact searches that trigger your ads. These reports can uncover new low-funnel terms that you might have missed or that were captured unintentionally with broad-match keywords.

Check the Search Terms report in your Google Ads account for relevant campaigns or ad groups. Note searches that led to a sale, then optimize your campaigns to include those terms.

4) Use Keyword Tools Focused on Purchase Intent

General keyword tools can sometimes overwhelm you with broad suggestions. Instead, unlike the free keyword generator tool, try the keyword search intent tool that highlights words with strong buying intent.

Look at metrics like cost per click (CPC) and competition levels; higher CPC figures often point to queries with substantial commercial value. Focus instead on terms including “buy,” “order,” “discount,” and “for sale” to generate a list that leans more toward purchase-driven phrases recommended by AI keyword research tool.

Exclude modifiers like “how to” or “why does.” Focus on the purchase-centric terms to craft your list.

5) Develop Targeted Landing Pages

Finding the right keywords is one part of the process. To convert visitors, you must also offer landing pages that match their expectations.

For instance, if someone searches for “buy men’s tennis shoes discount,” avoid directing them to a generic footwear page. Instead, send them to a page focused on men’s tennis shoes and display any promotions or discount codes clearly.

Create or update your landing pages so they clearly correspond with the low-funnel query. Use clear calls to action and highlight available deals, keeping the process simple for the buyer.

6) Segment and Retarget Precisely

Retargeting is essential for reaching bottom-funnel visitors who are on the fence. By segmenting visitors based on actions like viewing a product page, adding items to the cart, or signing up for a trial, you can serve them targeted ads or emails that offer an incentive to complete the purchase.

Set up retargeting segments in platforms such as Google Ads or Facebook. Tailor the messaging to their specific actions, such as reminding them with an ad that says, “Ready to finalize your order?”

7) Use Social Proof and Create a Sense of Urgency

When a buyer is nearly ready to decide, doubts can still hold them back—questions like “Is this product worth the cost?” or “Can I trust this seller?” can arise. Adding customer reviews, testimonials, or star ratings, along with limited-time offers or countdown timers, can help overcome those hesitations.

Feature star ratings, brief testimonials, or trust badges on your landing pages. If appropriate, incorporate limited-time offers or shipping deadlines while keeping the tone honest and straightforward.

8) Test and Tweak Regularly

Even with careful planning, not every keyword or landing page will perform perfectly from the start.

Run A/B tests on aspects such as ad copy, call-to-action text, or discount levels. Sometimes small changes can result in a noticeable lift in your conversion rate. Monitor performance metrics, adopt successful variations, and continue fine-tuning to see what works best with 3 new keyword research tools.

Establish a routine for testing different headlines, images, or CTA button texts. Monitor performance metrics, adopt successful variations, and continue fine-tuning to see what works best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here i have found the most asked question about low-funnel keywords.

How can I recognize a low-funnel keyword instantly?

Look for words or phrases that show a strong intent to make a purchase, such as “buy,” “discount,” “vs,” “pricing,” “free trial now,” “order online,” or “coupon.” These signals suggest that the user has moved beyond research and is ready to buy.

What if I only have a small audience to retarget?

Even a modest retargeting list can be effective if your message is tailored and engaging. Focus on channels that allow flexibility, like social media ads or direct email campaigns, to reach this group.

Is price discounting my only option for boosting conversions?

No. Some shoppers value additional benefits like 24/7 customer support, speedy shipping, or a money-back guarantee. For buyers who are close to deciding, highlighting extra advantages or unique value can be just as effective as offering a discount.

Do I need a large budget for bottom-of-funnel campaigns?

Not necessarily. Bottom-of-funnel campaigns target a smaller, more committed audience compared to broader, top-of-funnel campaigns. Efficient targeting can help boost revenue impact without requiring a huge budget as demonstrated by SEO.AI.

Can I reuse top-of-funnel keywords in my bottom-of-funnel strategy?

It is generally best to use keywords that are specific to the buying process. Top-of-funnel keywords are broader and more informational, whereas bottom-of-funnel keywords should directly reflect a readiness to purchase.

Should I handle bottom-of-funnel leads differently than top-of-funnel leads?

Yes. Leads close to making a purchase respond better to clear offers and direct calls to action. Top-of-funnel leads, by contrast, often need more detailed keyword research. Adjust your approach accordingly.

Is retargeting essential for bottom-funnel success?

While not the only strategy, retargeting can significantly increase the likelihood of converting visitors who leave without buying. It is a strategy worth considering for boosting conversions.

Do I still need to test landing pages at this stage of the funnel?

Yes. Testing is valuable at every stage. Simple adjustments, like changing a headline or a prominent call-to-action, can improve conversion rates even for visitors who are near the end of their decision process.

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