Methodology
A weighted score that keeps scale in check
Search volume is logarithmic, so a huge head term cannot overwhelm every other input. Demand contributes 40 points, CPC contributes 20, and business relevance contributes 40. Keyword difficulty then reduces the combined score by up to 80%.
volume = min(1, log10(search volume + 1) ÷ 5)
score = (40×volume + 20×min(CPC÷5, 1) + 40×relevance÷5) × (1 − 0.8×difficulty÷100)
How to use it
Score a batch of candidate keywords using metrics from the same provider. Assign relevance honestly: five means the query directly describes what you sell, while one means it is peripheral. Sort by score, then review SERP intent and content cost before committing.
Example and limitations
At 1,500 monthly searches, difficulty 35, $1.50 CPC, and relevance 4, the score balances meaningful demand and fit against moderate competition. It remains a prioritization aid—not a traffic forecast. Difficulty metrics vary by provider, CPC can be volatile, and the formula cannot see the actual result page.