Why Don't I See Search Volume for My Topics?

Written By Tom van den Heuvel

Last updated 9 days ago

This is Normal for AI Search

AI search queries work differently than traditional Google searches:

Traditional Google: "nike running shoes"
AI Assistant: "what are the best running shoes for beginners with flat feet under $150?"

AI searches are:

  • Longer and more conversational

  • More specific to individual needs

  • Lower individual volume, but highly targeted

What the Data Means

Our search volume data comes from aggregated AI platform queries. Low or missing volume doesn't mean a topic is bad—it often means:

  1. Query is highly specific: Valuable but niche

  2. New search pattern: AI users ask questions in unique ways

  3. Data limitation: Our provider doesn't capture all AI searches

Focus on Opportunity Score Instead

The Opportunity score combines multiple factors:

  • Search intent (commercial vs informational)

  • Competition level

  • Relevance to your products

  • CPC value (commercial worth)

A topic with "0" search volume but "High" opportunity can still drive valuable traffic.

Example

Topic: "biodegradable camping soap for sensitive skin"
Search Volume: 20/month
Opportunity: High

This topic has low volume but high commercial intent. The 20 people searching are actively looking to buy, making it more valuable than a high-volume informational query.

Bottom line: Use search volume as one indicator, not the only indicator. Opportunity score is more important for AI search optimization.