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The cognition of Google’s latest updates, rising competition, and nan surge of zero-click searches are reshaping visibility and nan SEO industry.
But wherever immoderate players suffer ground, others personification a chance to climb. Gaps successful nan SERPs (search centrifugal results pages) are opening up each azygous day, and savvy marketers who cognize really to spot anemic spots successful SERPs —outdated content, bladed answers, low-quality results—can measurement successful and return over.
In this guide, we’ll break down really to do SERP study to find anemic spots pinch data-driven insights and real-world examples. Let’s dive in.
What’s a “Weak Spot” connected a Google SERP?
In nan sermon of SEO, a "weak spot" connected a Google SERP refers to immoderate rumor successful nan contented aliases method setup of web pages that rank bully but don’t afloat meet personification needs aliases recreation SEO champion practices.
This intends that not each top-ranking pages merit their spot connected Google. Many rank owed to bequest authority, anemic competition, aliases outdated content—leaving gaps that savvy marketers tin exploit. These weak spots in nan SERPs coming opportunities to outperform existing contented and state valuable rankings.
Examples of Weak Spots
Let's spell complete immoderate real-world examples:
1. Outdated Content
Older articles that haven't been updated whitethorn still rank precocious but deficiency existent information. For instance, if you Google “best contented trading trends,” you whitethorn expect to find accusation applicable to 2025. However, you spot this article ranking successful nan apical 3 spots connected Google pinch a past updated time of January 30, 2024:
![AD_4nXcDJpuc8zJ0CuCyHdHXdqrBx-OHX3X4Z1CaAbxRzcrd8XGGA0L01in5IhyG6VX_Qo__3OVjpDpOUsNqp9U0Fk6oBzyUUlJwPnnxI2eQWIB8Dm_Q9CpOoWFkmMzN19-YpF6iG-khXw?key=fvyyiVhKQPy4kHt_ka91aTHE](https://static.semrush.com/blog/uploads/media/20/32/20329ce56e6afe890e6faa658e04ec33/3b9d48d1ec979dcac9d61a69a99d29bc/AD_4nXcDJpuc8zJ0CuCyHdHXdqrBx-OHX3X4Z1CaAbxRzcrd8XGGA0L01in5IhyG6VX_Qo__3OVjpDpOUsNqp9U0Fk6oBzyUUlJwPnnxI2eQWIB8Dm_Q9CpOoWFkmMzN19-YpF6iG-khXw.png)
This is simply a awesome anemic spot; astir group searching for this connection will apt not click nan URL because nan contented is outdated.
2. Low Authority Pages
Websites pinch debased Domain Authority (DA) aliases Page Authority (PA) tin still rank bully for definite keywords owed to debased competition. For example, if you Google “ruby connected rails tutorial,” you’ll spot that Learn Enough To Be Dangerous Blog ranks successful nan apical three.
![AD_4nXdKFJs-Wh0zGIuMwBV9MhYfkeWybBb06t6WKu0NkHGOW7Pwg4a5vVTVkx_h5exYwNeL0B4lSceCJ5mqE8GL2p5b_Fbal4OOYnoOVdxbUuQ6dQSz5ZEKVV4II4HMYOSB5XUWgnCzLg?key=fvyyiVhKQPy4kHt_ka91aTHE](https://static.semrush.com/blog/uploads/media/40/be/40bef19b2eaa0bcb2a58468d6c552e8b/3b2bedb25485710ce37afd82365ab671/AD_4nXdKFJs-Wh0zGIuMwBV9MhYfkeWybBb06t6WKu0NkHGOW7Pwg4a5vVTVkx_h5exYwNeL0B4lSceCJ5mqE8GL2p5b_Fbal4OOYnoOVdxbUuQ6dQSz5ZEKVV4II4HMYOSB5XUWgnCzLg.png)
Interestingly, this page has an Authority Score of 0! Despite this, it ranks bully for this highly competitory hunt term, according to nan SERP study characteristic successful Semrush Keyword Overview.
![AD_4nXcBORL09NuF-c-NoFMpU9zyeMXHD7oRgFiy3wW6XWQmVu-GvuOOfgtPQLlKXuVkBCQSxlff8GL2_nMyrCovR7T0kkOmj7OW8xcq5oNoaVgqWQRxFeAOj4u6suiOUA08LMVv5s77nA?key=fvyyiVhKQPy4kHt_ka91aTHE](https://static.semrush.com/blog/uploads/media/29/02/290234d9d8d75dfb659b737d6e1b6e96/061ea83aa17e421c160b8f1f25bf4ab5/AD_4nXcBORL09NuF-c-NoFMpU9zyeMXHD7oRgFiy3wW6XWQmVu-GvuOOfgtPQLlKXuVkBCQSxlff8GL2_nMyrCovR7T0kkOmj7OW8xcq5oNoaVgqWQRxFeAOj4u6suiOUA08LMVv5s77nA.png)
This business shows that nan page, moreover pinch a debased Authority Score, manages to propulsion important postulation and execute precocious rankings.
![AD_4nXfZLQm_bmTo19Vb1YVaL-59UAme1BqVg_E3DlR4y9tV5rqdJ5IKgzVlytpOupKfu8o2c9vZjUe8CUmJqOT4zKIgblKLKPLrE7XEaQhnZ6wKvf7n15zz1wuxgrRWAdY2EjkF4a41TQ?key=fvyyiVhKQPy4kHt_ka91aTHE](https://static.semrush.com/blog/uploads/media/8e/4c/8e4c715259963b1c8bad3557bc7d12c1/9e81eac6323b61a75847246f474937c8/AD_4nXfZLQm_bmTo19Vb1YVaL-59UAme1BqVg_E3DlR4y9tV5rqdJ5IKgzVlytpOupKfu8o2c9vZjUe8CUmJqOT4zKIgblKLKPLrE7XEaQhnZ6wKvf7n15zz1wuxgrRWAdY2EjkF4a41TQ.png)
This intends you tin outrank it! By creating high-quality contented pinch psyche links and charismatic backlinks, you tin build a amended Authority Score and outperform these lower-authority pages.
3. Poorly Optimized Metadata - Title tag aliases Meta description
Some top-ranking pages deficiency optimized title tags and meta descriptions, which tin lead to small click-through rates.
For example, if you Google “ruby connected rails mistakes,” this page ranks sixth contempt nan title not containing immoderate words from nan hunt query.
This oversight could lead small group to click connected it, peculiarly since nan meta mentation too lacks nan hunt term.
![AD_4nXdU83UR_23YQlsyOUHZdSC1_DuhwdpSN4C1d1BwoupRJUZYKqT-2AgPdt17GswohnIzVwnkm2wiJTNWTN057bZaRqY0OqceoO16QW_w__TaGQpLedQTHd-ubgIAxeIkFKZE5t2gdw?key=fvyyiVhKQPy4kHt_ka91aTHE](https://static.semrush.com/blog/uploads/media/9f/76/9f7657b82e92257d840bb4a6e0edb479/d2ab7b87e81490095ec0576a7be90b21/AD_4nXdU83UR_23YQlsyOUHZdSC1_DuhwdpSN4C1d1BwoupRJUZYKqT-2AgPdt17GswohnIzVwnkm2wiJTNWTN057bZaRqY0OqceoO16QW_w__TaGQpLedQTHd-ubgIAxeIkFKZE5t2gdw.png)
By crafting compelling and keyword-rich metadata, you tin summation your chances of higher rankings and amended personification engagement.
4. Slow Loading Speeds and Poor User Experience (UX)
Pages that load slow aliases aren't mobile-friendly tin frustrate users, starring to higher bounce rates. For example, a website that takes respective seconds to load connected a mobile instrumentality whitethorn deter users from continuing their search.
By optimizing your site's capacity and ensuring a responsive design, you tin amended your rankings complete specified competitors.
You tin usage Google Page Speed Insights to cheque really your contented is loading and spot really it scores:
![AD_4nXf3IW7i7jAFLCXt9qFH2qGihqMRrYHMYPUvndBq4_SjGizfs-sYrkgNxDV90bcZlr9DaLNjJ8cZ0QBw3MzkYSaNArMLT3R8nAlrwiE3V32YioRZ5wkxM9v1wVG63_gjWFa98iYGmA?key=fvyyiVhKQPy4kHt_ka91aTHE](https://static.semrush.com/blog/uploads/media/ec/b9/ecb969916f3c21aa49d65bd1519aa0b3/f37c9519925413cd32897b4c982fa2eb/AD_4nXf3IW7i7jAFLCXt9qFH2qGihqMRrYHMYPUvndBq4_SjGizfs-sYrkgNxDV90bcZlr9DaLNjJ8cZ0QBw3MzkYSaNArMLT3R8nAlrwiE3V32YioRZ5wkxM9v1wVG63_gjWFa98iYGmA.png)
5. Lack of Structured Data
Your competitors who don’t usage schema markup are missing retired connected nan benefits of rich | snippets successful hunt results. For instance, a look blog without strategy accusation will not show cooking times aliases ratings successful nan SERPs, making it small appealing to users. Implementing strategy accusation tin heighten your hunt visibility and summation click-through rates.
By identifying these anemic spots, you tin create a targeted SEO strategy to amended your site's rankings and visibility.
How to Find SERP Weak Spots Manually
The simplest measurement to find ranking opportunities is done observant study of existent hunt results. Let's locomotion done this process utilizing "best java machines" arsenic our example.
When you look astatine nan hunt results for this term, cheque retired nan time it was published. Notice really galore top-ranking pages don’t personification nan astir existent accusation astir nan champion java instrumentality products disposable successful 2025.
This is simply a anemic spot! Searchers will want nan astir up-to-date merchandise recommendations alternatively than outdated content.
![AD_4nXeRR_-OOMJ86Zf182LRBwl7pGYgNmXYV4nMLFPxqhHam5LrhssFg2406qS03Hssa6DaEBsBeL-39J8ioMSv2Bk_2TfiOqGZD5LYHQWLZxUYeLV5HzZ9MXUZ_87_wNArwGmaY-t4?key=fvyyiVhKQPy4kHt_ka91aTHE](https://static.semrush.com/blog/uploads/media/8c/a1/8ca11a1ab5cdda0fd3ee461763741878/80bb25fa7b6e56faae8cb8bd43437fc6/AD_4nXeRR_-OOMJ86Zf182LRBwl7pGYgNmXYV4nMLFPxqhHam5LrhssFg2406qS03Hssa6DaEBsBeL-39J8ioMSv2Bk_2TfiOqGZD5LYHQWLZxUYeLV5HzZ9MXUZ_87_wNArwGmaY-t4.png)
By researching nan existent marketplace for java machines and providing a better, overmuch existent listicle of products, you tin amended your ranking positions for this peculiar SERP.
At nan aforesaid time, you tin proviso higher-quality accusation to imaginable customers searching for these products.
Next, look intimately astatine nan title tags of ranking pages. In our example, only 1 page successful nan apical 10 results really includes nan nonstop building "best java machines" successful its title.
![AD_4nXeQ1bw8w3Z_lYrcNE9hBNUTUviRPR7V8Y_i7PqCTW1L7P1O5RTtJpWCRwSYZBI1GDZuiPY821HG3IYnCm2CmM9MwkQQvrQ4vSqBSM3usyeizXYVjSiVbnk1571PhKxlW8BX9vmKaA?key=fvyyiVhKQPy4kHt_ka91aTHE](https://static.semrush.com/blog/uploads/media/bc/d6/bcd67d09d168ab0ff5281096a372793f/7238b4f4e419e001b8c97e4eeb84fe0a/AD_4nXeQ1bw8w3Z_lYrcNE9hBNUTUviRPR7V8Y_i7PqCTW1L7P1O5RTtJpWCRwSYZBI1GDZuiPY821HG3IYnCm2CmM9MwkQQvrQ4vSqBSM3usyeizXYVjSiVbnk1571PhKxlW8BX9vmKaA.png)
This reveals different weakness successful nan existent results. Searchers explicitly asking for nan champion java machines are seeing results pinch mismatched titles, apt reducing click-through rates.
You tin return advantage of this by optimizing your title tag for nan fixed keyword, thereby providing a overmuch applicable title that users mightiness find overmuch appealing (and beryllium overmuch apt to click on).
Tip: There is simply a free instrumentality called Mangools SERP Simulator you tin usage to waste and acquisition cleanable title tags and meta descriptions, allowing you to spot precisely really your integrated snippets will look earlier deploying them connected your unrecorded website.
![AD_4nXdKdlexIQspxurnAY4Eya-mMGmO-eSsLQppgah9_Gs8yEMchRRaxOcuvsBi98E57JrQYc5ldfGNsQgSxFTea-nkj7OftjhZgZLuc5N-ndRVinoxuQCkpO9bqnwLiB8UvKFUL9auBQ?key=fvyyiVhKQPy4kHt_ka91aTHE](https://static.semrush.com/blog/uploads/media/57/3c/573c9e312eaa82a9edd8168195aa7a02/c7d324bdb14b86d632799e5fb3ce9f3f/AD_4nXdKdlexIQspxurnAY4Eya-mMGmO-eSsLQppgah9_Gs8yEMchRRaxOcuvsBi98E57JrQYc5ldfGNsQgSxFTea-nkj7OftjhZgZLuc5N-ndRVinoxuQCkpO9bqnwLiB8UvKFUL9auBQ.png)
Beyond titles and dates, you tin analyse nan contented grade and method components of ranking pages.
For example, if you create a reappraisal web page for a java instrumentality and want to rank for nan keywords “smeg espresso instrumentality review”, you tin instrumentality reappraisal schema markup connected pinch anchor links starring to nan astir important parts of nan contented connected nan page. This tin importantly amended nan visibility of nan integrated snippet.
![AD_4nXc_G6wvG0qm1Wh-FSiTo4s_0-fMtW6PfzZEkteERExD0VPk-bMPDUCKhxoESYi0avGutQNTC-R1kDW7cOMkGYN1WVfI6pKlFlz_AugskvyXnNWJbRfhAYeNyZgfHLnrApk0riOKxg?key=fvyyiVhKQPy4kHt_ka91aTHE](https://static.semrush.com/blog/uploads/media/19/bc/19bc9c12777dd94a8171ee8d08200eae/6c0a98fdaacc87732cb4c302bc4f5d7b/AD_4nXc_G6wvG0qm1Wh-FSiTo4s_0-fMtW6PfzZEkteERExD0VPk-bMPDUCKhxoESYi0avGutQNTC-R1kDW7cOMkGYN1WVfI6pKlFlz_AugskvyXnNWJbRfhAYeNyZgfHLnrApk0riOKxg.png)
Finding anemic spots manually tin beryllium a useful approach, but if you want to execute quicker results and streamline nan process, utilizing a instrumentality is nan measurement to go.
Let’s return a look astatine really you tin leverage SERP Gap Analyzer to find anemic spots and amended your SEO strategy overmuch efficiently.
Streamlined SERP Analysis pinch SERP Gap Analyzer
SERP Gap Analyzer automates nan process of uncovering anemic ranking opportunities. Instead of manual analysis, nan instrumentality identifies SERPs pinch poor-quality contented successful nan apical 10 positions.
SERP Gap Analyzer has 2 main functions: optimizing existing contented and uncovering caller contented opportunities.
Optimizing Existing Content
One of nan astir beneficial things you tin do pinch SERP Gap Analyzer is to reappraisal your existing contented and spot those that could rank higher pinch targeted improvements.
Here’s really you tin do it:
- Start by clicking Optimize Existing Content successful nan apical navigation.
![AD_4nXcc0JEbOZru9VEEUfMkQLQHcwS_LruviVH6CiIyU4f0IzMxmB96Y-ixt_E0-w8NzlVuSREz8K0D7DuiFvnWtYdVscfEimelujRhWPlkCG4q6eWvx77l2xUeu4FaqhO0kzq6B3Ck2Q?key=fvyyiVhKQPy4kHt_ka91aTHE](https://static.semrush.com/blog/uploads/media/fe/de/fede22378cbf0f92572f0b57657fbb16/a02901a20d511fdd6922a2fb615bb5b1/AD_4nXcc0JEbOZru9VEEUfMkQLQHcwS_LruviVH6CiIyU4f0IzMxmB96Y-ixt_E0-w8NzlVuSREz8K0D7DuiFvnWtYdVscfEimelujRhWPlkCG4q6eWvx77l2xUeu4FaqhO0kzq6B3Ck2Q.png)
- Select your Google Search Console property.
![AD_4nXe44hcSY9HvvOetcs-qf8Fk3aQOwszYovYyrZ17SVagqYk1I7rwEDS99OypBvdDlvKckzya6z43_uYaMePTlprvAUzJtrNn2dBGDprzFoPEMtIbeFUgv9gSdF1LzbSi_DiGo0x1lA?key=fvyyiVhKQPy4kHt_ka91aTHE](https://static.semrush.com/blog/uploads/media/3f/cf/3fcf984fdb89f02f49bdcd4582e075bd/4dd03a1ec0804a02f2032e5f72d2c96a/AD_4nXe44hcSY9HvvOetcs-qf8Fk3aQOwszYovYyrZ17SVagqYk1I7rwEDS99OypBvdDlvKckzya6z43_uYaMePTlprvAUzJtrNn2dBGDprzFoPEMtIbeFUgv9gSdF1LzbSi_DiGo0x1lA.png)
- Open up your study showing you pages that are losing rankings connected Google and nan anemic spots you petition to fix. Then, premier nan page to position what you petition to change.
![AD_4nXcxpcM-e-lrNvGGTyK3NUvJ6KvWAgHyouVWXBV3ydimx0fg64uSP8H_dSSSkc_JLktWaoFES0RypsRKtv3ffORnM8YcHO2aHM4s63u1r9BIyxlNNO3YGQgaaAulBGEH21i6MlxyjA?key=fvyyiVhKQPy4kHt_ka91aTHE](https://static.semrush.com/blog/uploads/media/25/99/2599fe1b2e3dddde8cf0d2e51446677e/f4a33d62e007bf07a503d8fb1bd9a8e2/AD_4nXcxpcM-e-lrNvGGTyK3NUvJ6KvWAgHyouVWXBV3ydimx0fg64uSP8H_dSSSkc_JLktWaoFES0RypsRKtv3ffORnM8YcHO2aHM4s63u1r9BIyxlNNO3YGQgaaAulBGEH21i6MlxyjA.png)
![AD_4nXfcVQ5_LfVUjnbyQvsA-RQNVdcuwytiDs0NuysNLSToAYJSy1sNR9tnhCUnO3siKG2mtJBKb6I-gze8JZBXlO448EWHCyRsJc7nL531eSwQrcINsN-_V2caSmH1Nv_5kV4un780KQ?key=fvyyiVhKQPy4kHt_ka91aTHE](https://static.semrush.com/blog/uploads/media/ae/c6/aec67467d7ccdae2cd078312434c2ab1/535857ac7770380001ecd858d8e6ac54/AD_4nXfcVQ5_LfVUjnbyQvsA-RQNVdcuwytiDs0NuysNLSToAYJSy1sNR9tnhCUnO3siKG2mtJBKb6I-gze8JZBXlO448EWHCyRsJc7nL531eSwQrcINsN-_V2caSmH1Nv_5kV4un780KQ.png)
Creating New Content
Now let’s find immoderate marque caller keywords to target pinch caller contented connected our website.
- Click “Create New Content” and participate your website URL connected pinch a seed topic.
![AD_4nXcNVfv0AbmgrQd6rNk1pmnWXAzm2owRsKVbWO-zuuZlw09wvYa78I1R8KRzrQndQXfhAAJeg0oVRhF4lbMPZe5AItBKyr7Jf1jeNgjy64g0bDyLxj4YTM2gYa3yzQKANjnlcU-Tug?key=fvyyiVhKQPy4kHt_ka91aTHE](https://static.semrush.com/blog/uploads/media/20/9d/209de7469e7096b80e7c6696712ef04c/083a14d5cfcf26e63a8dd2583718b9a3/AD_4nXcNVfv0AbmgrQd6rNk1pmnWXAzm2owRsKVbWO-zuuZlw09wvYa78I1R8KRzrQndQXfhAAJeg0oVRhF4lbMPZe5AItBKyr7Jf1jeNgjy64g0bDyLxj4YTM2gYa3yzQKANjnlcU-Tug.png)
- Click “Find Keywords” to investigation recommended opportunities and why each mightiness beryllium easier to rank for.
![AD_4nXcHQvwVs5HqLO4Lbl_lUdTWK-q48ouebEZlogsw11bWhONmxLjQUHt7fGbDcUjg4F1hVC8g33UkxcGKMO3f5AiGZr6RdStexJSxGjB9e1F5cruajUnfmVFpGzUQB4ykqIA5yG01?key=fvyyiVhKQPy4kHt_ka91aTHE](https://static.semrush.com/blog/uploads/media/38/67/38676aa2ddbf5307295780ec47d8181a/c108c29338ca5dbbb0ea60239a5aa29d/AD_4nXcHQvwVs5HqLO4Lbl_lUdTWK-q48ouebEZlogsw11bWhONmxLjQUHt7fGbDcUjg4F1hVC8g33UkxcGKMO3f5AiGZr6RdStexJSxGjB9e1F5cruajUnfmVFpGzUQB4ykqIA5yG01.png)
The keywords nan app suggests typically banal astatine slightest 3 anemic spots successful their SERPs. For example:
- The sites ranking successful nan apical 10 personification small authority and little backlinks compared to. your site
- The title tag does not lucifer nan hunt query successful nan apical 10 results
- The contented successful apical 10 results is outdated
- The contented is bladed contented (less than 800 words)
- The contented has mediocre Google Page Speed Insights group
- Poor readability detected successful apical 10 results
- High spam group domains ranking successful nan apical 10 results
- Outdated Reddit, LinkedIn, Instagram, X posts ranking successful apical 10
![AD_4nXeWXDs4AcTZknmIGB7Nlve8pNHVXS2OfmTKS6tw0_ntiPM6qqF9WGc044akKmcbeA-H8l_zyUlwM0IlLU1ZJliAC8smT9loKcgf5r4NlVporBGFeL7eUNmBsTMWuW3tMyaw5aGc?key=fvyyiVhKQPy4kHt_ka91aTHE](https://static.semrush.com/blog/uploads/media/c1/ae/c1aeef3c92690c6f5d3dce4072452596/5d3f67b03f2a9696416a55242a86fec7/AD_4nXeWXDs4AcTZknmIGB7Nlve8pNHVXS2OfmTKS6tw0_ntiPM6qqF9WGc044akKmcbeA-H8l_zyUlwM0IlLU1ZJliAC8smT9loKcgf5r4NlVporBGFeL7eUNmBsTMWuW3tMyaw5aGc.png)
These opportunities are your low-hanging fruit: celebrated keywords pinch important flaws successful nan existent apical results, making them ripe for targeting.
![AD_4nXdK6HRnTWVkV6wRmxWioo0B-hVIHnN8gmjIkASV-Qd8jWvizahjPFx0A7RDZwia-ZJ7E2Qrj9bFZvYVcYmU3BfYnGtU-FbnIF528DBCelJyAEx19xOzUbyzyCuE32IZ1orhVyxsyA?key=fvyyiVhKQPy4kHt_ka91aTHE](https://static.semrush.com/blog/uploads/media/3d/e9/3de9e4c28f98477ac15992730e1e4b8a/008579aceb808001a3b69e8431761410/AD_4nXdK6HRnTWVkV6wRmxWioo0B-hVIHnN8gmjIkASV-Qd8jWvizahjPFx0A7RDZwia-ZJ7E2Qrj9bFZvYVcYmU3BfYnGtU-FbnIF528DBCelJyAEx19xOzUbyzyCuE32IZ1orhVyxsyA.png)
Take nan Next Step
Finding anemic spots successful Google's hunt results will thief you create contented that tin rank higher. While you tin find these opportunities manually by analyzing outdated content, mediocre titles, and method issues, nan SERP Gap Analyzer makes this process quicker and overmuch efficient.