KEI
What is KEI (Keyword Efficiency Index) in Growth Hacking?
KEI (Keyword Efficiency Index) is a metric used in growth hacking and SEO to evaluate the potential effectiveness of keywords for content optimization and search engine rankings. It combines search volume and competition level to identify high-value keywords that can drive targeted traffic to a website.
Synonyms: Keyword Effectiveness Index, Keyword Efficiency Indicator, SEO Keyword Metric, Keyword Opportunity Score

Why KEI is Important for Growth Hackers
KEI is a crucial tool for growth hackers looking to optimize their content strategy and improve search engine rankings. By using KEI, marketers can identify keywords that offer the best balance between search volume and competition, allowing them to focus their efforts on terms that are likely to yield the highest return on investment.
How to Calculate and Use KEI
To calculate KEI, you typically use the formula: KEI = (search volume)^2 / competition. The resulting value helps prioritize keywords:
- Gather keyword data (search volume and competition)
- Apply the KEI formula
- Rank keywords based on their KEI score
- Focus on high-KEI keywords for content creation and optimization
Examples of KEI in Action
Let's compare two keywords:
-
"Digital marketing tips" - 10,000 monthly searches, high competition (0.8) KEI = 10,000^2 / 0.8 = 125,000,000
-
"Growth hacking strategies for startups" - 1,000 monthly searches, low competition (0.2) KEI = 1,000^2 / 0.2 = 5,000,000
Despite lower search volume, the second keyword might be more valuable due to less competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's a good KEI score?: Generally, higher KEI scores are better. However, the interpretation can vary based on your niche and goals.
- Does KEI replace other SEO metrics?: No, KEI should be used alongside other metrics like CPC and SERP features for a comprehensive strategy.
- How often should I recalculate KEI?: It's best to recalculate KEI regularly, ideally monthly, as search volumes and competition can change over time.