Content Gaps: A 5-step process to identify and patch the leaks

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If your content isn't converting like it should, you're probably leaking leads — and the culprit is hiding in plain sight: content gaps.

You might have a blog. You might even rank on Google. But if your ideal customers still aren't reaching out, buying, or booking — something's missing. That's where a proper content gaps analysis comes in.

In this guide, you’ll learn a simple 5-step process to uncover those gaps and patch the holes that are costing you traffic, trust, and revenue.

What are content gaps?

Content gaps are the blind spots in your website where valuable search intent goes unanswered. These gaps usually fall into one of three categories:

  • Keyword Gaps – Topics people search for, but you don’t rank for.
  • Journey Gaps – Stages of the buyer’s journey you haven’t covered.
  • Competitor Gaps – Content your competitors have that you don’t.

These aren’t just missed opportunities — they’re open invitations for your competitors to win the leads that should be yours.

Why this matters: Content Gaps = Revenue leaks

Here’s what a content gap looks like in practice:

  • Someone searches "best CRM for solopreneurs" → You don’t appear.
  • Someone compares “Notion vs ClickUp” → You’ve never written about it.
  • Someone Googles your pricing → You have no dedicated page.

Each of these moments is a leak — and over time, they add up to thousands in lost revenue.

The 5-Step content gaps analysis process

Step 1: Inventory what you already have

Start with a content gaps template (spreadsheet or tool). Log:

  • URLs
  • Target keyword
  • Buyer journey stage (TOFU/MOFU/BOFU)
  • Performance metrics (rankings, traffic, leads)

Your goal: get a full view of your content landscape — what exists, what performs, and what’s missing.

Tip: If you use a platform like Semactic, it automatically maps this for you with built-in workflows.

Step 2: Compare against competitors

Now run a content gap tool comparison using Semactic, Ahrefs or Semrush. 

Identify:

  • Keywords they rank for that you don’t
  • Content formats they use (vs, pricing, tools, how-tos)
  • Landing pages or cluster pages that drive traffic

Use a content gaps analysis example to isolate high-intent pages — these often deliver the biggest lift in leads.

Step 3: Map to the buyer journey

Even strong content can miss the mark if it doesn't match intent.

  • TOFU (Top of Funnel): Broad educational topics
  • MOFU (Middle): Tool lists, case studies, how-to comparisons
  • BOFU (Bottom): Pricing, demos, “vs” pages, ROI calculators

Most websites overinvest in TOFU — and neglect BOFU. That’s where leads are lost.

Step 4: Analyze the SERP, not just keywords

Before creating new content, study the Search Engine Results Page (SERP) for your target keyword:

  • What type of content ranks? (blog, tool, video, listicle?)
  • What subtopics or questions appear?
  • Can you add more value, insight, or clarity?

This ensures you’re not just writing — you’re writing to win.

Step 5: Prioritize and patch

Turn your findings into a focused action plan:

  • Prioritize by intent and potential (BOFU > MOFU > TOFU)
  • Dedicate one page per keyword — don’t dilute
  • Include internal links and a clear CTA
  • Track performance by rankings, traffic, and conversions

Bonus: Platforms like Semactic generate your editorial roadmap and assign tasks directly — no need for separate planning tools.

Quick wins to patch content gaps fast

Need a head start? Begin with these:

  • Create a “Competitor vs You” comparison page (bottom-funnel gold)
  • Turn your pricing email into a searchable pricing page
  • Add internal links from high-traffic articles to lead-gen pages

Each closes a small gap. Together, they stop the bleeding.

Final thought: don't just create - Close the gaps

More content ≠ better results.
Better coverage of what your audience actually needs? That’s what drives conversions.

With this 5-step content gaps analysis process, you’ll stop guessing — and start building a content engine that attracts, converts, and compounds.

🔍 Semactic helps marketing teams turn SEO strategy into real business results — fast.

✅ Collaborative workflows
✅ AI-powered insights
✅ Action plans that get done

📈 Ready to make your SEO visible, actionable, and ROI-driven?

👉 www.sematic.com

FAQ

What is a content gap?

A content gap is a missing piece in your content strategy where a user’s search intent isn’t met. It’s the blind spot between what your audience is searching for and what your site actually provides. This includes missing topics, unanswered questions, or content that fails to guide users through their decision-making journey. Content gaps silently leak traffic, leads, and revenue — often in places you don’t expect.

What are the different types of content gaps?

There are three main types of content gaps: Keyword Gaps – Topics your audience is actively searching for, but your site doesn’t rank for. Journey Gaps – Missing content across the buyer journey (e.g. no BOFU content like pricing or comparison pages). Competitor Gaps – Content your competitors have created (and rank for) that you haven’t addressed yet. Each type represents a lost opportunity — and an open door for your competitors.

How to find content gaps?

Start by auditing your existing content. Log each page with its keyword, funnel stage (TOFU/MOFU/BOFU), and performance metrics. Then compare this with competitor content using tools like Semactic, Semrush, or Ahrefs. Finally, analyze the SERP for each keyword to see what’s ranking and what questions go unanswered. The goal: identify high-intent gaps and map them to the buyer journey. Tip: Tools like Semactic automate this process with semantic maps and action-ready workflows.

What is an example of a content gap?

Let’s say you're a CRM software company, and someone searches: “best CRM for solopreneurs” → but you don’t have a page targeting that term. That’s a keyword gap. Or a prospect is comparing: “Notion vs ClickUp” → and you don’t have a competitive comparison page. That’s both a competitor and journey gap. Or someone Googles your pricing, but there’s no dedicated page. That’s a bottom-of-funnel gap — and likely costing you leads.

Céline Naveau

Céline is the co-founder of Semactic, an innovative SEO solution launched in 2020. Passionate about SEO for over 10 years, she has accumulated a wealth of experience as an SEO consultant, with a particular affection for e-commerce and news sites. Before joining Semactic, Céline worked for a well-known digital agency in Belgium, where she coordinated a team of experts in search marketing, social ads and analytics. She also has extensive marketing and project management experience in national and international companies.