Striking distance
Striking distance refers to keywords for which a page already ranks just outside the top positions, typically positions 11 to 20, where a small push can move it onto page one.
These keywords are valuable because the hard part is done: Google already considers the page relevant enough to rank near the top. Moving from position 12 to position 8 usually takes far less effort than ranking a brand new page, and the traffic gain is large because page-two clicks are scarce.
Striking-distance pages are prime targets for link building. A handful of relevant contextual link placements, plus tightening on-page content and adding internal link support from authoritative pages, can be enough to cross into the top 10. Because the page is already proven, the return on each link is high.
Find these opportunities in Google Search Console or a rank tracker by filtering for queries ranking in positions 11 to 20 with meaningful impressions. Prioritize ones with commercial intent and decent search volume, then concentrate your anchor diversity and internal links on those specific URLs.