When orchestrating an effective SEO strategy, understanding the importance of long-tail keywords is crucial for driving targeted traffic to your website. These keywords might seem like small details, but they hold immense power in improving your search rankings and attracting the attention of your target audience. So, whether you’re just starting your online business venture or you’re a skilled specialist who is looking for some added pointers, we’re here to help you enhance your strategy in a way that works. 

What are Long-Tail Keywords?

Long-tail keywords are phrases that contain three or more words and are highly specific to a particular topic. Unlike broad or generic short-tail keywords, which typically consist of one or two words (ex. Digital marketing), long-tail keywords are more descriptive and focused. This means that instead of targeting a simple word like “shoes”, you can target “best running shoes for the gym.”

The key difference between long-tail keywords vs. short-tail is their level of specificity. Short-tail keywords have high search volume but are very competitive and general. In contrast, long-tailed keywords are less competitive, targeting more specific queries that often result in higher conversion rates because the search intent is clearer. When users search for long-tail keywords, they are often closer to making a purchase decision, which makes these keywords more valuable for your business. 

Benefits of Long-Tail Keywords

Using long-tail keywords in your content offers several benefits that possess the power to enhance your website’s SEO performance. 

Here are some advantages:

• Less Competition: Since long-tailed keywords are more specific, they typically face less competition compared to short-tailed keywords. This makes it easier for your website to rank high in search engine results pages (SERPs).

• Higher Conversion Rates: Long-tail keywords often lead to higher conversion rates because they match the exact intent of users. For example, someone searching for “best running shoes for the gym” is likely looking to buy, whereas someone searching for “shoes” might just be in the browsing phase. 

• Improved Search Engine Rankings: Focusing on long-tail keywords for SEO can help to improve your overall rankings. Since search engines prioritize content that is highly relevant to specific queries, you’re more likely to be seen as an authoritative source for that particular topic. 

• Better User Engagement: Long-tail keywords often result in better user engagement, as users who find exactly what they are looking for are more likely to stay on your site longer and engage with your content.

• Better User Engagement: Long-tail keywords often result in better user engagement, as users who find exactly what they are looking for are more likely to stay on your site longer and engage with your content.

• Cost-Effective: If you’re using paid search advertising (PPC—Pay-per-click advertising), targeting long-tail keywords is typically more cost-effective. These keywords tend to have lower cost-per-click (CPC) rates due to less competition, which makes them a great choice for PPC campaigns.  

How to Find Long-Tail Keywords

Now that we understand the benefits, the next step is to learn how to find long-tail keywords that will help drive targeted traffic to your website. 

Here are some methods to get started:

1. Use Keyword Research Tools: One of the most effective ways to find long-tail keywords is by using keyword research tools. Google’s Keyword Planner and/or SEMrush are great platforms for discovering long-tail variations of your primary keywords. These tools also help to give you insights into keyword volume, competition, and related searches. 

2. Google Autocomplete: This feature is a simple but powerful tool for discovering long-tail keywords. Start typing a query into Google’s search bar and note the suggestions that are popping up. These are actual search terms that people are using and can help you identify long-tail keywords related to your business. 

3. Use Google “People Also Ask” and “Related Searches”: When you perform a search on Google, you’ll often see a “People Also Ask” section. This provides a list of related questions that users commonly ask. These questions can serve as great long-tail keywords to target in your content. Additionally, scrolling to the bottom of the search results page will show “Related Searches,” which can offer further ideas for long-tail keywords in SEO. 

4. Analyze Competitors: Analyzing the keywords that your competitors are ranking for can also provide you with valuable insights. Tools like SEMrush allow you to see what keywords are driving traffic to other websites in your field, which helps you discover these missed opportunities. 

5. Answering Common Questions: If you frequently get questions from your customers or audience, these queries can be excellent sources for long-tail keywords. Consider using platforms like Reddit to see what your audience is asking and incorporate these ideas as part of your expanding content strategy.

How to Search for Long-Tail Keywords

Once you’ve identified potential long-tail keywords, the next step is to determine how to strategically use them in your content.

Here’s how you can search long-tail keywords to achieve optimal results for SEO: 

• Check Search Volume: Not all long-tailed keywords are created equal. Before integrating them into your content, check their search volume to ensure there’s enough demand. You can use tools like Google Keyword Planner to assess this. 

• Focus on Intent: When searching for long-tail keywords in SEO, it’s important to understand the intent behind the search. Are people looking for information, products, services, or solutions? By aligning your long-tail keywords with the user’s intent, you can create content that meets their needs and increases your chances of ranking. 

• Long-Tail Keyword Variations: Don’t just target one specific long-tail keyword. Include variations of that keyword throughout your content. For example, instead of focusing solely on “best running shoes for the gym,” consider using related variations like “top shoes for the gym” or “running shoes for people who love the gym.” This will help broaden your search while maintaining specificity. 

What are your plans to drive more targeted traffic back to your website? Drop a comment below to tell us more.

Alex Wilks

Alex Wilks has been working as a copywriter and digital marketing strategist since 2018, with added specialties in social media and email marketing. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Communication, she is a natural content writer with the ability to connect well with her target audience.