I’m sure you have heard of keywords, but have you heard of long-tail keywords? In this blog, you’ll learn what long-tail keywords are and how useful these keywords are to your content strategy.
What are Long Tail Keywords?
Long-tail keywords are a specific type of keyword that is more specific and targeted than generic keywords. They are often used by businesses to identify specific needs that their customers may have and to create content and products that cater to those needs.
For example, if you run a pet store, you might use long-tail keywords like “pet food for large breeds” or “pet supplies for puppies” to target potential customers who are looking for specific products or services. By using these types of keywords, you can better understand what your customers need, and create content and marketing strategies that speak directly to their needs.
Why Long-Tail Keywords Matter?
Long-tail keywords are important because they allow businesses to target specific customers with specific needs. By using these keywords, businesses can create content that is more relevant to their customers, and drive better conversions as a result.
In addition, long-tail keywords tend to have less competition than generic keywords, making them easier to rank on search engines. This means that businesses that use long-tail keywords can get more traffic and visibility without having to invest as much time and effort into their SEO campaigns.
Overall, long-tail keywords are an important tool for businesses of all sizes. By understanding how to use them, businesses can create content that is more targeted, relevant, and likely to convert.
Should You Use Long-Tail Keywords?
There’s no simple answer to this question – it depends on your business, your goals, and your competition. But we’ll break down the pros and cons of using long-tail keywords so you can make the best decision for your website.
Pros of Using Long Tail Keywords
1. More Specific Traffic: Long-tail keywords are highly specific, as they usually consist of several words. This means that when you use long-tail keywords in your SEO strategy, you’ll draw in visitors who are already interested in what you have to offer. As a result, these visitors are more likely to convert into customers than people who search for broader terms.
2. Easier To Rank For: Because long-tail keywords are less common, they’re also easier to rank in search engines. So if you’re just starting out with SEO or you have a limited budget for your campaign, using long-tail keywords can help you get results more quickly.
3. Greater Insights Into Your Customers: When you use long-tail keywords, you can learn more about what your customers are looking for. This information can be valuable in shaping your product offerings, website content, and overall marketing strategy.
Cons of Using Long Tail Keywords
1. Lower Search Volume: The trade-off for using more specific keywords is that they tend to have lower search volume than broader terms. This means you’ll get less traffic from long-tail keywords than you would from head keywords.
2. More Difficult To Target: Because long-tail keywords are so specific, it can be difficult to target them with your SEO and marketing efforts. You’ll need to put in more work to research the right keywords and ensure that your website is optimized for them.
3. Limited Reach: Long-tail keywords can also limit the reach of your website, as they’ll only attract people who are specifically searching for those terms. If you want to broaden your audience, you’ll need to use a mix of long-tail and head keywords.
So, should you use long-tail keywords? It depends on your business, your audience, and your SEO goals. But whatever you decide, be sure to put in the time and effort needed to rank for those keywords and reach your target visitors.
What are the Two Types of Longtail Keywords?
Longtail keywords are specific to what the user is searching for. They are often more descriptive and can be highly niche. As a result, it’s easier for businesses to rank well on searches without having to compete with thousands of other websites. There are two main types of longtail keywords:
1. Supporting long-tail keywords
Supporting long-tail keywords is for more general search terms. They are used to help direct users to the right section of your content and increase overall search ranking. Some common supporting long-tail keywords include “best”, “top”, and “recommended”.
One of the main benefits of using supporting long-tail keywords is that they are more relevant to the user’s search, helping them find what they are looking for much faster. Because these keywords tend to be less competitive, websites have a better chance of ranking higher on search results pages.
Another benefit of using supporting long-tail keywords is that they can help improve click-through rates. If your website appears near the top of the search results page, users are more likely to click on it.
2. Topical long-tail keywords
Topical long-tail keywords are highly specific and targeted to your specific industry or niche. These keywords typically describe a product or service in great detail, which makes it easier for businesses to rank well on search results pages for more competitive terms.
One of the main benefits of using topical long-tail keywords is that they can help increase traffic to your website. Because these keywords are more specific and less competitive, businesses have a greater chance of ranking higher on search results pages.
Another benefit of using topical long-tail keywords is that they can help improve conversion rates. If users find exactly what they are looking for on your website, they are more likely to take action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a service.
In conclusion, longtail keywords are an important tool for businesses of all sizes. By using these keywords, businesses can improve their search ranking, click-through rate, and conversion rate. If you’re not sure which keywords to use, start by brainstorming a list.
How To Find Longtail Keyword?
Finding the right keywords is essential for any business looking to succeed online. But with so many options and variations out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s what we’re going to talk about in this section, finding long-tail keywords.
1. Google’s Autosuggest
If you’re looking to find long-tail keywords, Google’s Autosuggest feature is a great place to start.
Google’s Autosuggest is an incredibly easy and effective way to discover long-tail keywords that are relevant to your target audience. With just a few clicks, you can get tons of useful information about what people are actually searching for online.
To use Autosuggest, simply start typing in a keyword or phrase related to your topic into the Google search bar. As you type, you’ll see a list of suggested search queries appear below the search bar. These are the terms that people are actually searching for on Google.
Take a look at the example below:
As you can see, Autosuggest quickly shows you a number of relevant long-tail keywords that people are searching for related to your topic. You can then use any of these terms in your article to improve its search engine rankings and help bring more traffic to your website.
So the next time you’re looking to boost your search engine traffic, try Autosuggest for yourself and discover some great long-tail keywords to use in your content.
2. Use Keyword Research Tools
There are also a number of keyword research tools available online that can help you find long-tail keywords related to your topic.
Some of the most popular keyword research tools include Google AdWords Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and KWFinder.
These tools work by helping you identify popular keywords that people are searching for on Google and other search engines.
To use AdWords Keyword Planner, simply head to adwords.google.com and sign in to your Google account. Then, type in a keyword or phrase related to your topic into the search bar at the top of the screen and hit “Get Ideas”.
Next, you’ll see a list of related keywords, along with their search volumes and other useful information like competition level. You can then sort these keywords by different metrics to find the ones that are most relevant and targeted to your audience.
SEMrush also offers a number of powerful keyword research tools that you can use to discover long-tail keywords related to your topic. Simply enter a keyword or phrase into the search bar on their website and you’ll see a list of related keywords, along with their search volumes and other useful information.
KWFinder is another great tool for finding long-tail keywords related to your topic. Simply enter a keyword or phrase into the search bar on their website and you’ll see a list of related keywords, along with their search volumes and other useful information.
All of these tools are great for helping you find long-tail keywords that are relevant to your target audience. So if you’re looking to boost your traffic and search engine rankings, be sure to give them a try.
3. Spy Your Competitors
Another effective way to find long-tail keywords is to spy on your competitors. By looking at what keywords your competitors are using in their content, you can get a sense of the terms that are most relevant and popular with your target audience.
There are a number of tools and tactics you can use to spy on your competitors’ content.
One of the simplest ways is to just search for your main keyword on Google and see what comes up. For example, if you’re in the fitness niche, you could search for “fitness” and see what articles and websites come up in the top results.
This will give you a good idea of the types of content that are ranking well for your main keyword.
You can also use Google AdWords to spy on your competitors. Simply head to adwords.google.com and sign in to your account. Then, click on the “Keywords” tab and enter your competitor’s website into the “Site” field.
This will show you all of the keywords that your competitor is currently ranking for, as well as their search volumes and other useful metrics.
Another useful tool for spying on your competitors is SEMrush. This powerful tool can provide you with a wealth of competitive data about your competitors’ websites and content, including the keywords they’re targeting. Simply enter any website into the search bar on their website and you’ll see a list of all the keywords your competitor is targeting, as well as their search volumes and other useful metrics.
If you’re serious about finding long-tail keywords that are relevant to your audience, then spying on your competitors is worth considering. With the right tools and tactics, you can uncover some of the most valuable keywords in your niche.
How To Properly Use Long-Tail Keywords?
Having long-tail keywords in your content can help boost your website’s search engine. These specific phrases, containing three or more words, cater to niche audiences and often have lower competition. Here’s how to use long-tail keywords properly that can help elevate your website.
1. Strategically Use Long-Tail Keywords in Content
When using long-tail keywords in your website content, consider these practical tips:
Understand Your Audience:
- Identify the specific needs and interests of your target audience.
- Think about the keyword variations (words and phrases) they might use when searching for information related to your content.
Natural Integration:
- Place competitive keywords smoothly into your text. Avoid forced or awkward placement of the long tail keyword variations.
- Ensure that the content reads naturally and provides value to your readers.
Content Relevance:
- Make sure that the long-tail keywords work with the main theme of your content.
Use in Headings and Subheadings:
- Place long-tail keyword suggestions in headings and subheadings to signal their importance to search engines.
- This helps both readers and search traffic understand the structure of your content.
Create Quality Content:
- Prioritise creating high-quality content (e.g. blog post) that addresses the user’s intent.
- Long-tail keyword ideas are great, but valuable content is important for user engagement and search rankings. Stay alert to Google trends and other trends on different platforms.
Mobile Optimization:
- Ensure that your content is easily accessible and readable on smartphones and tablets, so you won’t encounter any SEO difficulty.
Monitor Performance:
- Use analytics-free tools (or paid) to monitor the performance of your content.
- Keep an eye on how well your chosen long-tail keywords are attracting organic search traffic.
2. Balance Long-Tail and Short-Tail Keywords
Balancing the use of long-tail and short-tail keywords is key to a well-rounded SEO strategy. Here’s how you can achieve that balance:
Understand Their Roles:
- Short-tail keywords are broad and often have higher search volumes, targeting a wide audience.
- Long-tail keywords are more specific, catering to a narrower audience but with potentially higher conversion rates.
Start with a Mix:
- Begin by incorporating a mix of short-tail and long-tail keywords in your content.
- This allows you to capture both broad and niche search queries.
Strategic Placement:
- Place short-tail keywords in prominent positions like titles and head term to signal overall content relevance.
- Integrate long-tail keywords more naturally within the content, addressing specific user search queries.
Regularly Review Performance:
- Monitor the performance of both short-tail and long-tail keywords using analytics tools.
- Assess which types of keywords are driving more traffic and conversions.
Adjust Based on Trends:
- Stay informed about industry (google) trends and changes in user search behavior.
- Adjust your keyword strategy accordingly to stay relevant and competitive on related searches.
Consider Competition:
- Evaluate the competitiveness of keywords in your industry.
- Short-tail keywords may face more competition as they often have a broad keyword, so leveraging long-tail keywords can provide opportunities to rank higher.
Test and Iterate:
- Experiment with different keyword combinations and observe their impact over time.
- Adjust your strategy based on the evolving needs of your audience and changes in the competitive landscape.
3. Write Content Optimized for Long-Tail Keywords
When you’re creating content for your blog or website, it’s crucial to optimize it for long-tail keywords. These are specific phrases that might have lower search volume but can be more valuable in reaching your target audience. Here are some best practices to help you create content that’s tailored for long-tail keywords:
Understand Your Audience: Before diving into keywords, know your target audience well. What are their needs, concerns, or questions? Knowing this helps you create content that resonates.
Keyword Research Tools: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or SEMrush to identify long-tail keywords relevant to your niche. Look for phrases that capture the essence of what your audience might be searching for.
Quality Over Quantity: Focus on creating high-quality, informative content. Google values quality, and so do your readers. Make sure your content is well-researched and addresses the user’s search intent
Long-Tail Variations: Explore variations of your primary long-tail keyword. This adds depth to your content and captures a wider range of searches. For example, if your main keyword is “best running shoes,” variations could include “best running shoes for beginners” or “best lightweight running shoes.”
User-Friendly Language: Write in a way that your audience understands. Avoid jargon or overly technical terms. Use simple words to convey your message effectively.
Monitor Performance: Regularly check how well your content is performing. Use tools like Google Analytics to track the organic traffic driven by your long-tail keywords. This helps you refine your strategy over time.
4. Topic Clusters and Long-Tail Keywords
Imagine your website is a library, and each book is a piece of content. Topic clusters are like sections in the library where related books hang out together.
Topic Clusters:
Think of a topic cluster as a family reunion. At the heart of it is a pillar page, the big shot that covers a broad topic. This pillar page acts as the family elder, providing a comprehensive overview. Then, you’ve got the content cousins – these are the cluster pages. Each cousin zooms in on a specific aspect of the main topic, going deeper into details.
Relationship with Long-Tail Keywords:
Now, long-tail keywords are the unique names each cousin has at the family reunion. They are more specific and detailed. For instance, if your pillar page is about “Healthy Recipes,” a long-tail keyword could be “Quick and Easy Vegetarian Dinner Recipes.” See the connection?
These long-tail keywords are like a treasure map for search engines. People often use these detailed phrases when they’re on the lookout for something specific. By creating cluster pages around these long-tail keywords, you’re essentially saying, “Hey Google, we’ve got the detailed info right here!”
5. SEO-Friendly Titles
Making SEO-friendly titles that smoothly blend in long-tail keywords is a bit like cooking up a perfect recipe – you want the right ingredients for both search engines and human readers. Here’s how you can make up such titles:
Know Your Keywords:
Start by knowing which long-tail keywords are relevant to your content. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest can be your sous chefs here. Pick the ones that make sense and align with what your audience might be typing into search bars.
Keep It Snappy:
Short and sweet is the golden rule. Search engines and users prefer concise titles. Aim for around 50-60 characters so that your title doesn’t get cut off in search results.
Be Descriptive:
Your title should give a sneak peek into the content. Use adjectives or phrases that accurately describe what your audience can expect.
Foster Curiosity:
If your title sparks curiosity, people are more likely to click. Use words like “Discover,” “Uncover,” or “Essential” to add a bit of mystery or importance to your content. Just make sure it matches what you’re offering inside.
Test and Refine:
It’s okay to be a bit of a title scientist. Experiment with different variations and see what works best. Tools like Ahrefs or Moz can help you know the performance of your titles over time.
6. Header Structure
Let’s talk about the unsung heroes of web content – header tags. They might seem like humble titles, but H1, H2, and their buddies play a crucial role in how your content is structured and understood. Here’s why they matter and how to sprinkle in those long-tail keywords:
Importance of Header Tags:
Think of header tags as the table of contents for your webpage. The H1 tag is like the main chapter title, setting the stage for what’s to come. H2 tags break it down into subtopics, and so on. This structure helps readers and search engines navigate your content smoothly.
Headers make your content reader-friendly. They break up the text into manageable chunks, making it easier for people to scan and find what they’re looking for. Nobody likes reading a giant wall of text – headers give your content breathing space.
Search engines are clever, but they still rely on cues. Using H1 for your main title signals to them, “Hey, this is a big deal!” H2 and H3 tags convey the hierarchy of information, helping search engines understand the relationships between different sections.
Including Long-Tail Keywords in Headings:
Place in H1 Tag:
Your main long-tail keyword should find a comfy spot in your H1 tag. This is the headline that sets the theme for your entire page. Make it natural, though – don’t force keywords where they don’t fit.
Distribute in Subheadings:
Spread related long-tail keywords across your H2 and H3 tags. These are like sub-chapters that provide more detail. Again, keep it sounding natural – don’t sacrifice clarity for the sake of keywords.
Avoid Stuffing:
Don’t stuff your headers with keywords. Balance is key. It should sound good to both your readers and the search engines. If it feels forced, rethink your approach.
7. Meta Descriptions
Meta descriptions might sound like the unsung heroes of the digital realm, but these brief snippets play a significant role in enticing users to click on your link in search results. Here’s how to make a meta description:
Capturing Attention:
A compelling meta description acts like a mini-advertisement for your content. It’s your chance to stand out amidst a sea of search results. Craft it to grab attention and spark curiosity, encouraging users to click and explore further.
Enhancing Relevance:
Search engines consider the relevance of meta descriptions to user queries. When your meta description accurately reflects the content of your page, it signals to search engines that your page is a valuable resource for users, potentially improving your search ranking.
Prioritize Key Information:
Place your most important long-tail keywords near the beginning of the meta description. This ensures that users immediately see the relevance of your content to their search query.
Encourage Action:
Include a call-to-action in your meta description to prompt users to take the next step. Whether it’s “Learn More,” “Discover,” or “Find Out,” a well-placed call-to-action can encourage clicks.
Maintain Conciseness:
Keep your meta description concise. While you have a bit more room compared to titles, users appreciate succinct information. Aim for clarity in conveying the essence of your content.
By using long-tail keywords naturally and thoughtfully, you not only improve your chances of being found in search results but also attracts users to click through and explore what your content has to offer.
8. URL Structure
The URL structure of your website is like the address of a house – it should be clean, organized, and make sense. A well-thought-out URL not only helps users navigate but also plays a role in how search engines understand and rank your content. Let’s dive into why a clean and relevant URL structure is crucial and how to optimize it with long-tail keywords.
Importance of Clean and Relevant URL Structures:
Clean URLs make navigation a breeze for users. When the URL reflects the content’s hierarchy and topic, visitors can understand where they are on your site. It’s like signposts on a road – clarity makes the journey smoother.
Search engines love clean URLs. When your URL structure is logical and mirrors the content’s hierarchy, it helps search engines grasp the context and relevance of your pages. This can positively impact your rankings in search results.
A concise and relevant URL can influence a user’s decision to click. If the URL provides a glimpse into what the page is about, it builds trust. Users are more likely to click on links that seem transparent and aligned with their search intent.
How To Measure The Impact of Long-Tail Keywords?
Measuring the impact of long-tail keywords involves tracking essential metrics such as increased organic traffic, higher click-through rates (CTR), and improved conversion rates. Here’s how you can measure them by using these tools:
Tracking Tools
Keeping tabs on keyword performance is crucial for optimizing your online presence. Several tracking tools and analytics platforms make this task more manageable.
Google Analytics: A fundamental tool, Google Analytics provides a comprehensive view of website traffic. It helps you track the sources of organic traffic, user behavior, and the effectiveness of your long-tail keyword strategy. Utilize the “Queries” section in Google Analytics to identify which long-tail keywords are driving organic traffic to your site.
Ahrefs and SEMrush: These tools offer robust keyword tracking functionalities. You can monitor keyword rankings over time, identify competitors’ performance, and receive insights into search volume and keyword difficulty. They provide valuable data for refining your long-tail keyword strategy based on real-time performance.
Moz: Moz’s suite of tools includes features for tracking keyword rankings and analyzing organic search traffic. It allows you to track your website’s performance against competitors, enabling informed decisions on adjusting your long-tail keyword optimization.
These tools provides a tangible measure of whether your content is gaining visibility in search engine results. If there’s an increase in organic traffic, it indicates that your long-tail keywords are resonating with your target audience. If not, adjustments to your strategy may be necessary.
Tracking tools help you identify emerging trends and capitalize on new opportunities. By staying informed about changes in keyword rankings and organic traffic patterns, you can adapt your content strategy to meet evolving user needs and preferences.
Understanding how others in your industry fare in search results can inform your strategy for staying competitive.
Conversion Tracking
Conversion tracking plays a pivotal role in evaluating the effectiveness of long-tail keywords, providing insights into whether your website visitors take desired actions, such as making a purchase or filling out a form. By understanding the impact of specific long-tail keywords on conversion rates, you can refine your strategy to focus on those that contribute most to your business goals.
Setting up Conversion Tracking Goals:
Define Clear Objectives: Begin by identifying specific actions you consider valuable, such as completing a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or downloading a resource. These are your conversion goals.
Utilize Google Analytics: Google Analytics is a powerful tool for setting up conversion tracking. Navigate to the “Admin” section, choose your property, and select “Goals.” Follow the prompts to create goals that align with your defined objectives.
Track E-commerce Conversions: If your website involves e-commerce, set up e-commerce tracking in Google Analytics to monitor the performance of long-tail keywords in generating sales and revenue.
Use Conversion Pixels: For advertising campaigns, especially on platforms like Google Ads or Facebook, implement conversion pixels. These small snippets of code help track user actions after clicking on your ad, providing valuable data on the effectiveness of your long-tail keyword targeting.
Regularly Analyze Data: Once your conversion tracking is set up, regularly analyze the data to identify trends and patterns. Assess which long-tail keywords are driving the most conversions and adjust your content and advertising strategies accordingly.
By setting up conversion tracking goals, you gain a deeper understanding of how well your long-tail keywords are aligning with your business objectives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes is crucial for a successful long-tail keyword optimization strategy. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
Keyword Stuffing
Keyword stuffing is a practice that should be avoided at all costs in the realm of SEO. This involves excessively loading content with keywords, with the misguided belief that it will boost search engine rankings. However, search engines have evolved to prioritize quality and relevance over quantity. Keyword stuffing not only violates search engine guidelines but also results in poor user experiences.
Over-optimization, closely related to keyword stuffing, occurs when website content is excessively tailored for search engines, neglecting the needs of human readers. This can lead to awkward and unnatural content that is challenging to read and comprehend. The key to successful long-tail keyword optimization is to prioritize natural usage. Content should flow smoothly, providing value to readers while incorporating keywords organically. This not only aligns with search engine algorithms but also ensures a positive user experience, contributing to higher engagement and better search rankings in the long run. Striking a balance between optimization and natural language is the cornerstone of effective SEO strategies.
Ignoring User Intent
Aligning content with user intent is paramount in creating a positive user experience and improving search engine rankings. User intent refers to the underlying goal or motivation a user has when conducting a search. To address this, it’s crucial to go beyond simply incorporating keywords and focus on providing valuable, relevant information that meets users’ needs.
By focusing on user intent and creating content that genuinely addresses the questions and needs of your audience, you not only improve the chances of ranking well in search results but also build trust and credibility with your users. This approach contributes to a positive user experience, fostering engagement and long-term relationships with your audience.
Conclusion
Long-tail keywords are more specific than head keywords, which means they’re easier to rank for but also attract a smaller audience.
Using long-tail keywords can help you get more specific insights into your customers’ needs and desires.
If you’re just starting out with SEO, or if you have a limited budget, using long-tail keywords can be a good way to get results quickly.
