Some of the most important needs for companies in this high-tech age are ranking higher on search engines. Getting the right content, in terms of optimization, that gets the correct audience will be a must. One way of doing that is through long-tail keywords. This post is going to cover everything you need to know about long-tail keywords and how they can improve your SEO, and it will also illustrate exactly how to find some for your website.

What Are Long Tail Keywords?

The definition of a long tail keyword could be phrases that have three words or more words, usually being more specific than short keywords and are therefore used to target a niche audience. In this regard, an example is that the longer the keywords are, the much lower the search volume is as compared to short-tail keywords, but those who use such keywords are likely further along the buying journey.

Examples include

  • Short-tail keyword: "shoes"
  • Long-tail keyword: "comfortable running shoes for women."

Since long tail keywords are more particular, they also tend to bring a higher conversion rate. As users search for that term, they mostly intend to find exactly the same thing that they typed, making it easier for you to give them what they need.

Why Are Long-Tail Keywords Important?

Now that you know what long tail keywords are, you must be wondering why they matter for your website. Here are several reasons why they are important for a successful SEO services strategy:

  1. Less competition is there for the long tail as it is specific, and therefore, businesses are limited when it comes to competition. Therefore, a higher rank in the SERPs will be achieved easily by your content.
  2. Higher Conversion Rates: Users with long tail keywords usually have the intention of going out and buying something or taking action. 
  3. Better Audience Targeting: You can target a very niche audience by targeting a long-tail keyword, which means the people who search for it will be those who will most likely be interested and engaged in your content.
  4. Helpful with Voice Search: For voice search, users ask much longer, conversational questions. Long tail keywords fit well in the use cases of voice searches.

Short-Tail vs. Long-Tail Keywords

Here, we break down key differences between short-tail and long tail keywords in a way that helps clarify the different purposes they will serve in a white label SEO campaign.

  • Short-Tail Keywords. These are broad search terms with one or two words-for example, "laptop" or "running shoes." They carry a high volume of searches but also come with high competition. A short-tail keyword might bring in an awful lot of traffic, but it is too early for those people to convert.
  • Long-Tail Keywords: These are more specific phrases, like "best budget laptop for students" or "comfortable running shoes for flat feet." This has lower search volumes but usually generates higher-quality traffic that is likely to convert into customers.

Long Tail Keywords Examples

For better illustration purposes, here are some examples of long-tail keywords in the various industries listed below:

  • Fitness: "Best yoga mats for beginners"
  • Technology: "Affordable laptops for video editing"
  • Foods: "Easy vegan recipes for dinner for beginners."

These words are more specific and, hence, more likely to attract users who are willing to move on to the next step- whatever that next step may be, whether buying a product or looking for more.

How to Find Long-Tail Keywords

This may not necessarily be easy to do, as finding the right long-tail keyword can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. However, there are quite a few tools and methods of long-tail keyword research you can use to find the most suitable keywords for your business.

Use Keyword Research Tools

Many long tail keyword research tools exist that may help you find valuable search terms. Some of the best tools include:

  • Google Keyword Planner
  • Ahrefs
  • SEMrush
  • Ubersuggest

These tools will show you the volume of searches, competition level, and other related keywords that can be used to inform your SEO.

  • Utilize Google Autocomplete

Google Autocomplete can be beneficial in finding long tail keywords. Simply start typing a question relevant to your niche, and Google will fill in the rest. These are popular searches, after all, so they are good ideas for long-tail keywords.

  • Spy on Competitors

Another way to discover your long-tailed keywords is by analyzing a competitor's rankings. Use tools such as Ahrefs or SEMrush, and examine what keywords your competitor is using. Ideas can come along in thinking in terms of longer phrases you'd never thought of.

  • Check the 'People Also Ask' Section

The 'People Also Ask' section in Google search result pages mostly contains questions about your primary query. Such questions can be fantastic long tail keywords for your content.

How to Use Long-Tail Keywords in SEO

Applying long tail keywords in your SEO strategy improves your search rankings and brings more targeted traffic to your site. Here's how you apply them in your content creation process.

  • Create Content Around Specific Topics

Use long tail keywords for in-depth articles on specific matters rather than general topics. Instead of a general post about "digital marketing," you can have a blog titled "How to Use Long-Tail Keywords for Better SEO Results."

  • Optimize Blog Posts and Web Pages

Your long tail keywords should be included in the essential SEO elements of your web pages:

  • Title tags
  • Meta descriptions
  • Headers, H1, H2, H3
  • ALT text to image

Using long tail keywords in the above places will make search engines understand what your page has and rank it high for relevant queries.

  • Answer Specific Questions

Many long tail keywords are questions. You can write a blog post, a section of FAQs, or even a guide that directly answers these questions. This helps both your SEO and user experience as it gives the visitor value.

Benefits of Long-Tail SEO

Many long-tails in your strategy have a lot of benefits for you. Some of these include:

  • Higher Ranking Opportunities: Long tail keywords are typically less competitive, so it will be easier to rank higher on the results page of a search engine.
  • More Targeted Traffic: Long-tail SEO helps attract users with very specific needs for your product or service, raising conversion chances.
  • Better Engagement: Content focused on long tail keywords tends to provide more in-depth answers and perhaps better engagement and user satisfaction.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Long-Tail Keywords

Long tail keywords are powerful, but they only work if they're used correctly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

  • Keyword Stuffing: Never use the same keyword multiple times; instead, use a language flow.
  • Overly Specific Keywords: Some keywords are perhaps too niche in nature and generate little or no traffic. Ensure that the long tail keywords you opt to use are relevant and have some volume search.
  • Neglect of Short-Tail Keywords. Although long tail keywords are valuable, do not neglect short-tail keywords completely. The best way forward is to strike a balance between them.

Conclusion

One of the most vital aspects of any SEO campaign is to master long tail keywords. The more targeted traffic you attract, the higher the chances of conversion in search results. It makes all the difference whether you're setting up your SEO or honing it by mastering long-tail keywords.

It is easy and fast to find and insert long tail keywords in your SEO optimized content using this tutorial. Using this blog, your website will easily be able to reach and appeal to the target crowd effectively and rank higher on the search results page.Moreover, if you require professional help for the optimization of a website's search engine, you may consult Try Web Design, the US's best web design and development company.