Most people on the internet tell us that long tail keywords are best for beginners to rank. And that is true, but have you ever wondered what they are and how they rank us better even if we are beginners?
In this article we will learn
Table of Contents
What are Long Tail Keywords?
A long tail keyword is a specific search query that typically contains three to five words and targets a particular audience. Unlike broad keywords, long tail keywords are more detailed and focused, making them less competitive, and sometimes, they can help you achieve a higher ranking in SERP’s.
For example
| Keyword Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Short Tail Keyword | SEO |
| Long Tail Keyword | How to do SEO for a blog website |
| Short Tail Keyword | Content Marketing |
| Long Tail Keyword | Effective content marketing strategies for startups |
| Short Tail Keyword | Social Media |
| Long Tail Keyword | How to use social media for business growth |
Difference of Long tail Keyword and Short tail Keyword
| Feature | Short Tail Keywords | Long Tail Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Typically 1-2 words | Typically 3-5 words |
| Specificity | Broad and general | Highly specific and detailed |
| Search Volume | High search volume | Lower search volume |
| Competition | High competition | Lower competition |
| User Intent | General information seeking | Specific information or solutions |
| Conversion Rate | Generally lower conversion rates | Often higher conversion rates |
| Examples | “Shoes” | “Best running shoes for flat feet” |
| “Travel” | “Affordable travel destinations in Europe” | |
| “Recipes” | “Easy vegetarian recipes for beginners” |
Current Trends of Long tail keyword
1.Search Volume: According to a study by Ahrefs, about 92% of all search queries are long-tail keywords. This indicates that while individual long-tail keywords may have higher search volumes, collectively they represent a substantial share of search traffic.
2.Conversion Rates: Long-tail keywords typically achieve higher conversion rates. A study by Word Stream found that long-tail keywords convert 3–5 times better than their shorter counterparts. This is likely due to the specificity of the queries, which attract users who are interested in purchasing the product.
3.Content Strategy: A report from SEMrush shows that websites focusing on long-tail keywords saw an increase in organic traffic by up to 50% over six months. This suggests that if you create content around long-tail keywords can greatly improve visibility and engagement.
Benefits of Long tail keyword
Long tail keyword cames with serval benifits here are some listed:
- Higher conversion rates
- Lower competition
- Improved targeting
- Enhanced user intent alignment
- Increased organic traffic
- Better content relevance
- Greater voice search optimization
- Cost-effective advertising
- More specific audience reach
Lower Competition
Long-tail keywords are typically less competitive because they are more specific and mostly contain three or more words. This specificity means that fewer websites are targeting these exact phrases, which makes it easier for your content to rank higher in search engine results.
They attract a more focused audience on specific niche , which can give you better engagement and conversion rates. By optimizing for these keywords, you can compete against larger sites that dominate broader, more generic keywords.
For example
A search query related to SEO may often be for general information. However, when a person searches for “How to do SEO,” there is a strong likelihood that they are considering purchasing courses or paid SEO tools online.
How to identity long tail keyword?
These are some long tail keyword for main keyword keyword “castle”.
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You can also explore the “People Also Ask” section in Google when you enter short-tail keywords; For instant I enter my keyword “SEO” then this section will reveal some long-tail keyword opportunities. These long-tail keywords typically have lower search volumes, which means the competition is also lower.
In the initial stages of your website, typically for the first one to two years, focusing on long-tail keywords can help you rank your pages more easily.
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As your domain authority increases and you establish a stronger presence in the market, you can then shift your focus to higher-competition keywords. For newcomers, targeting low-competition short-tail keywords is generally the best strategy.
Analyze Search Intent
Understanding user intent is most important for choosing the right long-tail keywords because it enables you to create content that truly resonates with your audience’s needs and expectations.
When you analyze search intent, you can figure out if users are looking for information, ready to make a purchase, or trying to find a specific website. This understanding enables you to customize your content effectively, making sure that you deliver precisely what your audience is looking for.
Image by semrush.com
Using tools like SEMrush can aid in identifying search intent. For example, when you input a short-tail keyword such as “dog food,” SEMrush can provide insights into the types of content that rank for this query. You might find that users are primarily looking for reviews, comparisons, or guides on SEO tools tailored for beginners.
To create an article that satisfies user search intent, you could structure it as a comprehensive guide that includes:
- Introduction: Briefly explain what SEO tools are and why they are important for beginners.
- List of Tools: Provide a curated list of the best SEO tools, including features, pricing, and user reviews.
- Comparison Table: Include a comparison table that highlights the key differences between the tools.
- User Testimonials: Share testimonials or case studies from users who have benefited from these tools.
- Conclusion: Summarize the findings and encourage readers to choose a tool that best fits their needs.
How to Implement Long Tail Keywords SEO Strategy ?
Implementing a long-tail keyword SEO strategy can significantly enhance your website’s visibility and attract targeted traffic. Here’s a structured approach to help you get started:
1. Keyword Research
Begin by identifying long-tail keywords relevant to your niche. Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to discover keywords with lower competition and decent search volume. For example, instead of targeting “dog treats,” consider “organic dog treats for sensitive stomachs.”
2. Analyze Search Intent
Understanding the intent behind your chosen keywords is crucial. Are users looking for information, products, or services? This will guide your content creation. For instance, if the keyword is “how to make homemade dog treats,” users likely seek a recipe or guide.
3. Create Quality Content
Once you have your keywords, it’s time to create content that addresses user intent. Structure your content effectively:
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Briefly introduce the topic and its importance. |
| Main Content | Provide detailed information, tips, or guides. |
| Visuals | Include images, infographics, or videos to enhance engagement. |
| Conclusion | Summarize key points and encourage user interaction. |
4. Optimize On-Page SEO
Incorporate your long-tail keywords naturally throughout your content. Use them in headings, subheadings, and meta descriptions. Ensure your content is easy to read and mobile-friendly.
5. Monitor Performance
After publishing, track the performance of your long-tail keywords using tools like Google Analytics or Ahrefs. This will help you understand what’s working and where adjustments are needed.
By following these steps, you’ll not only improve your chances of ranking for long-tail keywords but also create valuable content that meets your audience’s needs. Remember, the key is to stay focused on user intent and continuously refine your strategy based on performance data.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Long Tail Keywords
When using long tail keywords effectively, avoid these common mistakes to improve your SEO strategy:
Over-Optimization: Avoid keyword stuffing, which can lead to a poor user experience and potential penalties from Google.
- Focus on naturally adding long tail keywords into your content for better engagement.
- Ignoring User Intent: Understand the intent behind long tail searches. Are users seeking information, products, or solutions?
- Align your content with the specific needs of your audience to improve engagement and conversion rates.
- Neglecting Content Quality: Prioritize high-quality content over mere keyword optimization.
- Google rewards well-researched, informative, and engaging content. Valuable content that answers users’ questions will help you rank better and build trust.
- Utilizing Tools: Always use tools like Ahrefs or Semrush to analyze keyword variations and understand how Google handles them.
Final thought
long-tail keywords are a powerful tool in your SEO arsenal, offering unique advantages that can significantly enhance your online visibility and conversion rates. While they may not always be easier to rank for, their specificity often leads to higher engagement and better alignment with user intent. By understanding the nuances of long-tail keywords and employing effective strategies to identify and target them, you can tap into a vast pool of search queries that many overlook.’
Citation for statics
- “According to a study by Ahrefs, about 92% of all search queries are long-tail keywords.” This statistic is based on data provided by Ahrefs, which analyzes billions of keywords across different search engines. Ahrefs’ comprehensive analysis provides insights into keyword trends, including the dominance of long-tail keywords in search queries.
Reference: Ahrefs. (2023). “92% of All Keywords Get 10 or Fewer Searches Per Month.
WordStream Conversion Rates:
- “A study by WordStream found that long-tail keywords convert 3–5 times better than their shorter counterparts.” This reference highlights research conducted by WordStream, demonstrating the effectiveness of long-tail keywords in achieving higher conversion rates compared to short-tail keywords.
Reference: WordStream. (2020). “Long-Tail Keywords: What They Are and How to Find Them.
SEMrush Data on Content Strategy:
- “A report from SEMrush shows that websites focusing on long-tail keywords saw an increase in organic traffic by up to 50% over six months.” This statistic is derived from SEMrush’s analysis of content performance, showing the positive impact of long-tail keywords on organic traffic growth.
Reference: SEMrush. (2021). “Long-Tail Keywords: Why They Matter and How to Use Them.