What Are Long Tail Keywords? (How to Find Best Ones)

Are you looking to drive more targeted traffic to your website and improve your search engine rankings? Long tail keywords might be the answer you’re seeking.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of long tail keywords, exploring what they are, how they differ from short tail keywords, and why they’re an essential part of any effective SEO strategy.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to find and use long tail keywords to boost your website’s visibility and attract more qualified leads.

What are Long Tail Keywords?

Long tail keywords are highly specific, low-volume search queries that typically consist of three or more words. These keywords are designed to target a niche audience and tend to have higher conversion rates compared to generic, high-volume keywords.

The term “long tail” comes from the shape of the search demand curve, where the “head” represents the most popular, high-volume keywords, and the “tail” represents the vast number of low-volume, niche-specific keywords.

While long tail keywords may not drive as much traffic individually, they collectively account for a significant portion of search engine queries. By targeting these specific phrases, you can attract highly relevant visitors who are more likely to engage with your content and convert into customers.

Examples of Long Tail Keywords

To better understand what long tail keywords look like, let’s consider a few examples:

• “best organic dog food for puppies with sensitive stomachs”
• “how to fix a leaky faucet in a bathroom sink”
• “best running shoes for women with flat feet”
• “how to set up a small business tax account in New York”
• “affordable SEO services for small businesses”

These long tail examples differ from short tail ones like “dog food,” “leaky faucet,” or “running shoes.” Short tail keywords tend to be broader, often consisting of just one or two words, while long tail keywords are more specific, usually consisting of three or more words that address a precise user query.

Long Tail Keywords vs. Short Tail Keywords

Let’s quickly break down the differences between long tail and short tail keywords.

	Short Tail Keywords	Long Tail Keywords
Word Length	1-2 words	3 or more words
Search Volume	High	Low
Competition	High	Low
User Intent	Broad/general	Specific
Conversion Rate	Lower	Higher

Benefits of Using Long Tail Keywords

Less Competition

Compared to short tail keywords, long tail keywords have significantly lower search volume, making them less competitive. This means you have a better chance of ranking higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) for these specific phrases.

While short tail keywords like “dog food” might have thousands of websites vying for the top spots, a long tail keyword like “best organic dog food for puppies with sensitive stomachs” will have far fewer competitors.

This allows you to target a specific niche and gain visibility without having to compete against larger, more established websites.

Higher Conversion Rates

Long tail keywords are often used by people who are further along in the buying cycle or have a clear idea of what they’re looking for. These users are more likely to convert into customers or take a desired action on your website.

For example, someone searching for “how to fix a leaky faucet in a bathroom sink” is probably ready to take action and fix their problem. If you provide them with a helpful guide or product recommendation, they’re more likely to follow through and make a purchase or engage with your content.

On the other hand, someone searching for a short tail keyword like “leaky faucet” might just be looking for general information and not yet ready to take action.

More Targeted Traffic

When you optimize your content for long tail keywords, you attract highly targeted visitors who are specifically interested in what you have to offer. These visitors are more likely to engage with your content, spend more time on your website, and share your content with others.

For instance, if you run a website that sells organic dog food, targeting a long tail keyword like “best organic dog food for puppies with sensitive stomachs” will bring in visitors who are looking for exactly that product.

These visitors are more likely to find your content relevant and valuable, leading to increased engagement and potential conversions.

How to Find Long Tail Keywords

Finding the right long tail keywords for your website is a process that involves research, analysis, and a deep understanding of your target audience.

Here are some effective strategies to help you identify valuable long tail keywords:

#1 Mine Customer Feedback on Reddit and Quora

Reddit and Quora are treasure troves of user questions and feedback that can help you discover long tail keywords. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Go to Reddit and search for a relevant subreddit (e.g., “SEO for beginners”). You’ll find real questions and problems people are facing.
2. On Quora, enter a relevant query or keyword to see popular discussions and questions people ask.
3. Look for long, specific questions or phrases users are typing. For example, “How do I rank my blog post on Google with no backlinks?” can be an excellent long tail keyword.

#2 Use Google “Related Searches” Hack

Google’s related searches feature can provide great long tail keyword ideas. Here’s how to use it:

1. Type a broad keyword in Google search, like “SEO tools.”
2. Scroll to the bottom of the search results page to find the “Related Searches” section.
3. Identify the longer, more specific phrases Google suggests. These are potential long tail keywords that users commonly search for.

#3 Use TopicRanker

TopicRanker is a powerful tool for finding easy-to-rank long tail keywords. Here’s a step-by-step on how to use it:

1. Visit TopicRanker and enter your URL and a keyword.
2. Click “Generate Keywords” to get a list of keyword ideas ranked by difficulty and search volume.
3. Filter by long tail keywords with lower competition that match your target audience’s needs.

Incorporating Long Tail Keywords in Your Content Strategy

Once you’ve identified relevant long tail keywords, the next step is to strategically incorporate them into your content. This process involves creating targeted content that addresses the specific needs and questions of your audience while naturally integrating your chosen keywords.

Here’s how to do it.

Create Targeted Landing Pages

Develop dedicated landing pages optimized for specific long tail keywords. This allows you to provide highly focused content that directly addresses the user’s search intent. These pages should be designed to offer a seamless user experience, guiding visitors towards a desired action, such as making a purchase or filling out a form.

When creating targeted landing pages, keep the content concise, informative, and engaging. Use clear headlines, subheadings, and bullet points to break up the text and make it easy to scan.

Include relevant images, videos, or infographics to enhance the user experience and provide visual context.

Use Long Tail Keywords in Blog Posts

Writing blog articles that address the specific questions and topics related to your long tail keywords is an effective way to attract targeted traffic and establish your website as a valuable resource.

These articles should provide in-depth, informative content that satisfies the user’s search intent and encourages them to explore your website further.

When using long tail keywords in blog posts, focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that naturally incorporates the keywords. Avoid keyword stuffing, which can negatively impact your search engine rankings and user experience.

Instead, use the keywords strategically in your headlines, subheadings, and throughout the body of your article.

Conducting thorough keyword research will help you identify the most valuable long tail keywords to target in your blog posts. Analyze the search volume, competition level, and relevance of each keyword to determine which ones align best with your content strategy and target audience.

Optimize Product and Category Pages

Including relevant long tail keywords in your product descriptions and category pages can significantly improve their visibility in search engine results. These pages are often the most valuable in terms of driving conversions, as they directly showcase your products or services to potential customers.

When optimizing product and category pages, use descriptive, keyword-rich titles and meta descriptions that accurately represent the content of the page. Incorporate long tail keywords naturally into the product descriptions, highlighting the unique features and benefits of each item.

Conducting a competitive analysis can provide valuable insights into the long tail keywords your competitors are targeting on their product and category pages. By identifying gaps in their keyword strategy, you can uncover opportunities to differentiate your content and attract more targeted traffic.

Common Misconceptions About Long Tail Keywords

While long tail keywords offer numerous benefits, there are some common misconceptions that may lead you astray when incorporating them into your SEO strategy.

Let’s address these myths and clarify the truth behind long tail keywords.

Myth: Long Tail Keywords Always Have Low Search Volume

One of the most prevalent misconceptions about long tail keywords is that they always have low search volume. While it’s true that many long tail keywords receive fewer searches compared to short tail keywords, this isn’t always the case.

Some long tail keywords can still have significant search volume, especially in popular niches or those with a large target audience.

For example, “best wireless noise-canceling headphones for travel” may have a higher search volume than you might expect, as it targets a specific need for a popular product category.

When conducting keyword research, analyze the search volume for each long tail keyword you consider. You may be surprised to find that some long tail keywords have substantial search volume while still being less competitive than their short tail counterparts.

Myth: Long Tail Keywords Are Always Easier to Rank For

Another common misconception is that long tail keywords are always easier to rank for compared to short tail keywords. While long tail keywords generally have less competition, this doesn’t mean they’re automatically easy to rank for.

The level of competition for long tail keywords can vary significantly depending on the niche and the specific keyword. In some highly competitive industries, even long tail keywords can be challenging to rank for, especially if many established websites are targeting them.

Analyzing the SERP can help you gauge the level of competition for a specific long tail keyword. By examining the top-ranking pages, you can determine the difficulty of ranking for that keyword and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Myth: Long Tail Keywords Are Only for Small Businesses

Some people believe that long tail keywords are only suitable for small businesses or niche websites. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from targeting long tail keywords as part of their SEO strategy.

Large enterprises and well-established websites can use long tail keywords to target specific segments of their audience or to rank for less competitive terms related to their products or services.

By incorporating long tail keywords into their content strategy, these businesses can attract highly targeted traffic and improve their overall search engine visibility.

Small businesses, on the other hand, can leverage long tail keywords to compete with larger websites in their niche. By targeting less competitive, niche-specific keywords, small businesses can attract qualified traffic and establish themselves as experts in their field.

Regardless of your business size or industry, incorporating long tail keywords into your SEO strategy can help you attract targeted traffic, improve your search engine rankings, and ultimately drive more conversions.

Are Long Tail Keywords Worth Pursuing?

Absolutely! Long tail keywords offer numerous benefits that make them a valuable addition to your SEO strategy.

These specific, niche-oriented phrases can help you attract highly targeted traffic to your website, as users searching for long tail keywords often have a clear idea of what they’re looking for. This increased relevance leads to higher engagement rates, lower bounce rates, and ultimately, better conversion rates.

Targeting long tail keywords also allows you to establish topical authority in your niche. By creating content that addresses specific questions, concerns, or needs related to your industry, you demonstrate your expertise and build trust with your audience.

Over time, this can lead to increased brand recognition and loyalty, as users come to rely on your website as a valuable resource.

Moreover, long tail keywords are generally less competitive than short tail keywords, making it easier for you to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). This is particularly beneficial for smaller websites or those just starting out, as it provides an opportunity to gain visibility and attract traffic without having to compete against larger, more established websites.

However, it’s important to remember that long tail keywords should be part of a comprehensive SEO strategy that also includes short tail keywords. While long tail keywords can drive targeted traffic and improve conversion rates, short tail keywords are still essential for establishing overall brand awareness and attracting a broader audience.

The key is to find a balance between long tail and short tail keywords that aligns with your business goals and target audience. Conducting thorough keyword research and analyzing competitor strategies can help you identify the most valuable long tail keywords for your website and determine how to incorporate them into your content strategy effectively.

Incorporating long tail keywords into your SEO strategy can drive targeted traffic, improve conversion rates, and establish topical authority. TopicRanker makes it easy to find these valuable keywords, helping you reach your niche audience effectively.

Sign up for your account and find those easy to rank keywords today!