Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific queries (e.g., “best trail running shoes for narrow feet”). They often convert better and face less competition.
Why Long-Tail Keywords Matter
Long-tail keywords are a crucial part of a modern SEO strategy because they’re a direct path to a highly motivated and high-intent audience. A person searching for a long-tail keyword is often further down the sales funnel and is more likely to convert. By targeting long-tail keywords, you can:
- Increase Conversion Rates: They attract users with a clearer intent, which can lead to higher conversion rates.
- Lower Competition: They are often less competitive than short-tail keywords, making them easier to rank for.
- Improve Topical Authority: By creating comprehensive content around specific long-tail keywords, you build topical authority, which can help you rank for broader keywords over time.
- Capture Voice Search: As people use more conversational queries for voice search, long-tail keywords have become more important.
They are a strategic way to attract a targeted audience and build a resilient SEO strategy.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The management of long-tail keywords is a content strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress is ideal for long-tail keywords because a good SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math can help you analyze your content and ensure you are using your target long-tail keywords effectively. Blog posts are a great place to target long-tail keywords.
Shopify
On Shopify, long-tail keywords are essential for your product descriptions and blog posts. You can use a keyword research tool to find the terms your customers are using and then use them in your product titles, descriptions, and collections to improve your visibility in search results.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still optimize for long-tail keywords. The platform’s built-in SEO tools make it easy to manage your titles, meta descriptions, and on-page content.
Webflow
Webflow gives you granular control over your website’s design and code, which is perfect for a sophisticated long-tail keyword strategy. You can use it to create a perfectly structured page that is optimized for a specific long-tail keyword or set of keywords.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, you have the most control but also the most responsibility. You can build a system that automatically tracks and analyzes your long-tail keyword performance and provides your content creators with data-driven insights.
Across Different Industries
The way you use long-tail keywords will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites can use long-tail keywords to attract a wide range of customers. A site that sells running shoes can use long-tail keywords like “running shoes for flat feet,” “best running shoes for women,” and “running shoes for high arches.”
Local Businesses
Local businesses can use long-tail keywords to attract local customers. A plumber in Dubai, for example, can use long-tail keywords like “emergency plumber Dubai” or “plumbing repair Dubai.”
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can use long-tail keywords to attract a wide range of customers. A company that sells project management software can use long-tail keywords like “best project management tool for small business” or “how to manage a project.”
Blogs
Blogs are a great way to capitalize on long-tail keywords. A blog about cooking can use long-tail keywords like “how to bake sourdough bread for beginners” or “the history of sourdough bread.”
Do’s and Don’ts of Long-Tail Keywords
Do’s
- Do use a keyword research tool to find long-tail keywords. Tools like Google Autocomplete, People Also Ask boxes, and SEMrush are invaluable.
- Do create high-quality, in-depth content. A long-tail keyword is a great way to attract organic traffic, but you must provide a great answer.
- Do use a mix of long-tail and short-tail keywords. A good keyword portfolio includes a mix of both.
Don’ts
- Don’t use keyword stuffing. This is a dated tactic that can harm your SEO.
- Don’t use a long-tail keyword that is not relevant to your content. A long-tail keyword should be relevant to your products or services.
- Don’t focus on short-tail keywords alone. Long-tail keywords are often easier to rank for and can be a great source of organic traffic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to do keyword research: This is a basic but critical step.
- Ignoring a user’s intent: A long-tail keyword should be used with a user’s intent in mind.
- Focusing on short-tail keywords alone: This can cause you to spin your tires and never generate any traffic, especially as a new website.
FAQs
What is the difference between a long-tail and a short-tail keyword?
A short-tail keyword is a short, broad keyword phrase (e.g., “SEO”) with high search volume and competition. A long-tail keyword is a long, specific phrase (e.g., “how to learn SEO for beginners”) with lower search volume and competition, but higher conversion potential.
Why are long-tail keywords important for SEO?
Long-tail keywords are important for SEO because they are easier to rank for and attract a more specific, qualified audience that is further down the conversion funnel. They also help capture traffic from conversational voice searches.
Can a new website rank for long-tail keywords?
Yes. Long-tail keywords are an ideal strategy for a new website because their lower competition makes them much easier to rank for than broad, short-tail keywords. This can help a new site build its authority over time.
How do I find long-tail keywords?
You can find long-tail keywords using free tools like Google’s Autocomplete and People Also Ask boxes, or by using professional tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs. You can also find them by analyzing your competitors and your own website’s analytics.
How many words does a long-tail keyword typically have?
There is no strict rule, but a long-tail keyword typically consists of three or more words. The key characteristic is not the length, but the specificity and a lower search volume compared to a short-tail keyword.
