A highly specific keyword phrase with lower search volume but higher conversion potential.
Why a Long-Tail Keyword Matters
A long-tail keyword is a crucial part of a modern SEO strategy because it is a direct path to a highly motivated and high-intent audience. A user who is searching for a long-tail keyword is often further down the sales funnel and is more likely to convert. For example, a user who is searching for “best running shoes for flat feet” is more likely to buy a pair of running shoes than a user who is searching for “running shoes.” By targeting long-tail keywords, you can attract a highly targeted audience, which can lead to a significant increase in organic traffic and revenue.
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.
Shopify
On Shopify, these 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 these 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 these 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 these 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 it to attract a wide range of customers. A site that sells running shoes can use these keywords like “running shoes for flat feet,” “best running shoes for women,” and “running shoes for high arches.”
Local Businesses
Local businesses can use it to attract local customers. A plumber in Dubai, for example, can use these keywords like “emergency plumber Dubai” or “plumbing repair Dubai.”
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can use it to attract a wide range of customers. A company that sells project management software can use these keywords like “best project management tool for small business” or “how to manage a project.”
Blogs
Blogs are a great way to capitalize on it. 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
Do’s
- Do use a keyword research tool to find long-tail keywords. A tool like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush can help you find and analyze long-tail keywords.
- Do create high-quality, in-depth content. It 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. It 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. You cannot improve what you do not measure.
- Ignoring a user’s intent: It should be used with a user’s intent in mind.
- Focusing on short-tail keywords alone: Long-tail keywords are often easier to rank for and can be a great source of organic traffic.
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”). It is a long, specific keyword phrase (e.g., “how to learn SEO for beginners”). Long-tail keywords typically have a lower search volume but also lower competition.
Why are long-tail keywords important for SEO?
These keywords are important for SEO because they are a direct path to a highly motivated and high-intent audience. A user who is searching for it is more likely to convert.
Can a new website rank for long-tail keywords?
Yes. these keywords are often easier to rank for than short-tail keywords. This makes them a great opportunity for a new website or a business that is trying to gain momentum in a competitive niche.
How do I find long-tail keywords?
You can find long-tail keywords by using a variety of tools, including Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Ahrefs. You can also look at your competitors’ websites and your own analytics.
What is the difference between a long-tail keyword and a short-tail keyword?
A short-tail keyword is a short, broad keyword phrase (e.g., “SEO”). It is a long, specific keyword phrase (e.g., “how to learn SEO for beginners”). Long-tail keywords are often easier to rank for.