The Smart Brand Owner’s Guide to Long Tail Keywords
Long tail keywords are the secret sauce of smart SEO. They are longer and more specific search phrases (usually 3+ words). Unlike broad terms like “running shoes,” a long tail version would be “best cushioned running shoes for flat feet.”
These precise phrases attract visitors who know exactly what they want. According to BrightEdge, over 70% of search queries are long tail. The main reason why so many brands use it is due to its performance. For instance, think about how “how to remove red wine stains from white carpet” will perform against just “carpet cleaning.”
So, are you planning to use these long keywords in your SEO strategy? In this blog, let us check them out in detail. We will also see how they impact the customer journey and how you use these phrases to your advantage.
Why Long Tail Keywords Are Your SEO Superpower?
These words may sound fancy. But they are simply your key to improved search rankings and happy visitors. Here is why they are so effective -.
1. Lower competition
They are easier to rank for. Nowadays, everyone is fighting over broad terms like “best shoes.” So, if you dominate specific searches like “breathable running shoes for wide feet,” you may receive fewer competitors. This will ensure you actually get seen!
2. Clearer search intent
Long tail keywords reveal exactly what people want. When someone searches “how to fix a leaky faucet without replacing washers,” you know they are ready for a solution. So, visitors who find you through long tail keywords are more likely to buy or take action.
3. Voice search and natural language
Thanks to Siri and Alexa, over 50% of searches will be voice-based by the end of 2025. Voice searches sound like natural speech. These keywords are perfect for this type of search. For example, a voice search will sound like, “Where can I buy organic cotton sheets near me?” Long tail keywords can match these real conversations!
How Long Tail Keywords Guide Buyers to You?
As users move through the buying process, their searches become more specific. Early on, they might search for broad terms like “coffee.” However, as they get closer to a decision, their queries become more detailed, such as “best espresso machine under $200.”
As a brand trying to boost your online presence, targeting long tail keywords will help you attract users at different stages of the customer journey, mainly those who are ready to buy or take action.
What Are the Perks of Using Long Tail Keywords?
They pack a powerful punch for your SEO strategy. Here are why these phrases are worth your attention –
1. Better targeting
These specific keywords help you connect with your perfect audience. While “yoga mat” casts a wide net, “extra thick non-slip yoga mat for bad knees” speaks directly to someone ready to buy.
2. Improved ROI
You will get more bang for your buck with long tail keywords! They usually deliver better results than expensive and broad keywords. This is because of less competition and higher conversion rates.
3. Easier to rank
New or small websites can actually compete due to long tail keywords! For instance, a small shoe business will not be able to rank with just “running shoes” as their keyword. Meanwhile, something like “best trail running shoes for wide feet in rain” is much more achievable.
How Can You Find and Use Long Tail Keywords?
Are you ready to uncover golden long tail opportunities? Here is your practical guide –
1. Use keyword research tools
Many platforms like Ahrefs and Google Keyword Planner are treasure chests for long tail gems. You need to enter your main keyword. This will help you see dozens of specific variations people are actually searching for.
2. Check Google search console
Your website already attracts some traffic. You need to analyse which long tail queries are sending visitors to your site. These are your existing investments that you need to double down!
3. Leverage Google suggest
You need to type your keyword in Google’s search bar. Do you see those autocomplete suggestions? Those are real long tail queries people are using daily.
4. Optimize your content
It can help if you sprinkle these keywords naturally in your –
- Page titles
- Subheadings
- First 100 words
- Throughout the content
Pro tip – Don’t force it! You need to write for humans first and search engines second. The best content answers questions while naturally including relevant long tail phrases.
How Long Tail Keywords Transform Your Content Strategy?
Long tail keywords are not just SEO tools. They are your roadmap for creating content that actually works. Here is why they are game-changers-
1. Laser-focused content creation
Long tails tell you exactly which problems to solve. So, you don’t have to sit and guess what your audience wants. For example, “how to remove red wine stains from silk” beats generic “stain removal tips” every time.
2. Higher quality traffic
Visitors from long tail searches are more likely to stay and convert. This is because you are giving them exactly what they searched for.
3. Become the go-to expert
Using long tail keywords means that a lot of users demanding specific information will show up on your website. This gives you the opportunity to show your industry knowledge and answer their questions. As a result, you can establish deep niche authority that broad competitors can’t match.
4. Stay ahead of search evolution
Google is getting smarter at understanding natural language day by day. Long tail keywords sound a lot like natural searches. This means that your optimized content will keep ranking while generic posts fade away.
The secret? Let long tails guide your content calendar. Each one represents a real customer need waiting to be answered.
How to Get the Most From Your Long Tail Keywords?
Do you want to squeeze every drop of value from your long tail keywords? Here is how smart marketers do it –
1. Go deep, not wide
You need to create ultimate guides that answer 10+ long tail questions in one place instead of writing surface-level posts. A post like “The Complete Guide to French Press Coffee” can rank for dozens of specific queries while establishing your authority.
2. Snag featured snippets
When you notice question-based long tails, you need to format clear and concise answers in bullet points or numbered steps. These usually get pulled straight to the top of search results.
3. Play the long game
Set quarterly reminders to –
- Check which long tails are driving traffic
- Update stats and examples
- Expand sections getting lots of engagement
- Refresh underperforming content
Pro tip – Don’t force it! You need to write for humans first and search engines second. The best content answers questions while naturally including relevant long tail phrases.
What Are the Common Misconceptions About Long Tail Keywords?
1. They don’t drive enough traffic
Most marketers overlook long tail keywords. The reason is that every single phrase may only bring in modest traffic. However, this misses the larger picture! When you target hundreds or dozens of these particular phrases, their overall effect is huge.
Visualize this – while “running shoes” may receive 50,000 searches, hundreds of long tail phrases such as “best cushioned running shoes for flat feet” or “lightweight trail running shoes for women” can collectively drive much more valuable traffic.
These visitors have already made a decision to buy something. So, they are more likely to convert compared to the generic searchers.
2. They are only for small websites
This old-school thinking keeps many companies from maximizing on long tails. In reality, all sizes of companies can use them. Big brands employ long tails to get precise buyer intent that competitive keywords can’t.
Local companies use them to find close-by customers looking for exact services. Even large e-commerce websites utilize them to rank for highly specific product searches.
What do you see in common? Everybody benefits when they align content with what people really search for.
3. They are hard to find
Some assume long tail keyword research requires advanced tools or SEO expertise. In reality, they are easier to uncover than most think. Here is where to spot them –
- Google’s autocomplete suggestions (start typing your main keyword)
- “People also ask” boxes in search results
- Your existing analytics (see what phrases already bring traffic)Overall, you can uncover hundreds of valuable phrases with minimal effort.
What Did We Learn?
Long tail keywords are a strong weapon for any content marketing or SEO strategy. They enable you to reach highly targeted users and compete more successfully. They can also help you in achieving better conversion rates.
As a result, you are able to produce content that suits your users and stands out in a competitive online market by targeting these long SEO keywords.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between long tail and short tail keywords?
Short tails are generic (“running shoes”), whereas long tails are descriptive (“waterproof women’s trail running shoes”). Long tails are less competitive and bring buy-ready customers. It is like comparing “food” and “best vegan pizza near me open now.”
2. Why use long tails if fewer people search them?
While each gets fewer searches, together, they bring tons of traffic. Better yet, visitors from long tails convert better because they know exactly what they want. Quality beats quantity every time!
3. How do I find good long tail keywords?
You can try Google’s autocomplete when typing your main keyword. Also, check “People also ask” boxes in search results. It can help if you check tools like AnswerThePublic. Your analytics will also show which long tails already bring visitors.
4. How do long tails help with voice search?
People speak naturally to devices (“where’s the closest 24-hour pharmacy?”). Long tails match these conversational queries perfectly. So, optimize for questions, and you will dominate voice search results!
