Long-Tail Keywords: Why Long-Tail Keywords are Important for SEO? – In the world of SEO, there is a lot of talk about keywords. But what are keywords, really?
In its simplest form, a keyword is a word or phrase that someone types into a search engine to find information. Keyword is the most important part of SEO fundamentals. But there are different types of keywords, and each type has its own characteristics. One type of keyword is the long-tail keyword.
In this post, we cover all about long-tail keywords: its definition, why they are important, and the benefits of using long-tail keywords in your SEO strategies to improve your SEO rankings. Let’s get started.
What Are Long-Tail Keywords?
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specialized keyword phrases that visitors are more likely to utilize when they are nearing a point of purchase or using voice search.
The search volume for most long-tail keywords is lower than for short or “head” terms. They appear to be counter-intuitive at first, yet they can be quite helpful if used correctly.
For example, a visitor looking for a new car might search for “cars,” but as they get closer to making a purchase, they ll be more likely to search for something like “best cars for families“.
Some more examples, instead of using broad phrases such as “SEO courses“, people might use “best SEO courses for beginners“. Or, people use longer keywords like “best free SEO tools” to search specifically for SEO tools that are free to use instead of “SEO tools” which can include both free and paid.
This is where long-tail keywords come in. By targeting these specific phrases, you can reach visitors who are further along in the buyer s journey and more likely to convert.
Not only that, but long-tail keywords are also less competitive than shorter, more general keywords. This means you ll have an easier time ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs), driving traffic, and ultimately generating leads and sales.
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Why Long-Tail Keywords are Important for SEO?
As shortly covered in the previous section, long-tail keywords are indeed important for SEO. Especially when combined with semantic SEO, the two elements are part of the great SEO traffic hacks.
Here are some more reasons why long-tail keywords are important for SEO:
Long-Tail Keywords are Generally Easier to Rank than the Shorter Ones
There are two main reasons why long-tail keyword are easier to rank than the short-tail keywords.
First, because there is less competition for these keywords. When you target a popular keyword, you’re up against hundreds or even thousands of other websites. But with a long-tail keyword, you have a much better chance of ranking in the top positions.
Second, long-tail keywords tend to be more specific and targeted than the shorter ones. This means that they’re more likely to get more high quality traffics which you can turn into your advantages to convert them into sales or leads.
Long-tail keywords are important for SEO because they help you target a specific audience. By targeting a specific audience, you are more likely to rank higher in search engines.
Long-tail keywords also help you to narrow down your keywords so that you can focus on the most relevant ones. This will help you to save time and money while also improving your chances of ranking higher in search engines.
Targeted Traffic to Convert More Visitors into Sales or Leads
Because long-tail keywords are typically quite particular, the person searching for that keyword in Google is most likely close to making a purchase or subscribe to your email newsletter, follow your social networks, etc.
Take, for example, the keyword “SEO tools:”
Someone who searches for that term is on the verge of making a purchasing decision. Even if they are still looking for the greatest software.
A keyword like “SEO,” on the other hand, is quite broad.
This searcher is most likely conducting preliminary study on SEO in general. They could be seeking for tools to aid with their SEO strategy for months.
As already explained that shorter keywords can have tight competition for ranks, but visits can be dispersed and ROI can be low.
Going strictly by numbers, smart long-tail keyword implementation will bring in less traffic, but the return on investment will be proportionally much higher: you’ll be attracting exactly the audience you’re looking for, and that audience will be far closer to point-of-purchase than that of your less-savvy competitors.
Less Competition = Less Expensive PPC Advertising
Not only benefit the SEO and organic conversion strategies, long-tail keywords can also benefit your paid advertising channel.
Long-tail keywords are useful for businesses that want their content to appear in organic Google searches, but they could be even more useful for advertisers conducting paid search marketing campaigns.
Because there is less competition when you bid on long-tail keywords, the cost per click is definitely cheaper.
The biggest disadvantage of focusing on long-tail keywords is that ranking for multiple of them is required to equal the quantity of traffic you’d get from a single head term.
How to Find Long-Tail Keywords: Top 10 Ways to Find Long-Tail Keywords
Now that you understand what are long-tail keywords and why they are important for SEO to drive visibility on Google SERP. Here are the best and proven strategies for finding long-tail keywords you can try right away:
1. Use Google Autosuggest Feature
When you start typing a query on Google search box, some related- possible queries will start appearing below it, that’s Google Autosuggest. Google will automatically suggest some related queries that might match your search.
Some SEO Experts agree that when you aim to find long-tail keywords, you better start from using Google Autosuggest or Google’s Autocomplete Search feature.
Another free source from Google search that you can utilize to find some long-tail keywords ideas are Google’s related searches, which appear at the bottom of the SERP.
You can click each of the related searches keywords to find or extend more and more long-tail keywords ideas related for your queries.
3. Google’s People also ask Feature
Another great feature which you can directly on Google SERP. This feature only appears when the query you search has possible questions that have answers.
The “People Also Ask” option on Google is a great place to find question-based keywords.
When you click to expand on a question, Google creates even more questions about it.
4. Keyword Magic Tool on Semrush
Semrush is an all-in-one digital marketing tool package that will help you analyze and track many of your online business’s most critical features, such as SEO, paid advertising, and social media (read our comprehensive Semrush Review for more details).
One of the finest tools you can find in Semrush is Keyword Magic Tool, which can be extensively used to research long-tail keywords.
In seconds, the Keyword Magic Tool creates millions of keywords. Simply enter a wide “seed keyword” into the input box, and it will locate some long-tail variations of that keyword.
Try Semrush for Free5. Semrush’s Topic Research Tool
Another awesome tool by Semrush that can help you find related keywords of your main targeted keyword. The related keywords are somewhat long-tail keywords which can also enrich your content ideation in the long run.
You can also find question-related topics which you can write the answers to them in your content.
Try Topic Research Tool for Free6. Semrush’s Keyword Gap Tool
Another cool SEO tool you can find on Semrush is Keyword Gap tool. You can use this tool to compare your keyword profile to that of your competitors to identify SEO keyword gaps and fresh ranking prospects.
With it, you can discover which keywords your competitors rank for but you don’t. Most of the keywords tend to be long-tail keywords, so it’s a helpful tool to find long-tail keywords to target.
Start Using Semrush7. Keyword Surfer Browser Extension
Keyword Surfer is a browser extension which you can use for free on popular browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, etc.
This extension is typically used to show related queries that you search on Google. To find long-tail keywords with it, all you need to do is search your target keyword on Google, and this extension will show related queries on the right side of your screen.
Comprehensive keyword research and data-driven content standards are just two clicks away with Keyword Surfer.
You’ll find search volumes, CPC, keyword suggestions, related keywords, visibility metrics, and on-page statistics for every new search in Google.
You can also create an NLP-driven Material Editor for your content and begin writing right away.
Without ever leaving Google Search, go through the entire article creation process—researching, writing, and optimizing.
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Use Tool8. Ahrefs’ Keywords Explorer
Aside from Semrush, another SEO tool we frequently use is Ahrefs. Like Semrush, Ahrefs is also very good to use as a keyword research tool.
One of its feature you can use to conduct long-tail keywords research is Keywords Explorer.
You can use filters such as question-based keywords, volume, number of words in a phrase, etc. If you’re looking for long-tail keywords, then you might want to filter out the search based on a minimum of 3 words.
9. Quora and Reddit
Most SEO Experts really love to use online forum such as Quora and Reddit to find keywords or hot topics to give answers to.
There are a lot of websites like these two, on which you can freely use to develop your content ideations.
10. Google Ads Keyword Planner
Then up until now, Google Ads Keyword Planner remains the best tool to conduct keyword research, even among SEO’s.
The Google Keyword Planner is intended for use in PPC campaigns. Nonetheless, it’s a useful source of keyword suggestions.
Log in to your Google Ads account and go to the Keyword Planner to get started.
There are two choices: “Discover new keywords” and “Get search volume and forecasts:”
How to Use Long-Tail Keywords Effectively
Finding long-tail keywords is only the first step.
Once you’ve decided on your keywords, you must employ them correctly on your page. This on-page SEO guide will teach you everything you need to know about employing keywords appropriately.
But, as a fast refresher, here are a few on-page SEO strategies for long-tail keywords:
Use Keywords Organically
Long-tail keywords (such as “best SEO tool for SaaS businesses”) can be lengthy and clumsy. As a result, they aren’t always easy to utilize naturally in a phrase.
You may need to be imaginative or change your keyword somewhat.
Just be careful not to overuse your term on your page. Readability and usefulness are always prioritized.
Strategically Distribute Your Long-Tail Keywords
If possible, include your long-tail term in the title, headers, and subheaders of your page. Use it in your first paragraph, if possible in the first sentence.
Make Use of User’s Search Intent on Your Content
Adding your keyword on your page is insufficient. To rank well on Google, your content must match the search intent of the keyword.
The Search Purpose feature of Semrush makes it simple to determine a keyword’s search intent. This allows you to generate content that provides your reader with exactly what they’re looking for.
Try Semrush for FreeFinal Words
Keyword research is still the bedrock of any effective SEO effort. Long-tail keywords are also suitable for new sites (or sites with little authority).
If you’ve been struggling to rank for your target terms, it’s possible that they were too competitive. It may also be time to shift your focus to long-tail keywords.
This post should assist you fine-tune your SEO approach and increase search traffic to your website.
