Even though the idea of long-tail keywords has been around for a while, many people still aren't clear on what they are or how to use them to increase traffic and conversions. This guide will walk you through what long-tail keywords are and how you can make them a key part of your SEO strategy.
Long-tail keywords are low-volume search terms that are highly specific and niche-oriented. These keywords usually face little competition in search results, making them easier to rank for compared to more generic, high-volume keywords. Although they may have a lower search volume, long-tail keywords often attract high-converting users who know exactly what they are looking for.
A common misconception is that long-tail keywords are always long phrases. While it’s true that adding more words to a search query generally makes it more specific, the term "long-tail" actually refers to the distribution curve that these keywords create when plotted on a graph. Most search queries fall under the "long tail," meaning there are far more unique, low-volume searches than popular, high-volume ones.
For startups, resources are often limited, so targeting high-volume, highly competitive keywords might not be the best strategy. Long-tail keywords offer an excellent opportunity to attract targeted traffic with less effort and fewer resources. Users searching for these specific terms often have a clear intent, whether it’s finding information, purchasing a product, or locating a service. By providing exactly what these users are looking for, startups can achieve higher conversion rates.
Begin your keyword research with a broad topic that relates to your business. For example, if you run a Project Management blog, start by searching for "Projects". Google’s autocomplete suggestions and related searches can provide initial ideas for long-tail keywords. For instance, "CRM market" might be a good starting point, leading to more specific searches like "CRM market automation with AI"
Once you’ve identified a broad topic, scroll to the bottom of the Google search results page to find related searches. These phrases are popular searches related to your initial query and can serve as inspiration for long-tail keywords.
Google’s "People Also Ask" section is another goldmine for discovering long-tail keywords. These questions reveal what users are commonly asking about your topic, offering more specific keyword ideas.
Once you have a list of potential keywords, tools like Ahrefs can help you narrow down the best ones to target. Compare the search volume, ranking difficulty, and traffic potential to identify the most lucrative long-tail keywords for your website.
Another effective strategy is to analyze the keywords your competitors are ranking for. By entering a competitor’s website into Ahrefs’ Site Explorer, you can see which URLs are driving the most traffic and which keywords they’re ranking for. This insight can help you identify long-tail keywords that you might not have considered.
When picking long-tail keywords, remember that search volume and competition vary depending on your niche. A keyword that seems low in search volume in one industry might be considered high in another. Also, if your competitors have a more established site with lots of backlinks, it could be tough to outrank them, even with great content.
In short, long-tail keywords are a powerful tool for startups aiming to grow online. These specific, low-competition search terms can bring in targeted traffic and boost conversions without needing a lot of resources. By focusing on these keywords, startups can improve their search rankings and drive business success.