Search engine optimization (SEO) has become an increasingly important part of digital marketing as businesses are looking to get ahead of their competition by ranking higher on search engines like Google. One of the most effective ways of increasing a website’s visibility is by using strategically placed long-tail keywords.
Long-tail keywords are multi-word phrases that people use to search for specific topics on search engines. They are typically more specific and focus on a specific topic or product. They are different from short-tail keywords which tend to be generic and are often used by millions of people on search engines. Long-tail keywords, on the other hand, can be much more targeted and easier to rank for when compared to short-tail keywords.
Using long-tail keywords in SEO strategies has multiple benefits. For one, long-tail keywords can help businesses target specific segments of their audiences. By using long-tail keywords that are tailored to the needs and wants of a particular segment, businesses can better connect with their customers and increase their chances of reaching them.
One of the biggest benefits of using long-tail keywords is the ability to target a specific segment of the market. For example, if you are a company that sells designer eyeglass frames, then you can use long-tail keywords in order to target people who are searching for designer frames.
However, if you are a company that sells eyeglass frames for men and women, then using long-tail keywords like “men's glasses” or “female frames” would be better than just saying “eyeglass frames” because it will be easier for users to find your website when they are searching for something like that.
Long-tail keywords also have a lower search volume when compared to their popular counterparts, which means that it's much easier to compete with other websites and rank higher in search engine results. Because of the wider range of searches that are associated with long-tail keywords, businesses can capitalize on the untapped traffic that they can gain from the less popular search terms.
Additionally, because long-tail keywords have a lower search volume than short-tail keywords, it can often be easier to rank for the long-tail keyword than it is to rank for some of the more popular search terms like "dog training”, "how to train a dog", "dog training tips” and so on.
Although it might take longer to get ranked for one of the long-tail keywords, it’s often easier than trying to fight for the first position or second position on some of the shorter tail keywords.
This means that you can rank for the medium sized keyword search terms, which don't get as much traffic as the longer tail keyword search phrases but still get decent traffic over time (I'm talking about the low to medium-sized keywords).
Considering how long it takes to rank for one of the shorter tail keywords, sometimes it’s better off to go after terms that are easier on your wallet as well as your time frame.
Long-tail keywords can also lead to more conversions because they are more likely to target customers who are further along in the buying cycle. When customers are using longer search terms, it’s usually because they are looking for something specific and they are ready to take the next step and make a purchase.
In the case of long-tail keywords, users are typing in a longer phrase because they know exactly what they are looking for. For example, an individual searching for weight loss tips would type in "how can I lose weight fast?" rather than something generic like “health”.
By targeting these keywords, you are able to increase the chance of getting an actual conversion because those looking to buy your product (or have a service performed) will find your website when they do the search they typed in.
Finally, long-tail keywords can help businesses strengthen their overall SEO strategies. By including specific, targeted keywords in their content, businesses can create a more relevant, successful website that stands out from the competition.
With a strong SEO strategy, businesses can position themselves to succeed in every way possible. Having a solid foundation for your business means that you will be able to stand out as a leader in your niche and attract the right kind of traffic to your website.
People searching online have very high expectations of what they want and expect to find when they type in their search terms.
As much as the search engines are trying to meet their audiences’ expectations, it is important for businesses everywhere to be aware of what their potential customers are typing into those search engines in order to be successful at earning a place among first page search results.
Overall, long-tail keywords are powerful tools for website optimization and have multiple benefits for businesses that are looking to strengthen their SEO strategies. By incorporating these keywords into a website, businesses can target their specific audiences and reap the rewards of higher levels of traffic and conversions.
If you want to learn more about long-tail keywords, feel free to watch this great video made by @Ahrefs:
