Long tail keywords (LTKs) are one of the most important things you can use to get your website found in search engines. The long tail keyword is the phrase that describes a particular product or service in detail, for example, “waterproof hiking boots.” You can use long tail keywords to target specific searches because people often use them when looking for something specific on the internet.
What are long tail keywords?
Long tail keywords are a subset of broad keywords used to target specific niches.
SEO specialists and search engine marketers often use long tail keywords to help their clients find more targeted traffic. These keywords have low competition and high demand. This makes them an ideal target for anyone looking to tap into a niche market with less competition.
You must understand how these phrases differ from broader terms when creating your long tail keyword research strategy. While they may seem similar at first glance, they each have their own set of characteristics that make them unique.
Long tail keywords are often used to target specific niches. Long tail keywords are usually found using keyword research tools or other ways. The best way to find long tail keywords is through Google’s Keyword Planner. It allows you to search for long tail phrases based on your industry, location, and budget.
Why are they called “long tail keywords”?
Long tail keywords are longer and more specific than broad, general head terms. They can be as long as five words or more and typically include two to three words.
They are also more targeted because they are written for a specific product or service. The user is searching for that exact thing, and it’s not just a broad topic. For example, “how to lose weight” versus something more specific, like “best workout plan for women over 50 who want to lose 10 pounds in 1 month”.
They are also popular because they allow you to target brand new users and loyal customers who have been searching for your product or service through different search engines over time.
These keywords tend to be more competitive than head terms due to their specificity. There may only be a small number of websites competing against each other in this space. However, given how targeted these searches are, there will likely be competition between those sites trying to rank for those exact long-tail phrases.
What makes them useful?
Long tail keywords are more specific and targeted, which means they’re more likely to be searched. As a result, it’s easier to fulfill the expectations of people searching with this type of keyword. This will help you convert them into customers: the more focused your content is on the needs of your audience, the stronger that bond will be.
If you want your site to rank higher in search engines like Google, long-tail keywords can help you do just that. Especially when paired with SEO strategies like keyword research and content optimization. Keyword research focuses on finding out which terms prospects search for; keyword optimization ensures those terms appear throughout all aspects of your business’s online presence (including domains, pages, and blog posts).
Types of long tail keywords
There are many types of long tail keywords, so it’s important to understand them all. This can help you get started with your research, as well as help you better understand the process. Here are a few of the most common types:
- Generic keywords have no brand specificity, so they’re less likely to be searched for by consumers (and therefore less valuable). They tend to be very broad and include words like “shoes,” while specific models would be words like “Nike Pegasus.”
- Brand-focused keywords are more tightly focused on one brand or product. For example, an individual shoe model might have its own keyword (“Nike Pegasus”). While these may not have any search volume on their own in most cases, they indicate interest from users who’ve already identified what they want!
How to find them?
The best way to find long tail keywords is using the Google Keyword Planner tool. This free tool is available in your AdWords account and will allow you to see how many people are searching for specific keywords relevant to your business.
You can also get great ideas by using the Google autocomplete feature, which shows suggested search terms users want to find as they type into Google’s search bar. The keyword research tools discussed below will help you discover more long tail keywords for any topic or industry.
Conclusion
Long tail keywords are a great way to target specific visitors with content that will help them. They’re also a great way to make your content more relevant and accessible. Some users may not know precisely what they’re looking for! Check out our other blog posts to see an example of how this works in practice!
