In today’s competitive SEO landscape, effective keyword strategy can make or break your visibility. While high-traffic “head” keywords get a lot of attention, long tail keywords are often where you’ll find the highest returns on investment, especially in niche markets. In this post, we’ll explain what long tail keywords are, why they matter, and how you can use them to drive targeted traffic and conversions to your website.
What Are Long Tail Keywords?
Long tail keywords are specific search phrases, typically longer than three words, that have lower search volume and competition than more generic terms. Individually, these keywords may attract fewer searches, but collectively, they make up a significant portion of all Google searches. For example, a keyword like “link building software for SEO” is a long tail variant of “link building,” and while it has lower search volume, it targets a more specific audience with higher intent.
This specificity is a major benefit. People searching for long tail keywords tend to be further along in the buyer journey, often ready to make a purchase or seek out specialized information. According to a recent study, 92% of all keywords receive 10 or fewer searches per month, underscoring that most search queries are long tails.
Why Are Long Tail Keywords Important for SEO?
1. Lower Competition
Long tail keywords are significantly less competitive than their shorter counterparts. For example, ranking for a generic term like “SEO software” could mean competing against millions of pages. In contrast, a more specific long tail keyword like “best SEO software for beginners” is likely to have fewer competing pages, making it easier to rank higher in search results.
The same principle applies to paid search (PPC) strategies: long tail keywords can be cheaper to bid on, as fewer advertisers are vying for the ad space, which reduces costs and boosts ROI.
2. Higher Conversion Rates
Long tail keywords tend to attract users with clear, specific intent. For instance, someone searching for “buy keto diet supplements” is likely further along in the purchasing process than someone simply searching “keto diet.” By targeting long tail keywords, you can reach an audience that is more likely to convert, making these terms especially valuable for e-commerce and lead-generation strategies.
How to Find Long Tail Keywords: 10 Proven Methods
Finding long tail keywords that align with your target audience can be done through a range of free and paid methods. Here’s how:
1. Google’s “Searches Related to…” Section
After searching on Google, scroll to the bottom of the search results page to find the “Searches related to…” section. This area provides additional search suggestions based on user behaviour, giving insight into related long tail keywords that you might not have considered. For example, if you search for “link building,” you might find “best link building strategies for beginners” as a suggestion.
2. SEMrush Keyword Magic Tool
SEMrush’s Keyword Magic Tool allows you to filter keywords by word count, showing only longer, more specific terms. After entering a broad keyword, you can view related long tail keywords alongside search volume and keyword difficulty metrics, allowing you to target keywords with high potential.
3. Answer The Public
Answer The Public generates long tail keywords by displaying common questions people ask around a topic. Simply enter a broad keyword, and it will display questions that could guide your content strategy. These question-based keywords often reveal searchers' intent, making it easier to tailor content to their needs.
4. Forums and Discussion Boards
Forums are gold mines for keyword research. Users on these platforms discuss niche topics, asking questions that often reflect real-life search queries. To find relevant forums, use search operators like “[keyword] + forum” or “[keyword] + discussion board,” and take note of recurring questions and topics.
5. Google Autocomplete
Google’s Autocomplete feature offers keyword suggestions as you type. By entering a seed keyword, you can see Google’s related terms, which can inspire long tail keyword ideas. Tools like Ubersuggest or keywordtool.io automate this process, pulling Google’s Autocomplete suggestions into a single, organized list.
6. Soovle
Soovle is a free tool that collects search suggestions from multiple sources, including Amazon, YouTube, and Wikipedia. By entering a broad keyword, you can find unique, untapped long tail keywords that go beyond typical SEO tools.
7. People Also Ask (PAA) Boxes
Google’s “People Also Ask” (PAA) boxes appear in search results for certain queries, displaying commonly asked questions related to the keyword. Clicking on a question reveals even more, helping you discover additional long tail keywords with high user interest.
8. Google Search Console’s Performance Report
Sometimes the best keywords are those for which you’re already ranking. Google Search Console can show you queries that drive traffic to your site but may not yet be optimized. In the Performance Report, sort your query results by position to identify keywords ranking on the 2nd or 3rd page. By updating content to target these keywords, you can improve their rankings and capture additional traffic.
9. Google Trends
Google Trends displays the popularity of search terms over time, allowing you to spot trending keywords. For instance, if you find that searches for “keto diet for beginners” are increasing, that long tail keyword might be worth targeting. Google Trends also provides related queries, which can yield additional long tail keyword ideas.
10. Quora
Quora is a question-and-answer site where users discuss a wide range of topics. By entering a keyword, you can see commonly asked questions, often phrased as long tail keywords. These questions reveal what people genuinely want to know, offering insights you can leverage in content creation.
How to Use Long Tail Keywords in Your Content
Once you’ve compiled a list of long tail keywords, you have two main options for incorporating them into your SEO strategy:
Option 1: Create Content Around Long Tail Keywords
This approach involves creating dedicated content—such as blog posts, product pages, or service pages—that specifically targets each long tail keyword. For instance, if you find a keyword like “how to increase YouTube subscribers,” you can create a blog post around that phrase. Targeting long tail keywords in this way is ideal for specific queries, as it allows you to fully address each topic.
Option 2: Integrate Long Tail Keywords into Existing Content
Alternatively, you can optimize existing pages around a primary keyword and sprinkle relevant long tail keywords throughout. For example, in a post about “free SEO tools,” you can incorporate long tail keywords like “best free SEO tools for small businesses” or “top free SEO tools for beginners.” This approach allows you to rank for multiple related terms with a single piece of content.
Conclusion: Unlocking the Power of Long Tail Keywords
Long tail keywords may not drive massive traffic individually, but their specificity makes them indispensable for targeted, high-intent audience segments. By focusing on these keywords, you can lower competition, improve rankings, and attract an audience that is more likely to convert. Through tools like Google Autocomplete, SEMrush, and forums, you can uncover valuable long tail keywords that will enhance your SEO strategy.
Investing time into finding and implementing long tail keywords in your content isn’t just an SEO best practice—it’s a proven way to build a more relevant, engaging, and profitable website.
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