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Contents
What are Long Tail Keywords?
When we say long tail keywords, these are keywords that are longer than usual. In simple terms, instead of a single-worded keyword, long tail keywords tend to be longer, such as in the form of questions, phrases, and sentences.
Long tail keywords have relatively low search volume and competition. The term long tail can also refer to the length of the search’s demand curve. As the search narrows, its volume decreases while the possibility of conversion increases.
Although using them is somewhat outside the norm, they can be a valuable asset for SEO once you learn how to use them.
Long-Tail Keywords are a key to good SEO
Why Are Long Tail Keywords Important?
Finding long tail keywords has two main reasons. One is less competition, and the second is the possibility of high conversion.
- Less competition. Unlike conventional keywords, long-tail keywords are less competitive. Meaning they make ranking easier because only a few are using them. To put it into perspective, here’s an example:
A general short tail keyword like “google ranking” would show billions of search results. So, for you to rank successfully using this keyword means overtaking these billions of other search results!
On the contrary, its more specific long tail keyword like “how to rank in google in 2022” can have lesser. With this, long-tail keywords are the best option for quick ranking.
In a nutshell, long tail keywords are easier to bid compared to their super famous counterparts.
- High conversion rates. As mentioned, long-tail keywords are not just longer words; they’re also more specific. In short: queries made using long-tail keywords tend to be much further along in the buying cycle in contrast to short-tail searches. The point? The conversion caused by long-tail searches is 2.5x higher compared to short-tail searches.
How to Find Relevant Long Tail Keywords
#1 Use Google autocomplete suggestions.
For starters, enter your base keyword on the Google search bar until the autocomplete suggestions appear underneath your query. You can also discover some related suggestions in the “People also ask” section. Or hover down the bottom of SERP to check the list of popular topics related to your base keyword.
#2 Long tail keywords as questions.
It is evident that queries have become more of a question than a head term. Audiences always have questions in mind when searching for a particular topic. Using long tail keywords as questions helps you align with what your target audience wants.
So, when brainstorming for long tail questions, remember that people commonly use how, what, why, and where. Questions starting with these words are what often appear in google searches.
Speaking of finding question queries, one great tool you can use is AnswerthePublic. AnswerthePublic generates suggestions of common questions about your based keyword. The good thing is these questions come from various sources, such as search engines, social media, and forums. With this, you’ll have a lot of options to choose from.
Long-Tail Keywords can be questions
#3 Qualifiers plus head terms.
Qualifiers can be any words that best describe or are relevant to your keyword. Adding local information also helps you become relevant in your local area. Yes, being more specific increases your chance of search appearance and conversion.
#4 Gap analysis overview.
A gap analysis gives you an insight into which and where to use long tail keywords on your web pages. Gap analysis is the process of reviewing articles and content on your website to find areas that need improvements. Some SEO auditing tools will help you see highly or poorly ranking keywords.
#5 Conduct competitive research.
View your top competitors’ page to find the traffic driving long tail keywords they’re using. List the keywords that make them first on SERP and other queries. Once you have a list, understand how you can properly use each keyword to your advantage. This can give you leverage in exposure and rank higher than usual. Here are some of the best SEO long tail keyword tools you can use:
- Ubersuggest. This keyword tool is notable for giving crucial SEO information. Owned by Neil Patel, the tool can provide your competitors’ domain overview, keyword traffic, backlinks, and SEO analyzer. Though its free version has limitations, you can take advantage of it until you decide to commit to the subscription price are worth it.
- Keywords Everywhere. Another free and convenient SEO tool is Keywords Everywhere. It has a browser extension compatible with Chrome and Firefox. Keywords Everywhere also offer widgets on Google’s SERPs where it displays related keywords, data for monthly search volume, CPC, and competition.
- Aherfs Free Keyword Generator. This is one of the beginner-friendly as well as budget-friendly tools from Aherfs among others. Keyword Generator helps you find most search-related queries and questions relevant to your base keyword. One particular thing I personally like about this SEO tool is that it suggests the most updated keywords and search volumes.
- WordStream. Despite not being completely free, WordStream has a free keyword tool enough to cater to your basic SEO needs. Its free tools can give you hundreds of relevant keyword results, competition level, and targeted advertising ideas.
#6 Google Trends
Talking about popular keywords, Google Trends will not only give the most recent but also the past ones. With Trends, you’ll have the opportunity to see if your keyword is growing in interest or declining. You can even compare two keywords against each other or narrow them down to your target location. And it’s completely free!
#7 Check Forums or Q&A sites
Forums and Q&A Sites are great places to find ideas for long tail keywords. There are a lot of sites to browse, like:
- Quora
- Answers.com
- Brainly
- Wiki Answers
Of course, not every question you find is worth giving you a long tail keyword idea. So, you still have to put an effort into doing keyword research to know the right search volume and competition level.
Verdict
You see, search engine result is becoming more and more competitive. For this reason, long tail keywords become reliable assets. As we discussed, they are more practical than head terms since they’re more specific, promote conversion, and are easier to rank for.
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