What are long-tail keywords, and why are they used?
Long-tail keywords are search phrases that use anywhere from 3 to 8 (or more) keywords. The long and specific search queries when a user searches for a particular question will include these long-tail keywords. They are not common because the users will enter very specific search queries that can answer their concerns. If you want your website to rank higher, it can be helpful to use these keywords because users will search for relevant questions that can provide solutions or any information about certain products or services.
Long tail keywords and voice searches: why do they work?
Research has shown that voice searches are becoming more popular as AI-powered digital assistants like Alexa, Google, and Apple are increasingly being sold all over the world. In 2023, the number of voice search users was reported to be around 125.2 million. This trend is moving dramatically, as they are using the voice search feature more than 1 billion times every month. When users are searching for information with these digital assistants and voice search features on their phones, they frame a specific question that is more than 5 words long, and this is where long-tail keywords come into play.
Example
Let’s say that a user is searching for a “gaming laptop.” This keyword can display various results that are irrelevant and don’t quite satisfy the user’s query. This time, the user will search for “gaming laptops with 8GB RAM and RTX graphics card”. Now, the SERP shows the results that are relevant and match the user query. Your content can rank higher in the SERP if users are searching for this specific topic.
This is why long-tail keywords should be incorporated into certain content, including blogs and web pages.
Long-tail keywords vs short-tail : which one should you use?
The latest research has shown that 70% of the searches use long-tail keywords, and search engines are also becoming better at understanding human voice searches with the help of machine learning and AI. Users will more likely search in complete sentences, so using short and generic keywords will not help your SEO efforts if your goal is to rank higher in the SERP. Here’s why you should target Long-Tail Keywords :
1. Reduced competition
If you search any keyword tools for generic keywords, it will have higher competition, making it difficult to use them and rank higher in search engines. Long tail keywords can make it easier to target specific user queries and will increase your chances of appearing on top results.
2. Higher conversions
Users will land on your website if your content is more relevant to their queries. This can make them engage with your content because they relate to it. This increases the time they spend on your website and enhances conversions, either by signing up for a newsletter or purchasing what you are offering.
Benefits of Long-Tail Keywords in SEO
Long tail keywords not only help your website rank higher in the search results but also attract users who are specifically interested in your products or services. Long-tail keyword benefits go beyond the SERP, as they indicate an understanding of the user’s unique requirements. Hence, it will increase their probability of purchasing what you are offering. Users will continue to explore your website and engage with the content, which can decrease your bounce rate significantly, which is not possible if your website content solely relies on generic keywords. Here are some additional benefits of using long-tail keywords in your content:
- Natural language : Long-tail keywords are often used by voice search users, and the queries are more conversational and in full sentences, exactly like keywords that are long and specific.
- Higher accuracy and relevancy : When people are searching their queries, they are likely to be more detailed, which means users are looking for relevant information about a product or a service.
- Improved user experience : Providing exact answers to specific questions can improve user satisfaction. This means Google will love your content and reward your website with higher rankings.
- Less competition in the niche market : Ranking higher in the search engines is quite important for SEO. By using relevant long-tail keywords, you can dominate your niche market and establish yourself as an authority.
- Increased conversions from users : When users search for a particular topic, they have already decided to buy the product/service, and if your content has relevant long-tail keywords, they are more likely to make the purchase.
Strategies to hunt down long tail keywords for SEO success
Before you can start using long-tail keywords in your content, you need to know where and how to find them. The following strategies will help you hunt down long-tail keywords to improve your SEO strategy :
1. Building buyer personas
If you want to understand what your audience is searching for, you need to think like them. Buyer personas are helpful in knowing what phrases they would use to find your product or service, so you can tailor your keywords.
2. Analyze competitor keywords
Find out what your competitors are ranking for, and see what kind of long-tail keywords they are using. This can give you an idea of the keywords to use in your content.
3. Use Google’s autocomplete
Start typing a query into Google’s search bar and see what pops up in the dropdown list. The autocomplete suggestions are usually long-tail keywords that actual people are searching for.
4. Look at the Q&A sites
Websites like Quora or Reddit can help you to find long-tail keywords. See what questions people are asking about your niche, and use those as keywords.
5. Use SEO tools
There are some SEO tools out there to help you discover long-tail keywords. Apart from Google Keyword Planner, Semrush, Ahrefs, and UberSuggest, you can also use a unique long-tail keyword research tool like :
- People Also Ask section of Google: This feature can show the questions that are asked frequently, and you can find questions that have long keywords.
Conclusion
Long-tail keywords are the secret to SEO success. They can help you target a specific audience and motivate them for higher conversions because the users are searching for detailed queries. By using the right tools and strategies, you can incorporate long-tail keywords into your content and boost your search engine rankings.
