What are Long Tail Keywords?
Long tail keywords are search terms that have more words in them. They are more precise than searches with fewer words because of their length. A short tail keyword is “buy socks,” whereas a long tail keyword might be “buy breathable running socks” (4 words). Although there isn’t a set limit, marketers typically count phrases with three or four words as long tail keywords.
The great bulk of search volume is made up of really narrow phrases. This means a missed opportunity results from concentrating just on really popular search phrases.
Focusing on long-tail keywords is crucial for effective SEO strategy, as they often have lower competition and can drive highly targeted traffic to your website. Keyword research tools can help identify these long-tail variations, making it easier to rank for specific long-tail keywords with relatively low search volume but high conversion rates.
Including keywords important for your content strategy ensures that you reach users with clear search intent. As Bill Trancer explained in a 2008 blog post analyzing Hitwise data, marketers who leverage these specific long-tail queries can significantly enhance their SEO efforts and overall search engine results.
The Long Tail
The term “long tail” refers to a statistical idea that characterises a data distribution with significant outcomes far from the “head.” The head is shown in green and the tail is shown in yellow in the chart below.
Following the publication of his book The Long Tail, Chris Anderson contributed to the term’s widespread use.
Here’s how search engines and the long tail are related. The volume of searches is graphed on the y-axis below, and the number of terms per search is graphed on the x-axis. In a typical search scenario, the majority of searches are for popular terms or keywords, represented by the green area in the chart. These are often referred to as the “head” of the distribution. However, there is also a large number of less common or long-tail keywords, represented by the yellow area in the chart.
While individually these long-tail keywords may have lower search volumes, when considered collectively they actually make up a significant portion of total search traffic. This is because there are so many unique long-tail keywords that, when combined, they can rival or even surpass the volume of searches for popular keywords.
For businesses and website owners, tapping into the long tail of search can be a valuable strategy. By targeting a diverse range of long-tail keywords, they can attract more niche and specific audiences who are more likely to convert. This can lead to better overall search engine optimization (SEO) and a higher return on investment in terms of organic search traffic.
Marketing Techniques
Finding long tail-keywords for a particular niche through keyword research may be a successful marketing strategy, particularly for SEO and advertising.
Because long-tail keywords are more focused, users are more likely to know what they are looking for and as a result, to make a purchase.
Longer search terms are also less competitive in internet advertising. In other words, more businesses are putting up bids to have their advertising displayed on the most well-liked search engine result pages. With less competition for these queries than for shorter, more popular searches, it may be simpler to achieve ranks when using organic SEO techniques.
Long-tail keyword advertising may provide a better return on investment. Instead of squandering your budget on one or two really competitive phrases, it is best to bid on a variety of long-tail keywords.
