What is a Long-Tail Keyword?

A long-tail keyword is a specific, multi-word search phrase that targets a narrower audience than broad, generic keywords.

"Running shoes" is a short-tail (or head) keyword. "Best running shoes for flat feet women" is a long-tail keyword. The long-tail version has fewer searches but much clearer intent.

Why long-tail keywords matter

Long-tail keywords are where most new blogs should focus. Here's why:

Less competition

Everyone wants to rank for "email marketing." That's why it's nearly impossible for a new site to break in. But "email marketing for Etsy sellers" has far fewer competitors - and some of them aren't even trying hard.

Less competition means you can rank faster with less authority and fewer backlinks.

Clearer search intent

The longer and more specific a query, the clearer the search intent.

Someone searching "shoes" could want anything. Someone searching "buy waterproof hiking boots size 10" knows exactly what they want. You know exactly what to write.

Clearer intent means your content can be more targeted, which usually means higher conversion rates.

They add up

Individually, long-tail keywords get fewer searches. But there are millions of them, and they make up the majority of all searches.

Ranking for 50 long-tail keywords at 100 searches/month each beats ranking nowhere for one 5,000-search keyword you can't crack.

Examples of long-tail keywords

| Short-tail | Long-tail | |------------|-----------| | SEO | SEO tips for small business websites | | Blog writing | How to write a blog post introduction | | Coffee maker | Best coffee maker under $50 with grinder | | Yoga | Yoga for beginners with bad knees |

The long-tail versions are questions or phrases someone might actually type into Google when they have a specific need.

How to find long-tail keywords

Google autocomplete

Start typing your topic into Google and see what it suggests. Those suggestions are based on real searches.

People Also Ask

Look at the "People also ask" box in search results. Each question is a potential long-tail keyword with proven demand.

Answer the Public

This free tool generates questions and phrases based on a seed keyword. Great for finding angles you hadn't considered.

Your own analytics

If your site has some traffic, check Google Search Console. Look at queries you're already appearing for - especially ones where you're ranking on page 2. Those are long-tail opportunities you can improve.

Keyword tools

Ahrefs, Semrush, and Ubersuggest all let you filter for keywords with lower difficulty and search volume - the sweet spot for long-tail.

When to target long-tail vs. short-tail

Use long-tail when:

• Your site is new with little authority
• You want faster results
• You're writing for a specific audience
• You want content that converts (not just traffic)

Consider short-tail when:

• You've built authority in your niche
• You already rank for related long-tail terms
• You're creating comprehensive pillar content

Most bloggers underestimate how long it takes to rank for short-tail keywords. Starting with long-tail builds momentum and traffic while you grow.

Long-tail strategy in practice

A smart approach:

1. Pick a broad topic you want to own (e.g., "blog writing")
2. Find 10-20 long-tail variations ("how to write blog post headlines," "blog writing for beginners," etc.)
3. Write focused posts for each long-tail keyword
4. Interlink them all with internal links
5. Eventually, you build enough authority to compete for the head term too

This is how small sites grow into authorities. You don't start at the top - you earn your way there, one long-tail keyword at a time.