How to Target Long-Tail Keywords for Better SEO

What is SEO, anyway?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. SEO is a web marketing tactic that’s applied for the purpose of increasing the visibility of one’s website in search engine results. Long story short, the goal is to be one of the first websites that potential customers lay eyes on as they scour the internet for what they’re looking for. However, this can be a tough feat given the high number of competitors contending for the same keywords. This is where long-tail keywords come in.

So… what exactly is a long-tail keyword?

In a nutshell, long-tail keywords utilize three, four or more words that embody the intent of the user. For instance, these days, it’s no longer a common practice for individuals to get on Google and merely type in, “shoes.” Rather, they will type in more specific searches such as “Nike basketball shoes” or “Chuck Taylor shoes” or they’ll search based on geographics such as “shoe stores in Santa Barbara.” Queries typed as questions have also become more common such as “What is the best shoe store in Santa Barbara?” for example. Long-tail keywords are more descriptive, detailed, and specific in nature.

Not only are long-tail keywords easier to rank for because of their specificity, but you are also likely to see a higher number of conversions from users referred to your site from these keywords because they better reflect the intent of the user. In other words, users that conduct searches for long-tail words know exactly what they’re looking for and are probably closer to making a purchase than those searching with broader, less specific keywords. To better target these customers, you want to make sure that the content of your website contains the specific long-tail keywords your target market is likely to use.

When you begin to develop this targeted content, take the time to think about what questions would be relevant to your audience. What would your typical customer be searching for that content on your website could satisfy? Incorporating long-tail keywords into the content of your website not only provides you with the opportunity to attract customers that are on the prowl for your specific product or service, but to lure potential ones that previously had no idea you existed.

Tools for Keyword Research

Should you need assistance with brainstorming potential search terms, give these websites below a try:

• www.wordstream.com/keywords — The free keyword tool offered by Wordstream gives you 10 keyword suggestions up-front, then one keyword search per day going forward. You can email the full list of keyword suggestions to yourself for free.

• www.semrush.com — SEMrush has a treasure trove of information for you, from related keywords, to CPC data, and the top pages ranking for each keyword you enter.

• www.keywordtool.io — Provides over 750 suggestions, including long-tail keywords, for every keyword entered by generating and providing you with Google’s auto suggestions.

• http://buzzsumo.com — Helps you find content that is ranking for certain keywords. See what your competitors are doing to help tailor your content ideas to better suit your customers, and in turn, rank better in search.

Feel you need further assistance to really lock-down your long-tail keyword strategy? We’re here to help! Get in touch with us today.