Long Tail Keywords: What They Are & How to Use Them in 2024

When setting up a website, leveraging SEO to target high-volume keywords is a smart strategy. After all, more searches often translate to more views, and more visitors could mean more business—whether that’s sales or inquiries. Pretty straightforward, isn’t it? 

However, it’s not quite that simple. The reality is, high-volume keywords also mean high competition. Many other sites are targeting these same terms, making it challenging to rank well without a solid SEO foundation and a strategic approach to content that differentiates you from the rest.

Thus, when it comes to SEO, targeting long-tail keywords can really pay off, especially when the more common search terms are swamped with competition. These keywords are like hidden gems—specific and unique, they connect you directly with your target audience. In fact, 70% of all web searches involve long-tail keywords. 

What are Long-tail Keywords and why are they Important

Long-tail keywords are phrases that are longer and more specific than typical keywords. While a regular keyword might be something as simple as “shoes,” a long-tail keyword would extend this to “women’s waterproof hiking shoes size 10.” They are often less competitive but highly targeted, making them invaluable for attracting a specific audience.

Long-tail keywords are super important, especially if you want to stand out in search results. They allow smaller websites to compete in search engines where big brands dominate the shorter, more obvious keyword phrases. These keywords are important as they target users closer to making a purchase, making them more likely to convert. They are also excellent for voice search optimization, which is increasingly relevant with the rise of AI-driven personal assistants.

How to Use Long-tail Keywords Correctly

Effectively utilizing long-tail keywords is about much more than just integrating them into your web content; it’s about strategic placement and understanding the intent behind each search. Here’s how you can use long-tail keywords to enhance your SEO strategy:

1. Understand the Search Intent

For the long-tail keyword “how to install a solar panel at home,” tailor your content to cover all aspects—from choosing the right panel to detailed installation steps and potential energy savings—ensuring it comprehensively answers the user’s query and matches their intent.

2. Create Focused Content

When targeting “gluten-free dinner recipes for kids,” create a dedicated blog post that lists not only recipes but also discusses tips for making meals enjoyable for children with dietary restrictions, such as using colorful vegetables and gluten-free pasta shapes.

3. Incorporate in Key SEO Areas

For “affordable ergonomic office chairs in NYC,” place this long-tail keyword in the SEO title, meta description, subheading, and throughout the content body. This enhances relevance and search visibility while keeping the insertion natural and helpful.

4. Support with Internal Linking

Use “winter skin care tips for dry skin” as anchor text to link to a related article about the best moisturizers for dry skin. This strengthens your internal linking strategy and keeps users engaged with relevant content on your site.

Examples of Long-tail Keywords

To better understand the variety and effectiveness of long-tail keywords, let’s check out some specific examples that highlight their unique aspects:

Navigational Long-tail Keywords

Take the search for “Latest iPhone 13 Pro Max user manual download.” Here, someone is probably looking for exact details or help related to this product, showing that they’re really interested or possibly ready to follow instructions closely.

Informational Long-tail Keywords

Think about the query “How to improve indoor air quality without an air purifier.” This kind of search is perfect for content that offers DIY tips, product alternatives, or guidance from experts, catering to those looking for creative solutions.

Transactional Long-tail Keywords

For example, “Buy sustainable bamboo toothbrush online with free shipping” is tailored to shoppers who are ready to purchase, matching their specific desires and boosting businesses’ chances of making a sale.

Local Long-tail Keywords

“Best organic grocery store near Union Square open on Sundays” mixes location details with precise shopper needs, which is super helpful for local businesses aiming to attract nearby customers.

Question-based Long-tail Keywords

Queries like “What are the benefits of intermittent fasting for weight loss?” are fantastic for content that aims to answer questions thoroughly, whether through detailed articles or FAQs.

Comparison Long-tail Keywords

A search such as “Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs. iPhone 14 Pro camera comparison” appeals to those weighing their options, making it crucial for content that offers clear, detailed comparisons to aid in decision-making.

Emerging Trend Long-tail Keywords

Lastly, consider something like “Metaverse fashion trends 2024 for virtual reality experiences.” This targets a specific, tech-savvy audience and shows you’re on top of the latest innovations.

Tips for Finding the Right Long-tail Keywords

Finding effective long-tail keywords is crucial for targeting niche demographics and improving your SEO strategy. Below, I’ve outlined several practical steps to help you uncover the best long-tail keywords for your content:

Use Keyword Research Tools

Utilize tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to delve into keyword research. Start with a broad seed keyword related to your topic. These tools can suggest long-tail variations that have lower competition but good search volumes. For instance, inputting “healthy snacks” might suggest “healthy snacks for weight loss at night.”

Evaluate Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs)

Regularly review the SERPs for your primary keywords. Pay special attention to the “People also ask” and “Related searches” sections at the bottom of Google’s search results. These areas often reveal longer, question-based queries that real users are searching for, such as “What are the best low-calorie snacks before bed?”

Interact with Your Audience

Engage with your audience where they are active—be it on social media, through email newsletters, or through customer service interactions. Listen and document the phrases and questions they use. For example, if several people ask, “How to maintain energy with healthy snacks?”, this could be a valuable long-tail keyword to target.

Check Out Competitor Websites

Examine the content and meta tags (like titles and descriptions) on your competitors’ websites. Identify which long-tail keywords they are targeting in their articles, blogs, and FAQs. This research can uncover gaps in their content that you can fill or highlight successful strategies you might not have considered. Tools like BuzzSumo or SpyFu can provide insights into their most successful content and the keywords they rank for.

Optimizing for Long-tail Keywords

Optimizing for long-tail keywords means ensuring these keywords are used effectively throughout your online presence:

1. Content Optimization

When writing about “best coffee shops in downtown Toronto,” include the keyword in the title, subheadings, and throughout the content. Discuss each coffee shop’s unique offerings, such as specialty beverages or ideal study spots, which add value while incorporating the keyword naturally.

2. Technical SEO

For a page titled “wireless headphones for running under $100”, ensure this long-tail keyword shows up in the page title, meta description, and image alt text. This not only boosts search engine rankings but also matches what users are actively searching for.

3. Schema Markup

In an article about “how to make vegan banana bread,” utilize a Recipe schema markup that includes the long-tail keyword in sections like ingredients, preparation steps, and nutritional facts. This makes it easier for search engines to grasp what’s on the page, which could improve how it shows up in search results.

4. Quality and Depth of Content

For content on “tips for photographing northern lights with a smartphone,” provide thorough explanations on settings adjustments, recommended apps, and practical advice for braving cold weather during shoots. Ensure that every section is detailed, from the scientific explanation of the aurora borealis to the limitations and advantages of smartphone cameras in low-light conditions.

Keeping your Long-tail Keywords Up-to-date with the Google Search Algorithm Changes in 2024

Keeping up with Google’s search algorithm updates is crucial for any effective SEO strategy, particularly when it involves long-tail keywords. Here’s a look at some recent and potential changes in 2024 that might affect how long-tail keywords work:

Advances in Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Google is increasingly using NLP to better understand user queries and their context. This means that long-tail keywords, which naturally mirror how we talk, will likely be more effective in capturing user intent.

BERT and AI-driven Algorithms

Since introducing BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) in 2019, Google has focused more on understanding the context of words in search queries. This shift to AI-driven understanding favors long-tail keywords that closely match what users are actually looking for.

Focus on Semantic Search and Intent Matching

The emphasis on semantic search—understanding the meaning behind queries—suggests that long-tail keywords pinpointing specific user needs or questions can enhance click-through rates and boost rankings.

The Rise of Voice Search

As more people use voice search, queries have become longer and more conversational. This matches well with long-tail keywords. Making your content voice search-friendly can, therefore, make these keywords more powerful.

Local SEO Becoming More Important

The algorithms are giving more weight to local search results, which means long-tail keywords that include local details (like “best pizza near me” or “plumber in [city name]”) are increasingly valuable for businesses focusing on local customers.

User Experience and Engagement Metrics

Algorithms now also look at how users interact with sites, considering things like how long people stay on a page, how quickly they leave, and how often they click through. Designing content that not only includes long-tail keywords but is also engaging and informative can improve these metrics and boost your SEO success.

Importance of E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)

Content that reflects expertise, authority, and trustworthiness—and uses long-tail keywords effectively—is more likely to perform well. This highlights the need for high-quality, well-researched content centered around long-tail topics.

Understanding these elements can help tailor your SEO strategy to be more aligned with how search engines are evolving.

Conclusion

In 2024, as competition in digital spaces continues to grow, leveraging long-tail keywords becomes not just a strategy but a necessity. These keywords help you cut through the noise and reach the audience actively searching for exactly what you offer. Remember, success in SEO isn’t just about driving traffic—it’s about driving the right traffic, and long-tail keywords are a potent tool in that endeavor. So, start incorporating these into your SEO strategy and watch your digital footprint expand in the most targeted way possible.

Need a hand with your SEO strategy? Reach out to us to learn how we can help refine your SEO efforts for better results.