Long Tail Keywords
Long Tail Keywords are terms that, although they have a lower search volume compared to more general keywords or short tail keywords, tend to be much more specific. This means they can offer incredible opportunities to rank content in Google search results.
In this article, I’m going to explain in detail what Long Tail Keywords are, why they’re important for an SEO strategy, and how you can identify them easily, even with basic tools like Google Sheets.
What Are Long Tail Keywords?
Long Tail Keywords are longer and more detailed search phrases than shorter and more generic keywords. Instead of focusing on broad terms like “mattresses,” a long tail keyword might be something like “best memory foam mattresses for back pain.”
The key to long tails lies in their specificity. These terms often reflect clearer and more concrete intentions from the user. People who search using long tail keywords are usually further along in their search process and know exactly what they need.
Examples of Long Tail Keywords vs. Short Tail Keywords:
- Short tail: “Mattresses”
- Long tail: “Memory foam mattresses for people with back problems”
- Short tail: “Shoes”
- Long tail: “Comfortable shoes for walking long distances”
Long tail keywords often have lower search volume, but they tend to attract a much more qualified audience with less competition, making them a true gem for any SEO strategy.
Why Are Long Tail Keywords Important for SEO?
Now that you know what Long Tail Keywords are, it’s time to understand why they are so relevant in the world of SEO.
1. Less Competition
One of the main advantages of long tail keywords is that, being more specific, they have less competition than generic keywords. Large companies are usually ranked for broader terms, but long tails are an excellent opportunity for smaller or specialized sites to rank without having to compete directly with industry giants.
For example, instead of trying to rank a page for “mattresses” (a high-competition keyword), you could focus on “memory foam mattresses for seniors.”
This way, you target a narrower niche with more opportunities to rank in the top results.
2. Better Conversion Rate
Another key point of long tail keywords is that users searching for them are often closer to converting. By being more specific in their search, these users already have a clear need and are more prepared to make a purchase or take a specific action.
For example, someone searching for “memory foam mattresses for people with back pain” probably already knows what they want and is ready to buy, compared to someone simply searching for “mattresses.”
3. Increased User Relevance
Google places a high value on content that is relevant to the user. By creating content focused on long tail keywords, you provide more precise answers to user needs. This translates to a better user experience and, consequently, better rankings in search results.
When your content precisely answers what the user is searching for, Google will appreciate it positively. This, in turn, will improve your ranking and help you attract qualified traffic that is interested in your offer or information.
How to Identify Long Tail Keywords
Identifying long tail keywords is essential to leverage all their advantages. While most SEO tools do not directly label them as “long tail,” there are simple methods to find them.
1. Brainstorming and Manual Searches
One way to start is by doing a brainstorming session of potential longer searches related to your topic.
Think about the specific questions users might ask. For example, if your topic is “mattresses,” you might ask yourself: what type of mattresses are people looking for? What features do they seek in a mattress? This will give you ideas for longer phrases.
You can also use Google directly to see suggestions for related searches or explore the “People Also Ask” section, where Google provides specific questions other users are asking. Often, these questions are long tail keywords with a clear search intent.
2. Use of SEO Tools
SEO tools can be great allies in finding long tail keywords. If you enter a root keyword into a keyword research tool, like DinoRANK, Ahrefs, or SEMrush, these tools will give you plenty of related keywords.
For example, if you enter “mattresses,” you might get suggestions like “memory foam mattresses for overweight people” or “best mattresses for side sleepers,” which would be long tail keywords you could use in your content.
DinoRANK
Among these tools, I like to highlight DinoRANK because it has an artificial intelligence module that can help you structure the web architecture of your site based on keywords.
Often, this process reveals long tail keywords that you hadn’t considered initially. Additionally, DinoRANK also allows you to analyze the competition to see what keywords they are using and which ones you could capitalize on.
How to Identify Long Tail Keywords with Google Sheets
If you prefer a more manual and straightforward approach, you can use Google Sheets to identify long tail keywords from your keyword list.
1. LEN Formula to Measure the Length of Keywords
A very useful way to know if a keyword is a long tail keyword is by measuring the number of characters it has. Usually, long tail keywords are longer than generic keywords. For this, you can use the LEN formula in Google Sheets.
Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Enter your keywords into a Google Sheets column.
- In the next column, use the formula =LEN(cell) to calculate the number of characters in each keyword.
For example, if your keyword is in cell A2, you should write =LEN(A2) in cell B2. This will give you the length of the keyword in characters. The longer the keyword, the more likely it is to be a long-tail.
2. Filter keywords by length
Once you’ve calculated the number of characters for each keyword, you can sort and filter your spreadsheet to quickly identify which ones are long-tail keywords.
This method will allow you to segment your keywords quickly and easily, helping you discover opportunities to create more specific and relevant content for your audience.
Additional Strategies for Finding Long-Tail Keywords
In addition to the methods mentioned above, there are other strategies you can use to effectively discover long-tail keywords:
1. Explore forums and social media
Places like Reddit, Quora, or even Facebook groups are full of questions and discussions about very specific topics. By exploring these sites, you can find long-tail keyword ideas based on the questions people are actually asking.
2. Check the Comments Sections
Comments on blogs and YouTube videos are also a goldmine for discovering long tail keywords. People often ask specific questions that can inspire you to create content that directly addresses those concerns.
Long Tail Keywords are a powerful tool in any SEO strategy. They allow you to target specific niches with less competition and attract more qualified traffic.
Whether using advanced SEO tools or manual methods like Google Sheets, identifying and working with long tails is key to improving your ranking and offering highly relevant content to users.
